This was a very balanced article taking into view both the pros & cons ublike a few other columnists who are downright biased one way or the other. I totally respect the credentials of the author. However, I would disagree with his conclusion that the Indian voter must decide. First because elections will not be held solely on this issue..for that you need to have a refrendum..a practice not prevalant in India. Also, for a technical deal like this, a voter however educated he may be...is not equipped to judge the technicalities of the deal. It should be left to the nuclear scientists & political leadership...as has been done now.
RE:I disgaree - Voter cant decide !!
by Rahul Verma on Aug 29, 2007 09:31 PM Permalink
I agree with you about the balanced nature of this article -- a refreshing departure from "heavens will fall if deal doesn't go through" arguments.
But i dont agree about leaving this to scientists and policy makers. One, scientists are too focussed on their areas of expertise to consider all aspects of the deal and two, policy makers have vested interests (most of their children/relatives are employed by American MNCs/firms).
So, the author's suggestion of going back to the people is the most democratic option in the present circumstances.
RE:I disgaree - Voter cant decide !!
by Cynic on Aug 29, 2007 09:56 PM Permalink
Rahul....
Scientists need to judge only the aspect related to their field..whether the deal in any way inhibits their line of work & whether it enhances the quality of scientific development that had been under a nuclear apartheid for so long...are any restrictions placed on their work? Defence strategeists to decide whether India's nuclear weapons program is threatened by this. Energy experts to project energy requirements in the next couple of decades and tell whether nuclear energy palys a role in fulfilling that demand? Political leadership to take an overall view whether India's international interests are in any way jeopardized with this deal?
And I am sure of two things. First, common man cannot decide that because he doesn't know it. Second, the political leadership ( any party) would have already taken care of all these aspects. PS: It is fashionable to doubt political leadership often without justifiable reason. But I think no party can afford to put India's interests at statke.
