Fellow Countrymen, It is time for us to take a serious look at the state of our Nation. Let focus on the 3 major political blocks, what they stand for and what have they contributed in recent times.
1. Congress %u2013 It is a Neo-LEFT or Center %u2013 LEFT party. Portrays itself as a %u201CSecular%u201D party. Policies have been less productive if not outright disaster. It is a party that is used to being in power. As they say, %u201CPower corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely%u201D. The congress is filled with corruption and %u201CBabu-ism%u201D. The way it is structured, it is not suited to be a party that will bring about a drastic change. Example: It can have the driver%u2019s license computerized. But still you will pay Rs. 1000 as bribe.
2. BJP/SS/VHP %u2013 Came to prominence as an alternative to the Congress. But symbolism took over substance. They soon realized that to stay in power, they have to follow in the footsteps of Congress. This is a %u201CNeo %u2013 Right%u201D or %u201CCenter %u2013 RIGHT%u201D option, but in symbolism ONLY. Nationalism is limited to Anti %u2013 Pakistan rhetoric. BJP has contributed towards alienating the Indian Muslims (Muslims are to be blamed as well). There is no Policy difference between the Congress and the BJP. Question to the common man, was there a change in your life when BJP was in power compared to the Congress? Example: It can have the driver%u2019s license computerized. You will still pay Rs. 1000 as bribe but with an Indian Flag in front of the office.
RE:Symbolism Vs Substance
by imran patel on Aug 31, 2007 09:28 PM Permalink
3. LEFT %u2013 It symbolizes what a governing body should NOT be. Socialism/Communism is a failed economic policy. Looks great on paper, but opposite human tendencies. They have nothing to offer other than criticism. Example: It will never computerize the process. But you will pay Rs. 2000 as bribe because the government does not pay them well.
Now, what is Nationalism and what do I mean by Symbolism Vs Substance? We have defined Nationalism as flag hoisting, national anthem, shouting slogans, supporting India in cricket matches, calling the nation as %u201CBharat Maata%u201D, etc. These things are just symbols of Nationalism. There is no substance behind them. We do not think once on our vote for our representatives. Based on party lines we blindly vote. We are comfortable with any kind of fraud, be it tax or income. We don%u2019t think once before offering bribe to a government official or taking bribe. We are always ready to destroy state property to emphasize our displeasure towards others. We are comfortable to spit or urinate in public places. This is the substance of Nationalism.
RE:RE:Symbolism Vs Substance
by imran patel on Aug 31, 2007 09:29 PM Permalink
Till we identify this distinction and implement in our lives, we should not expect any change in the conduct of our elected representatives. We are so naïve that we will vote for a candidate just because he is from a certain party or makes some ridiculous promise we all know he will not fulfill. We need people in the government who realize that this is Public Service and the role of government is LIMITED. And we will find those people only after we correct our priorities.
