Final year viva voce! After what seemed ages, I was called in. 'What is a Switched Reluctance Motor?' the examiner asked. Having never heard of such a thing, I grunted: 'Would a Squirrel Cage Induction Motor do?' His face turned red, not because 'squirrel' happened to be his nickname, but because I had the temerity to utter it in his presence!
Watch the panel discussions on TV news channels. Most of the participants are like me; some are an enigma even to me! Ask an uncomfortable question. They would first feign ignorance. Rephrase the question, and explanations would follow without rationale or logic. Probe, and they would cry hoarse at having been misquoted or quoted 'out of context'. There are times when they turn magnanimous 'willing to cooperate with any investigating agency' as if their allegiance and faith in the constitution are beyond reproach! Elsewhere, when cornered, they would lash out with veiled and sometimes open threats!
There is a pattern to this behaviour. Deflect attention from misdeeds! Spin a web of baloney and legalese. Confuse the 'mango people'. Do anything to stay on, for time is short and the opportunities lucrative!
We know it, yet remain indifferent. Are we tired of counting the millions and billions being looted? Or have we become dysfunctional and flaccid?
“We hang the petty
thieves
and appoint the great ones to public office.”
~ Aesop
Nobody is fooled and yet we feel helpless. Wonder what we, the ordinary people will decide we should do. To be effective we'll have to come up with a plan - our strength and safety is in united action. Elections aren't too far away. Are we going to vote the corrupt back into power?
ReplyDeleteThanks KayEm.
Delete110 million first-time voters! Born in the post liberalisation era! Better educated, better informed, and aware of the opportunities ahead! They will influence the outcome of the elections in a big way.