A few minutes ago, I received a forwarded mail about the public's power to "un-vote" a political party. I am not sure how far this idea will go in bringing about the much needed political and social revolution, I would still like to quote the mail here so that people other than those on my immediate contact list get to read it too. Here goes:
"Kindly re-think before you vote this time, do our politicians really give us good and secured life, if you feel not then kindly forward
this mail to all you feel can join the campaign not to vote corrupt
politicians. ITS THE TIME NOW....
http://lawmin.nic.in/ld/subord/cer1.htm
Read about the Section 49-O over to that link. Thats a government link.
as far as that link says, here is the theme of it.
Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the
1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth,
confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding
election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone!
Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly
notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O".
Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a
candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has
received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be
canceled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the
candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest
the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on
them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine
candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way,
of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the
election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public....
Please spread this news to as many as you know... Seems to be a
wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India... show your power,
expressing your desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful
than voting... so don't miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not
to vote (vote 49-O) and pass this info on...
The people of India , can really use this power to save our nation.
Use your voting right for a better INDIA."
30 November, 2008
29 November, 2008
Mumbai Terror Attacks: Media and The People
The Mumbai carnage is nearing a catharsis but I'm still feeling sick in the stomach. The security forces have done the country proud but it would probably not be accurate to say that we have "won" in the true sense. The immense loss of life and property has left every Indian citizen emotionally scarred, skeptic and enraged- that pretty much serves the purpose of a terrorist attack. I can visualize terror honchos munching popcorn in front of their television sets and laughing their asses off at our helplessness and panic. Our "breaking news" thirsty attitude only serves to entertain them further.
The Indian media may have done a great job at covering and reporting the incidents but like many other media critics, I too feel that that should have exercised more restraint. I mean, what's with the footage of commandos landing from helicopters on rooftops on national television and the step-by-step operational and strategic details of the security forces being leaked out at the most sensitive hour? Might as well call up the wrong-doers and tell them "Ok guys, here's how we are going to attack you. Plan accordingly". These are not your typical filmy militant in pathan-suit who is unshaven, illiterate and supposedly misguided- these are educated young men in Versace tees and blackberries who very well know what they are up to!These are guys who shop with us in malls, spend their weekends in pubs like we do and are as tech savvy (if not more) as we are. If they can plan their attacks months in advance, is'nt it a given that they would have established a fool-proof communication network as well? With the kind of options that technology offers today, it hardly helps to cut out the cable networks. However, the media realized this but not before complicating the situation by a few degrees.
I really admire journos like Barkha Dutt but her insensitive questions to rescued victims like "What do you feel about the whole situation" really put me off and then she went yak-yak about nothing in a voice that compelled me to switch channels. The guy was held hostage for over 48 hours for heaven's sake. Give him a break! Further. when they run out of fresh "breaking news", they rope in stupid celebs with their inconsequential opinions to fill up the airtime. If men in uniform can sacrifice all they have, channels can surely afford to sacrifice their TRP's.
Indian journos are one of the most powerful forces in the country- they got to act more responsibly and maturely. After all, in times like these, they are the only ones who can keep the country held together. They are the ones who can spark up a revolution and bring about change. They are the ones who can effectively deliver a message and make India more aware. Get over the sensational and scandalous stuff guys, and get down to business! Isn't that what real journalism is all about? Don't just entertain, inspire! I quite liked the Arnav/Arnab Goswami abstained from dramatizing the incidents and got some relavent perspectives from international authorities but one wishes he would do away with his habit of butting in and allow the guests to speak. He was right in saying that gory details of the carnage only add to the panic and negative emotions among citizens.
Moreover, I fail to understand what people mean when they "condemn" the act of terrorism. Dude, do you have a choice? Politicians and authorities using weak words like "action will be taken", "condemnation", "investigations are still on" etc do nothing to assure the average citizen. Terrorists are not ordinary thieves or murderers- they are global pests and they should be treated like one would treat a plague epidemic. There's absolutely no room for mercy or prolonged trials!
The nightmare might be over but it should not be left behind. India should not "move on" but fight back with a vengeance. We have moved on for too long now- its time to kick some serious ass and strike before our blood cools down and we return back to a mundane existence. This is not the first time that our economy, democracy, heritage and people have been threatened. I sincerely hope that the people join hands to take "India Burning" to "India Shining" once again. Kudos to the NSG jawan who said "Nothing is too difficult for us"- the rest of the country should take it from here.
The Indian media may have done a great job at covering and reporting the incidents but like many other media critics, I too feel that that should have exercised more restraint. I mean, what's with the footage of commandos landing from helicopters on rooftops on national television and the step-by-step operational and strategic details of the security forces being leaked out at the most sensitive hour? Might as well call up the wrong-doers and tell them "Ok guys, here's how we are going to attack you. Plan accordingly". These are not your typical filmy militant in pathan-suit who is unshaven, illiterate and supposedly misguided- these are educated young men in Versace tees and blackberries who very well know what they are up to!These are guys who shop with us in malls, spend their weekends in pubs like we do and are as tech savvy (if not more) as we are. If they can plan their attacks months in advance, is'nt it a given that they would have established a fool-proof communication network as well? With the kind of options that technology offers today, it hardly helps to cut out the cable networks. However, the media realized this but not before complicating the situation by a few degrees.
I really admire journos like Barkha Dutt but her insensitive questions to rescued victims like "What do you feel about the whole situation" really put me off and then she went yak-yak about nothing in a voice that compelled me to switch channels. The guy was held hostage for over 48 hours for heaven's sake. Give him a break! Further. when they run out of fresh "breaking news", they rope in stupid celebs with their inconsequential opinions to fill up the airtime. If men in uniform can sacrifice all they have, channels can surely afford to sacrifice their TRP's.
Indian journos are one of the most powerful forces in the country- they got to act more responsibly and maturely. After all, in times like these, they are the only ones who can keep the country held together. They are the ones who can spark up a revolution and bring about change. They are the ones who can effectively deliver a message and make India more aware. Get over the sensational and scandalous stuff guys, and get down to business! Isn't that what real journalism is all about? Don't just entertain, inspire! I quite liked the Arnav/Arnab Goswami abstained from dramatizing the incidents and got some relavent perspectives from international authorities but one wishes he would do away with his habit of butting in and allow the guests to speak. He was right in saying that gory details of the carnage only add to the panic and negative emotions among citizens.
Moreover, I fail to understand what people mean when they "condemn" the act of terrorism. Dude, do you have a choice? Politicians and authorities using weak words like "action will be taken", "condemnation", "investigations are still on" etc do nothing to assure the average citizen. Terrorists are not ordinary thieves or murderers- they are global pests and they should be treated like one would treat a plague epidemic. There's absolutely no room for mercy or prolonged trials!
The nightmare might be over but it should not be left behind. India should not "move on" but fight back with a vengeance. We have moved on for too long now- its time to kick some serious ass and strike before our blood cools down and we return back to a mundane existence. This is not the first time that our economy, democracy, heritage and people have been threatened. I sincerely hope that the people join hands to take "India Burning" to "India Shining" once again. Kudos to the NSG jawan who said "Nothing is too difficult for us"- the rest of the country should take it from here.
27 November, 2008
Terrorists Can Be Put to Good Use.....I'm Serious!
Terror strikes Mumbai and my blood is boiling again. Why do we let these bastards do this to our country? They say every human being is born with a purpose and has a role in the universe. What purpose are these terrorists born for? Well, I'm sure they can be put to good use and contribute positively to the global society.
Here's how the government can work towards rehabilitating and integrating anti-national elements into the society:
They can be painted in bright colors and made into dartboards- this will save trees and kids can have more fun targeting a live, moving object.
They can be put up in fairs in place of balloons and people can shoot them(with real guns of course to win soaps/combs/teddy bears. A bonus prize for anyone who manages to aim between the eyes.
They could be a good source of fresh, healthy and functional organs for the millions of suffering patients.
Post organ-extraction, their bodies could be shoved into a grinder and made into mulch for the manufacture of organic manure and fed to the plants.
They can be employed by the military to train soldiers in shooting and combat operations - it is no fun shooting and kicking an inanimate sandbag.
During bird flu and anthrax epidemics, they could be used to feed zoo animals (or even as a treat for behaving nicely).
They could be tranquilized and used as a temporary pavement when Mumbai roads are flooded and pedestrians have no place to walk.
See, the bastards are not a waste of space after all!
Here's how the government can work towards rehabilitating and integrating anti-national elements into the society:
They can be painted in bright colors and made into dartboards- this will save trees and kids can have more fun targeting a live, moving object.
They can be put up in fairs in place of balloons and people can shoot them(with real guns of course to win soaps/combs/teddy bears. A bonus prize for anyone who manages to aim between the eyes.
They could be a good source of fresh, healthy and functional organs for the millions of suffering patients.
Post organ-extraction, their bodies could be shoved into a grinder and made into mulch for the manufacture of organic manure and fed to the plants.
They can be employed by the military to train soldiers in shooting and combat operations - it is no fun shooting and kicking an inanimate sandbag.
During bird flu and anthrax epidemics, they could be used to feed zoo animals (or even as a treat for behaving nicely).
They could be tranquilized and used as a temporary pavement when Mumbai roads are flooded and pedestrians have no place to walk.
See, the bastards are not a waste of space after all!
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