This year's elections. I dont follow politics ardently, but I definitely like to draw similarities between this developed country of United states and my developing country, India. When it comes to politics, there sure are a few overlaps. Same blame game & mud-slinging. It only looks polished from the outside thanks to the designer suits that American politicians wear and mostly thanks to my bias for the Gora suit boot attitude. I am hopeful that the subsequent generation will be able to shrug the burden of the 200 years of British influence that still has its remnants on me.
Well, coming to the point, 2 things - the current cycle this year of the campaign has been the most expensive in the history of American political campaigns. We have about the same cribs back home. Secondly, we just found that as of 2003, 12.5% of Americans are below the poverty line. In India, the number is 25 and hopefully coming down. Ofcourse, the parameters forming the criterion defining the poverty line would definitely differ between the two countries. Mind you, these comparisons are not meant to ridicule either of the countries. As for me, it is quite natural to succumb to the temptations to compare and relate. The picture I had created about the United States, before I landed in the US was largely driven by media and the Indians who were settled in the US and then, visited India. Needless to say, there was a lot of fallacy in it. It is hence that I subconsciouly tend to draw comparisons.
On Saturday, I had been to ASHA Seattle's Bollywood musical nite - All.Go.Rhythms. It was simply entertaining and very relaxing. Utsav, Gauri and I danced to the tune of the Bollywood favorites along with all the desis who just cant help keeping to their seats when they hear the drums beating. And again, the majestic edifice of the University of Washington where the event was hosted. I have never made it big in academics, for that matter, I even couldnt make it small. But somehow, standing amidst those walls of an educational institution has its own power. It sets you aspiring.
Russia's Beslan school massacre has been on my mind. If one goes through the news in details, its hard not to turn pessimistic. And the school massacre was the worst. I have my son in a school. To dream of such a day is horrific. What kind of purpose would these people have. And how do they justify killing the innocent to achieve their purpose. What do kids have to do with it. And these are not stray examples. Inhumanity is being displayed in profound proportions almost everywhere. In every corner of the earth, there is something or the other happening which is just not normal. Russia, Sudan, Israel-Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, India (Kashmir, Assam, ...), Sri Lanka, Syria-Lebanon, North Korea, Indonesia, Columbia ... Readers are invited to fill in the gaps.
And then a quick read of a recent report published in DataQuest, India (thanks, Ritesh) had my eyes rolling. A lot, and I know that is an understatement, seems to have changed in the 4 years I have been in the US and denied the "luxury" to visit home.
It is simply not possible to miss thinking about the fate that lies in store for people in Jamaica, an apprehensive Florida and now, Cuba - the victims of Ivan. For Florida it has bee one heck of the last 3-4 weeks starting with Charley, followed by the Frances and now, Ivan. On a side note, ever since I watched the movie, 'The Day after tomorrow', which is a fabulous depiction of a mini Ice age ("mini" not in intensity, but in the length of its duration) based a theory of global cooling touted by many scientists world-wide, I have started feeling that there is something really screwy about the weather dynamics thanks to the Atlantic ocean. As I think more, I am also reminded of the mysterious Bermuda triangle, again, a guest to the Atlantic ocean. By the way, the mini Ice-age of the movie, was a result of weather conditions developing in the Atlantic ocean. And again, the theory does have grounds. I had like to point you to an article re-published in the Discover magazine substantiating what the movie articulated.
Science and nature continue to amaze me even though I form an active member of the most ignorant group on this subject. One of the highlights of the past week was an article I read which questioned the continously depleting resources of Oil. Another one is a lovely discussion on Tsunamis featured in the Astrobiology magazine.
I came across a book referred on slashdot.org that seems pretty interesting. I shall post more on it once I start reading it. It is titled "The Underground history of American Education" authored by John Taylor Gotto. The full text is available on the author's website. From a quick surf through some of the chapters, it definitely doesnt appear to be leisure reading. However, the details provided in there, if authentic, reveal a lot about things we take so much for granted.
1 comment:
You said: " Secondly, we just found that as of 2003, 12.5% of Americans are below the poverty line. In India, the number is 25 and hopefully coming down.". Although, I am optimistic (and would like to think that the number is indeed 25) and also realistic (and know that its the percent and not the number that you meant).
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