‘It’s a jungle out there…….’

The Political landscape is savage; it is only here where all contradictions co exist, moral - immoral, relevant -irrelevant, assimilation - dissimilation, right – left. No matter what the crisis a no rule policy applies and timing (tactical/strategic) is the key. The game is on and all the players and spectators are provoked, entertained, embarrassed or outraged. This is one place where everyone is looking for either constant retribution or instant gratification.

Look at any country a common consensus is difficult to reach, if reached there is slamming, stipulation, speculation etc. U.S. for instance is trying every trick in the book to clean up, Obama is doing the best he can (given the mess) bail outs, stimulus packages and strategic changes to its policies. The Republicans on the other hand are unable to decide between bringing down Obama and providing a robust alternative strategy. This confusion is leading to further confusion and thus the state of disarray perpetuates. Australia has a similar issue, the debate between Kevin Rudd’s stimulus package and the opposition’s proposal for tax cuts continues. But can a robust alternative strategy be provided transparently and objectively. It is one thing to fix a crisis another to subterfuge, mixing both of them can be disastrous and misguided.

Back home the election fever is electric; this is perhaps the most exciting times for Indian elections. With a stronger third front and a questionable status of the two strong alliances of BJP - NDA and Congress – UPA, it’s going to be an interesting watch. The knives are out, negotiations are tabled and the tension builds. I for one have never cared for elections, if truth be told, I have never voted in my life. What’s the need I use to say, things can’t get better or worse. I have learnt my lessons the hard way and also bear the brunt of my disengagement. What surrounds us is our own creation and it’s up to us to change it. As citizens we have to engage with our political system, if we expect them to look after us, it is also up to us to elect them wisely and get the right leadership. We need to vote for our leaders, observe their actions, question their decisions and then introspect. Decisions made in the White house or the Parliament, it affects everyone sooner or later, directly or indirectly. We as a society have to participate with our political system. Our hearts know we cannot afford another 26/11. We have to care as we are all in this together.

it’s a jungle out there, but now it’s a question of survival………