Aphorism: Rebel

Best way to vanquish a revolutionary is to declare him a Messiah.
Which is why Romans anointed Jesus as Christ.

My friends

Online breakups can be so messy . Let's mock goat loving fascist.

Bullying by NDTV

It appears that blogger Chyetanya Kunte has been forced to retract one of his posts (can be seen here for the time being) which was critical of Barkha Dutt for her conduct during Mumbai siege (via Shripriya via tweet by Respected Ma'am ). Now I couldn't have put it any better than Shripriya while the post was angry, hardly any surprise considering Barkha Dutt's outrageous behaviour, it could in no way be construed to be libelous.

Now redressal of grievances through court is a constitutional right but let's not mistake for what this is. A despicable attempt by NDTV (a big corporate entity) to silence an individual for the audacity to criticize their conduct, using the help of deep pockets and an army of lawyers, in other words, legal intimidation.

Can you imagine if what would have happened if any of the politicians had dared to sue NDTV for libel. Not only NDTV but everyone in English media would be crying fascism like it was Third Reich. This despite the fact that not only a politician has as much right to redressal as NDTV but also he probably has a stronger case for libel against Barkha Dutt (and English media) than Barkha Dutt has against Chyetanya.

If one holds free speech sacred as our journalists purport to do it is meant for everyone, and not just big shot television journalists.

Since what happened to Chyetanya can happen to any blogger (in fact any individual), the bullying by NDTV must be vociferously protested by bloggers.

Desipundit is covering this

Other to write on this, Shripriya, Rohit, Prateek, The CP, Lekhni, Sridhar, Jaiganesh

Update: This is getting interesting. I can't give the exact details but this kerfuffle more and more resembles earlier one .

Update 1: So far the best commentary on this issue (in addition to Shripriya ) has been done by Rohit (here , here and here ), Gaurav Sabnis and Prem Panicker. Meanwhile it turns out that NDTV may have to sue itself *(via Rohit )

*  NDTV has pulled the page, but the report can be viewed here.

You know

Being a potty mouth is so edgy . That is if you are a dork with low self esteem and a history of being molested by relatives.

PS. There is an addition to my "some people are alive only because it is illegal to kill them" list.

My dear friends

I know all of you are depressed, unemployed and sex starved. I also know you are contemplating self immolation. Now I am not going to persuade you otherwise, but before you do that please go and read the hiding big boob (deservedly) gets .

I Pledge

(via)
PS. In kingdom of One ...
1. Mice will finally bell the cat .
2. Govt. will act against the mob.
3. Goat lover will finally get his damn doc.

Thought of the day

Domesticity is fattening.

Discuss

Hinduism is autistic.

Enough with apology

I am sorry for this round of friendly fire but this is entirely unavoidable. Let us be clear,  whether "some" Muslims  apologize or not for what some other Muslims are committing is least of our problems, or for that matter even a reflection on other Muslims (those who have apologized). The problem of friction between Hindus and Muslims (and globally between Muslims and other religions) goes much beyond that the matter of  issuing pro forma apology after every attack. This problem, which has a long history, arises from the theology or to be more precise Weltanschauung of Islam and must be addressed through rigorous analysis if there is any hope to find a solution to the antagonism between believers and kaffirs, and not getting embroiled in the irrelevant debate about statistics of apology.

Now that I am done with the fragging, I don't have much to say about topic addressed by Sandeep except for,

1. Yes denying anyone accommodation on basis of religion is deplorable. As is ghettoisation.
2. I don't have much personal experience regarding this.
3. Contrary to the implicit accusation, I very much doubt this is a recent trend.
4. I can only speculate that origin of this kind of practice might be due to hostility between Hindus and Muslims in close quarters or queasiness with consumption of meat.

Just Sayin'

Will it be proper to say that Obama is the new black ?

Anyway I don't particularly care for what Obama does, though I am always irked by his liberal boilerplate rhetoric, soaring or not. His alleged intention to mediate in J&K is a different matter altogether. I foresee testing times for US-India relationship.

Having said that such awful benediction ("when brown can stick around | when yellow will be mellow") is not an harbinger of hope. Despair ye Americans !

Pause

I am a bit occupied and really not in position to do heavy blogging, but when I resume I would like to respond to Rohit and Sandeep.

Not that any of you care.

Bastards.

Courage

At risk of permanent infamy let me put this on record. Me likey Chandani Chowk 2 China.

Aphorism: Conforming Rebellion

To rebel is to be Gothic.

Case for Shri Shourie (Follow up)

This post is meant to address various issues that I have received in response to initial post.

1. Shri Shourie is not popular.

Admittedly this has caused most consternation to me. I will repeat what I wrote in my previous post, Given all the available options before BJP this issue is irrelevant. Can anyone seriously make the case where the elections will be impacted in any serious way whether candidate is Shri Advani or Shri Shourie. In fact considering the possibility of middle class reacting favourably to nomination of Shri Shourie, he may turn out to be more effective candidate than even Shri Advani.

Ultimately victory will depend upon a. Local alliances b. Profile of candidate and c. Grass root organization.

2. Shri Shourie is too principled to hold a coalition.

Shri Shourie has been a prominent member of BJP for many years, which means that he posses some degree of flexibility, now I believe that once he is heading the coalition he will more amenable to coalition dharma than at present, whether that will be sufficient can be a matter of debate.
However there is a bigger issue here than stability of coalition, while one may prefer stability of government, the more important criteria is quality of governance. Present government has completed its full term in office with almost no concern for its stability. However as far as governance is concerned its record has been nothing but pathetic.
Leadership has been markedly absent with a pliable PM with no authority and a cynical head of dynasty concerned only with keeping seat warm for the heir of dynasty. The causality of this absence has been erosion of authority and responsibility with regional satraps concerned with securing their turf without any propriety and with complete disregard to taxpayer or constitution.
Therefore our first concern should be governance, which Shri Shourie is more than capable to deliver.

This makes political sense as well. Recall that neglecting governance and making compromises for sake of stability has eroded BJP's once impressive brand. Only Shri Shourie with his commitment can restore this brand.


3. We must concentrate on institutions. Therefore we should not be concerned with who is PM.

I agree with the first part. Prosperity of India depends on ability to build and nurture political institution which are capable of carrying public discourse. However this doesn't make post of PM unimportant. In fact for any ideas about India to come to fruition, India now more than anything requires strong leadership. Which is why it is necessary that we have the best candidate.

4. Shri Shourie is from Rajya Sabha, therefore he can't be a good PM.

Now there are five hundred plus members in Lok Sabha, including the heir of dynasty. Obviously it is naive to believe merely winning a seat in Lok Sabha (not a very difficult task for the PM by the way) is a sufficient criteria for being leader. In fact leadership is more of a character trait than a matter of popularity. Shri Shourie is perfectly capable of leading this country through these tumultuous times.

5. Shri Shourie will be undermined by factionalism within BJP.

To anyone who is even remotely familiar with the political scene in India, it is clear that even Shri Advani has been unsuccessful in controlling factionalism. In fact it will be easier for Shri Shourie, because then Shri Advani can return to his position of strength, organization.

6. Why are you doing this. You know you can't succeed. 

Two things. First thing, I am doing this because I have to do something and this is the best I can think of.
Second requires detailed explanation and a separate post. However for the time being this post sufficiently explains where I am coming from.

Cruel Conservatism

(Old one from 'nets )

Why cruel conservatism is preferable.

Issue:

Criminals:

• Liberals: Give them a second chance.
• Cruel Conservative: Give them the swift sword of death.

The poor:

• Liberals: Give them some food.
  
• Cruel Conservative: Give them the swift sword of death.
  

Endangered species:

• Liberals: Give them protection.
  
• Cruel Conservative: Give them the swift sword of death.
  

Dictators:

• Liberals: Give them a way out.
  
• Cruel Conservative: Give them the swift sword of death.
  

The uninsured:

• Liberals: Give them health care.
  
• Cruel Conservative: Give them the swift sword of death.
  

*The cost:

Liberals: $9,000,000,000,000,000,000

Cruel Conservative: $29.95 (cost of one sword) WIN !

Outrageous

Anil Ambani, Sunil Mittal bat for Hitler Mussolini Count Vlad Son of Satan Narendra Modi as PM

Let the outrage begin.

Democracy

In an autocracy, one person has his way; in an aristocracy, a few people have their way; in a democracy, no one has his way.*

American Football

Football combines the two worst features of American life. It is violence punctuated by committee meetings.*

(This is for Respected Ma'am Jagjit Singh hating monster )

Aphorism: Public Good

Worst form of tyranny is in name of public good and social justice.
(Originally posted here )

Dune

You know what will be cool. Re-writing Dune with Sikh history. Muad'Dib can be replaced by character based on Guru Gobind Singh, Fremens can be recast as Khalsa, Duke Leto Atreides I will then be Guru Teg Bahadur Singh and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen will be Aurangzeb

Aphorism: Liberalism

Underneath liberalism is the belief in individualism which is somewhat similar to holding that a human being is nothing more than aggregate of his cells.

Which is why I like to call it induhvidualism.

Confession

My guilty pleasure is to go to the brown site and watch people squabble over "South Asian/Desi" vs "Indian".

Aphorism: History

We can't change our history.

The problem of democracy - II (Guns vs. Butter remixed)

To continue where I left from, there is a structural and hence more basic problem with democracy which affects how democracy ( particularly Indian democracy) functions. Which is lack of ability to mix and match voter preferences. What this means is that voter has only one vote to decide on a number of  issues presented before him. In this case (that of different issues vying for his vote) voter is drawn to issues which appeals to his instincts. Now I am not expert on human psychology but these issues (which appeal to voter's instinct) are successfully able to emotionally connect with survival instinct of human, whether at individual level or at group level*. This will also explain the apparent contradiction of Indians swinging from 'Roti' to 'Ram' in merely few years. Anyway immediate causality is "big ticket issue" (as DataNazi  puts it).

They way to avoid this is two fold

1. More votes per issue. Which means that voter should have more votes to decide upon the issues. Essentially subsidiarity .

2. Fight on a platforms which coherently combines the issues. One of the reason liberalism has succeeded to such an extent is, that coalitions are inbuilt into it.

* "Hold on", you say, "Isn't terrorism supposed to connect with survival of the group". Well my answer is no, considering the confused way terrorism has been presented for public discourse boxed by imperatives of secularism/ cross border bonhomie/ elections/liberal self-destruction that it has become impossible for our secular liberal overlords to emotionally connect with Indians. But that's OK, because secularism must survive.

Aphorism: Journalism

Journalism is first refuge of overreaching incompetency.

Misunderstanding democracy

Related posts [1] , [2] 

I have been meaning to write sort of sequel to the problem with democracy post . However I thought it will be better, if before continuing, I explain my understanding of democracy. Hence this post.

Now problem with democracy worshipers, *cough cough INI guys*, is that they ascribe features to democracy which it doesn't necessarily have and whats more it never claimed to have posses.

To be more specific, democracy as an institution was never purported by Greeks to deliver better public policy decisions, except in a very narrow sense.

Which was that majority is not screwed by a minority, whether it be aristocrats, or mandarins, or oligarchs. This and this only democracy can ensure.

Now seen in its correct context, democracy as a system of governance has succeeded in India. Minority doesn't screw majority. Instead it is Majority which screws minority. Or considering the shifting nature of electoral plurality in India, democratic experience in India is best described as Circular screwing squad.

Now it is possible although very difficult  that a democratic system deliver in better public policy decisions.
However that is similar to fitting round peg in a square hole. It is possible but it require object(s) better know as adapter. In case of governance culture especially its civic component, and  institutions comprising state, act as adapters.

From this it follows that for those wishing to make democracy a success should pay particular attention to civic institutions and state organizations.

Of course it is different if democracy has become an object of worship or fashion .

A brief case for Shri Shourie (Updated)

Update: Here is a follow up based on the feedback that I received for this post. Hope it clarifies any lingering doubt. Any help in spreading the word will be most appreciated. 


Thanks to Atanu ,Neel , Respected Ma'am . 

On suggestion of Respected Ma'am . I present my case for why I think Shri Shourie should be the Prime ministerial candidate briefly.

1. He is an intellectual in its true meaning. He posses the analytical ability, experience and perseverance necessary to examine issue concerning national interest in depth and come up with solution.

2. He has the actual policy vision for India. Not just in vague wishy washy sense, but in specifics. Shri Shourie is the rarity among politicians in that he has the long term vision for this nation and road-map to fulfill it.

3. His willingness to stand for his belief and his track record of consistently standing up to corrupt politicians, upholding transparency in public life, and being a zealous warrior for national interest, places up him far above a mere theorizing dilettante, as opposed to the present Shikhandi occupying the post presently.

4. Now I do realize what will be your objection. I do agree that Arun Shourie is not a mass leader unlike Shri Advani. However even though Shri Advani is more familiar to public, he is by no stretch Atal Bihari Vajpaye, meaning he doesn't posses significant pan Indian appeal. Therefore he is unlikely to affect Lok Sabha elections in a significant way, which as in 2004 will mostly aggregate of state and even local results*.

5. That said one can argue that there is one constituency that exists all India. That of urban middle class voter segment. This is certainly true. Further this segment happens to be BJP's core constituency. However due to the disappointing performance by BJP for last four years, and generational change, this segment is not particularly enthused with BJP. Continuation of  Shri Advani's leadership will do nothing to change this.
However nomination of Shri Shourie, who has a good reputation in middle class, has the ability to enthuse them, and ensure a better turn out.

Considering the above, I reiterate my belief that Shri Arun Shourie is the ideal Prime Ministerial candidate.

PS. If you agree with this, you can help by joining the group for Shri Shourie on Facebook.(Also on right side bar)

* Regardless of who is the Prime Ministerial candidate, strategy for winning this Lok Sabha election (or any Lok Sabha election) is micromanaging the elections. This means,

a. Smart Local alliances.
b. Grass root organization.
c. Sensible media campaign.

Happy New Year

Her Highness and I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous new year.

Except those bastards who didn't send gifts, they are are never going to complete their docs, and will have no one but goats and vermin for the company.

Of course, since it is impossible to improve upon perfection, I will not make any new year resolutions for myself. However, here is one for ordinary mortals.

Can you idiots please stop talking about where is India's Ronald Reagan/ Nicholas Sarkozy/ Barack Obama/ Jenna Jameson/ whatever.

Thank you.

Update: OK, I have few more for the ordinary people.

1. People should have good judgment/discernment to raise my technorati authority to honourable double digits atleast. Also more blogrolling please.

2. New year will mark return of good bloggers like Jaffnaji, Pankajji, Cynical Nerdji, Sri Sri Sharan Sharmaji .