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 .