Thursday, January 11, 2007
It is more than a fortnight since I have posted my views. Due to a virus in the lap top, I could not access the internet for a while. I could have used the word processor to put my thoughts, edit it, and post it when the connection is restored. Instead, I took to reading magazines- Time, Newsweek, Outlook, the novel- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, and watching TV channels, and discussing with relatives on topics of interest. Some of my thoughts went like these:
The Press:
On current issues, one of the sources of information is the press. It is a carrier of information on wide variety of topics to the readers, and is a platform for public opinion as well. Being one of the pillars of democracy, it plays a responsible role in not only reporting, but also in influencing the opinion of the people. As I see it the newspapers with its coverage of news, gets circulated primarily to the readers of the region from where they get published and printed. As its contents are the prerogative of the editorial staff, what gets reported assumes greater importance. Imagine a scenario where it is the ONLY source of information, in which case readers get to know what is reported, and are in ignorance of issues not reported. A kind of censorship prevails. With the advent of electronic media and the internet, the discerning readers have access to world news to seek information and form opinion.
Newspapers all over the world generally tend to report news of areas where their country has interests or involved in them. This is understandable. As Politicians rule the countries, they shape their country’s destiny and create events to happen, it is but natural that importance is given to Political coverage. This seems to arouse public interest and passions, which I feel, is the root cause of problems that is confronting many countries. With politics and religion getting mixed up, the issues are getting complicated. This is not to take the credit away from the role the press is playing now, for it continues to be incisive in its reporting, and dissecting in seeking truth.
Even so, the press all over the world needs to play a bigger role in reporting cultural, economic, social issues more prominently in the front pages which could perhaps kindle interest in people to seek global ties on friendly terms.
It is often felt among the educated in India that the western press tends to give less coverage on issues that happen in their part of the country unless the issues have a global implication, and when reported it is almost on bizarre, and negative side of the issues. Perhaps this could be examined. Thanks to their press, the Indians are inquisitive in reading news about other countries, and are fairly well informed.
The People:
People anywhere in the world are friendly, so long their interests are nor affected, and are reasonably not discriminated. Some are interactive on issues, and others are weary of entering into discussions with strangers. This inhibitive trait is visible in the western world in comparison to us-Indians who are generally loquacious at home and in public.
Interaction among people is desirable for understanding the culture, the living habits, and the philosophy behind their social practices.
The weather conditions and the environmental factors have an impact on acquiring some habits, practice and live with them.
To an observer, people in the western world appear disciplined, methodical, and obedient to the rule of law. Their work ethics is commendable, and their patriotism is unflinching. Yet, I do wonder at their lack of interest in understanding other’s culture, although many authors have strived in writing to bridge that gap.
The Leaders:
The disciplines, demeanor of the leaders who are in Public service in USA are noteworthy, and their speeches well articulated. Their understanding of the issues is comprehensive while propagating their views on them. Their mannerisms at the meetings while conducting them are worth cultivating. I enjoyed many of the issues being debated or discussed on C-Span. They are so enlightening.
The Health Care:
I feel the procedure that is followed in India while consulting a Doctor for any ailment is more affordable and satisfactory than in USA. Of late, the treatment that is available in Indian Corporate Hospitals is extremely good; I would say it should be taken as a model, and if need be changes could be made to suit local conditions. In India, as of now, the health insurance for coverage of medical expenses for the general public is not widely prevalent or mandatory. This is one area where lots of discussions are being held demanding a bigger role by the government.
The US may have the best care and medical technology available, but its costs-medical and health insurance- are prohibitive. The recently introduced Health care Plan by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the state of California is being closely watched for its efficacy as it tries to cover all residents for medical care. The intention is excellent. People are precious to any country and they are its children, their welfare and health care are a fundamental responsibility of their government, and this service ought to be viewed beyond the ambit of profit and loss mechanism.
My post retirement life is not all that bad, and nothing like reading good books. At least I do not have to disturb others, if not being physically helpful in household chores.
