The terrorist attacks on Mumbai compelled me to ponder over the characteristic traits of Pakistani leaders, and their way of governance. I tend to believe that its leaders, right from the birth of that nation, be they from Army, Civilian or from any other community were timid, dogmatic and lacked in vision. For much of its duration, it was in the grip of Army personnel, who were dictatorial and not democratic in thinking and governance. They seem to have brought up that country into believing that India is not to be trusted, and that it has snatched Kashmir from them and this is the bone of contention between the two countries, they harped always and made their countrymen believe.
On this perception, the Army ruled that country and turned it into a rogue nation. Through their intelligence wing, they nurtured militants and trained many of its innocent youths into jihadi elements who grew to become terrorists. This they did through religious institutions run by religious fanatics. They carried several terrorist attacks on India, and repeatedly denied their involvement despite furnishing evidence by India. Their ideology appears to tread the path of war histrionics than peaceful co-existence with a neighboring country. Terrorism is a global monster and Pakistan has also been its victim.
And this is the country which America consistently considered to be its ally in combating terrorism. And this is the country which misappropriated the Billions of dollars of American aid. And America continues to rely on it to pursue its own agenda.
After much upheavals internally, Pakistan chose the Democratic form of governance ending Army rule of General Musharraf. That is what the world was made to believe. In reality, the Army and the terror outfits continue to call the shots.
In many respects the culture of India and Pakistan is similar. The majority of its public is peace loving and desire friendly relations with India. This is more so after watching India develop into an emerging economic power. Its public also felt that its rulers have denied them the democratic freedom.
India and Pakistan together have initiated and continued bilateral talks for close to six decades. Yet, tension remains between the two countries. More often than not, leaders of Pakistan carried their militant activities alongside their diplomatic talks, which are nothing short of double-speak.
After the recent carnage in Mumbai, and on pressure from India and the USA, the UN Security council have banned an outfit and added some names-religious fanatics- to the list of Terrorists.
Does it suffice?
NO. This is all a cosmetic exercise. Such decision has precedence, and the terrorism continues right under the nose of international community.
What do you call these Pakistani Leaders? Recalcitrant; Spineless; Incorrigible, ruthless or inhuman?
Waging a war on this country is NOT a solution. But ostracising this country and its Leaders, whom I call MMD- Men of Mass Destruction- from participating in all international diplomatic meetings, and imposing economic sanctions may pave a way for solution to tackle terrorism globally.
Could it happen?
I am doubtful for the simple reason that all the Countries- super powers and the emerging powers- have their own selfish agenda to pursue in this global rat race. As such, their reactions and comments are nothing but lip sympathy and shedding of crocodile tears.
My views are not out of despair but out of assessing the political scenario that exists around us.
There is dearth of leaders in each country who can be called statesman. It is the same scenario in each sector of a country’s economy.
Why so?
I ascribe it to fall in human values, and absence of sagacious mind. In the corporate sector, it is greed for money, and more money; and in politics it is greed for power.
If the people of Pakistan and their media with the help of International community exert pressure on their own leaders, we could expect to curb terrorism. If more women of Pakistan take up an active role in the governance of their country we could expect development and peace to prevail there.
For the present, their leaders have, beyond doubt, proved themselves to be incompetent.
An attack by terrorists and terrorism is not new to India. It has been happening over two decades in some part or other in this country. Every time it happened, many innocent lives were lost. There were knee-jerk reactions, emotional reactions, political bickering, and blame games and so on. The suddenness and speed at which these events happened, they were pushed into the pages of history with as much suddenness and with slightly lesser speed. The response from the public, the media, and the parties in governance was always been reactive and never proactive. The causes to these attacks, though debated and analysed, were never seriously addressed and resolved
This lackadaisical approach to this contentious issue has been well gauged by the terrorists and prompted them to be more adventurous in their audacious, astonishing and dastardly attacks they carried out in MUMBAICITY on the night of Wednesday, 26th November, 2008. For the first time, the terrorists chose the Arabian Sea route to land on the shores of Mumbai. Fanning out in batches, they began gunning down innocent civilians as they targeted crowded historic rail terminus- Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus- using sophisticated weapons, firing indiscriminately. they threw hand grenades at will at different places in the city, hijacked a police jeep after killing three top police officers, before seizing Luxury hotels- The Taj, The Oberoi, and The Trident- and a Jewish Centre in Nariman House all located in South Mumbai. They held hostages at these landmarks, some of whom were killed, some rescued later.
The siege lasted close to sixty hours at these locations before the commandos of National Security Guards shot all but one who was captured alive.
This cowardly, heinous act ended with around 190 getting killed, including foreigners, and around 350 getting injured. The style and magnitude at which these attacks were executed with precise planning left the entire nation shocked, stunned and bemused. It was unprecedented.
The nation was in agony, anguish, and livid with incessant anger. The public in Mumbai, who were at the receiving end of these multiple attacks, lead the nation’s outrage with a spontaneity that belied its proud trait of tolerance. In one voice, the nation blamed the politicians for the insecurity of their lives; for their irresponsibility; for their unaccountability; and above all for being soft in dealing with terrorism.
The nation demanded ACTION and NOT WORDS OR SPEECHES.
Such public outrage was unprecedented and remarkable for its unified voice.
Stung by this public outcry, hyped and fanned by the electronic media, the home minister of the country- Mr. Shivraj Patil submitted his resignation owning MORAL responsibility. He was targeted for his inefficient and ineffective leadership for the terror attacks during his tenure. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra too stepped down owning the same MORAL responsibility, after initial reluctance!! The Chief Minister has been asked by his Party - The Congress Party- to continue till a suitable leader is chosen, paving the way for indulging in a mini power game. Such is the insensitivity of the politicians to serious issues.
Peeved at the criticism of this outrage directed at their breed, the narrow minded politicians of Congress, the BJP and others retorted with caustic comments, inflamingthe atmosphere further disowning individual responsibility, and instead blamed the failure of multiple agencies involved in looking after the security of the country.
Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh Convened a high level all party meeting, to which the main opposition BJP party leader, Mr.L.K.Advani chose NOT to attend, as he was busy in election campaign!! At the meeting a decision was taken to set up a new outfit- Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) to deal exclusively with intelligent network to combat terrorism. Measures would be taken to strengthen all institutions and agencies for the security of the country.
Initial investigations and interrogations of the lone arrested terrorist reveal the involvement of Pakistan, and the terror outfits operating from that country as in all such attacks. Pakistan has always denied its involvement despite evidence pointing to its complicity.
America and Britain have offered help in investigations, and their intelligence officers are already in India. US secretary of State Ms Condoleezza Rice has appealed to Pakistan to co-operate. That remains to be seen.
But for the Commendable action of the National Security Guard (NSG) Commandos, in coordination with the Army, the Rapid Action Force, the security forces, the Mumbai Police, and the Mumbai fire brigade, the causalities would have been much more. In addition to them, Hotel Staff and other selfless individuals showed exemplary courage in saving some lives. Their acts were inspirational, praiseworthy and evoked a sense of pride. The nation became one in showing adulation on them.
It was unnecessary to telecast live the terrorist attacks minute by minute by the electronic media, posing greater dangers and hindrance to the operations. The coverage was disorderly to say the least. It was irritating to see some reporters trying to hog the limelight ALWAYS, and claiming exclusive coverage. It was irritating to see them jostling and pushing fellow channel operators. How could you learn discipline from them? Though they pursued a cause relentlessly, but the manner in which they are doing requires orderliness. They need to practice measured and responsible reporting as they are seen live.
Well, this is one side of the issue.
Let me ponder and introspect further.
We are a tolerant Society. Our reactions have always been emotional, and often contradictory. We react differently to many similar issues that appear illogical to an outsider, and occasionally even to us. Deep down in our hearts, many of us are selfish, self centered and regionalistic. This could send some wrong signals to people who do not understand our psyche. We only get outraged when our tolerant limit is stretched too far.
Mumbaikars did not react with as much emotion when Mr. Raj Thackeray, leader of Mumbai Navnirman Sena fanned regional feelings against north Indians that resulted in large scale violence. Why? Where was the INDIAN Spirit then? It remains inexplicable. The leader got away with no punishment.
Is the present outrage because rich were affected?
It is an emphatic NO. It poured out at the right time after simmering for long. It poured out watching the ineptitude of the politicians; at their degenerating character and apathy towards the law abiding citizens.
The present mess is the result of attitude of every one of us. It has awakened us from deep slumber. It is time we propel ourselves forward. All of us need to change.
Foremost is to learn to be self disciplined.
We need to be vigilant and observant in public places.
We need to follow basics in security measures, and MUST not resist being checked at sensitive places.
We need to respect the Law.
We must not seek favours from Public Servants, nor induce them into corruption.
We need to insist for a Para-military training to our youth at college levels for a minimum of two years, which should be made mandatory.
We need to say a big NO to further bifurcation of states. People do not want that. It is only the politicians who call for it for their selfish ends. Leaders calling for bifurcation in the name of people should be rejected as anti-national.
We need to insist for reforms in Electoral, Judiciary, Law enforcement agencies and in Civic Institutions to begin with.
We need to insist better behaviour from our leaders in Legislative houses.
We need to insist for transparency in administrative matters that affect public at large.
We need to project a better image of ourselves as a peaceful nation worthy of emulation.
There are millions of under privileged people living in rural India. Much can be learnt from them in respect of hard work, living in adverse conditions. We need to educate them as we learn from them. We need a curriculum as part of our education to be associated with the rural community.
My thinking is neither utopian nor idealistic, but pragmatic and these are some of the minimum standards we need to observe as citizens for a Nation to survive.
This tragedy will have far reaching implications and could be a turning point for many upcoming events and issues.
Finally it is a fact of life that ultimately GOOD triumphs over EVIL. Calm prevails after Storm, and Peace follows Destruction. History of the world is replete with these Lessons.
The habit of reading books got into me more than four decades ago through my father and elder brother, who are no more now. While in New Delhi in those days, for their reading pleasure, they bought some books, and regularly borrowed many from The British Council Library and The United States Information Service. Supplementing this there were books from Central Secretariat Library of which my father was a member, he being a Government official. They were mostly auto-biographies, biographies of eminent personalities, books on History and literature, and occasionally fiction.
I used to read them late in the nights and on Sundays after my studies. And yes, after them. Elders first were the unwritten rule and code!
In contrast, there is practically no competition to the usage of my personal computer, which I acquired in late 2000 just before my retirement from service. I planned this to spend time on it in my retired life. I learnt to operate it slowly. How I did it I narrated it in my blog- The way I learnt Computers- which I posted in July 2006.
In the euphoria of learning this new medium, and browsing the net for information, my book reading habit was on the wane. I found it difficult to balance my time between the two habits. Most of the time I succumbed to the temptation of viewing the world through the windows, and tried to assimilate as much information and knowledge my brain could take it at a stretch. I realized surfing the net slowly draws the mind away from focus on any one subject/topic. What are retained in the mind are only bits and pieces of information. May be it has undesirable and unwanted information, piles of them. But it is there for retrieval, and caters to the needs of netizens. The most popular attribute, however is the mail transmission, followed by chats and videos. The technological stride it has made over decades is amazing.
Despite this, I find reading a book turning its pages slowly, and float along with the author’s views most invigorating. This sense of belonging with the author is unparallel. One gets a feeling of togetherness. This is absent while reading the contents in link pages of a website, or for that matter of fact reading an e-book. There is an inexplicable strain to the eyes. Though the contents in the e-book and its print edition are the same, reading it online is a pain to the brain. Concentration is lacking and the focus is absent. I find the feeling is similar when comparison is made between a Landline and a Cell phone.
I guess I am a traditionalist. But the trends in the IT field are fast changing. I read the other day that e-Readers are becoming not only popular but attractive. This device displays the text of a book electronically on an LCD screen. It features a dictionary; buttons to flip the pages, slots to increase storage capacity etc., etc., In other words, one could download loads of titles of books. This storage device virtually replaces book shelves.
Added to this is the launching of online library by the European Union which will feature digital objects- films, photographs, paintings, sound files, maps etc., In other words it will be a digital library showcasing Europe’s cultural heritage online. Access to it is at www.europeana.eu/. This would certainly help anyone in the globe to visit libraries of other countries without actually going there.
This is admirable. Sitting at home, one could surf the website for seeking vast knowledge. This may facilitate disabled persons, like me, who cannot commute to the libraries. But others may curtail their visits to libraries, missing its wonderful ambience. With this technology gaining popularity and momentum in the coming decades, there could be reduction in publication of books in print mode. There would be fewer books for sale. If this were to come true, running a Bookstore would not be economical, and may eventually close down.
But that would be a pity! There would be fewer books in the bookshelves at home, and the study room would look bland.
I shudder to read that the e-content would eclipse traditional books by the next decade. Is it good? Not for me.
There is a news report In Austin American-Statesman of 21st November, 2008 that Bookstop, a bookstore in Central Austin would close by the year end. Is this the beginning of the trend?
Once I buy a book, it becomes my companion for life. Seeing collection of my books on shelves, not only showcase my reading habit, but enable my family members accessible to it. It would tempt others to get into the reading habit. Not the Computer when switched off and not connected to the net. It is definitely not tempting and attractive when in slumber mood.
Ever since Bush Administration assumed Power, America has been at the receiving end of criticism for many of the policy decisions coming from the white house. Right or wrong, decisions were taken as they deemed fit under circumstances that were prevailing then. Though 9/11 brought enormous sympathy for the American people, its government squandered that sympathy gradually.
With the passage of time, those decisions proved inappropriate, were resented within the country and outside. There was disenchantment with Bush Administration. But nothing deterred Bush, and every act of his had a touch of brazenness, and streaks of arrogance. The ground realities of the two wars that began in his term were the result of his decisions. As if these were not enough to tarnish his image, his bail out package to solve the financial crisis that engulfed the world financial markets, further distorted the image of entire America in the eyes of the world. Many wondered how a country that assumes itself as a superpower, could be so callous in managing its own economy and mess up with its financial systems.
In a nutshell, his governance during the two terms drove the country to pits. In financial terms, his administration turned the inheritance of a surplus budget from the previous regime into a deficit budget. And that is the gift he would pass it on to the new leadership of President-elect Barack Obama. It could be argued that democrats in the senate and the house have also contributed to this mess. But, in the parlance of governance, the leader is responsible for the mess. One likes it or not.
Future investigations would certainly expose the persons involved in the financial melt down. I am sure the American People and the World would want to know the truth.
The scenario in which USA finds itself prompted analysts of different countries to express their views about what went wrong?
In any type of governance, It is considered prudent to seek different views and arrive at one’ own view to get the right perspective of issues and take a decision. When things go wrong, it is better to introspect critically without prejudice and improve for the better.
An analyst Igor Bogdanov aired his views in RIA Novosti, a Russian News & Information Agency. It is a lengthy article and worth reading in entirety. His Article was published in THE HINDU India’s National Newspaper in its print edition dated November 3rd, 2008. It is available at:
However I copied and pasted that article here under for immediate reading.
Why the world dislikes America
Igor Bogdanov
The United States ought to become less anxious to change the world.
This is not the first time America has been accused of spreading an economic crisis worldwide
Globalisation spreads American mass culture with its inferior movies, conduct, manners and fast food
The world looks forward to Barak Obama’s presidency and will be bitter should John McCain win. The world is pinning its hopes on Mr. Obama. It expects him to change America. Meanwhile, America evokes a wide range of negative emotions in every continent — bitterness, irritation, scorn, hatred or, at least, sarcasm. Even those who think well of Americans speak of them with a smirk.
Will the world ever like them again? What should the United States do in order to be liked? How should its leadership and the nation change? Will the current crisis lead it toward the right conclusions? For an answer, you need to look at the roots of global anti-Americanism.
Crisis export
This is not the first time America has been accused of spreading an economic crisis worldwide. Look back to the summer of 1929. The world found the Americans too prosperous for their own good. Their money was a thorn in the world’s side. Many of the products they were exporting appeared to be innovations the world could do without. Autumn and winter 1929 came with a Wall Street crash. “Serves ’em right!” the world gloated. “They are exporting crisis!” it cried thereafter.
The world grew sympathetic with the bleak America of 1930-31 — with its Hunger Marches, soup- kitchens and street-fires to warm the homeless. Now America has another chance to win sympathy, though it is no longer the isolationist state with the smallest possible army it was at the start of the Dirty Thirties.
The best have it hottest
There was a superpower in the 19th century and up to the end of the Second World War. It was not America but Britain. The British Empire sprawled across five continents, taking up more than a third of the globe. It appeared implausible until the early 1940s that the empire could be hit even the slightest, let alone collapse.
Britons were admired, envied and disliked overtly or covertly. They were hated all the more for their extremely competent colonial management — and their racism. The empire made colour an all but insurmountable barrier between social estates, with every race living according to its own written and unwritten rules, though all were equal before the law. Britain was hated by the countries it colonised and by other colonisers — France, Holland and America.
The British Empire fell, and the prejudice gradually shifted to America.
Shining city
The Americans were never racists, though Afro-Americans in the U.S. faced insurmountable odds. But a superiority complex lies at the root of the American mentality and culture. America was from the beginning a New World for everyone to start from scratch when he fled the Old World with its preconceptions, social barriers and other age-old problems. America, “the shining city upon a hill,” thought it was called upon to set an example.
The majority of Americans still believes in the American Dream, which gives an impetus to the naïve conviction that American is best. When they failed to impose this conviction on others, it was met with a condescending smile. That was so before the U.S. turned into a superpower.
Anti-Americanism appeared with the first foreboding that Americanism would be imposed on other nations. Much of the world became anti-American by the end of the Second World War. Latin America was so by the end of the 19th century. The same can be said of old Cuba, the Philippines and other countries that were U.S. colonies for half a century. There, admiration for Uncle Sam went hand in hand with hatred.
A firm belief in American moral superiority justifies the neo-conservatives, who have had the say during the current presidency. Now they are suffering a moral setback while the financial crisis undermines American and global faith in the allegedly invincible economic concept of unlimited freedom of enterprise.
The concept of “the shining city,” however, still cements the multi-ethnic American community. It will hardly ever recede. Possibly, it will benefit America if it is no more a global superpower.
Anti-world
The U.S. has been from the start a land of immigrants, be they first-generation or tenth-generation. A population gathered from every part of the world gives it economic dynamism but is also a problem that whips up global anti-Americanism.
The problem takes root in the psychology of any immigrant community. People emigrate because they are unhappy in their own country. Many disagree not only with its government but also with a majority of the public.
Prejudice wears off with generations. Contemporary Americans of Italian ancestry hardly dislike the Berlusconi Cabinet or have anything against Italians in Italy. However, there are immigrant communities that make a dissident mosaic set against the rest of the world. These communities have an impact on the Administration and partly form public opinion. They influence U.S. foreign policy and so whip up anti-Americanism. Crisis or no crisis, this effect will remain part and parcel of American life for long.
Planting leaders
It has been America’s political custom to plant convenient national leaders all over the world. America does it on a greater scale than any other country, unblushingly. Not surprisingly, America has approached the status of the world’s only superpower with the strongest financial muscle. The 1990s saw this trend at its strongest.
King-making is an established American practice. There have been American puppets in many countries. The 1990s revealed a pattern in which the U.S. preferred national leaders who are weak and incompetent, and therefore obedient and dependent. This practice is a mighty instigator of global anti-Americanism. It will end if America can no longer afford such a policy, and the questionable leaders quit.
Big stick democracy
The Administration bases its foreign policy on the promotion of democracy and human rights. This boils down to political suicide. The idea is intrinsic to ideologised Americans, who believe in the “shining city.” But it inevitably leads to the U.S. bribing dissidents opposed to their own nation’s elites or authorities.
Dissidents usually snatch the opportunity to promote American values — and never mind that their propaganda exposes those values to hatred in their country. The logic is simple: a country that dares to set values and force them on others is fated to be disliked and hated, however excellent the values might be. So its local friends have support only from outside and entirely depend on the U.S. Anti-Americanism will dwindle if America gives up its Big Stick Democracy.
Other democracy
American public democracy differs from any other. The American ideology produces a sublimated version, so to say, of human equality. It stresses that lineage, education, ethnicity and so on do not matter in making one a full-fledged member of the community or a citizen of the world. As the American Dream has it, anyone can get rich, become President…
Such democracy brings unexpected fruits — it makes ordinary Americans conceited, and totally unlike, say, Western Europeans in terms of culture and education. Americans care little about the world around them and are not eager to know it; they are too sure America is better and stronger. This situation impacts elections and the choice of foreign policy, and compounds America’s problems. We can expect that the current crisis will make Americans see the world the way it really is, and gradually convince them to support a more rational foreign policy. That would enfeeble anti-Americanism.
Lifestyle
Globalisation spreads American mass culture with its inferior movies, conduct, manners, fast food… Mass culture has become the most lucrative American export. The less educated succumb to it the quickest.
We should not underestimate the resentment this promotion evokes in people from all walks and all sections of life. It can be assumed that the pressure of mass culture that is eroding the traditional culture was the root cause of the tragedy of 9/11.
What can change the American public? It has a chance to learn from the global crisis. It might change composition, with Anglo-Saxons losing priority to other people with other values. As a result, it might become less anxious to change the world. The world will change of itself — as we see now, globalisation may not only be European but also Asian, so American mass culture might lose its monopoly. When America becomes one of many key countries, it will no longer be pestered by unkind feelings of the world around.
—RIA Novosti
Well, the article published from behind the erstwhile Iron Curtain, and perhaps now a translucent curtain after the fall of Communism (Has it really fallen?), could be leftists view well articulated to portray their perception of certain traits and policies of other countries. Yet, the article does contain facts which cannot be ignored.
But then a view is a view which is certainly receiving the attention of the World and gaining wider acceptance. America’s credibility as a superpower has been dented beyond doubt.
At different fora of various group countries from G-7 to G-20, President-elect Barack Obama would be confronted with this picture of his Country that has transited from penumbra to umbra over a period. However there is a hope to get into bright light.
As in a Trade cycle, and so in economy of a country, there would be ups and downs. The path from nadir is to go towards zenith. That triggers the impetus.
Barack Obama’s victory has been well received by the educated in India, and the youth is especially exited. His books are fast selling, and there are many articles getting published in the media. An atmosphere of goodwill is slowly building up.
It is good to hear Obama saying his first priority is to Improve America’s economy. That could pave the way for improving its image.
It is a thumping victory for Sen. Barack Obama and he is all set to be the next President of U.S.A. This brings to a close all those acrimonious debates, discussions and anxiety across the globe. But the GREAT EXPECTATIONS of the Americans would loom large before him and the Democratic Party which has a majority in the senate and the house as well. Henceforth every move of theirs would be under scanner, and all their promises need to be fulfilled. That would be not only challenging but would be daunting. Let the leadership be not complacent.
Obama’s speech was rhetoric, inspiring and full of hope. He reiterated that together with American people- We can bring about change.
As my readers and fellow bloggers know that I am an Indian, live in Hyderabad, and have NO say in American elections. But I have an enormous interest in American people and admire their spirit of WE CAN. I am an admirer of Barack Obama. His Audacity of Hope has become true.
Frankly speaking, I did not like the media addressing leaders by their ethnic background. It smacks of discrimination and highlights the differentiation, which is really not necessary in any public context. After all Obama or McCain or any other leader are Americans first. This is not confined to America alone, but in India too such things are highlighted too often and then debated on it. It is just hypocrisy.
I always likened TEXAS to Adventure because of the cowboys. But in this election it was far from that image I had. I am aware it is a stronghold of the GOP, but to think away from the mainstream is an indication of averse to CHANGE.
I am reminded of a joke told to me by a Bengali Friend. He spent greater part of his life outside his home state of West Bengal, and finally chose to settle in Hyderabad. It was unlike of many Bengalis who love Kolkata and West Bengal as they pride in their intellectual skills. When asked why he preferred to settle in Hyderabad, he said- In the beginning, West Bengal use to think first, and India later, and now India thinks first and West Bengal never.
Does this logic apply to TEXAS?
At the outset, this US Presidential Elections would be remembered for a long time, not only for its history, but for its long duration of acrimonious debates over issues that were drifting America towards whirlpool.
I am hopeful the new leadership would steer the American Dream ship away from it towards a smooth and a pleasant sail.
I was going through my book in which I recorded quotes of various authors that interested me as I read their books. I call the book collection of thoughts. This I have been maintaining for close to four decades.
Following the recent financial melt down, as they call it, there have been talks of capitalism coming to an end, and socialism being revived etc., etc., my friend Bobster posted an interesting blog- We have always been a socialist nation - (referring to America) in the Austin American-Statesman. His blog received as many as 27 comments as of writing this blog of mine. They were all interesting to read.
This reminded me the quotes of famous trial Lawyer, Late Louis Nizer, who summed up all the Isms in a humourous way in his book - Between you and me. Here they go:
Socialism:If you have two cows, you give one to your neighbour.
Communism:If you have two cows, you give them to the Government, and thegovernment then gives you some milk.
Fascism:If you have two cows, you keep the cows; give the milk to the government, and then the government sells you some milk.
Nazism:If you have two cows, the government shoots you and keeps the cows.
Capitalism:If you have two cows, you sell one and buy a bull.
That BULL took a beating at the Wall Street, and similar ilk tumbled the world over.
Here is a lesson to be learnt. No one ISM lasts longer. Since World War II, the above mentioned Isms hitherto followed by different countries fell down as each surged ahead with its own developmental plans that did not stand with the passage of time.
As we all know that in modern times, the economy of a country determines its status as a developed or a developing country. That course of economy is largely influenced by the type of governance a country adopts. In other words, there is always a remote control that steers the economy. We have all seen the chaotic conditions the American economy is now in due to forces of market economy that went unregulated. The government had to step in with a bail out package.
The HINDU in its print edition of 25th October, 2008 reported that Alan Greenspan, The former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman opined that the global financial crisis has exposed a mistake in the free market ideology. He admitted to a congressional committee saying I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organizations, specifically banks and others, were such that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms.
I still feel free market ideology is preferable as it brings forth innovation, competitiveness, entrepreneurship and efficiency. But, it needs constant supervision and periodical checks in the form of regulations with government assuming the role of a watchdog. In other words Systems have to be strong.
So, a combination of Isms is required to make a strong economy. What Ism is to be applied depends upon each segment of the economy. The finance sector needs to be operated under strict supervision and regulations. I would call this tightfistism.
Viewed at a micro level, we all run our house affairs with those well defined isms. Think calmly, and I hope you agree with my views.
A couple of days back, Jet Airways removed 1900 employees, some of whom were on probation and some yet to be confirmed. All of them were in their early twenties. This came as a rude shock to them as they were handed over pink slips without any formal notice. Most of them were seen crying, and did not have words to explain. It was a pathetic scene.
Mustering courage a while later, they staged demonstration at Mumbai and Kolkata airports demanding their re-instatement. Some of them prevented transactions at the counters. Political leaders were quick to support them and threatened the Management that they would not permit the airlines to take off. The Civil Aviation Minister was taken by surprise and assured the employees that he would speak to the Management.
A report in THE HINDU dated October 16th, writes that according to the airlines Executive Director “These measures are to ensure that the airline remains economically viable in the future. The 1900 employees have to go to ensure the jobs of the remaining 11,000 jobs at jet.” Its CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer further states “The aviation Industry in India, a $6 billion turnover industry, is expected to lose $2 billion in 2008-2009. Its economic viability has been severely affected by the record high fuel prices and most recently due to the crisis of the financial markets globally and the downturn in traffic”.
This chunk removal came after Jet Airways forged an alliance with Kingfisher Airlines, its competitor. This added further fuel to the minds of the employees.
With pressure building all around for their reinstatement, Mr.Naresh Goyal, Chairman of the Jet Airways, withdrew the order saying they are “my family and can join work”. He said he is unaware of his management’s decision! If the Chairman is unaware of this decision, Its Management Information Systems are not in proper shape, and its decision making process appears defective. To hear this, is all funny and reveals how these Corporates work and take decisions.
In the wake of this Air India, the public sector airline and once the pride of India, offered a voluntary scheme to about 15,000 employees to go on leave for three to five years without pay. Where will they go? It is not only impetuous, but an insensitive decision.
It is a fact that the aviation Industry in India is passing through a crisis. Are the employees responsible for this?
It is shocking to learn that airline industry in India has approached the Civil Aviation Ministry for a staggering amount of Rs.5000 crores as relief to come out of the rut. It is reported that Jet airways and Kingfisher owe the oil companies Rs.2000 crores, and “all the airlines together owe Rs. 1000 crores to Airports Authority of India”. That is their credit worthiness!! They certainly need to look into themselves and their entire operations. There would be many areas where costs could be certainly pruned. Businesses could be run without indulging in extravaganzas, yet remain in competition with quality products and services. I was a Cost Accountant, and I say this out of experience.
A vast majority of urban middle class in India think twice before taking a flight on personal grounds. The air fare structure is still prohibitive, though of late passenger traffic is increasing steadily. The government and the airline industry need to sit together to revise the fare structure if they wish to make it competitive and affordable.
It is often observed that these Corporates, no matter to which industry they belong, they sack the employees first whenever they are faced with a financial crisis. Their salaries do not constitute a major part of the expenses. The middle management and the lower staff become victims to reckless business strategies of the top management, whose salaries are astronomical and NOT commensurate either with their intellectual abilities or decision making prowess.
The evidence is very much visible about the Chief Executives of top companies involved in the Finance melt down in America. They do not get sacked, and instead rewarded with “bail out package” out of tax payer’s money.
Many economic issues emanate from employees within the company, and as citizens outside the company. Many management gurus have stressed the importance of human resource as being the strength of a company. If it is true, then why fire the employees? Does not the top management have moral responsibility towards its employees who have contributed to the profits of the company? Where are the ethical practices?
In my opinion, the foreclosures to housing mortgage loans, which triggered the financial crisis in USA, could be attributed to the job cuts, job losses and employee removals. If their jobs are secured, the repayment could have been steady, and perhaps the crisis could not have taken place. A similar situation seems to be on the anvil in India.
The hire and fire policy en masse sometimes followed in the private sector needs to be reviewed. It is a different issue altogether if the company declares bankruptcy and close its business. Even then, the compensation package to the employees should be reasonable, just and adequate.
I am 65 years old as of January 2010 and live in Hyderabad,India. An extrovert by nature with a positive outlook.I believe in doing things Systematically."Enjoy life" is my philosophy.I enjoy the company of my family,Friends and relatives.Reading books,posting blogs and exchanging views on diverse topics are some of my passions in my retired life.
My Youngest sister, a journalist,often inspires me to write articles.My wife,other family members, and friends are my critics.
