The topic that I have Chosen to write on today is a little different from my previous posts but it still remains relevant to the central idea of my blog, 'The Real Deal'.
Politics!
Yesterday while surfing the net I came across an interesting quote on politics by Bertold Brecht , a celebrated Russian poet. According to him "The worst illiterate is the political illiterate, he doesn't hear, doesn't speak, nor participates in the political events. He doesn't know the cost of life, the price of the bean, of the fish, of the flour, of the rent, of the shoes and of the medicine, all depends on political decisions. The political illiterate is so stupid that he is proud and swells his chest saying that he hates politics. The imbecile doesn't know that, from his political ignorance is born the prostitute, the abandoned child, and the worst thieves of all, the bad politician, corrupted and flunky of the national and multinational companies"
Politics!
Yesterday while surfing the net I came across an interesting quote on politics by Bertold Brecht , a celebrated Russian poet. According to him "The worst illiterate is the political illiterate, he doesn't hear, doesn't speak, nor participates in the political events. He doesn't know the cost of life, the price of the bean, of the fish, of the flour, of the rent, of the shoes and of the medicine, all depends on political decisions. The political illiterate is so stupid that he is proud and swells his chest saying that he hates politics. The imbecile doesn't know that, from his political ignorance is born the prostitute, the abandoned child, and the worst thieves of all, the bad politician, corrupted and flunky of the national and multinational companies"
Well, it is surprisingly true. Many of us have become ignorant to the issues our city, state or country is facing. Though we acknowledge it, we accept it and say "It happens in India" . Rarely do we see youngsters who take an active interest in politics and social issues faced by them and the society they live in. They are ill informed and also ignorant about the current happenings in their country and the world. Like Bertold said, youngsters today take pride in admitting to the fact that they aren't interested in politics. They probably feel like this makes them seem unbiased but what they don't realize is that having said that they are just lacking an opinion in the matter. And these are the same people who complain about everything in their country/city and compare it with other western countries. This clearly isn't a solution to the problems faced by India. Time has come for us to accept responsibility towards our nation and our society.
I am not appealing you to support any particular political party or agenda, but simply asking you to stand up for your rights, to stand up for what you believe in and not just complain but seek a change that you desire and also to vote.
Many of us are 18 years old or above and still most of us haven't even applied for a voter id card. Every individual should vote ,irrespective of which party he votes for. A true democracy is one in which every adult executes his franchise. Not only does voting give us a platform to raise our opinion but also gives us the power to take out people who are nothing but moles in the system. The Supreme court of India recently passed an order which will allow the the voters to cast a protest vote ( NOTA : none of the above) which will now not compel the voters to particularly vote for a representative.
My request to you all is to vote in all upcoming elections, take active interest in your local politics, know the MP's/MLA's from your constituency and help our nation in achieving true democracy.
There are many types of freedom but never exercised.
ReplyDeleteFirst is the political freedom - a free mind to decide how to govern oneself, and by others who throw the choices. When we have political freedom as a group of people but do not exercise the choice to select who can take care of our political freedom, we throw the political choice by claiming to be apolitical or shun politics. What you are shunning is the choice and nonparticipating is equivalent of giving political freedom to unscouthy people.
Second is the economic freedom and you lose this freedom when you cease to work though you have good hands, good legs and good brain to contribute to the society, earn your own food etc. In built in the economic freedom is the satisfaction that you are eating out of your efforts and a satisfaction that fills the stomach and the mind.
Final is the mobility freedom, where your movements are not restricted.
There may be many other cousins of these fundamental freedom but political ignorance tops the stupidity scale
Vasu C Murthy
Tri State Counseling
NewYork