A Billion Beauty Queens

Do they have the right to bomb any place they like on Earth? Certainly not...but who will stop them?

Like so many of you even I am against war, or any other heinous crime against the human race. But, war is a reality that we tend to forget. It is struggle for survival, rooted in the human rage, jealousy and violence. A peek into the history of Earth can substantiate my statement. Since ancient times we have been fighting for varied causes. Wars for independence, for food, lands plundered and destroyed for colonization and sheer show of power. Truth is - violence is a drug, and it is difficult to get rid of the addiction.

For some weird reason man has as urge to control. Not his own life, but that of others. Self control doesn't seem to manifest power. The might of mightiest is in annexing and capturing others, the losses that entail are hardly ever considered. He who was once opressed fights against his suppressors and frees himself. He spends some time fixing his life. Before he is able to do so, he realizes that he needs a hundred things to improve his condition, not all of which are available that easily. So what does he do now? Drop the thought of having his wish fulfilled? Should he think of something new that might be more readily available? Wait, there is one more option, that tiny thing out there, was boasting about it the other day. Amazing! His purpose is served. He enters the house forcefully, beats and kills those standing in his way and with his pillage returns back home with a happy smile. I guess the logic behind declaring a war is simple: in order for you to survive you need to make sure the predator doesn't wander near you . Thus, the prey turns predator. As I said, the losses that entail are not in consideration here.

We all know that there is no end to our wishes and desires. As a result, I don't see an end to this activity of war. Led by a few beautiful, beauty pageant contestants, a billion people shout " I want WORLD PEACE" even as we are on the brink of another War. If only the leaders of the world were a part of these billion. Sigh!

Father and Child

Many of us saw the 44th President of the United States of America take oath of the highest office and deliver his inaugural address from the Capitol. Those who missed it will be reading about it in the newspapers and magazines. Even those who don't want to, will be unwillingly fed the words of the first African-American President of USA, as all the news channels and the tea time discussions between friends are centered around it.

I saw Barack Hussein Obama deliver his speech live on NDTV. Well, this post is not about where you can catch his speech. Neither is it about the influence his words will have on the policies worldwide. It is about something that made me realize the brilliance of Obama as an orator and the skills of his speechwriter (a 27 yr old who goes by the name of Jon Favreau).

Obama thanked Bush for 'serving the nation' and then went on to say that even though USA is the world's biggest power they do not have the freedom to do as they wish to. Even as he was 'mindful of the sacrifices that our (American) ancestors have bestowed' he remembered 'the patchwork heritage' and the roots of his father. He pronounced America to be friend of all 'every nation and every man,women and child' as he alerted his foes. He said US will 'responsibly leave Iraq', 'forge hard earned peace with Afghanistan' but to 'the Muslim world', 'will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist'. The leader of this superpower despite his belief in his 'most prosperous and powerful nation on Earth' admitted that 'everywhere we look, there is work to be done'. He told the citizens to 'pick themselves up', develop a stronger moral fibre, rid of the bad habits and show kindness, by reminding them of the way their ancestors had put the thought of a nation above their individuality. In convincing the Americans that the problems they face are 'real' and that these challenges 'will be met', he also said that it was both the leadership and the citizens that were responsible. His statement that 'power alone cannot protect' them, might serve as a wake up call for the Americans. While he said he won't apologise for the way Americans live he told his 'fellow citizens' to change - a lot of things.

There is a lot more of this 'apparent contradiction' in his speech. But Obama gives his countrymen much needed hope and faith, in this hour of crisis. Its weird, but I was reminded of my father, who when I was a kid, used to explain things to me in this way. He would point out my mistake, tell me I was a good kid and assure me of my capabilities. His words were enough to make me plunge deeper despite having faced failure. He wasn't doing much - just given me sound advice and a much needed reality check, without being harsh. And most of the times, I came out victorious.

I wonder if Americans will be triumphant too

OB-AM-A-MAN-YA

I changed the 'I' to 'Y' for my convenience...

Whole world has been watching and following the US Presidential Election will a lot of interest. There has been much speculation, even about the final leg of the race, though I still don't understand why? Bush, with his hugely unpopular policies, had made sure the Democrats start ahead of the Republicans. Even as John McCain tried hard to salvage some of the Republican reputation(and votes), the Democrats could be seen rushing ahead in the polls (the ones where they were pitted as equals were obviously sham). But Mr.J, in his 72 long years, has definitely learnt his lessons in politics. He pulled out his own ace(or rather something the democrats had rejected) in the form of Sarah Palin. This after he had seen Clinton's popularity with the public, never mind the fact that she went down against Obama. Many condemned the act as a cheap stunt to influence the public who wanted a Woman instead of an African American. Even to J it was evident that his ammunition needed to be good, if he wanted to ruffle a few feathers in the oppositions camp. The desperation in his actions was obvious and fathomable. He was like an Ol' Captain on a moth eaten weather beaten wooden ship, trying to do his best against the storms of change, knowing all along the end was near and inevitable. And to no ones surprise, he sank. Whether he took the ship or it took him doesn't matter. His character is dead, no more lines left for him to deliver. Its a clean slate now...one his opponent is free to write the way he wants.

Yes, the interest generated during 'The Big Fight' between Clinton and Obama (Barack) was understandable. When it came to choosing between B and C, the question wasn't the need for change. The problem was to decide between a Clinton/Woman or an African American to be placed at the White House. Both held promise for the future. Election of either to the Oval Office would have been a historical moment for USA. Daggers drawn, the two fought till the very end. Only one could have appeared victorious in the end, and B did. Still, people expected C to stay in the picture, draw blood, make snide comments or something like that. But in a well rehearsed political drama, the enmity between the two camps seemed to pave way for the common cause of Americans (Democrats?). B chose Joe Biden as his running mate, even as C was fielding questions from the media about the same in her characteristic not so diplomatic 'diplomatic' way. Biden gave B the only thing he lacked in the campaign, experience in foreign affairs. C was out of the race, out of the scene. The race was almost over for B, just the last mile left... He could smell victory, but was waiting to taste it. J wanted to make things difficult for him. He wanted to put create some hurdles in B's path hoping to make him trip and fall, or at least falter. In that case J would have had an outside chance. He could have appealed to the faithful Americans, one last plea for votes in the hope of a win. But sadly (for him)... as I said his part is over. One more crucial character, the real life villian, the Big B(ush), is out too. He is like an annoying old haggler who has been thrown out of the play, his time is over.

The race is over. The results are out. And we all know it. 'Change has Arrived', as both blacks and whites are celebrating the victory of the senator from Illinois. The democrats are reveling in the glory that has come with this win.

(almost a Hollywood movie script!)

Obama is definitely a man, the way he has conducted himself throughout the campaign. But is he the 'right' man? Will the democrats become complacent with majority in both the houses? Is this a change for the better? for USA? for Iraq? for India? for Pakistan? Only time will tell if Americans made the right choice today, but for now the Americans are rejoicing and the entire world is looking forward to waking up to a better tomorrow. For now Obama does seem to be the man