I don't know the details of the Jan Lokpal bill as proposed by Anna Hazare and the alternative considered by the government. I don't know what the differences are, or what the merits, demerits of each is. So I cannot say much about it. In my defense I'm no longer an Indian resident or citizen. But I could tell you what the provisions of the WI budget repair bill was and exactly why I protested against it.
I support Anna Hazare and the Indian anti-corruption movement. I admire the current generation of Indian citizens as they no longer are apathetic and are raising their voices for their rights. However, what bothers me is that amidst all the enthusiasm, grass roots democracy and honest will to make changes, there is a sense of ignorance. Very few people are able to cite the details, differences and explain why they support one version of Lokpal over another.
There is absolutely no doubt that Anna Hazare is an upright, honest citizen striving to do what is best for India. There is no shred of doubt that our politicians are used to corrupt means and will try their best to make anti-corruption measures as blunt as possible. At the same time democracy is a complex system. There is no instant gratification. Every bill, law, amendment must be carefully discussed, thought through and implemented. Democratic procedures don't cater to narrow interests, but to a diverse population so every viewpoint needs to be consider. Anna and his associates have worked on this for years, even before the movement gained moment. He has definitely drafted what he rationalized to be the best. However, he is but one ordinary citizen. He is not perfect or infallible. It is impossible for one man to have considered every alternative, addressed every loophole and concern. It would be prudent for people to take some pause, consider alternatives, revisions, think about implementation, challenges and other issues relevant to the Lokpal bill and be willing to update Anna's draft. I don't think hastily pushing a bill through is the best option.
That being said neither Anna Hazare or his followers are blackmailers or doing wrong in any means. They merely reflect the gravity of the situation. Corruption is crippling India and finally the people have had enough. The government has taken the people for granted and abused their power. For the longest time people in power thought that they were in control and people could do nothing. Anna Hazare and the support he garners is absolutely necessary to ensure that the government is held accountable to the people. As V said "People should not fear the government, government should fear the people". While I think the bill should not be rushed and moved forward carefully step by step, the anti-corruption movement should carry on as is full steam ahead putting pressure on every corrupt individual that they better watch out, the people will hold them accountable and punish them severely.
As for communities denouncing the movement. That has been the problem with India all along. Every special interest, every sub group, every minority, every community feels entitled and wants things catered to them. They wont participate unless there is something in it for their interest. Thankfully, this is changing and the support for Anna Hazare is the most diverse in a long time. People know that everyone is a victim of corruption, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Atheist, Brahmin, Dalit does not matter.
This religious stuff is total BS. We had a topic on Vande Mataram in the past. The words are symbolic not literal. I myself find it ludicrous to pay obeisance to land or another entity. But that's not the point, the words represent patriotism – love and dedication to ones homeland – and not literal obeisance. Most importantly you support movements because of what they stand for and that they do good, not based on where the idea stemmed for.
When I protested against the budget repair bill the majority of protestors were White Christians – but that did not stop the Indians, Hispanics or Asians from being there. Many had Christian perspectives and protested on the basis of what would Jesus do or that workers rights are Christian values. That did not change my mind because I'm not a Christian and don't subscribe to a lot of Christian values. Its all about the bigger picture. If something is good for the nation, I don't give a damn if the majority thought of it or if it was inspired by one religion, its good and I support it. If something is wrong for the nation, I don't give a damn if it was thought of by people of my religion or community, its wrong and I stand against it. Most sane people do that, its only fanatics and lunatics who think narrowly and selfishly.
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