An-na-na-na-na-na!

Mass movements make me nervous, because their leaders are deified and in the eyes of their followers, can do no wrong. The kind of intensity and focus that members of these movements bring to the cause is not often matched by depth of understanding of the issues, or more importantly, breadth of understanding of the world. No issues can be resolved in isolation, or there will be unintended consequences.

All too often, the recruits for these mass movements are those with the time to devote to them - not necessarily those qualified (in any sense of the word) to contribute.

Finally the leaders of these mass movements become rockstars - and from there either they are corrupted by their power, or become victims of their own fallibility, because no one is smart enough to be a god... unless they go completely offstage (or worse, die) before they make their first mistakes.

This is why Anna Hazare's "anti-corruption movement" in India is at best a quixotic piece, and at worst a circus that is going to benefit media TRPs more than the country. I almost feel sorry for the man - he has one good idea, but no vision to speak of, and is now cornered by his own followers. He reminds me of Raju Guide more than Mahatma Gandhi at this point!


When drafting public policy, in a democracy, the most you can expect is a seat at the negotiating table - which he got. No, you are not going to get your draft adopted unanimously. However flawed the system, these are democratically elected representatives you are dealing with, and they will have their say in the drafting of the bill. Unless you want to revert to the romanticized chaos of Athenian agoras, and the sophistry thereof, in a representative democracy you must get along with the representatives! Stepping away from the table and wailing that you didn't get you way is... silly. The question to ask is, is the draft bill stronger than it was? Looks to me like it is!

Yes, Manmohan Singh's government is making a dog's dinner of proceedings, and they are as incompetent as any other set of politicians in the country. So what? The Jan Lokpal bill is no panacea!

Oh, and for those super-busy calling this the next "freedom struggle" and those comparing Hazare to Gandhi - seriously? As I recall, General Dyer wasn't employed to clean up Jalianwala Bagh so the people in it could fast for 15 days. No, he had a different agenda. On the other hand, Ramlila Maidan was cleaned up this week.

Also, a word on Mahatma Gandhi. Wait - is he fashionable again? Wasn't he the whipping boy until recently among the current opposition parties? Now they can't wait to adopt him as their guide and savior!

Finally a word on some of those hypocrites who are wearing badges and black clothing et al "in support of Anna" and waxing eloquent on social networks. Dudes, I saw several of you buying fake travel and medical bills so you could stiff the government on taxes. I've seen you bribe traffic cops. I've seen you "get work done" in government offices. I've seen you not bothering to vote (disclaimer: I'm guilty on that count too). So just where do you get off being as sanctimonious as you sound now? Are you really surprised that your country is as corrupt as it is?


Let me rephrase: Are you really surprised that your country is as corrupt as it is?

Jesus said "let him who has committed no sin cast the first stone". For once, (just this once!) I agree with him.