The leak that matters.

The much-anticipated event of the year, waited with baited attention has unfurled.  Assange has done it again, the cables were leaked.  All the doomsday-prophecies of governments tumbling down, collateral damage etc were proved otherwise.  There have been outrages, blushes akin to the teenagers, hushed laughter, fears of reprisal, curious insights into the machinations of diplomatic secrecies, but nothing of the sort that was hugely anticipated.  The US govt has declared that its government will survive this leak. Did it say that this round of leak was not damaging like the other one?

The question of whistle blowing naturally sums up to the conclusion that some insider was not happy with his boss and he is out there with a bunch of documents to get even. We should accept that. The bigger question is the truthfulness of these documents. How are we going to find the truth element in all these dispatches? By any stretch of imagination we cannot harbour on a statement from all those involved. The world media had a field day and was quick on the trigger and it would be embarrassing if nothing dramatic happens.  Maybe there are those who still wait for the next scheduled release. Many consider this as treason; many still cannot fathom the repercussions it would rain down on many places, the crucial link of trust is tainted between some nations.  The interesting question for me is the real purpose of these leaks. It does not expose anything vital that can significantly change an existing situation, neither does it throw light into a damaging corruption.

It could be interesting to note that, all these are not classified intelligence. The attitude of many leaders treating its people like children is definitely embarrassing. It is also heart-warming to know that many leaders can still call a spade a spade. It would also a lesson in humility for many world leaders after being exposed of their chivalrous intents just to maintain their importance. The impressions they have about other leaders is nothing but awkward.  All these should be leading to a different climate of diplomatic relations, where usually all the words have different meanings, where is more of talk and less of action. The ordinary reader would have been assured in the leaks, had it dotted on corruption rather than conspiracy angles. Who is going to verify these leaks?

Condom, the protagonist

Millions of bytes have already been dedicated to this protagonist, condom, the only solution considered as quasi genuine against a host of maladies including AIDS. After all the unwanted media attention it attained during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Africa, it is now again the talk of the town. I just googled it, and the first 844 results had the name of his Holiness, the Pope, Benedict XVI written all over it, so much so the definition of the device did not even find mention in the first three sets of results. When the media goes ga- ga over this word that found light in the latest book of the Pope, "Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times," one can only wonder the banality of the journalistic enthusiasm.

The interview-book, by German journalist Peter Seewald, was released yesterday, has already been the subject of worldwide controversy, because of the premature publications of one isolate passage in which there is a mention of the usage of condom. While the Pope speaks frankly on a wide range of issues, condom became the protagonist as every other front-line newspaper scented victory and blared that the Pope had let his guard down and this could be the anchor lap to the successful upturn of the teachings of the church.  But it turned out to be the proverbial judging the book by its cover, by a single passage. Within a few hours of it release, Vatican did come up with a little face saving act when it dispelled all the doubts the interpretation of the peek view. The protagonist, condom, has been relegated to the side stories and the actual protagonist has emerged in bright colours. The Pope emerged as the leader of the Church, optimistic about the Church, despite the scores of difficulties she always encounters. The Pope is said to have opened his apartment and let every single man share his life and thoughts in this interview, according to Vatican.

The media hysteria is over  and the hype generated by the media has transformed the other remarks as an. None of official teachings of the Church has been overturned and neither has the Church gone soft on its core issues.  It would serve all those sound byte crazy opinion makers to sit and read the whole book and appreciate the totality of the book. Given the attention created the book should be flying off the shelves.  "Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times," 

http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/11/23/guestview-did-the-pope-%E2%80%9Cjustify%E2%80%9D-condom-use-in-some-circumstances/

Robin, robbed away to eternity.

The evening was dying down, the sun had set early and I was ambling out of my weeklong insomnia.  I never did know that the evening had come down on Robin Benny. I too have frolicked on the sands of Tannerbavi in my younger days of exuberance. In fact, it was our favourite hide out whenever we had our share of escapades. Long hours in the water did not tire us, on the contrary, it was pretty much anticipated. All those sweet memories associated with the pristine beach are now clogged with the sad demise of Robin.

The news did descend like a bolt from the blue. The genial Robin Benny is consumed by the waves. All I could do was to hope against hope. Nevertheless, the reality sunk in. Robin is gone, consumed by the greater love of God. It is going to be a long journey for all those who loved him, to accept the fact his gentle smile won’t be with us anymore. I really feel impoverished, whatever I try to write seem to fall short.  I remember his mother, who was very watchful of this wonderful son, who chose not to send him to school on the bicycle, fearing the killer trucks on the road. Robin in fact had resigned with graciousness to the decision of his mom. He did not resent nor did I hear a word of displeasure. He just did not have a character that could displease a single soul and anyone could attest to it. I remember vividly the days when he gave life to many characters on the stage and how he handled his days of being the school leader.

My thoughts go to the whole family, his grieving parents, his brother, who must be suffering trying to grapple with the turn of events. It is going to be a huge loss for all of us, a difficult period for all of his friends and teachers who loved him.  Dear Robin, we bid good bye with the staunch hope that you be carried gently by the angels to your eternal abode.  “Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, For you are my God.” The song is ended but the melody lingers on. Thanks a lot for all what you have been to us and let eternity reunite all of us.

I'm Free (Anon)

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Enough !!!

"Enough, enough, enough." There is nothing romantic about these words, when this plea drops from the mouth of a three year old, who had just witnessed the death of his parents. In fact, Adaam was searching his parents, mercilessly mowed down by terrorists. Following the aggressors with this plea etched to his heart, he was barely heard for two hours. Another bullet rewarded his courage. The senseless orgy continues and these words do not resemble anything of a country where common sense prevails at the moment. 

How does the world lose its common sense? Perhaps it is the lack of common sense, which makes sense in the new world order.  Iraq has been under the radar for more than a decade. First, there was the dictatorship, which was seen as the oppressor. Then the rescuers arrived in waves, full of wisdom to win over the nation from the dictator. Subsequently, the aggressor seemed to recognise the futility of the occupation. A strategic withdrawal was proposed when the rescuer finally found that nobody was a clear winner. What happened to the cultural, physical and religious fabric of the nation is beyond comparison. The country was in shambles. The Christians who were safe under the dictator now find themselves at the crossroads as they are now massacred without remorse. Ethnic cleansing has found its meandering ways into the land of the Saviour. The intensity with which the pogrom is been executed has shocked the Christians all over the world. Caring to the community, two priests have been gunned down among numerous other Chrisitans.  The invasion has left the Christians without any veil of protection, while the Muslim groups are still in conflict.

What is the option left with the Christians who find themselves at the mercy of terrorists? The words of a survivor sums up it all. When was asked by a reporter, what do you say to the terrorists? through his tears he said, ‘We forgive you.’

Who will free Myanmar?

After hours of speculation and anguish, it was officially announced; ‘the’ news the world wanted to hear for long. Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi walked free from her lakeside home after years of imprisonment to the delight of scores of her supporters and pro democracy supporters worldwide. She was her usual self, the image we have seen umpteen times from the archives of channels, the petite indomitable lady, smiling and charming all around her, walked into freedom from her aging house towards the gates which was the end of her world for over two decades.  

The world has greeted this fresh release of the symbol of democracy with guarded optimism.  While there is a bit of celebration going on, nobody is certain how long this wave of freedom will last. Could this be good news that is temporary? Is this another truce just to tide over the illegal elections that were conducted a week back? However, nobody dares to imagine that the freedom of this leader is the freedom of Myanmar. The military still rules, a junta that has stamped upon civil and human rights and still has successfully shielded its face from the public.

India, the land of Gandhiji, has not levered enough for her release.  Myanmar, which was landlocked to India, has conveniently ignored the determination of this lady, who has survived many odds. India has remained criminally silent, an observation made also by President Obama during his visit to India. India as a nation should have taken greater interest in her release, for it was Gandhiji who said that India’s freedom means the freedom of the world also.  However, India has many things at stake.

Myanmar still remains isolated.  Military juntas have existed in many parts of the world, but have been battered by the tide of democracy and have vanished, but not in Myanmar. The only country in Asia where the junta steamrolls everything on its path is Myanmar. Neither the demonstrations of the Buddhists nor the natural calamities have slowed down the junta. Would Myanmar become just a footnote in the history of the world? Two Nobel laureates, one in Myanmar, another in China, both reveal the fighting spirit of democracy that the whole world is moving to Democracy.  Which Suu Kyi is going to be more potent, the lady behind the bars or the leader that is freed?

The hands that rock the cradle.

The Mid Orient is simmering. After the anti Christian serial bombings in Baghdad, the next-door neighbour, Pakistan is again in the news, time again for the wrong reasons. Asia Bibi, a 37-year-old mother of two girls is sentenced to death for ‘the ultimate crime’, blasphemy against Prophet Muhammed.  The West it slowly waking up to the truth of the matter. It’s been a year since she is behind bars for professing her faith in ordinary circumstances in an extraordinary way. While the West has been instrumental in arming Pakistan with millions of dollars pumped in for weapons, the same West has adopted a criminal silence when it comes to saving basic human rights and right to believe. The local community despite its appeals and prayers finds itseld at blind alleys as the Muslim law has appropriated the fabric of their lives.

The auxiliary Bishop of Lahore, Bishop Bernard Shaw has raised his heart and arms in appeal to Pope Benedict XVI, to intercede and speak in favour of Asia Bibi. The appeal is to repeal the law, to lobby at all possible levels to work for the salvation of the innocent; “We appeal to all mothers. Pakistan, Asia is a mom like you, defend her, do not let her children become orphans.”

The appeal is not only for the sentenced woman Asia Bibi. It is for the whole of Asia, where Christianity is under severe threat, perhaps in a more open way than in Europe and the rest of the world.  Asis Bibi stood up to her faith, professing her faith not with a great deal of oratory acquired after years of study, but with the strength of her faith in Jesus Christ; ordinary words, which brought the local police to her doorsteps and a blasphemy charge over her head and her family.  It is ironic that the law has sentenced her to death sentence, when the same Islamic law prohibits death penalty for women and non-Muslims.

What is at the centre is not the anti-blasphemy law, but its blatant use to silence religious freedom and basic human rights.  The government is still to take actions on the wanton acts of terrorism and its perpetrators, but is on the quick to cater to the needs of fundamentalists. While the 20 million Christians in Pakistan are considered second class citizens  and denied basic justice, there are cases where the trials of terrorists being overturned. Why don’t we read in tandem, the court order of the Spanish government that overruled the protest of Muslims in the Cordoba Cathedral as mere public disorder, the Swiss concern for the frequency of the minarets and the death sentence for mother of two children? We seem to happily convinced that the God of justice is blindfolded, tongue tied and in a straight jacket as these things do not happen in our neighbourhood.  The powerful do not merit the title of powerful unless they exhibit a heart for the underdog.

http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/viewnews.php?newsid=1679
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/nov/10111001.html

President Obama: Back in his elements.

He came, talked, enchanted and went away. The hype, minute-by-minute ‘breaking news’ and the live commentaries on the visit of President Obama are over. The Indian media did go overboard with the live coverage and analysis of the visit. President Obama for sure was at his vintage best, not withstanding the drubbing he received back home.  The three day visit by President Obama have calmed many doubting Indian minds, have reassured that the world’s strongest President did talk in their terms than in American minds. The Presidential visit did have its moments of glory, the address to the joint parliament session, being a ‘historic’ one.

The media and political analysts have already hailed the visit as a fruitful one. The nation did see its Prime Minister with his broadest smile these days. At least for the first time the left parties were in praise for the speech of the President and the parliamentarians were not an embarrassment for the nation. President Obama also did enjoy the presence of the left leaders.

His speech in the parliament was a carefully crafted one. It did once again root himself as a powerful orator. The teleprompter was in place and he articulated in measured tones the right things for the audience before him and the millions who watched him on television. There was philosophy, careful narration of history, personal memories, flattering recounting of the power of India and he did not ever put his foot wrong. The thirty-minute speech will be considered historic by its tone and content. The address was received with rapt attention punctuated occasionally by the applause, an achievement in itself considering the noisy nature of the Indian parliament.  Ms Meira Kumar, the speaker of the Lower House of the parliament summed up, “Some moments are recorded in history as points of reference...this is that moment.” The last president of America could not address in the parliament as the left vowed to disrupt him. This time around there was good measure of admiration instead of interruption.

The hoopla surrounding the visit has died down. Other pieces of news have already acquired centre stage. India and the USA have already vowed to face terrorism with great understanding and participation, the trade ties are going to be strengthened, the seat in the security council  receive a boost by the USA, so goes on the merits of the visit. All the good work has to be followed up and that would be the real test to face. India does look forward to see whether the US President will match his rhetorical skills with his actions.

http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2010/11/9/video-and-transcript-president-obamas-speech-to-the-indian-p.html

Don't comment, you may be fired !!!

Journalism is passing through many shades of transformations. Of late, even the schools of media would find it hard to monitor and understand the subtle variations of its evolution. We now hear of ‘news analysis’ and ‘news commentary’ apart from unbiased objective news reporting. The hosts of user content broadcasting methods are adding to the news commentary and news analysis sector of news.  Whatever be the last minute development, a journalist needs to tell his opinion. You may agree, I may agree, but fundamentally the bosses should agree or an opinion can cost you your favourite job, just as it happened to Juan Williams of NPR, New York. His seemingly ‘caught off the guard’ folly was  that he commented on a personal level and  interestingly his job description reads thus; ‘News Analyst’. His comment was his own feeling of being nervous, when he saw somebody dressed in Muslim garb in an aeroplane as they identified themselves first and foremost as Muslims.

Setting aside the issue of Islamophobia, the action of the employer on grounds of commenting is the real focus.  Well, NPR has its  well established policy of offering objective news content to the public. Stepping over the line of impartiality in the news coverage could be a joke these days as without the personal or corporate tag line, no piece of news finds space in the print or on other media. Most nations do not have an impartial press, in fact most nations strive to filter into the news moghuls so that the news is controlled in some way or other. As  with the instance of Williams, he, in is capacity of News analyst had commented on something which he thought to have reason to comment.

Where is the thin line that separates a personal comment and a professional comment ? Can a journalist be without any personal prejudice or other influences? Every professional journalist would like to work with a certain employer who is the market leader. The price he pays knowingly is that he will have to work within a frame that the employer sets before him as  ‘operating guidelines.’ Journalism would be just another commodity on the offer if the journalist is silenced for his views. When the management brandishes the pink slip for every ‘slip’ of the journalist, the freedom of expression suffers the greatest jolt. Are the days coming when the newspapers offer only objective news items.? But does objectivity exist at all, when human beings value an incident with human passions, human emotions and human reasoning. Water-downed journalism with a minimum of personal opinion, with  a full spectrum of fear for every word said and opinion remarked is definitley not the future of journalism.  
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/25/ent.npr.analyst/index.html

I did not chose my birth

Life is about choices. I chose to go to an university, studied engineering.  I chose to drink, to have entertainment. I chose to marry Tina, to have two splendid kids. I chose the car to drive, I chose this T-shirt and I chose this haircut. What I did not choose is to become a patient with terminal illness... Definitely, I did not choose that my family should suffer with me this hell. I made my final choice. I just need the government to listen to me. According to the Eurispes report 2010, 67% of Italians favour legalization of euthanasia: "Our government says no"

The latest commercial that has captured the imagination and set the opinion makers in tremendous discussion seems to a simple appeal.  It’s not dramatic, nothing of the Hollywood surreal graphics and appeal to the eye, it’s just a statement in soft tones pleading innocently that the suffering man has to die, but the government just does not listen.  Logically presented, it should be a case of deductive conclusion.  However, the Catholic Church was soon to pound on it and declared it unpalatable.  The video produced by the group ‘The Works’ in Sydney, was intended for Australian and Canada, but did not go beyond the Australian censor board and was promptly banned for its content in spite of its appeal for a sweet death. The parting line is that 67% Italians favour Euthanasia and the government does not, so put up your hands for euthanasia.

Italy has repeatedly faced the same issue, the characters and the protagonists have changed, public support has wavered and swayed along with emotion, the parliament has debated it umpteen times, the political parties have rallied with political and apolitical motives, but the issue at the epicentre has not been resolved. It has dawned on us that a simple stroke of the pen will not resolve this issue. The Catholic Church has defiantly stood its ground despite all odds to preserve the right to live. It has been bombarded from all sides, but the Church has not voted for a culture of a death.

Maybe we all choose, there are quite of number of delectable choices right from the age of reasoning. The fortunate stand a good chance to make all these choices, the less fortunate are happy that they are gifted a life and are content to live with their limited choices.  Why do we clamour for the gift of a sweet death? Is it just because we cannot stand suffering? Alternatively, is it just because we do not want our family to suffer along with us? Why do we conveniently close our eyes to the super-human efforts of humankind to alleviate pain and suffering of the suffering millions of all continents? Why is that our humanity overflow in front of a calamity? We have all accepted suffering. It is not at all a delectable choice. In simple terms, it is part of life. While we argue for the choice of death to evade pain, nobody seems to question the sweet moment of birth. Why couldn’t the scriptwriter add this line, “I chose my birth?” I did not choose my birth, can I choose my death?