Evolution vs Surface Tension: A comparitive study of Absurdities in democracy

Atleast one Presidential debate, however early or premature it might be at this point, is over and its funny to see what passes off here for debate. Take for instance the Republican Presidential debate in Reagan library in California. After all the softball questions, John "trying-to-sound-hawkish-inspite-of-truth" McCain was asked specifically if he believed in Evolution. He took a second and gave out a yes, albeit cursing his own luck for getting this question. Then came the question to the bunch as a whole, asking anyone who doesn't believe in evolution to raise his hand. Three of them raised their hand. McCain was mentally kicking himself for telling YES instead of filibustering. He needed to change or adapt his story in the next one or two seconds. How does he do it? He immediately starts speaking, calling the host by name before he goes to the next question and tells him," you know what, i believe in Evolution, but when i hike the Grand Canyon i can see the hand of GOD." I was like, WHATTTT? He is flip-flopping at a rate that would make a commercially available flip-flop proud. The irony in this whole issue is this. US took home all the 5 NOBEL Prizes for Science last year, yet their presidential candidates are being asked if they believe in Evolution.

Think about this happening in India. I don't think there is any debate (or Primaries in our country like here, but no one can beat us in rhetoric) in this format in India. Anyways, our politicians do have the worldview to talk about absolute rubbish with such conviction that you would forget the real issues at hand. Like in Gumidipoondi, when i was on the way to Tirupati from Chennai, there was a meeting (looked like for one of the councilors post) a DMK guy was on stage thundering aloud at the injustices happening in Iraq. I was like what about the local issues of water, electricity etc., NOPE those are real issues never to be touched.

Having slept while watching this debate, i had this weird dream. Its a Prime Ministerial Debate. The hopefuls for a future PM for India are all standing there trying to prove who is more religious than the other and why they have to be selected. Prannoy Roy asks Candidate 1 this question - Do you believe in Surface Tension? Quite taken aback, the candidate says, "though i feel tensed most of the time, i don't let it surface. I control myself." Thanking for giving a new perspective on surface tension, Roy moves on. Candidate 2 is asked the same question. Being a man of Science and reason he says, "yeah! of course." Then Prannoy Roy with a tongue in cheek asks, how many of you think Ganpathy really drank milk? When half the stage and almost all of the audience raise their hands, Candidate 2 immediately interjects and says, "ROY, i believe in surface tension, but when i saw the milk being sucked in from the spoon, i understood Ganpathy was thirsty", to thunderous applause and everyone going Ganpathy Pappa moriya!!!

I woke up and started thanking GOD (irony!!!) that our country hasn't come to this level. Atleast, not yet!

C Karthikeyan