I was totally indifferent to American Politics, that was until Iraq happened. Having seen the build up to this war up close, it just hit me how a decision, however stupid it might be, taken in washington can affect the lives of hundreds of thousands half way across the world. Unlike most of my fellow desis who are in this country who kinda know where they are with respect to the Iraq war and indifferent to American Politics nevertheless, i started paying attention to some of things happening in Washington. So, i would note down some of the absurdities as i find them myself or noted elsewhere weekly as America prepares for elections in Fall 08. Anyways before i go on with this weekly American and Indian Politics update, i thought i would give in some links to presentations which were quite thought provoking. I have seen each of these presentations more than once and thought a bit about the stuff they are talking about. Take a look at these videos with an open mind. It would give a whole new perspective on the kind of journalism that is present here in the US.
The first video is a talk by Noam Chomsky (one of the intellectuals i respect the most) and by well known Journalist Robert Fisk. Its more than 1.5 hrs, but believe me, it will be a well spent 1.5 hrs (certainly better than Spider Man III). http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8431351908091440891
The second video is a documentary by Bill Moyers titled 'Buying the War'. This is about how the mainstream media capitulated at the feet of this administration instead of doing its job. Cheerleading as they were when their services were needed the most in asking the tough questions, they have now taken a U-turn in their approach and have started asking some questions (though not quite tough enough, i would say), but only after the approval rating has plummeted to the late 20s. A case of too little, too late. http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/btw/watch.html
The third one is an interview with Jon Stewart of the Daily Show by Bill Moyers again. Unlike other interviews you might see on TV here in the US, this is an intelligent conversation between two men about the Iraq war and Gonzo-gate. http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04272007/watch.html
What is the case in India? From what happened in Dinakaran Office in Madurai, there is nothing to feel proud about. Shameful is the first word that comes to my mind, Madurai being my native place.
C Karthikeyan
1 comment:
Politics are Politics in any place of the world .. be it India or America. The only difference is that. "In US the Government is rich and the People are Poor; while in India the People are Rich and the Government is Poor". Not only we in India have oldies in the seats that shld be sitting at home and worrying about their daily medicines and attending "bhajans and Kirtans" but we also have sweepers, criminals and uneducated officials running the country. I find it no gr8 wonder that not any one of the GenNext wants to dive in the murky waters of Politics. As far as comparision on the world level goes well!! there cant be any..rite?? I mean we are still treated as a Third World country..even if we have a Trillion Dollar GDP growth,even if half of our population is in NASA. People across the world still assumes we travel on Elephants and Camels and Horses...its no wonder that when Indians go abroad they are made to take tons of injections shots!!
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