North American Debates

There is great euphoria in both Canada and America over the upcoming elections where the right to choose the next leader will showcase democracy in action. The public's most direct access to this process other than the television ads are the televised debates. Though both countries have campaigns, the focus invariably shifts to the larger election in America. In the anticipated and oft analyzed television debates, Senator John McCain's red tie both aligning to his party and juxtaposing Barak Obama’s blue tie illustrates the detail of this exercise with both candidates appearing with full preparation and composure.

Watching them striding and interacting with a clean-cut audience anxiously waiting in a well lit setting would be more in place for a west-end London play than the choice of the common person. Missing in this high debate is interaction with the person on the street who will be ultimately governed. Perhaps it is fitting that the debate is as long as it is for hearing the two men talk about issues ranging from the economy and international relations, something that they are far removed from would seem almost empty.

The craft of their speeches is superb, but, in an odd way, for they replicate the dilemma that it shows the nation is confronting. Structurally, the debates revolves around showcasing knowledge again and again, the topics move from deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, to dodging future enemy states who are trying to reel in a nation that has gone places guns blazing. However at the end of the day both are at the stage convincing a incessantly television viewing populace that has a plethora of problems from especially economic stability. The looming financial crisis forms the rim of how far they can make promises in these unsavory times.

There was no boisterous promises that have now become a joke in India with a line that starts usually with "Hum waada karta houn" (I promise you) with implications of the changes that will come with the new regime. What was missing was the personal connection (something that apparently the both of the candidates had agreed that they would not be allowed to engage in conversation with the audience). There is no varied crowd from all strata of the country, and even if they were, it would be hard to tell from the almost studio audience like dress code and composure. The very neatness of the affair makes it far removed for the common person who needs inspiration to follow their leaders.

After it is over television analysts take the whole speech apart from the set details to the tone of responses with the issues become amalgamated into sound bytes instead of complex situations that should be given proper discussion and dissemination. Lets see what change the election brings.

A new beginning

I read somewhere that flashbacks are common to ex-prisoners, police officers, hospital workers, soldiers and others that see and experience trauma. Sometimes it is so sudden that one loses focus of where they are. In the last month I have found myself reflecting on the children and people I have met in India. I think of the million of dreams that are born in that country and at the same time the millions of dreams that die as well. The country is a streaming and sweltering place for the creation of dreams.

Sometimes India has fulfilled my dreams to bring change, and sometimes she has turned it to dust. There are some good, some bad and some very sad memories. But in the dying embers glimmers hope, like shimmering gold after it has gone through fire. It’s the hope India offers that makes me love the country. Spending my time working amongst the hopeful in this country and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than being here yet it has also left me wanting to continue the work after my return.

A part of me has wanted to turn back, with another part reminding me of the work that has to be finished here. And therein lays the dilemma. Slowly over the last month I have adjusted to my new denizen and plan for the future. People constantly seek solace in gods. But I have found my saints, angels and gods in the people around me who help me fit in again.