Monday, August 24, 2020

Daggers drawn for the Duchess of Sussex as usual

I cannot understand the level of hate that goes around for the Duchess of Sussex. Wait, on the other hand, maybe I can. When a woman comes across as confident, self-assured, self-sufficient and is successful in life, it is the duty of society to take her down a notch or more than a notch if possible. Hence all stops are pulled by people who generally have no business poking into her life. Her past career as an actress apparently has people deciding that she does not deserve life as British royal or better yet, she 'got' Harry due to some diabolical plan along with her mother! Seriously? They seem happy and she has handled all crap with more grace and maturity than anyone so please move on people.

Take the most recent outburst for example. Markle merely encouraged the American people to use their vote at an online event that she spoke at. She has reiterated the importance of using one's right to vote and honour the past and future which is a reflection of the care for the community. Some of the statements made include very general statements like "If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem, if you are complacent, you are complicit" etc., Note that Markle did not endorse any specific candidate.

These are very general statements, applicable for any democracy where your vote matters and has to be exercised. As a person who is well known, it is encouraging to see someone who uses their voice to say the right things. It is amazing to see how even this is a fault and has led to a TV show host, Piers Morgan, recommending that their titles be stripped. This after the couple have made it abundantly clear that they do not care for the title, power or responsibilities that come with it. What is his qualification to make such a recommendation in social media to the Queen is beyond most of us. A woman is shamed because she comes from the show world, but media is also show business today and does not provide any value in that case to his opinions.

His argument makes no sense; he thinks that since royals by UK law are not expected to comment, Markle has overstepped. Maybe he is not aware that she is a US citizen, and in the US , she is not expected to abide by UK law? Even in UK, in typical British confusing fashion, the royals have a right to vote but considered unconstitutional if they do (eye roll). What does that even mean?!!! 

Get a life people and please stop trying to make headlines using someone else's fame and name. 

Sunday, August 23, 2020

India's 'Grand Old Party's' impending changes

We have recently had two very fine articles on Rahul Gandhi's leadership of India's Congress party. One is written by Dr. Ramachandra Guha and the follow-up to that by Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi. The links are below and hope you enjoy their well written pieces showcasing their valuable education and experience, as much as I did.



Note that while both are actually in support of the Congress party, the views are more with respect to Rahul Gandhi and how his continuation as the party's representative in any upcoming elections will spell doom. Especially against the Modi government. I feel inclined to agree with Dr. Guha's views. How can we expect different outcomes in any elections when there are no changes to the principal opponent in the largest opposition party? Dr. Gandhi's heart is in the right place as all Congress supporters might agree, but I think the party has to move on in their search for an able and charismatic leader. 

For India's  sake let's hope this happens. The interim party president is said to be all set to resign tomorrow and set the wheels in motion.....fingers crossed!