Let me make this blog short, considering my limited knowledge regarding both these countries. Bigotry, as I have mentioned in one of my earlier blogs can be extended to countries who claim themselves to be epitome of democracy. Two countries that stuck to my mind regarding them are France and Switzerland. Let me tell you why I think so.
Let me consider the case of France, considered by many as the most liberal country in the world. But yet, they ban woman from wearing hijab in public places. I, in principle, think making a women wear hijab is degrading and forcing them to wear them is, in fact, criminal. But isn't the concept of forcing them (banning them) against wearing it, as bad? Restricting a woman's freedom to choose what to wear, is bigotry in every aspect. The ban actually undermined the nobleness of the cause, not that I totally buy into the nobility of french government's view. The only way, I think, you can help the women against forceful wearing of hijab, is to create awareness in them to come forward and ask for help from the government against such practices. In short, I meant to say is intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause.
Now let us consider the case of Switzerland. The country which is only known for their peace keeping forces and neutrality in case of conflicts, comes up with a strange rule. I never expected Swiss to put a ban on building more minarets. I always thought, religious equality is a part of democracy. The Swiss used the age old George W. Bush excuse of National security for meting out injustice to the society. Was the double standards expected from fundamentalist countries in the world? Yes. But, I never expected a country like Swiss to actually be the one doing it.
Anyway, I wanted to write this in more detail. But due to lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the countries aforementioned. I restrict myself to just opinionated rant. I leave you with a quote: "Claiming that you have got the truth wrapped up does breed violence and intolerance." - Timothy Radcliffe.
Feb 17, 2010
Dec 21, 2009
An Open Letter to Glenn Beck
Hello Glenn "the conservative hack" Beck,
Two things, you needed to do before you go in front of television and talk your BS. Get yourself a nice tutor to help you use the books (so that you can get some facts right), get yourself a psychiatrist (you definitely need one). I have been waiting a long time to write to you regarding this. Finally, after the recent attack on India and its health care, I felt the time was right.
Some of the statements on US health care based on the statistics:
1. The United States spends more on health care than any other industrialized nation in the world and yet, in many respects, it's citizens are not the healthiest.
2. US has a higher infant mortality rate as compared to the socialist nation of Sweden. See socialism does not mean "NAZI".
The list can go on, so I suggest get your facts right before ranting in front of your television audience (ex-members of KKK). Also, please do go back to the interview you gave against the US health care just after your surgery. Maybe that Glenn Beck can enlighten you.
Now comes to my topic of Ganges sounding like a disease. Check out some of your names President Bush (you know what the last name means don't you), Dick Cheney (you get the point). Precisely, every culture has its name which could be used funnily by others. If someone like Russell Peters, Stephen Colbert, or Jon Stewart make fun of it, it is fine.They are supposed to be funny, to earn a living. A news channel to promote health care didn't have to.
Indian doctors may not earn as much as the American contemporaries, but health care is India is still pretty good. Get your statistics right regarding India and its health care. AIIMS, a medical school in India, is rated one of the top medical colleges all over the world.
Anyway, I sign off my letter with a quote from a very humble Indian. You might not know him, because he does not belong to American history (not that I assume you know anything in that).
"Intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause" Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Nov 18, 2009
Bigotry and Racism: A Caucasian thing!! Are you serious?
This is a pretty sensitive topic to discuss in a blog. Nonetheless, will give you my view point. As far as I have known, racism has always been attached to the Caucasian race, albeit unfairly. Racism is part of every society, and being a bigot is considered "Ok" based on your beliefs.
If you are a religious man, you can be a bigot against homosexuals. If you are a North American (any ethinicity), you are allowed to be a bigot against Arabs. If you are African American, you can get away being prejudiced against pretty much any race. Still, the racism is always associated with White folks.
As an Indian, I have seen racism/prejudice/ bigotry in all forms of life. And been a part of few in my childhood, although unknowingly. In India, it is a known practice for a Hindu to not give the house for rent to a Muslim and vice-versa. Due to the actions of select (infamous) few, the term 'bad guys' are always associated with Muslims. Therefore, there is always an apprehension when having a Muslim around your property. And Muslims also like to remain in their own localities among their own people. As ridiculous it might sound on paper, it is a very common practice. Nonetheless, we Indians always boast ourselves as multicultural. I am not saying, all the people in India are bigots, but bigotry is a very prevalent 'phenomenon'. I, a Hindu Brahmin, was taught that my caste was superior to others based on birth, which seemed pretty natural back then. Now, I see the utter ridiculousness of my belief. Mind you, these are really educated people who know the difference between right and wrong and yet cannot get over their prejudice in life.
Regarding, the racism against the homosexuals, the lesser said the better. If you can are a man of 'GOD' anything is acceptable. Some of the ludicrous rules they come up with are:
1. Marriage is always between a man and a woman or else the sanctity of marriage is lost. Which sanctity are they referring to? The marriage between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline or any of Britney's ex-husbands. Very true, that does preserve sanctity of marriage, doesn't it? Also, remember Mel Gibson (the Christian man), who divorced his wife for a younger model.
2. Mormons had the concept of multiple wives, which is ok. It still preserves sanctity of marriage. Because, religion does not talk anything against "Ménage à trois". But "GOD forbid" if it is between a man and a man (or woman and a woman).
These are the people who hide behind the farce called as religion, to cover their inherent intolerance and bigotry.
Anyway, my blog was just an observation regarding the hypocrisy of people in calling others racist, when they are inherently one themselves. I guess I shall write a quote appropriate for this post, "It is not bigotry to be certain we are right; but it is bigotry to be unable to imagine how we might possibly have gone wrong", G. K. Chesterton.
If you are a religious man, you can be a bigot against homosexuals. If you are a North American (any ethinicity), you are allowed to be a bigot against Arabs. If you are African American, you can get away being prejudiced against pretty much any race. Still, the racism is always associated with White folks.
As an Indian, I have seen racism/prejudice/ bigotry in all forms of life. And been a part of few in my childhood, although unknowingly. In India, it is a known practice for a Hindu to not give the house for rent to a Muslim and vice-versa. Due to the actions of select (infamous) few, the term 'bad guys' are always associated with Muslims. Therefore, there is always an apprehension when having a Muslim around your property. And Muslims also like to remain in their own localities among their own people. As ridiculous it might sound on paper, it is a very common practice. Nonetheless, we Indians always boast ourselves as multicultural. I am not saying, all the people in India are bigots, but bigotry is a very prevalent 'phenomenon'. I, a Hindu Brahmin, was taught that my caste was superior to others based on birth, which seemed pretty natural back then. Now, I see the utter ridiculousness of my belief. Mind you, these are really educated people who know the difference between right and wrong and yet cannot get over their prejudice in life.
Regarding, the racism against the homosexuals, the lesser said the better. If you can are a man of 'GOD' anything is acceptable. Some of the ludicrous rules they come up with are:
1. Marriage is always between a man and a woman or else the sanctity of marriage is lost. Which sanctity are they referring to? The marriage between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline or any of Britney's ex-husbands. Very true, that does preserve sanctity of marriage, doesn't it? Also, remember Mel Gibson (the Christian man), who divorced his wife for a younger model.
2. Mormons had the concept of multiple wives, which is ok. It still preserves sanctity of marriage. Because, religion does not talk anything against "Ménage à trois". But "GOD forbid" if it is between a man and a man (or woman and a woman).
These are the people who hide behind the farce called as religion, to cover their inherent intolerance and bigotry.
Anyway, my blog was just an observation regarding the hypocrisy of people in calling others racist, when they are inherently one themselves. I guess I shall write a quote appropriate for this post, "It is not bigotry to be certain we are right; but it is bigotry to be unable to imagine how we might possibly have gone wrong", G. K. Chesterton.
Nov 17, 2009
2012: Titanic revisited ( Not in a nice way)
I have not written a blog in a long time. So, I thought I need to write one for namesake. I shall narrate in this blog, series of event till the end of the movie (Kinda like the 2012 movie, if you unfortunately watched). And for people who liked the movie, get yourself checked. The movie was at 8 in the evening on Nov 13th 2009.
At 6:15 on Nov 13th 2009, my "ever so eager for the movie" roommate called me to come to the movie 2012.
At 6:30 on Nov 13th 2009, I decided against my instincts to watch the movie (death blow).
At 7:05 on Nov 13th 2009, I along with other friends entered the restaurant next to the theaters.
At 7:35 on Nov 13th 2009, Was waiting for my food for the past half an hour.
At 7:55 on Nov 13th 2009, Was still waiting for my food for the past 50 minutes. All the situations indicated the imminent doomsday event. I failed to recognize that. I could have just walked off. I did not..
At 8:00 on Nov 13th 2009, I got my food and I finished it in 5 mins, and went on the "road to perdition" (not the movie, literally).
At 8:10 on Nov 13th 2009, an Indian guy speaks in English about neutrinos causing earth core temp. to rise (I guess that is the one). I could not take him seriously because, as Russell Peters says, Indian accent can be used for comic effect only.
I shall rant about the rest of the movie without the time stamp. Honestly, I lost track of time and life. This movie achieved it purpose in a way, it showed me how 2012 feels like! excruciating. I literally wanted 2012 to come, because dying did not seem much of a pain anymore. To add to all that, they had this retarded romantic track. Honestly, people, do you think anyone should give a damn about one person's (John Cusack) life when so many people are dying? This is like saying that you care for one person, when the titanic drowned. Wait they already did make that crap for a movie? Above all that, gave it an Oscar.
The movie, as i heard from a friend, was 2:40 min long (honestly, I lost all the senses and perception for anything including time). I never thought I would see a movie, which would make me want to yearn for the occurrence of a doomsday event. They should have alteast diverted some of the production money to the writer, who sadly seemed to have been pretty pissed when writing the script.
All said and done, I am should blame myself for watching the movie. I should have know after 10,000 BC that the director (Roland Emmerich) cares more about the technical aspect of the movie and gets his script from kindergarten class project.
I have done enough ranting for one blog. I have lost all optimism and positivity in life. After I recover from this illness, I shall come back with a more interesting blog. Until then I bid adieu with a quote from a great man, "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
At 6:15 on Nov 13th 2009, my "ever so eager for the movie" roommate called me to come to the movie 2012.
At 6:30 on Nov 13th 2009, I decided against my instincts to watch the movie (death blow).
At 7:05 on Nov 13th 2009, I along with other friends entered the restaurant next to the theaters.
At 7:35 on Nov 13th 2009, Was waiting for my food for the past half an hour.
At 7:55 on Nov 13th 2009, Was still waiting for my food for the past 50 minutes. All the situations indicated the imminent doomsday event. I failed to recognize that. I could have just walked off. I did not..
At 8:00 on Nov 13th 2009, I got my food and I finished it in 5 mins, and went on the "road to perdition" (not the movie, literally).
At 8:10 on Nov 13th 2009, an Indian guy speaks in English about neutrinos causing earth core temp. to rise (I guess that is the one). I could not take him seriously because, as Russell Peters says, Indian accent can be used for comic effect only.
I shall rant about the rest of the movie without the time stamp. Honestly, I lost track of time and life. This movie achieved it purpose in a way, it showed me how 2012 feels like! excruciating. I literally wanted 2012 to come, because dying did not seem much of a pain anymore. To add to all that, they had this retarded romantic track. Honestly, people, do you think anyone should give a damn about one person's (John Cusack) life when so many people are dying? This is like saying that you care for one person, when the titanic drowned. Wait they already did make that crap for a movie? Above all that, gave it an Oscar.
The movie, as i heard from a friend, was 2:40 min long (honestly, I lost all the senses and perception for anything including time). I never thought I would see a movie, which would make me want to yearn for the occurrence of a doomsday event. They should have alteast diverted some of the production money to the writer, who sadly seemed to have been pretty pissed when writing the script.
All said and done, I am should blame myself for watching the movie. I should have know after 10,000 BC that the director (Roland Emmerich) cares more about the technical aspect of the movie and gets his script from kindergarten class project.
I have done enough ranting for one blog. I have lost all optimism and positivity in life. After I recover from this illness, I shall come back with a more interesting blog. Until then I bid adieu with a quote from a great man, "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Jul 31, 2009
"Horrors" of Canadian Health Care
I keep seeing in the American news channels about the travails of people in Canada without a proper health care. The long wait to death, a bureaucrat between you and your doctor, socialist medicine. Oh my God! why have I come to live in such a "horrible" country.
They make Canadian health care sound like a reality horror show. But again, that is exactly what America is all about in the first place. Scare people to advance their political ambitions.
I have lived in Canada for 4 years and been to a doctor quite a few times. These are the real situations I faced:
1. Meeting the doctor,
2. He/She listening to all my problems,
3. Prescribe some tests, and
4. Go home without paying a single dime from my pocket.
Some of them I was supposed to face based on American media's view point:
1. Did not find a bureaucrat between me and my doctor,
2. Medicine they prescribed were not very expensive and were affordable, and were pretty effective.
Regarding the wait time, I guess it depends on the severity of your injury/sickness. I guess that is a reasonable compromise. How are these serious problems in Canada Health Care? Government actually is concerned about their citizen's health. If that is a problem, I wish to live with that problem for the rest of my life. I am not saying the Canadian health care is the best one and they never make claims of being one. Atleast, they are not the villian/boogeyman as portrayed in the American media.
I am not going to comment on American health care system, without sufficient knowledge regarding that. But I can atleast show my indignance at the malice the Americans show towards our Canadian health care.
I leave you with a quote finally as usual: “When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.” Louiz Nizer.
They make Canadian health care sound like a reality horror show. But again, that is exactly what America is all about in the first place. Scare people to advance their political ambitions.
I have lived in Canada for 4 years and been to a doctor quite a few times. These are the real situations I faced:
1. Meeting the doctor,
2. He/She listening to all my problems,
3. Prescribe some tests, and
4. Go home without paying a single dime from my pocket.
Some of them I was supposed to face based on American media's view point:
1. Did not find a bureaucrat between me and my doctor,
2. Medicine they prescribed were not very expensive and were affordable, and were pretty effective.
Regarding the wait time, I guess it depends on the severity of your injury/sickness. I guess that is a reasonable compromise. How are these serious problems in Canada Health Care? Government actually is concerned about their citizen's health. If that is a problem, I wish to live with that problem for the rest of my life. I am not saying the Canadian health care is the best one and they never make claims of being one. Atleast, they are not the villian/boogeyman as portrayed in the American media.
I am not going to comment on American health care system, without sufficient knowledge regarding that. But I can atleast show my indignance at the malice the Americans show towards our Canadian health care.
I leave you with a quote finally as usual: “When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.” Louiz Nizer.
Jul 28, 2009
May Peace Be Upon You
After reading and watching a lot of material on the internet related to Islam, I have decided on becoming a Muslim. Considering youtube is the "chief source for material" useful in choosing/changing ones religion, I have decided to extensively watch a lot of the religious sayings to know "facts" about them.
I want to learn a lot regarding my after life, considering I absolutely know everything about the life I live in. Also, islam is the only "true" religion because it says so. Read the verses that "GOD" himself has written it to us: " This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for your Islam as your religion".
You have to trust the Q'uran because, it says you have to trust it. No other book asks you to trust it completely, therefore they are not the word of "GOD". To critics who say that Bible asks us to do the same, I have one thing to say to them: Sorry! it is not the latest book. It is not like every other book asks you to trust it completely. For example, J. K. Rowling never said trust Harry potter completely. If she would have said that then, Hogwarts would have been heaven and Harry potter the "GOD" with voldermort the "Satan". I guess Rowling missed a trick there to start a "true" religion of her own.
My blog after a long time would have come as less connected and very incoherent compared to other blogs of mine. This is due to the fact that I have accepted Islam as a religion. And, one thing we have all known in life is when you accept "GOD" as the savior, you have to forget everything else in life such as science, conscience, logic, morals, humanity, common sense and also the existence of brain in your body.
Will leave you finally with a quote from "GOD": "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost all spiritual good. ".
You have to trust the Q'uran because, it says you have to trust it. No other book asks you to trust it completely, therefore they are not the word of "GOD". To critics who say that Bible asks us to do the same, I have one thing to say to them: Sorry! it is not the latest book. It is not like every other book asks you to trust it completely. For example, J. K. Rowling never said trust Harry potter completely. If she would have said that then, Hogwarts would have been heaven and Harry potter the "GOD" with voldermort the "Satan". I guess Rowling missed a trick there to start a "true" religion of her own.
My blog after a long time would have come as less connected and very incoherent compared to other blogs of mine. This is due to the fact that I have accepted Islam as a religion. And, one thing we have all known in life is when you accept "GOD" as the savior, you have to forget everything else in life such as science, conscience, logic, morals, humanity, common sense and also the existence of brain in your body.
Will leave you finally with a quote from "GOD": "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost all spiritual good. ".
May 25, 2009
IPL: Hits and Misses and Embarrassments
This blog would be like a list with explanation to each one.
Hits:
Kolkata finished last: My earlier blogs would suggest why I hate that team so much.
Deccan wins IPL: Hyderabadi, so I was happy seeing deccan winning IPL. Though my favorite team was Banglore (read Kumble and Dravid).
Banglore reaches final: Same as earlier point. Kumble proved he is a fighter and proves it time and again.
Chennai is kicked out of champions league: Dhoni's arrogance deserves it. why? Going at number 3 when suresh raina was in form and scoring 28 of 30 balls. Choosing Oram, when Ntini was on the sidelines all through the tournament.
Delhi goes to champions league: I would love to see Sehwag and Gambhir click at the same time.
Rohit sharma oozes class: Best being the innings against kolkata
Future of India looks awesome: Rohit, Raina, Virat Kohli, RP singh, Pragyan Ojha, Manish Pandey.
CRICKET: It is finally put on the map (get lost baseball).
Misses:
Sachin and Mumbai are out: Biggest dissapointment of the tournament. As cricinfo says: Most confused team in the tournament. Sadly, Sachin's captaincy debacle continues.
Banglore loses IPL: This one comes as misses and hits, because I would have loved to see Kumble lift the trophy.
Sourav Ganguly: Amid all the controversies regarding kolkata, one thing remained standard. Ganguly failed miserably in ipl.
Yusuf Pathan: Barring a few knocks in between, he was totally off color in this tournament.
Sanath Jayasuriya: Reason for Mumbai's bad showing in the IPL.
Embarrassments:
Sreesanth: He never ceases to be one. Someone hits him for 3 sixes in a over and gets out, Sreesanth taunts him. Seriously???
John Buchanan: 4 captain theory. Dude, in 20-20 one captain is useless, when the team is not performing.
SRK: Deserts his team to go to India and perform (dance) in a marriage and blames it on the performance of the team.
Thats all for now folks.. Quote: "Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye".
Hits:
Kolkata finished last: My earlier blogs would suggest why I hate that team so much.
Deccan wins IPL: Hyderabadi, so I was happy seeing deccan winning IPL. Though my favorite team was Banglore (read Kumble and Dravid).
Banglore reaches final: Same as earlier point. Kumble proved he is a fighter and proves it time and again.
Chennai is kicked out of champions league: Dhoni's arrogance deserves it. why? Going at number 3 when suresh raina was in form and scoring 28 of 30 balls. Choosing Oram, when Ntini was on the sidelines all through the tournament.
Delhi goes to champions league: I would love to see Sehwag and Gambhir click at the same time.
Rohit sharma oozes class: Best being the innings against kolkata
Future of India looks awesome: Rohit, Raina, Virat Kohli, RP singh, Pragyan Ojha, Manish Pandey.
CRICKET: It is finally put on the map (get lost baseball).
Misses:
Sachin and Mumbai are out: Biggest dissapointment of the tournament. As cricinfo says: Most confused team in the tournament. Sadly, Sachin's captaincy debacle continues.
Banglore loses IPL: This one comes as misses and hits, because I would have loved to see Kumble lift the trophy.
Sourav Ganguly: Amid all the controversies regarding kolkata, one thing remained standard. Ganguly failed miserably in ipl.
Yusuf Pathan: Barring a few knocks in between, he was totally off color in this tournament.
Sanath Jayasuriya: Reason for Mumbai's bad showing in the IPL.
Embarrassments:
Sreesanth: He never ceases to be one. Someone hits him for 3 sixes in a over and gets out, Sreesanth taunts him. Seriously???
John Buchanan: 4 captain theory. Dude, in 20-20 one captain is useless, when the team is not performing.
SRK: Deserts his team to go to India and perform (dance) in a marriage and blames it on the performance of the team.
Thats all for now folks.. Quote: "Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye".
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