Changes

The rage over the terror attacks in Mumbai is making people sit up and notice that there are some major changes that need to be made. But more importantly, people are actually starting to takes steps to try and make these changes.

I think the sad thing about our country is that no matter how open, or willing to change we are, the economic diversity and the sheer population means that class distinctions are very much alive and thriving.
The fallout of this is that since the "upper" and "upper-middle" classes (the people with the higher income, education and access to information) are in the minority, they aren't the ones who actually choose our politicians, or feel like they have the power to change things.

I know that i for one don't even feel like there's much point to me voting (although obviously i do it anyway. If i didn't make the effort then i wouldn't have the right to crib!)
And after the recent JD(S) rally in Bangalore caused major traffic jams [more info about this here] The responses of some of the party leaders to people's complaints made it quite obvious that they don't think we matter all that much either.

This was emphasised after the terror attacks when one BJP party leader commented (in reaction to the recent protests) that "Some women wearing lipstick and powder have taken to streets in Mumbai and are abusing politicians spreading dissatisfaction against democracy. This is what terrorists are doing in Jammu and Kashmir,"

When something like the Mumbai attacks occurs - such a major, inexcusable and unforgivable lapse in intelligence - is it too much to expect that the people who are supposed to be leading and protecting us should know when there's a threat of this magnitude to our safety and act on it?

And if they don't, don't we have the right to object?

It really makes you wonder, who exactly are our politicians governing this country for? This is India. WE are India. its not a matter of gender, or income, or religion, or cast or class!
or it shouldn't be.

Personally i dont think this is an idealistic concept.
Our country is wonderful because of its diversity. Its vibrant, changeable, adaptable and beautiful because of it diversity.
An act of terrorism effects us all.