How many times did you have to bribe a government official for just one signature on a paper? How many times have you been denied admission to a school or college because the seats were already bought by someone more influential? How many times did you curse the municipality for not fixing the pot holes in every road?
Do you still need more reasons to support the Lokpal bill?
It’s not about supporting the man- Anna Hazare, it about supporting what he represents. He represents a voice against an epidemic called corruption which has been crippling our country since the last 65 years. India has the potential, and I would like to believe the resources to become one of the most developed countries in the world. Corruption has been dragging us down for years now. India continues to feature at the 87th position among the top 100 corrupt countries in the world (According to the Corruption Perceptions Index – 2010 reports). If we don’t take a stand now then when?
Although I support the cause, I have some doubts when it comes to his methods. Fasting until death seems like a blackmailing to me. If the government refuses to accept the proposal and Anna dies, it will cause an upheaval in the country so they definitely cannot do that. If in fact they do agree to his terms and conditions, they will do so under pressure and this is will raise direct questions on their credibility. This also means that any random person can gather large supports, put forth his demands and threaten to die and rest assured that the government will give in. I’m sure this won’t be much of a democracy then. Anyway, these are just my thoughts. I’m still against corruption and will support the cause if not the ways.
The movement started by Anna may not be able to break the wall of corruption that was built and guarded over the last 65 years, but looking at the support and the response he is getting, I’m sure it will help to make a small hole in it. That’s the beginning we need to ultimately curb the corruption.
We on our part can spread the word. Voice our opinions and let them know we care.
