Whom shall we trust?

Rebel,
It is with great agony and anguish that I am writing this letter.  With more and more scams tumbling out of the cupboard and with more and more people getting involved, I feel let down by the corrupt system? Whom shall I trust in this country?

My countryman,

I share your agony and deep anguish. At present, corruption (material, moral and spiritual) seems to be the buzzword in our country. With media coming out with stories of deep-rooted corruption in every nook and corner of our country, it appears we will have no relief from this menace for quite some time. Also, I think this is only a tip of the iceberg. We have to expect for the worst in the coming years.

Though the corruption is prevalent all throughout our system, let us begin with the so called ‘four pillars’ of our democracy. Let us begin with the parliament. Parliament is the epitome of our democratic traditions and hopes. However, it is known to us for decades that it is occupied by individuals who run after money and power. I wonder if I can isolate a single individual who represent this nation in the parliament can boast of following our democratic and secular principles. Also, I know it is absolutely pointless to describe what our politicians are. At least at this count, we are responsible. We mean the people of this nation. We allowed them to loot our nation because we elected them. We are corrupted by caste, religious, regional and economic prejudices. Despite knowing that we are electing persons who are unfit to be elected, we pave for their misrule. We need to be more vigilant henceforth.

Then, comes the executive and they cannot be different either because they are the very people who were selected from among the parliamentarians. Be it the ruling front or the Opposition, they are all same when it comes to looting our nation. The dispute is only over the share of the booty.

And sadly, even the judiciary. Even when I was losing my faith in this system, I thought there is at least one system where I can repose my trust. And now I stand disillusioned after knowing that they are not too different from the other ‘pillars’.  With even one ex-Judicial officer coming under scanner for nepotism and for amassing wealth, I am going to hit the last nail in the coffin. There were other stories of corruption seeping into our judicial system and I am sure you might not have missed them.

Then, comes the last pillar. The Press. The recent Radia-politician-scribes nexus exposes how powerful journalists joining hands with corporate lobbyists to influence decision making at the highest level points. The circle is complete now.

Whom shall we trust in this country? I am in a fix because I can’t answer this question to your satisfaction.  The simple question is: Do you believe in yourself? I must say we can’t even trust our own shadows nowadays. I don’t see any visible change in the system in the near future either. I am not painting a gloomy picture. I am sure a day will come and the new generation will understand the unscrupulous leaders who are trying to divide our motherland on the basis of religion, region and cast. Our generation must be eternally vigilant. However, vigilance alone will not save us; we must react. The weapon is in our hands, and we must choose our leaders carefully. Sometimes, you may feel you have no option, but to elect someone with a shoddy background. Then, go for the lesser evils.

We shall overcome all these troubles one day. That is history.

Regards,
Rebel Indian