Editor,
Five years have elapsed and a new election is around the corner. The disappointment of these last five years are forgotten and our hope for a better future is renewed. Somewhere in the back of our minds we hope that things are going to change for the better and the insurmountable problems that beset our society will somehow find its remedy. But as long as we put our trust on a fellow human being to cure the ills of society our hopes and aspirations will surely be dented. The global financial crisis of 2008 reveals the inherent flaws of human nature and the natural tendency of man to give in to selfish behaviour, whatever the cost to others might be. It seems that a small percentage of the rich and powerful can get away with anything. Four million homes were foreclosed only in the state of California and the human misery associated with the crisis is simply brushed aside and swept under the carpet. The growing divide between the rich and the poor in our own society has rapidly increased over the years and has almost reached a boiling point yet our current crop of leaders seem least bothered to resolve this crisis. Good governance in the modern era is generally associated with sound economic policies which in effect reduce the economic woes of the poor and marginalized in society. Yet the incumbent government rather than reducing the sufferings of the people in reality seems to be increasing the growing divide between the rich and the poor. Thus our only hope seems to rest in the power of the Almighty who alone hears the groans and cries of the poor and the helpless and in who alone true justice rests.
Yours etc.,
Gary Marbaniang
Via email
Not all experiences are similar
Editor,
It was sad that Bah Mohrmen lost his mobile phone but sadder was to read the wider malaise that his account so succinctly and matter-of-factly portrayed. It made me recall my experience which was diagonally opposite. “Call your own number now!” said my pastor to me as he handed me his phone. Perplexed, I checked my pocket and realized that my 4G smart phone was not there. Then I understood. I dialled. A lady told me that she picked up a phone from a taxi. She dialled the last number called – my brother at Nongshiliang, Shillong, who then called my mother-in-law in Sohra who in turn called my pastor here. An appointment was made; the lady used her own precious time and money to meet me and I got back my phone.
The same happened to my colleague. The taxi driver turned right round, explained the situation to workers at the office counter, recognized the previous occupant of his cab and handed the telephone. No reward expected or given. Just understanding another person’s needs, receiving gratitude and blessings.
Yours etc.,
James Warjri
Via email
Voters’ dilemma
Editor,
In the recent months and at the fag end of the last Assembly session we witnessed the drama unfolding on the toothless Lokayukta Bill which the Congress led-government hurriedly tabled and got passed without as much as a discussion. This Act was just to appease and distract society and to buy time. It is surprising that today none of the regional or national parties have spoken about this travesty imposed on us the people. All candidates are harping instead on senseless and irrelevant matters such as who has got a ticket to contest and what his/her flaws are vis-à-vis their own virtues. Election campaigns have become a charade. If the Congress wants to come back to power it cannot afford to play fast and loose with the electorate. Unfortunately for us the voters all political parties seem to be in the same boat. There is hardly any difference in their attitude. So who do we vote for? It’s a huge question with no answers!
Yours etc.,
Dominic S Wankhar
Shillong-3