Will We Ever...?

SCENARIO 1: ISRAEL – JUNE 25, 2006
The Provocation: 19-year-old Israeli soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit captured by Palestinian militants.

The Politician Spoke Thus: "The simplest thing really is to release the soldier, stop the rocket fire and then things will return to normal. The goal of the operation is simply to stop the terrorism" - Justice Minister Haim Ramon.

The Response: Israel launched an attack on the Gaza strip on the 28th. The attack was a determined effort using heavy artillery and even airstrikes. And while they were at it the mission was expanded to retaliate against the rocket attacks from Gaza. The support for the offensive in the ministry is admirable. Read the detailed report here.

SCENARIO 2: MUMBAI – JULY 11, 2006
The Provocation: Eight synchronized blasts rock packed suburban trains. About 150 killed and scores injured.

The Politician Spoke Thus: "Terrorism has increased under the UPA" - BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad
"Life and security of citizens cannot be held to ransom by a few fanatics, whoever they be. I hope that people would maintain calm, vigil and see that peace was not disturbed in any manner." - CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan.

The Response: We know who the ‘few fanatics’ were, in fact they proudly claim it already. But we dont seem to be doing anything about it. And the people did not disturb the peace in the first place!! So why are people told to maintain calm as if they were the guilty ones? It is the man on the street who helped the people affected while the politicians spent endless fruitless hours in meetings. And things have already boiled down to petty political squabbles. So we sit twiddling our thumbs.

What is the use of millions of dollars worth of sophisticated military equipment if they don’t protect the taxpayer who pays for them? Or are the lives of hundreds of Indians not worth that of a single Israeli?