People chose Blair because their only other choice was choosing the Tories (conservative party). Now all that "European Conservatism" has died out, thanks to "integration" and "public education." Its hip to be liberal and socialist in Europe.
I will agree with Rakesh for Bush's victory. There is an atmosphere of fear in the US. Even thous, Economy is turning out to be big factor in peoples's minds, during the 2004 elections "Terrorism" was the biggest factor in peoples' minds. Thanks to the then recent attacks, and the "media blitzkreig" promtoed by pro-bush people. Others voted just because Bush prays every day.
Anyhow, coming to the main point, I do not think we should stop anyone from coming to our country, as long as their motives are interpretably noble. Bush came, and spent millions of dollars. India got a lot of limelight in the US media. On the top of it all, I am glad that there will be a civilian nuclear power program in India. I have always rooted for privatization of such services.
Like it or not, India does need to be on good terms with the US. It is the world's largest economy. Majority of outsourcing that has boomed our economy comes from the US. There was a time when an American president came to India once in 25 years, at the best. He is the second consecutive US president to have visited India. This reflects our growing importance on the global stage.
Finally, I would like to talk about the Muslim protests in India during Bush's visit. I could see that most of the resentment came from the Muslims. I heard some Mslim leaders say things like: Bush must not be allowed to set foot our "sacred soil." What a bullshit. Since when did Muslims start considering INdia as their "sacred soil." For centuries they have killed, robbed, pillaged, terrorised and oppressed our people. For centuries, inspite of being a majority Hindu country, we lived the lives worse than that of "chamaars." Even when they had their chance to have their own "Muslim nation," most of these A**holes did not leave us alone. Do not forget that there are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan, making India the second largest Muslim nation in the world. After partition they have constantly rioted doing the same killing and maiming, they did when they were in charge. The more dedicated ones became gangsters like Dawood and Shakeel, and operate from Pakistan and other Muslim nations. Even today so many Muslims marry off their daughters in Pakistan. Why? I can go on and on about the sympthy that Muslims in India carry for Pakistan, even though they are well aware of the fact that even today the Mohajirs (those muslims who migrated from India) in pakistan are a "second class community." We have our superstars in Kalam, Shahrukh, Salman, Aamir and others. But their Army recurited the first non-muslim Officer just last year. Hindus and other minorities did not have equal rights till recently. When Bush was in India, I was constantly watching news channels for related news and commentary. And guess what, the Anti-America and Anti-Bush placards, with thousands of muslims protesting and burning American flags, were all over the media. Americans take such things really seriously. Who likes bad things being said about their country in a foreign land? There was definitely a lot of negative reaction on the top of all the whinning about outsourcing. These jerks protested, just to make India look bad internationally, because they knew that the whole world was watching India when Bush was there.
Now some people will say that all Muslims aren't alike. Ok. Agree. I want the "good Muslims" to go and educate the "bad Muslims." Let them know that they must be grateful for living with peace and freedom, while Muslims in other countries hardly have any rights. Where execution by beheadings, and maimings are commong place, for the smallest of crimes. They live in a country where they have an equal opportunity just like others. A country where a Muslim can do anything including becoming a the President. There should be a zero-tolerance policy for "Islamic fanatacism." Firearms must be legalized in India, so that we can take care of all those loud-mouthed mullahs and qazis. You want to declare a "fatwa," go to Pakistan and do it. This is a free society,where people have rights.
I am sorry if you think I flipped off. Recent events have just made me really bitter towards Islam. Then I have been re-analyzing historical "Islam-related" events. All this has made me very allerigic to Islam. But, I am sure there are a lot of fellow members who harbor similar feelings. We live in a Hindu nation. There is no doubt about it. More than the religion, it is the cultural ties that bring us together. And we all must be proud of it. Centuries of Islamic operation, and western domination has failed to frey our society. Even though we are older than the Mecca or Jerusalem, we stand strong like the "rock of Gibraltar." Hinduism is the reason for our unity. Lets take it seriously for once and raise our heads high with our chests filled with pride.
)))... is it true dahiya sa'ab?