To ask the parliament to enact strict laws against corruption is like asking the Cosa Nostra to pass laws against racketeering, smuggling and killing. At least 70 members of the current lot have cases of murder, violent crime and rape against them. They were able to stand for elections because the party leaders gave them tickets for elections precisely because they have money and goons to beat up opponents. Instead of being ostracised they are friends with other politicians which makes every party a political gang. Which is also why they are unable to pass a bill for a strong Lok Pal because the great majority of politicians and civil servants will end up in prison. To see the politicians squirming, lying and snarling is education indeed. Suddenly they are stuck in parliamentary procedures and constitutional niceties yet when it comes to increasing the salaries and expenses of the MPs there is no debate and the bill is passed on a nod. The first bill this government passed on coming into office in 2009 was one to allow ministers to travel free with family, friends and anyone they wanted at taxpayer expense. No delay for procedures or constitution there. Now they are playing a game of dare with the Anna Hazare team piling on the pressure to see if they will allow the old man to die or buckle at the end. That is why they are using every delaying tactic while they bribe and coerce old and new colleagues of Hazare to request him to end his fast. But Hazare should not break off now. To give up without anything concrete would be to lose credibility and he will never be trusted again. Even if a bill is passed the scoundrels may not notify it. That will be another fight.