The tribe of politicians.

Writing in the Guardian Weekly of May 11, under the headline " A web of privilege surrounds meritocrats ", Gary Younge looks at British politicians in general and the present government in particular. He writes," Class privilege, and the power it confers, is often conveniently misunderstood by its beneficiaries as the product of their own genius rather than generations of advantage, stoutly defended and faithfully bequeathed. Evidence of such advantages is not freely available. It is not in the powerful's interest for the rest of us to know how their influence is attained or exercised." Talking about the incestuous relationship between present ministers and Rupert Murdoch he says,"...Britain's political class in particular and ruling class in general collude, connive and corrupt both systemically and systematically" because of " their brazen venality, complicity, contempt and mendacity ". He goes on to say," Rocked in the cradle of power from birth so that its rhythms become second nature, these people imbibe their sense of entitlement with their mother's milk... As though the benefits of wealth were not enough, they apparently feel the need to game the very system they already control." Their actions " mock the the very notion of democracy on which the nation's illusions are based. For the meetings, lunches and visits showcase a parallel, unaccountable universe where actual decisions are made and deals are done." He could be speaking about politicians in India with the difference that our lot is not upper class but mostly from the lowest strata of society and have gathered power through criminal force and illicit wealth. That is why Indian politicians across the board are so incensed with Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption which is supported by all the citizens. They see it as an attack against their privileges, wealth collected through crime and the inheritance of their seats by their criminal offspring when they eventually die. Hence they have united in casting false allegations of Hazare being financed from abroad. Even more vicious has been the campaign against protesters seeking to stop the Koodankulum nuclear power plant from becoming operational. In language straight out of China 6800 protesters have been charged with " sedition " and " waging war against the state ". HT.com, June 5. Exactly as the Gestapo have done before, doctors from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences have " commenced the collection of primary data " to write " multiple strategies " probably to classify protesters as mentally sick. What will they do next? Compulsory lobotomy? This when a recent report by Russian nuclear safety experts says that Russian reactors are underprepared and have 31 " serious flaws ". In western countries freedom of speech and a powerful press keeps politicians somewhat under check but in India the press is sycophantic. This is partly due to fear of being killed by goons of political gangs and partly because they are bribed to look the other way. Not easy living in a police state.