“Wiki(ed) winter of discontent'

“Wiki(ed) winter of discontent'



The onset of winter has engulfed the ruling UPA in the heat of corruption charges, parliament logjam, and controversial appointment of the CVC. Hardly any legislative business has been conducted in Parliament since the Session began on 9th November. The successive days of adjournment sees a loss of Rs.7.8 crore per day to the nation. There has been no debate except that of JPC vs. PAC. By not allowing Parliament to function, the Opposition is denying the people of India an opportunity to have their voice heard on the many important issues. Telecom, Commonwealth Games, CVC appointment and hoards of other issues engaging the people of India deserve to be discussed in Parliament. This continuous disruption is generating a greater cynicism among people about the effectiveness of democratic institutions in addressing the real needs of the people. The opposition must choose from the options which the government has come forward with and end this impasse.



The flood of material unleashed by WikiLeaks have stripped away many illusions among us. That US diplomats often double up as spies and Middle Eastern nations perceived Iran as a bigger threat than Israel. There is plenty of what the British call “funny peculiar’’ in these cables. How much of the damage will this diplomatic tsunami do to the world is yet to be seen. But there definitely are echoes here of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's thoughts that society is evolving towards more transparency and less privacy. We Indians have got the taste of our own leaks in the form of Radia tapes. These leaks have brought in a very ironical situation of the trial of the media by the media itself. The ethics of journalism which was slowly fading into oblivion is back in focus. These leaks have also brought on discussion tables the very obscure right to privacy in India. Till such time when the Supreme Court decides on the privacy issue, we are happy that these leaks, while bringing into question several ethical questions of media practice, has definitely provided an opportunity to introspect, reassess and actually strengthen the media. Thanks to these leaks, companies and journalists as much as for governments, deeds will henceforward have to match words. If they don't, you can assume you will suffer a Wikileaks crisis of your own, for it is from that discrepancy (or hypocrisy) that Wikileaks finds its energy — and other leakers will in the future. Like it or not, what has happened this fortnight is of profound importance that private dealings match your public declarations, if not perfectly then at least pretty close. The whole scenario of the leaks looks like a larger Big Boss being played on the world arena. Telling Dolly what Sara said to Shweta!! Let us keep the faith that this winter of discontent will soon turn in to hope. “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”