Extremly sorry for off-topic BUT..

Nahin chalna hai. Anna Hazard. [trolls keep away]

Since I am an American citizen, these may come off as hollow words for my friends in India. Some may classify it as typical nonsense of ignorant NRI's sitting miles across.

However, because I sincerely believe in it, I have to express myself. I have grown extremely skeptical of this whole situation with the Lokpal bill. I think Anna Hazare has hit a point where he is acting too stubborn. Democracy is built on legislation and negotiation. It is honorable to take a stand, but there is a point taking a stand becomes dictation.

I am not against Anna Hazare. In fact I have deep respect for the man. He is indeed an incorruptible, honest, steadfast, patriotic man who truly loves his country. I'm thoroughly moved and impressed by the fact that he has ignited the passion of Indians, and finally made the common man take stance. But at this point and time he is seriously pushing it.

Granted his intent is in the right place, but Anna is by no means an expert in legislation, judicial process and constitutional law. His version of the bill is idealistic, too overreaching and conflicts with some basic precepts of freedom and democracy. The judicial, executive and legislative branches have distinct functions to create a system of checks and balances. Allowing a lokpal system to have extrajudicial power that supersedes existing branches of government is risky, it could be giving birth to a political monster. Think about it where are the checks and balances? If the Lokpal keeps an eye on the government, who keeps an eye on the Lokpal? It is idealistic in concept to think that PM should come under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal; however, consider the risks. Putting the PM of a large nation to such easy vulnerability is a threat to national security. Any nation without strong political holding at the top is politically unstable and volatile; India cannot afford such volatility. We have to find away to hold the highest officers accountable while holding the political stability of the nation.

More importantly this focus on government accountability is treating the symptom not the disease. Government corruption is merely a symptom of deep rooted nepotism, corruption, and lazy behavior within the fabric of our society. From the school that gives admissions based on donations, to the businessman who gives his son in law the contract to the average citizen who dishes out a bribe to escape the pandu havaldar corruption is everywhere in the system. The government is never going to be accountable unless everyone is accountable. We are just going to replace old systems of corruption with new systems of corruption.

Now I'm not telling people to stop this fight against corruption or give up. Absolutely not, keep at it. India badly needs some changes to take place. But change cannot take place overnight, nor can one man actually represent the right change for billions. You all are educated, intelligent and politically aware people. Before blindly jumping a bandwagon, take time to think on your own on what is the most pragmatic solution. Educate yourself in the constitution, the legislative and judicial processes. Think for yourself where the flaws are in the system and how to address it. Think for yourself on what sort of checks and balances will minimize corruption. Don't think just Lokpal bill, think of legislation, constitutional amendments or other laws that can bring broad based accountability. Encourage everyone else to do the same.

Act hastily, push a bill through out of fear of corruption, you could end up with your own Indian version of the Patriot Act – a monster that desecrates the meaning of freedom and liberty in a democracy. You cannot simply make air illegal, because oxygen supports fire, you have to take time and find pragmatic ways to prevent fire. Similarly any anti-corruption legislation must be dealt with thoughtfully, in an educated manner, not in the haste and stubbornness that it is being pushed through right now, refusing every input or criticism.

In the end it is up to the Indian to decide what they want for India. All people like me can do is merely share an opinion.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Since I am an American citizen, these may come off as hollow words for my friends in India. Some may classify it as typical nonsense of ignorant NRI's sitting miles across.

However, because I sincerely believe in it, I have to express myself. I have grown extremely skeptical of this whole situation with the Lokpal bill. I think Anna Hazare has hit a point where he is acting too stubborn. Democracy is built on legislation and negotiation. It is honorable to take a stand, but there is a point taking a stand becomes dictation.

I am not against Anna Hazare. In fact I have deep respect for the man. He is indeed an incorruptible, honest, steadfast, patriotic man who truly loves his country. I'm thoroughly moved and impressed by the fact that he has ignited the passion of Indians, and finally made the common man take stance. But at this point and time he is seriously pushing it.

Granted his intent is in the right place, but Anna is by no means an expert in legislation, judicial process and constitutional law. His version of the bill is idealistic, too overreaching and conflicts with some basic precepts of freedom and democracy. The judicial, executive and legislative branches have distinct functions to create a system of checks and balances. Allowing a lokpal system to have extrajudicial power that supersedes existing branches of government is risky, it could be giving birth to a political monster. Think about it where are the checks and balances? If the Lokpal keeps an eye on the government, who keeps an eye on the Lokpal? It is idealistic in concept to think that PM should come under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal; however, consider the risks. Putting the PM of a large nation to such easy vulnerability is a threat to national security. Any nation without strong political holding at the top is politically unstable and volatile; India cannot afford such volatility. We have to find away to hold the highest officers accountable while holding the political stability of the nation.

More importantly this focus on government accountability is treating the symptom not the disease. Government corruption is merely a symptom of deep rooted nepotism, corruption, and lazy behavior within the fabric of our society. From the school that gives admissions based on donations, to the businessman who gives his son in law the contract to the average citizen who dishes out a bribe to escape the pandu havaldar corruption is everywhere in the system. The government is never going to be accountable unless everyone is accountable. We are just going to replace old systems of corruption with new systems of corruption.

Now I'm not telling people to stop this fight against corruption or give up. Absolutely not, keep at it. India badly needs some changes to take place. But change cannot take place overnight, nor can one man actually represent the right change for billions. You all are educated, intelligent and politically aware people. Before blindly jumping a bandwagon, take time to think on your own on what is the most pragmatic solution. Educate yourself in the constitution, the legislative and judicial processes. Think for yourself where the flaws are in the system and how to address it. Think for yourself on what sort of checks and balances will minimize corruption. Don't think just Lokpal bill, think of legislation, constitutional amendments or other laws that can bring broad based accountability. Encourage everyone else to do the same.

Act hastily, push a bill through out of fear of corruption, you could end up with your own Indian version of the Patriot Act ' a monster that desecrates the meaning of freedom and liberty in a democracy. You cannot simply make air illegal, because oxygen supports fire, you have to take time and find pragmatic ways to prevent fire. Similarly any anti-corruption legislation must be dealt with thoughtfully, in an educated manner, not in the haste and stubbornness that it is being pushed through right now, refusing every input or criticism.

In the end it is up to the Indian to decide what they want for India. All people like me can do is merely share an opinion.

Originally posted by: hima_123

are you saying FBI cannot investigate any cases against the President of US?
are you aware of the corruption now entered in the Indian judiciary system.
are you aware of the 'no powers' to CBI?

more than that---have you read the bill?...if you have tell me the specific sections 'in the bill' that you're against...lets use the reference of the Jan Lokpal Bill as the basis of discussion.

I merely gave a very basic overall opinion based purely on my observation of the process. I have not read all versions of the bill. I would love to but is moot for me to do so or even debate it further since I have no legitimate say in India and its affairs. If you have read the bill and support in wholeheartedly, then that is your freedom and choice as an Indian citizen. My sincere best wishes for your fight against Indian corruption.

I'll merely answer the question related to USA – Yes the President can be investigated, impeached and/or tried in the court of law. But no one branch has absolute control of dealing with the POTUSA. Some procedures by the FBI need judicial approval. Some procedures by the FBI need congressional approval.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I merely gave a very basic overall opinion based purely on my observation of the process. I have not read all versions of the bill. I would love to but is moot for me to do so or even debate it further since I have no legitimate say in India and its affairs. If you have read the bill and support in wholeheartedly, then that is your freedom and choice as an Indian citizen. My sincere best wishes for your fight against Indian corruption.

I'll merely answer the question related to USA ' Yes the President can be investigated, impeached and/or tried in the court of law. But no one branch has absolute control of dealing with the POTUSA. Some procedures by the FBI need judicial approval. Some procedures by the FBI need congressional approval.