Blowing in the wind

Three random news were in the newspaper recently:

Shahrukh "Khan" stopped for "security" check at Newark airport. Apparently they don't like "Khan" surname. Whole media and politicians and friends and foes of anybody giving their piece of mind on the matter. Ambika Soni, minister in GOI, says we need to give "tit for tat". A few days earlier, our former president A P J Abdul Kalam was frisked by continental airlines, which is a breach of protocol. But thats okay. He did not raise a fuss over it. Afterall!!!


A minister in India went inside a tiger's cage in nagpur zoo and petted and fondled a visibly terrified cub. All this right in front of the zoo officials and all the media people. He was accompanied by Nagpur Congress chief Jaiprakash Gupta and several others including zoo controller M M Damke and officer-incharge of the zoo Dr S S Bawaskar. Thorat had a glimpse of deer and peacock enclosures and then headed to see the tiger cubs. Though initially hesitant, Thorat was encouraged by the zoo officials to take a closer look and opened the gates for him. Guess, the zoo oficials were there to protect and please minister instead of animals.


Rock legend, Bob Dylan, stopped and questioned by officers unaware of his identity. He was asked for his ID proof, which he didnt have handy. The officers asked Dylan, 68, to accompany them back to the Ocean Place Resort and Spa, where the other performers were staying. Once there, tour staff vouched for Dylan.


I wonder if we have too used to being "above law". If the celebrities and politicians with one bit fame or power and not even worth two penny start thinking themselves as VVIP, for whom the world should have a garland ready for every occasion. Whether it be security rules or general courtesy or any other fundamental road rule it becomes inapplicable for those with power. Why.. even the Gods wait for them... they can get special back entry to Tirupati balaji while common men wait in long queues to get one glimpse.


Probably, our system, where corruption and power play is evident at every step is to blame. Broke traffic signal... 100 bucks for the traffic policeman, no ticket in railway ... but your uncle is the local MLA... need to get your kid admitted to the posh public school... see if you can arrange the donation for the "maintenance funds". And then our fixation with idolizing people and an attitude of mix and match. Everything is allowed to influence everything else... politicians bail filmstars out of troubled drug deal or "unfriendly US cop". Filmstars dance at their private parties and add the glamour.


I wonder if some day we will realise that not everything is okay... that not everything is fixable.... that you are not above all laws or rules... that no matter who you are .... you still are a homo sapiens sharing the planet. I guess... the answer is blowing in the wind....