On 24-Aug-11, at 4:40 PM, Xxxrum wrote:
No other popular movement since independence has been able to generate such nationwide enthusiasm in such a grand scale that is totally peaceful and non-violent.
You know, I fully agree with this sentiment. It is commendable that so far there has been no real violence or rioting, nobody has died and nobody has trashed any buildings or buses. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy (and a sign of the health of a democracy), and clearly Hazare has unwittingly tapped into a high-pressure reservoir of frustration amongst Indians. And of course we are all enjoying watching the government squirm and fumble.
It's really weird though to watch people assume that peaceful protest alone gives legitimacy to the goal being sought here. If the bill is passed, will all the protesters disperse and go home happy?
There is an element of "means justifies the end" thinking that seems incredibly ill-conceived. The goals of this protest are so vague that this whole thing might as well be a nationwide Woodstock without the drugs and music.
-Taj.
