Dil Ka Phool - The Flower Of The Heart

Unki yaad mein dil khil jaata hai
Is phool ki tarah
Mere sabhi gham ud jaate hain
Bas dhool ki tarah 

English Translation :

At the thought of her, my heart,
Like this flower, does bloom
And just like so much dust,
Is blown away all my gloom

Photo courtesy and Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy
All Rights Reserved

My Two Genres of Poetry - 'Cheez' and 'Cheesy'

As a 'Shaayar' (poet) I often suffer from creative impulses. There is a gushing from within that needs to come out and 'spill on to paper' even if it is all in digital form these days. Broadly, there are two categories or genres of creations that come to fruition that I present to the world. I classify them according to the kind of spontaneous response they evoke from the readers.

One makes them go "Waah! Waah! Kya Cheez Hai!!" and the other makes them go "Arey! Kya Cheesy Hai!". Of course, there are times when even if 'Cheesy' something is interesting bad enough to make the reader go 'Wah! Wah! Kya cheesy hai!"

So, briefly, one could categorize my writings into 'Cheez' or 'Cheesy' - you the reader decide which according to your taste.

Here are some samples of each of these two genres is given below

1a) Dhoondta hun bahaar har phool mein,
jab woh mere paas nahin hote
Virla hi hai woh shaks
jiske dil mein aas nahin hote

 English Translation:
I search for spring in every bloom
When she is not here
Rarely is there someone
In whose heart there is no desire

1b) Dhoondta hun waqt akele bibi ke saath
jab bacche ghar ke paas nahin hote
Woh bhi kya kismat wale hain
Jinke ghar saas nahin hote
English Translation:
When the children are not around
I try to find time alone with my wife
The truly fortunate ones are found
With no in-laws in their life


2a) Mere siva tumhe koi aur jachta nahin
Tere bina mere dil ka raag rachta nahin

English Translation: 
Someone other than me is not suitable
Next to you juxtaposed
My heart's music is not able,
Without you, to be composed


2b)  Is pant ke saath yeh kameez bilkul jachta nahin
Nimboo aur pyaaz ke bina yeh mutton pachta nahin
English Translation:
This shirt does not go well with this pant
Sans lemon and onions, digest the mutton I cant!


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Divided Americans

Many are talking about a 'divided' America, particularly during and after the recent elections. Most define this division into two major groups, based on the political views held by the people in the group. One group is supposedly 'The Right' and the other supposedly 'The Left'. 'The Right' is identified with Trump supporters and 'The Left' is identified with all those who oppose them. This is the most neutral and least offensive way in which I can classify or label this division. 
Actual members of the two groups often have far less complementary labels for each other -  'Deplorables' and 'Libtards' being, surprisingly, in more common currency!

 "Right Wing Nuts', 'Leftist Loonies', 'Terrorist Sympathisers','Traitors', 'Extremists', 'Racists', 'Fascists','Communists', 'Idiots' are also among the more commonly used epithets.

I think it is a fallacy in thinking that it is the particular set of political views (either 'Leftist' or 'Rightist') that is the cause and reason for division.

I think that the real reason for the division is not the actual political views held by a person ('Leftist' or 'Rightist'), but how a person deals with another person with an opposing or different view.

I observe that the people who remain divided are all strikingly alike in how they deal with or respond to another person no matter what their political view or opinions. Unless these people change their ways of approaching differences, they will continue to remain divided. There seems to be no scope or easy way for them to convince others or be convinced themselves or accept the differences and yet get along with their opposition.

 I observe that there are two kinds of USAnians -

1) The United Americans - people holding diverse beliefs and political views but all still united as one group,  as one people or one nation, to move the country and society forward, working together.

2) The Disunited Americans - a large set of people holding broadly two sets of opposing political views who do NOT want to convince others or be convinced themselves by any logic or reason or simply accept differences and still work together.  They WANT to remain holding on to their views and only accept people who concur with them into their group.

Here are some common traits of the 'Disuniteds' in the USA. Interestingly enough, I find this exact same phenomenon among the disuniteds of India or other countries, particularly among those educated in English medium, the ruling 'elites', those exposed to the Western culture, media and societies.This is something they seemed to have picked up. They have become effectively 'Un-Unitable'. They thrive and survive on division.

1) Labeling the opposition or its members with an offensive label or name-calling or characterization right at the start of any 'discussion' or 'debate'.

Statements like the following are typical starters coming from the Left or Right -

"What are you smoking?"

"That kind of stupid thing is what a clueless libtard would say - let all the illegals stay and keep the borders open"

"How could you support such a racist, dumb clown and conman who speaks like that?"

"By brainless liberal logic - if you take guns away from law-abiding citizens, you make expect to make people feel safer?"

"Well, enough of these cuckoo brains, the only global warming is the hot air these whackos are blowing out their asses"

"I cannot believe anyone with half a brain or common sense would vote for that thug. That is frightening, dangerous and totally unacceptable to civilzed society. If he is elected, I am leaving the country!!"

"That might be so in your la-la land"

"That traitorous Obozo..."

Think about it: These are not good opening lines with which to start a process of 'coming together' - to create a mood of wanting to come together. In fact, if one wanted to kill off any such impulses the other person may have, the above are excellent examples of useful opening shots.

2) Make up a 'straw man' argument, demolish it, speak inaccurately on behalf of the opposition as if speaking their mind. Say something that is patently false, ridiculous or obviously unacceptable and state it as the position or view of the opposite party.

The following are some typical examples:

"He called all Mexicans rapists, murderers and has no respect for women"

"He is an Israel hater and wants to bring in terrorists into our country across open borders"

"Sure! He would say that! That's what his master Putin tells him to say. I cannot imagine anyone in their right minds willing to have a Russian puppet running this country!"

"They want to destroy the environment, our rivers and lakes and give companies free reign to pollute with no oversight!"

"They want to kill police officers and don't value their lives"

"They don't care about the lives of minorities - Blacks, Latinos, LGBT"

Think about it: If the tactics in Step 1 did not work and put off the person from wanting to have a meaningful discussion, this step might do the job. If even this does not work, there are the following options.

3) Never taking or making the time or effort to LISTEN IN GOOD FAITH to any reasons the others might give to support their view point - show a willingness to be convinced by logic or reasoning

An approach along this track is acting 'too clever' by completely ignoring any attempt by the opposition to present a logical or rational explanation. Of course, while one could ultimately legitamately disagree if not convinced,  that option is forgotten or conveniently ignored. Typically one becomes more concerned or threatened if the other person is actually being reasonable or rational, because that would mean one could be on the path to  having to change one's mind!!  To many, that appears to be the ultimate fear.

A typical response in such situations is feigning 'tactical stupidity or ignorance' as a strategy by grossly and inaccurately simplifying any statement made or splicing the opposition's statement to distort it or spin it and keep harping on it until that person gives up frustrated or hurt or offended. This signifies 'victory' in the effort to keep holding on to one's position 'officially' and not admitting 'defeat'.

"So you are saying that giving everyone access to more guns will make us safer?"

"When you have no respect for the lives of police officers and think it is OK for them to be killed...."

"When elect someone who thinks it is OK to sexually assault women"

"So you are OK with him cozying up to an authoritarian dictator who has killed and tortured his opponents? (Never mind the fact that the person referred to may have been democratically elected in a fairer election)"


4) Never give out clear reasons to support one's own views - show a willingness to try and convince the other by reason or logic

This is usually achieved by stonewalling, talking about peripheral or unrelated issues, turning on more insults, innuendo or spouting a bunch of cliches or hyperboles. This will completely frustrate anyone on the other side listening in good faith and make them want to throttle you - 'Mission Accomplished!!'

"He sympathises with Iranians. That is an enemy of Israel!! He hates us and wants to destroy us and our friends."


"You are being a Nazi! I bet you loved Hitler" (This is often the first and last resort of some on both sides)

"Love Trumps Hate"  (Ask if this applies to Russians)

"No we don't hate anyone as long as they play fair. (Ask if this applies to Chinese, Arabs or Muslims or even other Americans who disagree with you)"


5)  Never accept anything sensible said or reportedly said by someone who is from another or  'enemy' nation because that would somehow imply that common sense or some valuable thought or wisdom can be found in people outside one's own country. 'Politics above Principles' is the expected norm in this approach!

Statements such as the following are typical in this category.

"But that is what the Russians say and would want, is it not?"

"I do not care a rat's a$$ for what that Communist loving pr**k says. He wants to suck up to China!"

"I don't want to hear what a dictator slime-ball says!"

Using even a sensible slogan as a tactical weapon, effectively damages it irreparably in the eyes of a large number of people, especially if its message is not put into practice.

Here are a some  classic examples.

"Love Trumps Hate" (Check whether this applies to Trump and his supporters)

"When they take the low road, we take the high road" (Sounds good but ....)

"Stronger Together" (So what are you trying to bring people together? Do you think your approach is working? or will work?)

"We have started 'winning' again!" (What exactly is being won? At what price? What is being lost? Is it worth it, if one loses unity among a large number of fellow citizens for the long run?)

Summary: Looking at the whole picture, it seems to me that many are divided and will remain divided because that is how they _want_ to be. One can never convince some people to unite or love each other.

I reckon many among the divided will personally agree that it is perfectly OK to feel and show love and respect in every personal dealing with a person one strongly disagrees with, as long as they reciprocate. If their own efforts fail due to the arrogance and ego of the other, people move on to the stage of responding with a sting - to perhaps salvage some personal satisfaction of giving back some of the pain and offense and the merry, vicious cycle continues. It cannot happen by only one side yielding all the time. Humility seems to be a taboo in today's discussions. Willingness to be convinced is another.

If it is to become a more truly United States of America or any other  'united' nation in the world, there has to be less of the above patterns of behaviour in what passes for debate or discussion. Coming together has to come from the heart and soul - a sense of belonging to a greater common group and a desire to deal in good faith for the common good. That cannot be imposed. It has to come from within, either by a flash of wisdom or painful experiences.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Dhoondun Bahaar (I Search For Spring)

Dhoondta hun bahaar har phool mein,
jab woh mere paas nahin hote
Virla hi hai woh shaks 
jiske dil mein aas nahin hote

English Translation:
I search for spring in every bloom
When she is not here
Rarely is there someone 
In whose heart there is no desire



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

No Such Thing As Too Much Love

बहुत ज्यादा प्यार? ऐसा नहीं 

प्यार चाहे कभी कम हो

प्यार ज्यादा नहीं कर सकता 

तेरा गम कभी कम हो

ये वादा नहीं कर सकता

शुक्र गुज़ारुं मैं उसकी 

जो कुछ प्यार मे मिला है 

अपेक्षा नहीं कुछ नामिले की

न कहूं मुझे कुछ गिला है 

Bahut Jyaada Pyaar? Aisa Nahi

Pyaar chaahe kabhi kum ho
Par jyaada  nahin kar sakta
Tera gham kabhi kum ho
Ye waada nahin kar sakta

Shukr guzaroon main uski
Jo kuch pyaar mein mila hai
Apeksha nahin kuch naamile ki
Na kahoon mujhe kuch gila hai

    English Translation:

No Such Thing As Too Much Love

Showing love less, sometimes I may,
But I could never love you too much.
That your pain will be less one day,
I cannot honestly promise you such


For all that in love I've got
I thank the Lord in gratitude
No expectations of what is not
With no complaining attitude



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Dangerous driving and Illegal migrants

Law abiding people in their own country should not have to face deadly consequences of illegal migrants with poor driving skills or attitudes towards law. Illegal immigrants might fail to stop and render assistance in case of an accident, just to save their own skin since they were there illegally. It puts lives at risk. I can relate to this kind of issue coming from India. Fortunately, I learned to drive a car and got my license while I was in the USA legally. I went back to India and had to unlearn most of the road rules, respect for the laws and courtesy in driving just to survive in the mad chaos that was and is still India's road culture, despite having improved a great deal.

I think it works both ways, when people move with a legitimate driving license from countries like India where the traffic culture is 'different' and chaotic. There should be no automatic allowing of people to drive legally in organized countries like the USA on an 'international' license. There needs to be clear evidence of their having 'unlearned' their old driving habits and attitudes AND passing the stringent driving tests in countries like the USA before allowing them to drive, even for LEGAL immigrants.

It is simply not worth putting random law-abiding lives at risk on the roads.
Of course, for the safety of the general public and themselves, drivers from the USA and other developed countries also should be banned from driving in India until they learn to break the rules and drive safely.. ;-)

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

WHAT and WHO and WHY

I note that when we come across a statement made by someone
- some respond to WHAT was said
- some respond to WHO said it and WHY they might have said it

No doubt the WHAT, WHO and WHY are all related and perhaps even relevant, but if taken together, the real issue is no longer WHAT was said, it becomes personal. Any debate then becomes a different ball-game.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Political soulmates

The topic of politics is amazingly revealing of one's inner nature - we can often be more in agreement and sync with a total stranger than with a close friend or family member! :-)


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

No Deplorables in Australia

Historically, the industries of the rust belt built up the wealth and prosperity of the USA in the last century and until recently. They produced the hardware and real tangible stuff that people need and use for a comfortable modern life. The metropolises at the two coastal ends of the USA became the 'financial', 'cultural', 'fashion' and entertainment hubs based on this wealth from the inner industrial belt of the midwest of the USA. They later became the intangible 'technology' centres too funded from the wealth of the more basic industries and agriculture in the 'middle' states. It seems today that, politically, the 'cultural elites' of the coasts have forgotten or started to look down upon the very kind of working class  people who built up the USA - its wealth and power to become the wealthiest and most powerful nation. Just because the value of a technology stock makes some wealthy does not mean those who worked on older technology or with their hands can be treated without respect or consideration. Here in Australian culture it would be like insulting the sheep farmer or cattle drover or miner on whose labours this country survived and thrived.  Just because a movie industry or technology developed in the big cities makes some very rich if they get out of touch with the large number of country folk who might be struggling and start to label them as 'less educated' or 'deplorable' it will cause great resentment and division in society politically. I find it hard to imagine any major political party or its followers in Australia 'talking' like the so-called 'liberal' media in the USA  about the working class people here who are largely of European descent. They are spoken of with respect in Australian political discourse.

The so called 'liberal' elites in the USA seem to have forgotten the hands that have fed and nurtured their country for over a century until recently. 


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Without labels - Trump and Castro

Firstly, lets us take away the labels that we give ourselves or those that others give us - 'capitalists', 'democrat', 'communist', 'socialist', 'liberal', 'nationalist', 'leftist' or 'rightist' etc. Instead let us look at what we aspire for, or practice in simple language, _without using those labels_. Now things often appear in a different, surprising and revealing light.

It is rather strange today in the USA that the supposed 'Left, socialist leaning' side is encouraging and is supported those who favour - unrestrained, greed-driven, free, global capitalism driven by maximizing profit anyway, while those that are supposed 'Rightist' voted for Trump favouring a system of trading not dictated by pure unrestrained greed. They too favour trading, but keeping in mind local interests with a human social conscience and profit with some social restraint on it, so that a large section of the population is not left behind. Trump and his supporters, rightly in my opinion, fought against making deals with foreign interests that benefitted a small number of USAnians. They have had a tough going, within the 'democratic' system that is supposedly perfected over 200 years in the USA.

One can look at the argument that Castro might have made many years ago while leading his socialist revolution - against a local government that made deals with foreign interests benefitting a small number of Cubans, while disadvantaging a large number of Cubans.  Castro was perhaps looked  upon as a 'Cuban Trump' many decades ago. Strong local democracy such as even in the USA did not exist in Cuba.

I see Trump and Castro as basically the same type of leaders for their own people, with similar minded people following them. Of course, the scale and details of the countries are different, but the basic principles they are fighting appear similar to me.

It is obvious that no country is purely capitalist or socialist or communist, ideal democracy or whatever. People have always traded and will always trade - it is not something 'communists' dont do. They can, and very well too, as China has shown. No society is viable or can sustain or thrive as a 'pure' capitalist or socialist or 'pure' ANYTHING... It needs elements of capitalism, socialism, democracy, autocracy and true leadership (that is a rare, random thing, not something that can be 'cultivated' in a system).  The glaring difference in 'leadership' qualities between Trump and Clinton is the perfect example here.

We should hope that there is a proper balance between different elements and it is up to the locals everywhere to decide what is the best balance of social principles (looking after each other) and commercial and capitalist principles (trading for profit).

The mainstream media always uses labels and tries to fire up an emotional response within each of us - this prevents clear thinking, promotes a reflex reaction of either hate or a blind happy sense of bonding. Once one lets go of the labels and tries to see things in their real light, we will see who the real villains are and who the real heroes are, who the good guys or bad guys are in a particular issue or situation. One hopes the people of the USA see things in a real light and stop this mess of mutual hatred and bitterness between fellow citizens. As an observer I can only say - Come together as one united nation. Most of you, the vast majority are more alike and interested in the same things than you can see for yourself. Don't let the corrupt media play you like it has in the past.



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Who is a true 'liberal' ?

A true 'liberal' is not defined by what values they personally hold and practice on issues, but how tolerant, accepting and respectful they are of those who hold a different view or values. The opposite of 'liberal' is NOT one who holds a conservative or traditional viewpoint. In Australia, the political party that espouses more conservative ideas and values calls itself 'The Liberals'. They are the equivalent of those labelled 'Conservatives' in the UK or the USA.

When we see past the labels people attach to others (and claims they make about themselves) and look at their actions it becomes clear, who is liberal and who is not. Those observations in real life can be surprising and revealing - not what is made out in the mainstream media.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

A Life As Love Birds

To be born a man or a woman
Is there a choice, a third?
If there were, I really swear
I'd like to be born a bird

And you too, my love
As a parrot or a dove
Or as a swan or a starling
You'll always be my darling

We'd make a fine pair
We'll fly on a lark
Waltzing happily in the air
 Over to the park

Together we'll chase rainbows
And glide down from the sky
A-singing our hearts out
A-looking down from high

Crazy in the spring sunshine
Heady in our romance
Earth-bound lovers would look up wistful
And watch us as we dance

Us they would envy
Men and women in love
Wishing they could make love
As we two do above

Out in the open
And up in the tree
Whenever that we please
Living lives carefree

While they sit sipping some fancy wine
We'll have dew drops on the leaves
While they wait out the storms inside
We'll shelter in the eaves

In our own little nest
On that great big tree
We'll live without worries
And live rent-free

No passports, no tickets
For us no man-made borders
We'll fly to where we please
For us no taking orders

When the wild wind blows
And shakes our oak tree
Or the rain falls hard
And tries to soak thee

In all kinds of weather
We'll find cause to sing
Feather touching feather
You sheltered in my wing

In the light breeze a wind chime sings
They're both aflutter - my heart and my wings,
Come to me, My Cutie Beak!
I want to kiss you as you speak

Like our own spirits we would soar
Wings spread out in the sky
I could not ask for very much more
Than such a life to try





- Photos and Images (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy
All Rights Reserved Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy

Ideas and Feelings Rule Our World

Ideas and feelings run our world. They occupy and take over people's minds and hearts to achieve their goals. Humans thus become expendable vessels or containers and tools for their real masters who are subtle and intangible. 

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Orange Cheetos Revolutionary

There was always something that reminded me of the notorious snack called 'Cheetos' about Mr. Donald Trump, from the very first time I saw him on TV about a decade ago. I had heard and seen ads for his program - 'The Apprentice'. The orange aura, his ill-fitting suit, unusual hair style and the repeated staged-for-effect stock phrase 'You're Fired!!' seemed to lend a 'cheesy' flavour to the program. I was not very keen when I was once invited to sit and watch with my children, who liked to watch it among other programs.

"Sounds and looks too 'cheesy'," I said.

They said they liked it and so I decided to watch it sometime.

One day, I found time to sit with them and actually watched an episode. It was better than I expected - there was some good thinking, analysis and values involved - taking responsibility and motivation to succeed. While some of the decisions seemed harsh on some participants, it was clear that they were based on an open, transparent criteria. The participants had willingly come forward to go through the challenge and perhaps accept disappointment after a lot of well-intentioned effort. It seemed like a reasonable representation of real life. Also, I noted that Mr. Trump was not as harsh as made out to be in the promotional clips and that he listened calmly to everyone before making his decisions and explained his decisions really well.

I shared those thoughts with my little kids and moved on, not watching many episodes but sometimes checked with my kids on their favourite candidates and their progress. Privately, I must confess that I felt a bit ashamed of myself for being a bit too judgemental based on the initial appearance. I was glad that my kids could still focus on other things and not be put-off by just one aspect or person.

Over the years, I had also heard fleetingly of Mr. Trump's oscillating fortunes in the real-estate business and some book he wrote, some beauty pageants and his casino called the "Taj Mahal". It all seemed typical of a high-flying capitalist in the USA and really off my radar.

Recently, his name cropped up again in the news regarding his Presidential bid. It was mentioned in a manner ridiculing him - like one among a bunch of clowns in the run. I too laughed. Then I heard about some 'outrageous' statement he had reportedly made about 'all Mexicans being murderers and rapists' and 'building a wall'. Then there was the one about 'Stopping all Muslims from entering the USA'. The first reports about his statements seemed utterly racist and bigoted, without really really knowing exactly what was said by Mr. Trump, it seemed reasonable to go along with the take in the media that, he would not last long in the political arena and did not deserve to. I did not pay much attention to it.

When I read again that he had won some support in some polls and that he was being talked about more and more, even if negatively, it intrigued me. When I next came across an article I looked up exactly what he had said about Mexicans and Muslims. It was then I realised that the media did not repeatedly mention the full statement made. It was spliced and misinterpreted his whole statement by focusing on a part of the whole statement. The gist of his statements 'Some illegal immigrants that come from Mexico are criminals - murderers and rapists while some are good people'. He contended that the large number of illegal immigrants - figures of about 11 million was proof that something was terribly wrong. This was being deliberately and repeatedly twisted, misrepresented with great energy and vigour in the media. The same with his statement about Muslims - it was about stopping the intake of Muslims until they figured out what exacly was going on. Taking Mr. Trump's full statement into account would require the USA to self-reflect to 'figure out what exactly was going on these countries. It meant to honestly think and judge their own role and actions. Just blindly proclaiming anyone the media suggested as a villain and all the actions of the USA as saintly and 'good' was ridiculous. The mainstream media seemed just too motivated and energetic in its attempts to pull down Mr. Trump.

That made it even more suspicious. If all the media did was report his exact statements and left it at that, any reasonable thinking person could judge for themselves and make up their minds. But that apparently was not desirable for the mainstream media. The more they set out to obfuscate someone's message and demonize them, the more they raise suspicions. If one could simply see what the person had said, it was becoming clear that there was a great, unusual fear of Mr. Trump in the mass media.

Once again, like I once made time to watch an episode of 'The Apprentice', I made time to watch the Presidential debates on TV, not letting the blanket negative 'editorializing' by the obviously biased TV commentators tell me what to think of him. It became clear that an establishment outsider with an ugly mug, cheesy aura and orange hair, whatever else he may have said in the past, was making more sense on the current political and economic situation of the USA and the world than the 'elegant', 'Presidential looking', 'synthetic plastic' candidates, with years and years of 'experience' in groomed, modulated tones wearing better fitting suits.

It was also becoming clear from the concerted manner in which the mainstream media from all over the world attacked him viciously and persistently - his voice, appearance, his past, his loyalty to his country, caricatured him, insulted him and his supporters, that there was something they seriously feared about him. It was not what the other candidates claimed and many of their statements did not make sense. They were meant to soothe, reassure and give a feeling of being 'not cheesy' and sounding 'Presidential'.

After thinking about all he faced and what he says and does, in the final days of the campaign, I saw a man beyond the orange snack aura - a man with a clear message from a lot of people who have been betrayed by the system and their governments in the past from both parties. I see a man with grit, determination, a brilliant tactician with a sharp intellect - one who knew how to turn the most pervasive, biased and corrupt media on its head. He seems fearless and does not buckle under duress. In fact, the opposite. It seems to bring out the best in him, the fight in him and he is an intelligent fighter.

With cleverness, he and his campaign made the negative media coverage be one of his best selling points - they could not afford to ignore him. the more they wrote about him negatively, the more it garned support for him, revealing the state of affairs to any person who cared to think about it a little rather than blindly follow it. Apparently, many have.

I have learned not to judge a snack by its flavour now - 'cheesy' flavours might mask something wholesome while 'wholesome' flavours might hide something really cheesy.

Way to go Mr. Trump! Good luck! A lot of people would like you to hear say to a lot of other people - "You're Fired!"


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

I Will Not Fit In Your Box Or Fall In Line

I am not your 'Leftist' or 'Rightist' or 'Centrist' in my political views. I will not be easily classified in a box of your definition either, unless it is titled 'Not Easily Classifiable'.

I want to be 'right' in the sense that I have views and opinions that I hope are

- fair to me and others

- 'correct' according to some moral principles or values I hold, along with most people

My views on various issues might fall all over the place, guided by the above idea of what I consider is right.

That Left-Right spectrum is a flawed construct in my view that people try to impose on others.

If you try to fit me on a straight line between 'The Left' end and 'The Right' end, it will not work. I will not fit into any of your boxes either.

I believe most humans are like that - a bit all over the place and uniquely themselves, even with a lot in common with some others.

I have been labelled everything at various times on various issues - 'Communist', 'Leftist', 'Moderate', 'Rightist, 'Atheist', 'Religious', 'Capitalist', 'Liberal', "Conservative' ,''Socialist', 'Democrat', 'Nationalist' and 'Anarchist' by others. They try hard to place everyone in a straight line. I will not fit neatly into your boxes too - 'Indian','Hindu' or 'IT Professional' or 'Pessimist' or 'Optimist', 'Serious', 'Flippant' or whatever.

I support various elements of Capitalism, Socialism, Immigration, Free Trade and Protectionism. I am for non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, nationality or sexual orientation, dress-sense, hairline, musical or food preference, unless it is relevant to letting everyone be as much as possible of who they want to be without trampling on others.

Of course, when someone claims they belong somewhere on a straight line or in a box - saying 'I am a Leftist' or 'Left of Centre' or whatever, I respect their own sense of belonging. I give that some weightage and go about dealing with them on an issue-by-issue basis looking at the specific values or arguments they bring. Many times I have noticed them to be contradictory to what they claim. I just deal with that issue and not try to challenge their notion of themselves, unless pushed to.

What do you believe you are, or NOT are?



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Fairbanks

O Jewel of Tanana Valley! Good city of Fairbanks,
Here's an ode to you from me, with grateful heartfelt thanks

The very first time, through my eyes you were seen
There was nowhere else, I'd rather have been

As I stepped out into the bright sunshine
You looked so beautiful and very fine

Pulsing, golden, Alaska's heart
I fell for you, right from the start

Over mountains and seas, I flew to thee
Such beauty in nature, I'd rarely see

My first ever home in a foreign land
Gracious host family, to lend a hand

Dear old UAF, my alma mater
All that I'd leave, a few years later

Many things I learned, many friends I met
Many things I saw, I will never forget

Brenda and Bruce, David and Ben
Jaipal, Stephenita, Kathy and Ken

Such easy, friendly connections were made
I was once Felix Pedro, in the Golden Days parade

My first ever snowfall, in Fairbanks I saw
A magical world, filling me with awe

The winter months of night, and the summer months of day
The snowy blanket white, where squirrels came out to play

The dark black ravens foraging, in the bins behind Nerland Hall
Through all the seasons - spring, summer or winter or fall

I often used to wonder, how they could stand the cold
They were always at home there, by the natives I was told

The memories of egg-nog and warm sourdough bread
Still soothe my heart and soul
The images of ice-carvings dance in my head
With Santa Claus House, North Pole

The wondrous sights of Northern Lights
Green curtains in the sky
The top of Denali and peaks of great heights
From a distance we could spy

It was in Fairbanks, that I first learned to drive
And bought my very first car
Stopped at 'Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn' to revive
Having driven from Anchorage far

You made a welcome place for me
It was generous on your part
You are now a part of me
A soft corner in my heart

I hope one day, to be with you again
And convey to you, my thanks
A warm sweet memory you remain
My dear old Fairbanks!

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Ann and Mary

There were two girls who were siblings
They were so unlike each other
It was hard for anyone to believe
They were born of the same mother

One felt she was God's gift to the world
She was a stunning beauty
Every man around her little finger she twirled
To serve her was his duty

She looked like Aphrodite
She acted high and mighty
Her God-given assets, sure looked so fine
And over the years caused, countless hearts to pine

"I do deserve in life, nothing but the best
 I have no time at all, for all of the rest
I am worthy of the finest, any man can give
If he ever dreams that, with him I should live

I'm worthy of the best just being me
Would you just take a look?
I'm a Princess, can't you see?
Don't expect me to cook!

If any man expects, to have me at his side
He must be Adonis, and able to provide
A lifestyle that I expect
And the highest respect

He must be strong and gentle
And always very kind
Not quite sentimental
Or I might change my mind."

She was bewitchingly haughty
And enticingly naughty
To love her meant she be adored
Else she was too easily bored

If she dropped something, she waited for the man,
To pick it up off the floor for her
She would not stoop or stretch, she waited for the man
He had always had to open the door for her

Now, the other sister, Ann
She looked a little ordinary
She rarely caught the eye of a man
When she stood next to Mary

Ann had no airs about her
She really was quite simple
The only thing special about her
Was a tiny dimple

It graced her little chin
She wasn't very fair
She looked a bit too thin
And had mousy hair

Ann walked around, with an awkward gait
While hoity-toity Mary, strutted like a model
Mary had fancy curls, Ann a simple plait
Mary sang sweetly, Ann could only yodel

There was never very much
That Ann ever demanded
She accepted life as such
And she was left-handed

She worked hard for everything she had
She slaved away for years
And through the times both good and bad
She bravely hid her tears

Ann worked hard, yet often gave up
The things that she had earned
While Mary never had to save up
"Just Ask and Get" she learned

Yet, both deep in their hearts
For true love did crave
They each had many false starts
Could not find one so brave

Brave enough to commit for life
Brave enough to take them for a wife
The men that the sisters dated
Usually were soon intimidated

Some by the haughty beauty
Some by the plainness of Ann
There was not one among them
That was truly a worthy man

The years kept rolling by
And the girls were getting old
Just when it seemed, one might click
Someone's feet was getting cold

Until one day, along came
One rich handsome fellow
James Earl III was his name
He was by nature mellow

He worked as an engineer
A BMW was his carriage
His face had a permanent sneer
He was much sought in marriage

He was a most eligible catch
For all the girls in town
They all felt he'd be a perfect match
And this he had known

He went through dating them, one by one
But he was by nature wary
He barely escaped the clutches of one
When he started dating Mary

In first approaching him herself, Mary had condescended
As soon as she came to know, his previous love had ended
It seemed at first, he was a typical man
He attended to Mary and, mostly ignored Ann

He was quite nice, and polite to all
Though he did not talk very much at all
He seemed of a nature, quiet and deep
And his own counsel, he preferred to keep

He talked straight, and never did lie
Nothing ever seemed, to escape his eye
He was sure of himself, and in very good health
He was quite generous, but understated his wealth

Until now,  All of Mary's suitors
Really had to compete
To outdo each other in deeds
And lay great offerings at her feet

James however, seemed to take
An approach quite contrary
He seemed to be, in some rare moments
A male reflection of Mary

It drove her quite crazy sometimes, that she had to swallow her pride
If she ever wanted to make real, her dream of being his bride
She covered up her feelings, in fake and loud laughter
Just wait for the wedding, she figured,"I'll teach him a lesson after"

As soon as she felt that she had, their relationship in a groove
Mary wasted no time at all, in boldly making her move

She really did not want, this one to get away
She was quite determined, to have him - come what may

So, she cornered him, after dinner, late
One starry, moonlit night
Gave him an ultimatum for a wedding date
They got into a fight

The ease, calm and confidence with which
He dismissed her deadline
Brought out at that moment, her inner bit*h
Then she crossed the line

To his reasons she wouldn't listen
Her disappointment too great
Her eyes began to glisten
And her voice began to grate

She gave vent to her anger
And let loose with her tongue
Words that never crossed a lady's lips
She cared not if they stung

Now, James was quite shocked by this
But he still kept his cool
He realised that until now,
She'd played him for a fool

As her face flushed and turned quite red
He smiled calmly, laughed and said
"Girl, You sure are a cutie,
But for me, way too snooty.

Surely you shouldn't harry
The one you expect to marry
I thank you for all this, and I wish you well
For I know that you've saved, me from certain hell."

Mary stormed inside, ran to her room
Fire in her breath and eyes in tears
Shortly they all heard, James' car go vroom
She never saw him for a couple of years

And then in a few days,
The sisters parted ways
Each out on her own
But in the same town

To lead a spinster's life
Was the worst of all their fears
They hoped to become someone's wife
And thus spend their years

One day, Mary got a letter,
It was from her sister Ann
She wrote "My life's now better
And I have met this man.

I really have no idea,
How this relationship will go
If it gets serious,
I'll soon let you know."

A few weeks later, the postman brought,
Mary a lovely card,
Reading it, she became distraught
The news, to bear, was hard

"I'm getting married, to this lovely man.
I wanted you to know," wrote her sister Ann,
"He wants to wed me, and is really sweet.
He surely wants to lay, the whole world at my feet.

I was not sure a while ago,
Now, I'm sure he's the one,
I'm certain that next to him,
I've now, a place in the sun,

I call him 'Gems' and he calls me his 'Pearl'
You already know him, he is James Earl."

Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016

All rights reserved

The Sick Old Man

Wisps of hair, like streaky clouds
Gathered 'round his head
He lay under a tattered quilt
Reclining on his bed

The musty air smelled, Oh! so foul
As I manfully held the bowl
He struggled so noisily with his breath
I feared he just might cough to his death

A spoon of soup I tried to feed him
Some dribbled down his chin
He looked at me with his rheumy eyes
Then gave a toothless grin

I wiped his stubbly chin and lips
With a hand-kerchief
Fed him water in tiny sips
As his look spelled mischief

With practised guile, I cracked a smile
"Now you better rest!
That is what the doctor ordered
and it is for the best."

He paused from a fit of wheezing
And gave me such a look
The tone of his voice was teasing
Even as it shook

"Listen, young man
I have something to say
Listen, if you can
Listen today

I don't have much time
For you or for life
There's no one to miss me here
No child or a wife

I know I am not wrong
When I say what I feel
I am not very strong
Don't think I will heal

I've had a good run
And heaps of fun
I've made many happy
And a few a little sappy

I used to be wealthy once
I was healthy too
Until fate had me in its crosshairs
It was stealthy too

I outlived my kids and friends
I outlived my wives
I look forward to meeting  them all
In our future lives

Here's a little something for you
I've saved it for some time
Thanks for taking care of me
This is surely worth a dime."

From under the pile of pillows
He pulled out a couple of bags
They were full of little bundles
Tied up in dirty rags

"I know I cannot make it"
He continued with a smile
"It's for you. Go on take it,"
As he saluted me with style

"What is all this?" Hesitating, I asked
As he thrust it all at me
"Open one up and have a look," he said
And then you will see"

I untied a little bundle, and it was a big surprise
Easily a few hundred dollars in bills, I couldn't believe my eyes
There must have been a few scores of them, I really was quite shocked
He held up his hand to block my protest and then he firmly talked

"Before you say anything, now that I have your attention,
It is all money honestly earned and some part of my pension
I live on very little, I have very few needs
Some have even paid me well, for a few kind deeds

Many times before, I've given away the lot
Many thought I was a fool
But the more I gave, the more I got
And that seems to be the rule

I suspect you will be the last
I give this with my thanks
As you can see I trust people
More than I trust the banks."

I was suddenly curious,
"What were you before?" I dared to ask
For just a second, he looked furious
Then his face become a mask

"I was always a human,
Imperfect but hopefully good
Do you have any doubts?
I don't think you really should."

"Oh, sorry Sir, I meant to ask,
What kind of work did you do?"
I feared he'd take me to task,
And that is what he did do!

"Judge me not by what I did
Oh, just don't you dare
Judge me now by how I did
Everything, with care

Yes I made mistakes,
But I've got what it takes
If I did the crime
I also did the time

There are many hats I have worn
Engineer, Clerk and Teacher
There are even sheep I have shorn
I once was a traveling preacher

I have been a son, a father and a friend
I have been husband too, but in the end
I have tried to be an honest man
And in all done the best I can

One day you might find yourself,
right here in my place
But remember then, I just was
Ahead of you in this race."

It all seemed a bit too much for him
His face turned a  little red
His bright eyes appeared to dim
He sank into his bed

He looked into my eyes, and touched my very heart
As good-bye to life he bade
From the dark outside I heard, the dogs' howling start
As I saw the spark within him fade

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Mid- Life Taking Stock

Sitting down, now past the 'middle point' of even an unreasonably generous, long expected lifetime, I'm pausing. I am looking back at life, looking at where I am now and looking ahead.  It seems a good time to 'take stock' as they say - listing one's  past experiences, a look at the current state and hopes for the future.

I choose to consider my 'achievements' under the more general and accurate category of 'experiences' for the following reasons:

- Sure enough, my efforts at working towards them contributed a lot, but ultimately achieving the experience of having attained the 'goal' has also been due to other factors - people and circumstances conspiring beyond my control.

- There are instances of my not having 'attained' a certain goal I have worked hard for. This is the living example of the wisdom in the saying 'Have no expectations in life - despite doing your best and working towards a goal'. If you don't work for it, you most likely will NOT achieve it or 'deserve' it if you do. If you do work for it, you are more likely to achieve it, but don't be too sure. You may have not done enough, done right. You may have done enough or more but there may be other factors beyond your control. I have come to accept that it is the game of life - 'you win some, you lose some' even if you played hard, fair and square. We just have to keep playing on.

- There are things I wished for, never put enough effort consciously and still managed to 'achieve' them due to 'fate'. I will take it happily and gratefully. I have just been fortunate enough to experience them!

Great Experiences ('Achievements' included):
- Loving parents, grandparents, extended family, friends and neighbours. They were mostly loving, encouraging and motivated us to do well in life.
- Good childhood
- Traveled and moved around a lot, even as children. Lived in places with different languages, climates, cuisines and music
- Experienced periods of plenty and shortage, peace and war
- Becoming an engineer
- Singing on stage
- Getting a job that paid enough to support oneself and even others
- Riding in an airplane
- Living in a dormitory or alone
- Learning to cook for oneself and others
- Owning, driving a car
- Learning to change a flat-tyre and some basic maintenance on a car
- Travel, study and experience living in a different country and society
- Staying in a Five-Star hotel
- Falling in love, receiving love
- Heartbreak
- Foolishness mine and others'
- Getting married
- Having children
- Going through a family break-up
- Living in a house with a backyard and lawns
- Learning to mow a lawn and gardening work
- Learning woodwork and producing something useful
- Wearing the hats of computer/electrical engineer, teacher and writer
- Composing an original piece of music
- Being published (in a magazine or a book that sells)
- Raising children
- Cook something that becomes a favourite of my children
- Being treated as family among certain friends
- Learning to play cricket and football 'properly', even if for just a little while
- Buying a house for oneself
- Having excellent neighbours and townfolk who make you feel welcome and that you want to belong
- Seeing my son overtake me in height, weight and strength
- Being around to hear my teenage son's voice break for the first time
- Getting hand-me-down clothes from my son when he has outgrown me
- Seeing my children perform on stage, win prizes and competitions
- Not being around when my father passed away, far away, a few months after I had returned from visiting him in the ICU
- Getting in touch with many of my friends of my youth and childhood after about 30 years!
- Having some people call me their 'son' and treat me as such
- Having a kid unrelated to me tell me they wished I could be their father
- Being debt-free and able to live within my means
- Getting to listen to the old, old music of various parts of India that I grew up in, that I had thought were lost to me forever, in this wonderful modern networked world of today

Where I am today:

- Very thankful and grateful for all of the above
- Thankful for my children, my mother, my siblings, my friends, my neighbours and this wonderful country and society that values life beyond just economics
- Just a little anxious for my children's futures, as perhaps inescapable for most parents, no matter how their children are or are doing
- Healthy and active


Looking to the future, with great hopes but no expectations:

- Seeing my children on their two feet as good people and productive citizens
- Seeing my children happy and able to withstand the shocks and laugh amidst the ups and downs of life
- Maintain my health and activities
- Taking a long cruise with my loved ones
- Traveling with my loved ones
- Following my dreams of helping people tell their own stories
- Achieving/Experiencing a peaceful end


What about you? Would you like to 'take stock' and share about your own life?


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Ordinary or Extraordinary?

When you fail at something ordinary,  consider the possibility that you were meant to succeed at something extraordinary.

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Traditional Neighbourliness - Spare an Onion?

Traditional Neighbourliness - Spare an Onion? 

My neighbours from India just made my day. They came asking if I could spare some onions as they had run out of them while cooking.  It brought back such memories of growing up in India when people felt free to ask for such 'loans' which of course would be repaid. I feel so good that I thanked them from the bottom of my heart. 

The other day I ran out of potatoes and considered asking them next door as I was in the middle of cooking. My kids thought it was strange and 'weird' and 'Indian' having grown up here all their life.  They wanted me to drive immediately to the mall as I have usually done  here. The neighbours were not home and my kids were thankful . 

Today apparently the neighbour's kids also felt the same when the parent decided to give it a try to show them how it is done. The kids (mine and theirs) were very surprised at my joyous response! :-)


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Satan, Saint and Our Children

Only humans can be truly evil in this world. 

The Satan and the Saint are both born in the minds of sweet little adorable children. They sneak into their souls often unnoticed.
We all bear the consequences of how they turn out. 
That is why we all need to watch out for all our children. They are truly all, OUR children. 


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Often Unsaid Rules to Happiness and Success in Life

1. Apologize for your mistakes before being asked to. The difference of impact of an apology one second before and after being asked is enormous.

2. Know when to give up some of your rights voluntarily before being forced to. It is not possible, nor is it in your best interests, to exercise every single legitimate or legal right everytime. It is usually a long time before you can enjoy most of your legitimate or legal rights in life if at all. Strangely enough, the sooner you learn to happily live without some of your rights, the sooner you are likely to achieve them.

3. Giving up one's legitimate rights to be angry over some issue, sometimes presents an opportunity to get something more valuable in their place - goodwill and love.
Sometimes it is the opposite, failure to get angry or upset and assert your right is a big mistake. Learn to know when to assert your anger and when not to.

4. There are moments to insist on exercising one's rights over a small issue and easily to give up on big ones. This makes it possible to achieve goals that are bigger than the current issue - big or small.

5. The idea of 'big' or 'small' , 'more important' and 'less important'  can vary with people and time. Be aware of that.

6. People judge and classify others instinctively as a matter of habit (there is even a category 'not classifiable yet') and deal differently with different people under identical circumstances. Try and be aware of how you may be classified in the mind of anyone you deal with. It is a waste of time trying to fight this phenomenon as 'right or wrong'.  Sure, speak out against it, on occasion, but nevertheless learn to deal with it.

7. While legal positions are a fall-back for the worst case scenario, try to make relationships work at a positive level beyond that. Else, you are always on the precipice of a negative abyss.

8. The feasible path to a desired goal in human terms is rarely a straight line. You may have to travel in a different direction, even in the opposite direction for a while.

9. It is impossible to get all the above exactly right in practice. Keep trying though.

10. If you are doing your best (make sure it IS the best you can do), then derive some happiness from it every time, every day. The end results may not make you happy, but the journey will.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

How Far Away You Are

As far as it matters
As far away as you are
You might as well be on the moon
Or near a distant star

Even now, somehow
From the other side of the world
Your picture's seen
Your voice is heard

Yet you I cannot hold
But if the truth be told
You are very near
To me my dear

For you live in my thoughts
And in my heart
My dear, love you lots
We're never apart

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

For true monsters (and some clowns) it is the human face that is their mask.

For true monsters (and some clowns) it is the human face that is their mask.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Best of Americans - Where are the heroes and leaders?

The current political news from the USA brings to mind the above question.

Every country and society has all kinds of people - good and bad, strong and weak, rich and poor, clever and foolish. It is the relative distribution of these characteristics that varies a little bit among them, but not as much as we might be led to believe from the media. However, cultural acceptance of certain traits or qualities as 'desirable' or 'undesirable' can vary markedly between different countries or societies. This gives rise to certain stereotypes which can certainly represent a significant number of people who are considered as typically representing the 'best' in that society.

Here is my take on 'the best of Americans' - the citizens of the USA, as defined in their own local perceptions and traditions, based on my observations.

Freedom loving. Will accept nothing less than the maximum possible freedom to pursue happiness in life in their own way. Of course, it is accepted that it is done without trampling on the rights of someone else to do the same.

Fearless, loud and clear: Totally fearless in speaking out their mind. While they are sensitive to others' feelings as well, they will not try to be politically correct at the expense of the truth that they need to say. There is a certain, unmistakable energy and power to their speech.

Brave: Even if there is a danger and certainty of opposition and painful consequences, they will say what they believe. They will expect to face resistance and overcome it.

They will not be cowed down by intimidation, threats or fear of 'punitive consequences'.

Willingness to fight for what they believe is their right or against being tyrannized or subjugated: They cannot tolerate living a life of being enslaved.

An associated charming quality is that they respect others who also exhibit these qualities. There is something to the slogan - 'Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.' They do not, at heart, respect those who are not willing to fight for what they believe is right or fair, to face resistance, danger and take risks.

"Well, if you are not willing to fight for your rights, you likely do not deserve them!" seems to be their attitude, summed up beautifully in the saying "Freedom isn't Free".

Honest and straightforward: There is a raw honesty in their words and deeds. They may say things cryptically, but do so clearly, in an unmistakable manner. There is no 'saying one thing, meaning another and doing something else'. They will not say different things to different people to please everyone, only to deceive most.

Acceptance of imperfection in humans: An imperfect person or someone who has made mistakes, made amends and moved on, gets another chance to succeed and aim for any high goal. Some of the top achievers in the USA are examples of such people.

Intelligent: There is a simple, penetrative intelligence that can always keep the most important and significant issues in focus. They get to the point directly, ask or pose the most appropriate questions. They are not awed or side-tracked by their adversaries' bullshit or high achievements in unrelated issues or the view of the majority in a crowd. They are confident in themselves as individuals.

Irreverent and Humorous: The best Americans are not impressed by titles - ranks, titles, wealth or intellectual pretensions. Their humour is quite irreverent and permeates most social interactions.

Desire to be The Best and The Biggest: There is a great drive from within to always be the best or get the best of everything the world. There is a recognition that all the best in the world cannot be only from their own country. Hence, there is a humility and welcoming attitude to the best from anywhere else in the world, to appreciate and learn from the best, even from their adversaries. This is the real secret to their being able to absorb a lot of the best talents from around the world.

Hardworking, resilient from failures and working smart: The best of the Americans can patiently work their own way up, without resenting someone else who has honestly succeeded or done very well, ahead of themselves. They try to learn and work smart themselves. They take credit and blame individually in many situations.

In some other cultures, some of these traits will not be looked upon as 'desirable' or worthy of a 'role model'. In many Asian cultures, speaking loudly, not showing unconditional reverence to age, rank, or taking individual credit are not qualities they associate with their local notion of the best among themselves.

Of course, it is also true that in today's world, many of our traditional heroes would not stand a chance of being accepted, revered or become heroes in a modern, developed country. As some often point out, if a Jesus, or Gandhi were alive today going about doing what they were reputedly did, they would not make such a public impact in our modern society. They would probably have been locked up in some kind of state facility!!

We all like the general notion of these heroes, but modern society and culture in developed countries cannot easily accept the reality of people with such qualities. We, predominantly, prefer people and heroes who do not 'rock the boat' of our thinking -challenge us to change or speak their minds. Society seems to want people who will tell them comforting lies that we know to be so. It is interesting to watch the current political climate and wonder -

Where/Who are the best of American heroes and leaders? Will people even recognize one if they saw them on the street or heard them on TV?

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved