Yarns From A Town Called Alex: 2022

Thursday, March 10, 2022

UN: NEVER EVER in History

Just because a certain nation, however weak (or powerful) voted a certain way at the UN, never ever in the history of the UN, have I seen that

- it deterred any powerful nation from attacking a weaker nation on any made up pretext or simply violating the UN charter

- it held any powerful nation to account for actually committing aggression and atrocities

- it saved a weaker nation from being attacked

- it prevented any major atrocity or mischief from being committed to begin with even before open conflict begins

It is important to keep this in mind when discussing any activity or VOTE or its implications at the UN.

If you think you have examples to the contrary, please respond with the details.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

India, Russia, Ukraine and Morals

If India is made out to be standing with Russia on a morally shaky ground by not condemning it for military action in Ukraine and wanting to maintain good trading relations with it, it is not at all unusual. It is only continuing a long standing pattern of such behaviour.

Historically, India has had no problems or issues developing good relationship and trading with a country that has a horrendous record of invasions, genocides, physically occupying most of the world, looting and enslaving peoples for the past few hundreds of years without formal condemnation. India has developed excellent relationship with this country that had physically occupied, enslaved it for about 200 years, destroyed its riches and culture and broke it up as it left (The UK).

Nor has India had any qualms about developing excellent relationship and trade with a country that has done countless invasion, bombing and destruction of various countries in violation of the UN charter without condemning this in the UN. This country has actively and continues to support and fund terrorism against it in Pakistan. India has seen this country threaten it militarily and sanction it economically (The USA)

India has no moral scruples about developing friendly working and trade relationships with countries that constantly meddle in its domestic affairs and tell them what laws to pass or not (The EU)...

I see no reason why India would have a problem developing good relations and trading with Russia or China whose misdemeanours, real or imagined, pale in comparison with so many others with whom India has excellent relationships.

Monday, March 7, 2022

The Most Powerful Countries In The World

Rather than being judged and ranked by dollars of GDP, military spending or per capita income, a society/nation judged by the prevalence of the following in their people:

-Motivation to do better,

-Willingness to take on tough jobs,

-Enthusiasm in effort at work,

-Expectations in life,

-Commitment to and value of education for themselves and their children,

-Willingness to struggle and resilience through adversities,

-Ingenuity in solving their own problems

-Lack of an entitled outlook towards the good things in life

-The level of serious crimes

-The safety of people and their property available for all, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable part of the population.

-The level of trust among the people in their government, political leaders, most successful business people and institutions of law and administration

How would you rank the countries of the world today?

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

A Salute To The Brave Unentitled Worm

A tiny worm is born from a tiny egg in the soil. It is made up almost entirely of water. It needs water, sufficient moisture to survive, else it could simply dry up in the heat or sun. Its on its own as soon as it is born. It _has_ to find its own way to survive and thrive in this world and be ready to itself become a parent in about six weeks. There are no guarantees of any safety or security. At any instant, it could be eaten by an early bird, or even a late bird. It could be eaten by another animal or insect. It could be crushed or squashed by someone walking by or shredded by a lawn mower, the plough of farmer or truck or a digger. It could be plucked out of the ground, pierced by a hook and drowned in the water by a fisherman trying to catch a fish.

The worm has no minimum assured basic nutrition, food ration, protective care and nurturing safe environment, no loving parents, or friends. There is no healthcare, pension, safe retirement villages to enjoy the last days of its life. It has no rights enshrined in any society of its peers or outside of that.

I don’t think there has been any worm that has complained, expressed unhappiness at its lot in life and become depressed. I don’t think any worm to date has felt entitled and demanded from others what it feels is its ‘birthright’ or fundamental rights. Yet, it goes on living, enjoying life unless it is hurt by someone or something. Even then, it does not seek or demand anything from anyone else. It turns perhaps, on its own. By itself, it tries to resist, fight or struggle to free itself from its tormentor. It does the best it can. It is a life well lived no matter how long or short.

I am simply awed by the worm.