Tuesday, August 09, 2011

What goes around, comes around ....

The US, IMF, and the World Bank have lectured India on the need for fiscal discipline, how to allow market forces full rein, and allow businesses and companies to close down rather than support them in difficult times, which is what the Government was wont to do. The US have not taken their own advice, on the specious plea of "Too Big to Fail", and bailed out top investment banks, commercial banks and insurance companies.  The IMF and the World Bank conveniently forgot to lecture the US for the same folly - of letting deficits go haywire.
What goes around, comes around ....
The UK Press had a great time, roundly criticising the organising gaffes of the Organising Committee for the Commonwealth Games. They preened over the fact that with one year to go, their preparations for the Olympics were ahead of schedule. In less than a week after this, the London riots have exposed the seamier side of the recession-hit economy - about how thin the veneer of civilisation is, even in what is considered one of the more civilised countries in the world. All it requires is a little financial discomfort in enough people to spark riots, arson and looting. And now, there are worries about how secure London really is, with a few sports ties being called off due to the riots. Who knows if the 3rd test between India and England will happen now? If you think such rioting is uncommon, see this from November 2010 and this protest in March 2011 pushing for greater profligacy from a Government that already has racked up a cumulative deficit of 4 times the country's GDP. 

What goes around, comes around ....
The BBC calls the London arsonists and looters as "protesters" - a cute euphemism - but coyly refrain from saying what they are protesting against. A far cry from what they call helpless victims in unmanned drone attacks and in cross-fire between the "Coalition" forces seen as interlopers and those protesting their continued meddling in Iraq and Afghanistan  - "insurgents". See synonyms of insurgents here and judge for yourself how many of these terms apply to those perpetrating violence in London more accurately than "protesters".  And then Google this phrase: "Insurgents Iraq Afghanistan BBC". Orwell's 1984 is well and truly upon us. Long live Doublespeak!




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