Comments on: Mumbai Terror: CNN & ‘Uncomfortable Questions’

By: DLS

DLS — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 23:18:15 +0000

Chopak is wrong when he criticizes our (too-tame!) efforts against terrorists and their state sponsors, whereas his idealism is misplaced, as it was in our 1960s in the USA when many were preoccupied with “the urban problem” of festering cities and thought the answer to it lay in spending vast sums and trying to lift people out of crime and other pathological behaviors from which they chose not to extricate themselves. (Just as the West spent vast sums on places like Africa — including out of a misplaced sense of guilt — without progress to show for it, in so many cases.) Chopak should be muffled or muzzled when he begins to spout left-PC nonsense. At least Ravi Batra wasn't asked for _his_ “explanations” of and “solutions” to the “problem” of the Neglecful, When Not Abusive, Bushite West. (These days even our left-political media in the States, while following PC trends as always, isn't so crazy as to routinely rely on, say, Noam Chomsky. Which reminds me — what does Chomsky have to say about this and whom does he ultimately “blame” for this, Bush?)

Many criminals here in the USA and many terrorists elsewhere (as well as in the USA) have freely chosen to do these things, simply as a variant of crime and criminality, a resentment against and decision to act against society and its interests and better-behaved members.

At the same time I have both no sympathy for Pakistan (which has been arguably worse than Saudi Arabia when it comes to terrorism as the West has witnessed, much worse as India has both witnessed and _experienced_ numerous times) and sympathy for Pakistan in its current form, because its government (when not complicit in terrorism) is a failed-state government whose demise is most likely a mere matter of time (destroyed by violent elements within that country).

By: IndiaShoudlFight

IndiaShoudlFight — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:58:04 +0000

Deepak Chopra raises some good question, but it is the Indian government who needs to act promptly and strongly. This was the 7th attack on India by terrorists and virtually no action from the government. It is easier for the officials to say that this was prompted by Pakistan and provide some proof, but no action. Think which nation in world would not act if there are attacks on their parliament, or national pride locations such as Taj Hotel? Act India Act.

On Act, it is also Indian nationals who do not vote at election but say and discuss all the issues in parties, blogs, social and other gatherings. We Indians should be taking action by voting and putting government who can function. NOT a PM like Manmohan who says that Pakistan is also a victim of terror. IT IS PAKISTAN who is executing terror activities in world. YOU CAN NOT sympathisyze country who is the axis of Evil.

Finally, the western media should be responsible as well. Initially, western media gave spin to the entire issue with sole focus of “terror focused towards American and British nationals” As Deepak has echoed thoughts, every life is precious. Many media outlets in western countries don't even consider Canadian or south American nations or non UK lives as “western lives”. Come on – Indian life is as precious as other life – but sadly, when government of India does not recognize value of their own citizens, who else would?

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:11:26 +0000

Deepak Chopra is exactly right imo. Whether people are comfortable thinking beyond their kneejerks and biases or not, he raises valid points that must be considered if terrorism is going to be approached seriously and genuinely. This IS a global problem rather than a western problem, and ALL lives should be viewed as equally valuable. And the way we define terrorism? It all depends on where in the equation one is in at the time. Popular American-centric views only take part of that equation into consideration, and by extension only provide partial remedies.