activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
Deafening silence: Where is the Hindu rights champion, the BJP government, now?
Deafening silence: Where is the Hindu rights champion, the BJP government, now? After tumultuous recent protests in Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina has finally resigned, but a state of anarchy has ensued. An unruly mob is attacking members and allies of the former government, and unexpectedly, some Hindus in Bangladesh have also come in the line of fire as soft targets. In this precarious situation, it is essential to calm the mob and establish a humanitarian corridor for the persecuted individuals to ensure their safe exit and that goal can never be achieved without the aid of neighboring countries. Establishing a humanitarian corridor in such a volatile situation is extremely crucial as many Hindus are trying to flee the violence affected areas in Bangladesh to neighboring India. However, India, the only neighboring country, has offered a cold shoulder by sealing the borders instead of opening it on humanitarian grounds. Even the Indian railways on August 5 suspended all train operations to Bangladesh to further aggravate the situation. The big question is why the BJP-dominated Indian government, which claims to champion Hindu rights, has failed to address the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. Although ruling party and its members have previously used the rhetoric of protection of Hindu minorities in neighboring countries as a tool of great political mileage but when the occasion arise to walk the talk the BJP government looked baffled and shell-shocked. Another query is why Modi government has made a seismic shift in its policy pertaining to minorities’ protection in neighboring states? The answer seems simple: the Indian government appears to be more interested in courting the new Bangladesh government in its political orbit than protecting minorities. Muhammad Yunus, the new interim government head, expressed displeasure over India’s nonchalant stance, viewing the protests as an internal matter. “If there is a fire in a brother’s house, how can I say it is an internal affair?” With Mr. Yunus’s ascension to power, the BJP government faces a dilemma, as it also provides a safe haven to his staunchest opponent, the recently deposed PM Sheikh Hasina. Another dilemma for the Indian government is coping with increasing calls at home to safeguard persecuted Hindus in Bangladesh. Following aggressive campaigns like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 and efforts to pass legislation against Hinduphobia at the United Nations, the BJP government has become a hostage to its own rhetoric. Even political parties in India across the spectrum have put the Modi government to the swords for lack of clarity and inaction regarding the ever evolving situation in Bangladesh. Recently, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has also lambasted the incumbent government over it: “If Prime Minister Modi could stop the war in Ukraine, he should also take similar steps in Bangladesh and save the Hindus.” Recent media reports indicate that the CAA in India has exacerbated the situation for Hindus in Bangladesh. Since the law’s passage, there has been a marked increase in violence and discrimination against the Hindu minority population. Reports suggest a staggering 200% rise in atrocities against Hindus since 2014, fueled by tensions surrounding the CAA. The Indian government’s muted response to the evolving situation in Bangladesh undermines its historically false narrative of intervention in East Pakistan in 1971 on humanitarian grounds. Also PM Narendra Modi’s visits to Bangladesh in recent pasts, he has repeatedly broached upon the role of Indian backed Mukti Bahini forces in 1971 Bangladesh’s war of Independence and how they protected the Hindu’s back then. In contrast, the current apathy to the plights of Hindus in Bangladesh suggests only one thing that India’s 1971 incursion into East Pakistan was solely aimed at weakening their regional rival and further their political ambitions. With no geopolitical incentives involved in aiding persecuted Hindus in Bangladesh, the BJP government has turned a blind eye to their miseries. Even more appalling is the BJP-led government’s inability to raise its voice against the anarchy in Bangladesh, fearing regional isolation. Besides Pakistan and Afghanistan, Delhi has lost goodwill among ruling elites in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives too due to its condescending approach. Recent developments are disturbing for the New Delhi government, which once vowed to isolate Pakistan but now finds itself in a similar predicament. The moribund status of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the propping up of alternative regional institutions like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) are glaring examples of Indian government’s attempts at isolating Pakistan but all these moves backfired for them as they ultimately fell prey to their own shrewdness. So through unwarranted backing of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule, BJP government has jeopardized itself not only at the home front but also at the international level. Thus, the predicaments for the right-wing NDA coalition are worsening daily due to the political mines they have been digging for their foes. The only way out is to acknowledge the gravity of emerging challenges in South Asia and address them pragmatically. The first step requires opening a humanitarian corridor for affected people in Bangladesh, especially Hindus. Additionally, India needs to backtrack from its adversarial approach toward its neighbors, as no region can progress in a hostile atmosphere. It is high time for the self-proclaimed “savior of Hindus,” the Modi government, to act, as the continued inaction towards worsening conditions in Bangladesh could draw India in this quagmire too. As Albert Einstein also once famously said “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing”
By Khawaja@vocal2 years ago in The Swamp
Early sunsets...
15AUG2024; 2142, THU– Baltimore, MD, USA Blessed evening to any and all; except for those who are just fessing whilst thieving (i.e.– majority of our elected "representatives"). You lot can eat hefty sandwiches; from someone's backyard somewhere, please and thank you.
By Nefarious Darrius2 years ago in The Swamp
The M.O.R.E Act
The M.O.R.E Act In December 2020, the House of Representatives passed two federal bills that support our favorite girl: Mary Jane. The bill we will be talking about in this post is the M.O.R.E Act - which is the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, and the other bill is the Medical Marijuana Research Act (MMJ Research Act).
By Hope Martin2 years ago in The Swamp
"What Could Happen If Trump Wins 2024? Uncover the Potential Shockwaves Across America"
The political tapestry of the United States is woven with a multitude of perspectives, ideologies, and leaders. Among them, Donald Trump has been a polarizing figure, evoking intense reactions across the spectrum. His tenure in the White House left an indelible imprint on American politics, identity, and global relations. As the possibility of Trump reclaiming the presidency in the 2024 elections looms, it's essential to scrutinize the potential consequences of such an event on various facets of American life, governance, and its standing on the global stage.
By David Snam2 years ago in The Swamp
J.K. Rowling and the Slippery Slope of Western “Feminism”
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games were fraught with controversy even before they began. From threats of dumping feces into the Seine by the French to debates over whether the opening ceremony mocked Da Vinci’s Last Supper or paid tribute to the Feast of Dionysus—Olympics = debauchery = Dionysus = god of the Seine River and the Olympics' "gay" origins.
By Karina Thyra2 years ago in The Swamp
Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan Greeted by President Biden and Vice President Harris After Landing on U.S. Soil
In a momentous event highlighting the intricate dance of international diplomacy and the critical issue of wrongful detentions, two American citizens—Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan—were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris upon their return to the United States. This event, following a meticulously negotiated prisoner exchange with Russia, underscores the complexities of international relations and the U.S. government's steadfast commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
By David Snam2 years ago in The Swamp
Democracy in danger
Democracy in danger Modern politics is harming voter participation Democracy used to be said to be government by the people for the people. Now that does not exist. Lies and deceit by political parties, is so common that the people just shrug and say, “they all do it”. There is not even great outrage at the discovery of deliberate deceptions. On the 4th July 2024 in Great Britian, an election was held. The socialist “labour” party won the most seats in Parliament, by a large majority but the voter participation was the lowest for 20 years, it is widely accepted that many votes were cast on the basis of the voter did not want the centre right party, the Conservatives also known as Tories, to continue in power. So labour won because of voter dis-satisfaction with the Tories rather than because they have better policies. This is not good for democracy.
By Peter Rose2 years ago in The Swamp
What Honest Planet Would Look Like
What would the world look like if all the lies and deception were gone? What would the world be if instead of cowardice and people who have been taught to "cya" (cover your a&$) at all costs, we actually were told the truth? I don't know, and maybe we will never know, but I suspect that if courage could bring honesty up, real human evolution and civilized progress could occur.
By Shanon Angermeyer Norman2 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Future President
It's time for another political article because as I surf through Twitter and Youtube I'm seeing post after post about Trump and Kamala. Oy ve and a half. Look what America has been reduced to: Trump, the felon who causes insurrections or Kamala, the brain dead druggie who can't complete an actual real sentence. We are so doomed. Still, if I could vote, I'd give my vote to the felon. At least I can understand him when he speaks.
By Shanon Angermeyer Norman2 years ago in The Swamp
Since we pay Tax why are charities needed?
Since we pay Tax why are charities needed? Are we paying twice for same thing? Charities do very good work. The point is not that charities do not do good work, but they should not be needed if government bureaucracies were efficient.
By Peter Rose2 years ago in The Swamp
