Mumbai Terror attacks - An eye opener

I am one of the millions of Indians shocked at the unprecedented act of terror that hit Mumbai. It has stirred the depths of my heart and tormented my soul. What perplexes me however is the way in which most people vent their disappointment and anger about our politicians and the governance. Among these are not only the poor but also doctors, engineers, top officials, rich merchants and industrialists. The media seem to covertly enjoy pride in zooming the voice of the people. I completely fail to understand as to whom this blatant expression of anger is targeted.

Has anyone among these well-off responsible citizens who can't afford to keep children off the traditional elitist jobs and professions, ever wanted their children to be politicians? Has any one of us got the guts to train ourselves or our children to become leaders to govern the country? We want peaceful, high placed white-collar jobs. We say politics is rotten. Who left it in the lurch to rot? Isn't our non-participation responsible for it? We are so hypocritical. With so many intelligent people around I am surprised we are incapable of making deeper analysis than populist media. Don't we know that the anger needs to be understood and leaving it as it is, results in chaos and irresponsible behavior? Anger is always pointed at someone, and that someone here is a fictitious entity which serves as an essential escape from our responsibilities. Only when sustained and sublimated can anger bring out positive action.

What happened to the Taj and us as citizens of India, is indicative of our attitude of resorting to the luxury of the back seat. We never wanted to drive. The nation seemed to function on its own. Occasionally making fun of the politician is the pastime of our people informed or uninformed. We never gave leadership any serious thought. Now that a huge terror attack from outside has shaken us, and, we have realized that we have no leadership that we expect some "alien species" to come and lead us because the present species of politicians is too weak for the job.

This is the time for us, if we are sane, to point the finger at ourselves for having us brought the country into this condition. Like a cat one could close ones eyes and drink the milk and pretend that running the nation is not our job. But the terrorists eyes are wide open and they will easily see a state of laxity and absence of care, and a laid back and unprofessional attitude towards politics. A person who despises "politics" and dishonors leadership is , no doubt, lazy and deeply hypocritical. I for myself hold the full responsibility for the terror strike and am ashamed of myself for having let my countrymen die, because I chose the comforts and luxuries of the back seat.