Why it is important that Communist/Left do not win elections
- Election 2009 -

By Sanjay Akoijam *

The communists have always mastered the art of doublespeak. They are regarded as annoying hypocrites in many parts of the world.

History had taught us that the ideals of Karl Marx was very nice, but that is what it was only - suitable for an idealist but unfortunately idle world. Because the very premise of communism relies on equality for all - no matter what.

But God hasn't created everyone equally, so it would be wrong to ask the hardworking guy to pay for the idle guy. As history have taught us, countries following that ideal have failed to prosper, and only succeeded in abusing and terrorizing its own citizens.

Without going into the debate or philosophy of why all humans are not equal, it would be worthwhile to remind ourselves why communist regimes have failed all over the World. Why the Soviet Union disintegrated and why China for all practical purposes is following a capitalist economy under a guise of a communist regime, even more than the Indian economy which is a democratic country!

Again, another glaring example of the communists not telling the truth. Communists tend to be autocratic and extremely corrupt that they are afraid to speak out for truth and freedom. Remember Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge with thier communist agenda of mass killing everyone who was not a farmer?

But equality should be based more on giving equal opportunities and equal treatment, not on making everyone equal by following an archiac dogma of the times of the ruthless Stalin and the idealistic but impractical Karl Marx.

It is in this regard of equality that the US stands way above the other countries. It is why they have prospered so much and advanced so much. That is why for many, it is still an American dream to migrate and settle down in the US.

Even the so called communists. Many of them would gladly ditch thier idealogies if they get a chance to become a US citizen. For many of them, it is a case of sour grapes. So too with most of our politicians with the communists hue.

If some of them still insist that the communist way is the best way to make progress in the world, then they are hopelessly out of tune with reality and modern times. It is even worse if they are "educated" and possess many degrees.

It would be a classic case of being "educated" yet failing to learn. In some of the recent remarks of Dr. Nara, who likes to portray himself as a staunch communist, one can see this rigidity and inability to adapt to changing times. In short, a person inflexible, not pragmatic and from whom one cannot expect to bring change.

No doubt currently there is an economic recession and financial troubles in the US and the global economy. Many people believe this is the result of too much success of the capitalist system followed here. Much like in life, too much of a good thing is also not good!

And too much success with the capitalist system with little adminstrative regulation caused the subprime mortgage crises which ultimately affected the real estate market, the financial system and the auto industry.

But make no mistake about it, the US will recover quickly and come out stronger, having learnt a lesson of having inadequate economic controls and leaving market forces to human greed alone. There are already signs here in the US that the economy has weathered its biggest storms and is stabilizing.

That itself speaks volumes about the inherent strength in the US economy, something no communist country can ever have. And again, make no mistake about it, adopting a communist economic model now would not heal the US or world economy, or take the world back to the path of prosperity and human advancement.

This is not to say that the US and western countries, however developed and advanced as they are, have a perfect system. Politically too, they have made mistakes in the past in choosing friends and waging war. But the system is accountable here unlike a communist ruled regime. Officials and politiicans found taking bribes are held accountable in a de0mocratic society.

Not so in China, where the communist officials and politicians who were bribed by the companies mixing harmful melamine in baby milk powder go scot free. What many people outside the US do not know is that there is a well planned and formulated working social security system here that provides for all US citizens when they are old and retire.

There are also unemployment benefits to sustain US citizens when faced with tough economic conditions. These are also paid by taxpayer money, so there is distribution of wealth in the system, though not advertised. The system is also flexible and always adapting to improve the lives of its citizens.

And like everything else in life, there is always room for improvement. It is no coincidence that today, democratic countries with free economies are the most advanced and developed in the world. And they do not lie to themselves or the world about their policies.

Not like the communists who have mastered the art of doublespeak. Communist parties in India kept supporting the UPA government in the Centre while criticizing the Congress led government. Talk about heights of hypocrisy. They say one thing about the Armed Forces Act outside the government, and support the Manipur government from within.

If they feel they need the Act and want to continue to share the spoils of the government, they should simply say so. Just donning a communist hat, doesn't make a politician from the Left a man of integrity or less wealthy. The Indian political system in its present avataar encourages people with criminal links or money power to win elections.

The Mayawatis, Jayalalithas, Shibu Soren and some of our own homegrown netas are testimony to the fact. The CPI and CPM are not immune to this. Educated people are aware that Dr Nara is not a poor person. I cant understand why politicians from the Left parties do not distribute all their wealth to the poor when they claim to fight for an egalitarian society, do you?

But I am thankful that God in his infinite wisdom did not make everyone equal in the world. Imagine if everyone of us was an O Ibobi. What a mess that would have been! Let us all not allow ourselves to be fooled by these so called left politicians.

And least of all, someone like Dr Nara who professes that the left system of governance by lying and trying to fool everyone, is the best for Manipur. Some people are too rigid for change and thier views become more and more parochial with time.

You cant change them, but so far we have the freedom to make our own choice. Something the communist would snatch away at the slightest opportunity if they get to absolute power. Thankfully that will never happen.