Financial Crisis is an Offshoot of Wider Malaise!

We are gripped by financial crisis that not only refuses to recede from news headlines but becoming part and parcel of our daily lives. In a way, it is like a gripping serial drama keeping us on our toes with who is next in the firing line! One by one, the European Union countries is coming unstuck with even the giants among them afraid of treading the waters, fearing what is lurking beneath! The third biggest economy within the EU, Italy, is shaky, and that makes France the next target. Triple A ratings do not count when the push comes to shove! Germany seems to be stunned into silence as they want to save its own skin when others run amok!

The crisis within the European Union is taking some shine off the US, China imbroglio! Like in personal lives, it seems one crisis is soon forgotten when bigger issues catch us off guard! It is becoming a fight to finish in our lives for most, putting out fires springing from everywhere.

It is ironic that despite the progress that we have obviously achieved and with better tools and communications, we just are not mentally attuned to face the harsh issues. Our leaders are looking feeble and shaky by the day. One falls by the wayside like the mercurial Berlusconi, who brought “bunga-bunga” to the world stage with his dalliances, and soon another steps in with better credentials. But will anyone be able to lead or just pretend to, and buy time? We do miss real leadership! Not throwing up their hands in despair one after another and biting the dust.

For democracies to be effective, we have to close ranks at some point and unite behind leaders who have won the mandates. After all, the majority rallied behind their promises to elect them. But increasingly, it is getting tougher as the agenda becomes a moving target especially after trade liberalization and the world becoming entwined as one. One has to think and act on the go and relentless criticisms and stumbling blocks unnerve anyone. We find ourselves back to square one or even start again from behind the earlier milestones to cover more ground.

It is clear the present political setup is ineffective to solve the issues. Few, who step in, have no clue except the gift of the gab; and when faced with searching scrutiny they are easily exposed. There are many with clear vision to lead but find the political climate rather stifling!

It is time those under relentless attack of harsh realities of the times make it known that enough is enough; we require solutions to the problems and less of rhetoric. They have to be based on give and take and compromises. Such approach should extend to beyond countries’ borders as the world is the stage. After all, human suffering is across all artificial borders; the basics of living have to be assured to give hope, foundation and substance for a better future.

Let us move away from the theatre of the absurd and of comic heroes to some solid action. We need to move forward to real life than getting lost in reel lives! It is becoming a matter of life and death and the hard choices have to be made now. The signs are becoming clear calling for better sense from all around. Let us not push our luck any longer!


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