And replace them with bums like yourself?

I'm sorry but that's not a solution. You just have a political view, not a solution. You need to read and learn a lot more.

As much as I'd like to leave this non-productive conversation, it bothers me that people with half-baked information get so loud and unruly. Hence, the need to comment :P

For the uneducated souls like yourself, the term "neocons" abbreviates for neo-conservatism. A fancy word for politically right-wing nut jobs. There are neocons in US, UK, India and in most democratic countries in the world. Surely, you jumped the gun too early. I suppose thats expected since you've been doing that with all your previous citations.

Dumb people like you will always exist. But that's the beauty of India, ignorant people like you do get a chance to speak and we call that right democracy.

I have travelled across the world visiting a wide spectrum of political and religious countries. From Afghanistan to Israel, England to Thailand. I don't need to justify my thoughts and work to the likes of you. You like calling names, lets hear your credentials.

As for the RSS, they are the lowest living souls in this country. Hooligans that this nation hosts in Mumbai. You should have watched MNS Secretary General earlier last night, he used the phrase "super Ghandhisim" on live national television reflecting on the Mumbai police's "softness" on Aug 14th. He openly said that he wanted the Mumbai police to murder civilians during the unrest earlier this month just like the 1992 massacres (were you even born then?). BJP is very closely allied with these right-wing political parties.

I hope for the sake of humanity that we never see such idiots in the Centre. They are only a source of embarrassment to this nation. While the Congress is far from perfect, I do not see any other political party even remotely suitable to even understand our sensitive country.

You look like a depraved Hindu who would happily stand in Godse's shoes, on count. You seem not to understand the difference between corruption and democracy, I guess such understanding is for higher beings than yourself. Oh wait, racism runs in your blood. Ignorance is what is in your head. There is not much anyone can expect from you.

Have a wonderful evening and good night.

Have you ever in your life read the articles you cite here entirely or are you just trying to type something to take my screen space? Let me quote...

1- Congress did deliver on its promise when they were in power for building homes.
2- BJP stays in power for two decades. Screws it all up and does nothing.
3- Congress now makes a new commitment to build more homes if put in power and you suddenly have a problem with that?

Why? They have delivered to their previous commitment. If not entirely, atleast more than the current BJP government.

People like you will always exist to complain and cry but have nothing to offer for a solution. JFK:- Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

Well, if you have incapable and right-wing opposition parties like the BJP/NDA, you'll never see anyone but the Congress in power. You think the minorities in this country are ever going to vote for these right wingers? When was the last time one of these parties had a stance in J&K? Remember that India has a significant minority population and a very large tolerant majority population.

Blame the Congress to have held power that they don't deserve only when you have a deserving opposition party. That said, the next election might be the best chance any other party can get because of the Centre's mighty publicized failings in the past 8-9 years; but I still doubt it since the BJP has voiced its neocon nature already.

You blame the party at the Centre of rigging everything down to the States. Let me ask you, has anyone of the opposition parties agreed to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill? Coming elections, you gotta pick the lesser of the two devils.

I have no allegiance with any party in this country. I simply vote for the representatives of the more secular and tolerant party. Give me an alternate to the Congress that is more secular and tolerant, I'll vote for them. Regardless of how good they are in building the economy of this country (or other matters), I'd like to first stop any bloodshed within the country (thread topic?).

You seem to be like the one who'll only criticise the government yet offer no solution to the problem. I think I'll stop wasting my time going around in circles for a person who can't offer anything for this country.

Now, now. Don't be a troll. The same thing can be said of any country in the world. Just because political parties swoop real low to influence your vote, it doesn't mean the voting system itself is broken and unfair. That said there are severe consequences when such laws are broken. The Election Commission of India by all means is a strong and independent body.

Did you even read the links you posted? Congress is the opposition party. Ruling party happens to be the BJP in Gujrat. There is no mention of "registration forms" or free housing within those links.

Sure, a dictatorship who's term ends every 5 years. 1.2~ billion people and this is the way a country is run when everyone's voice is heard. That is called democracy. If you are unhappy, move to China and complain there.

<rant>
When Americans are cornered and there isn't a gun in sight, they'll start throwing leaves and stones as well.

Next time an American shows hypocrisy on freedom, point them towards Gitmo and Manning.
</rant>

While I do like the freedom they enjoy that other countries and cultures are very envious of (I am to a degree), but I sure hope they stop the hypocrisy.

As much as I'd like to stand up for my country our press is in shambles as well.

You read the fact that messages came from Pakistani sources. Good. But do you know why it did and why now? Be a little cynical. Ask a Pakistani what he reads about India's adventures in Pakistan, you'll get the complete picture then (or rather you'll be in disbelief with your Pakistani mate).

Media today is a sophisticated brainwashing tool. Think twice before you believe what information you get through mainstream media.

Unfortunately "Taco Cowboy", you seem to be like the one who reads New York Times more than once a day. I cannot convenience or even try to explain to a person who is politically brainwashed and yet lead to believe you have freedom of speech. I'm sure you'd disagree with everything that is on display at RT.com, won't you?

I did not say that the limitations on communication was absolute. It was a temporary measure put in place to prevent bloodshed and panic. I'm more than happy to have a conference call with less than 5 people for a week, if it means it would save someone else's life. I suppose those are the differences between the two countries. People here are willing to accommodate difficulties in times of trouble, while Americans can't have their luxuries taken away even if the apocalypse is in sight. Oh yes, I meant the American people and not its government. I can't really blame you for our differences, now can I?

There are 1.1+ billion people here. We certainly have democracy that is best doable with such a wide spectrum of thoughts, cultures, religions, races and people; at this time. You have less than 1/3rd of our population and the funny part is that you still believe you have "democracy" and "free speech". When was the last time the US Govt. made a decision in the pure interest of its people? ObamaCare wouldn't be forced down on people nor would Assange be hunted down. Where is freedom of choice and expression, Mr. Taco?

India is by no means a "perfect" society. You will always have people agreeing to various subjects, including "honour killing" no matter what you do; that is the vast nature of this country. We can only do our utmost best to further educate people and that is being done. Your press would like you to believe that the whole world (minus the US ofcourse) is a "3rd world country". I suppose I can only expect so much from its reader.

Frankly, I suggest you read more than one news paper. Preferably one that isn't printed in the West and you'll see difference. You can start with RT and Al-Jazeera.

How free are you, really?

I suppose you prefer having a few thousand dead rather than having to curtail your ability to send text messages to more than 5 people at once? Is your convenience worth someone else's life?

Policy making and enforcement is a difficult task. Slashdotters think its as easy as creating a new blog post. Heck, there are 100s of /.'ers who wouldn't agree with me on this but you expect everyone else to line up with your thoughts on freedom of speech and expression? There is culture and religion to consider as well, and quite a few of each.

Speech is only worthy of freedom when there is respect tagged along with it, be it friend or foe. Please don't quote me with your American-flavoured hypocrisy. I think the world has had enough of that.

BSNL would be offline even when there is power. What do you expect when you pay chump change? That has nothing to do with the electric power supply, smart ass.

UTC?

Seriously dumb, aren't you? Everyone in India has power backup. Period.

Apart from the railways and traffic signal posts, nothing else experienced anything too drastic. Blackout lasted for about 4-6 hours in the worst hit areas. Most places were back online within the hour.

Apparently, the media has its own story.

Finally. There are skydivers around this nerd town.

USPA A-License :)

I use my own mail server. SmarterMail.

Its Khamenei, not Khomeini. The Supreme Leader of Iran.