Thank you, Amit Varma, for endorsing my blog – and a warm welcome to all who have tuned in to Antidote after reading his hearty recommendation.
My chosen topic of the day is Gandhi Jayanti – and the news report that there is going to be a massive celebration on the theme of ahimsa or non-violence in the city of Nagpur on G Jayanti this year.
Yet, on the same day, throughout India, the health dictator’s diktat, employing State force, which is violence, will enter private spaces in order to tyrannize smokers. The health dictator is also seeking Gandhi’s blessings for his violence.
Indeed, Gandhian prohibition of alcohol, as in Gujarat, is enforced by police violence.
Gandhian preference for khadi has meant a “textile policy” that used force against all mill owners.
Gandhian self-sufficiency has been imposed by the coercive and violent means of the customs department.
Away with this bogus ahimsa!
How can we have real ahimsa then?
Very simple: It is only when we interact in markets as individuals, buying and selling goods and services, that no force and violence is used upon anyone.
Every exchange is voluntary – no force, intimidation, coercion or threat is used.
So let us leave maximum space to The Market – and the natural result of this will be the end of all violence.
And let us reduce The State to a minimum – because it is the Gandhian state that is wedded to unjust violence.
Note that Gandhi borrowed the ahimsa concept from Jainism. Jains are invariably businessmen – and only business communities understand the need for peace and non-violence.
Free market zindabad!
Bharat sarkaar murdabad!
Well directed I must say. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSmoking inflicts negative consequences on others (i.e. negative externality). So a laissez-faire approach here is not appropriate. Ditto with drunk driving. Same logic as with seatbelt laws. This is standard economics, dude!
ReplyDelete.......certainly got one reader from indian uncut...
ReplyDeleteAlways glad to read some sane thoughts in this insane land.
Cheers.
another reader from india uncut. can't find the rss link. if it's not there, please put it.
ReplyDelete....another from IU.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with both Amit and you. But perhaps I just don't know enough. It seems logical that a person I vote into power takes steps to protect my health.
me too directed from india uncut....
ReplyDeleteanonymous guys,
ReplyDeletethere is no negative externailty in smoking in a private space. the private buildings are perfectly competent to decide if they want to allow smoking in their premises or not. if they dont want to allow smoking,so be it -but it is the people who are responsible for the private property who make the rules.not some random health dictator in chief -especially one with megalomania. the state has no right to use a cookie cutter approach.if they want to ban smoking, then do so in govt buildings and non private spaces. ramadoss wants to drive smokers from private spaces onto the roads?. what kind of balderdash ends justifying the means thinking is this.ditto for seatbelt laws. the insurance companies can decide if they want to charge more for those who drive without seatbelts.in the case of private roads the private owner may or may not choose to have their own rules.the motorist can always chose an alternate route if he doesnt like the rules of that road.the govt has no right to take my tax money and build roads and enforce rules which are often nonsensical.
the other anonymous writer,
if you are so niave to think that your representative who is from a party which essentially has no inner party democracy(especially in india) is mainly concerned about you -he is concerned about retaining power/seat.if you dont want to believe,please read what nani palkhivala says about the constitution -it is in place to save the citizens from the opression of their representatives power.do you want to be reminded how indira gandhi and your other elected representatives almost killed the indian constitution -emergency ,another dose anyone?
liberty is our birthright and we shall have it. we have independence ,but freedom is still elusive
I was wondering if the "honorable" minister will allow the common public to scrutinize his daily life, how he goes about it, morning onwards, through lunch, all trips to the restroom included, his sleeping posture, his diet, his accent and etc. Then we could come up with the best way the honorable minister must live his life. Of course, we the public have an interest in ensuring the minister lives a long life. Who else would guide us through our lives?
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't anonymous take steps to protect his own health?
ReplyDeleteThis is the absurdity of people who expect others to take responsibility for them; and not just mums and dads, but something impersonal called the State.
@Contrary Maryjaan
ReplyDelete"Why doesn't anonymous take steps to protect his own health?
This is the absurdity of people who expect others to take responsibility for them; and not just mums and dads, but something impersonal called the State."
You are assuming. The point wasn't that one cannot or is too lazy/dependent. But that as elected representatives, it is the politician's duty to take steps - even unpopular ones - to protect the people who voted for him/her.
@helicopter_bernanke
Not naive no. Just hopeful.
Hi. I lover reading Verma's blog, and I hope to continue with your's too.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with your statements on Ahimsa and Gandhigiri.