Almost invariably, everybody believes that peace talks with Pakistan aren't the solution. Others say that the govt. hasn't done much even after 26/11, to ensure the security of the citizens. Some say that it's the collective responsibility of the citizens to decide the correct path. That, of course, bullshit.
On every street corner you'll find an advocate of collective responsibility for virtually everything. From something as mundane as garbage disposal in a society to the proper functioning of the government. Let me tell you, most of these notions of collective responsibility have been propagated by those in power, by those who really have the responsibility. For example, its very often said that we citizens are responsible for the sorry state of affairs in our country. Its because of the youth not participating in politics that we have undeserving people in power. Okay, the youth doesn't want to take part in politics. If its our responsibility then, that we have a rotten legislature, why have we elected those we have ?? If those people who have been elected, who made a choice to "serve" the nation refuse to take responsibility, then what is our fault in it ?? If every one has to take responsibility, maybe we don't need a parliament. We can have everybody to send in their views through voice messages as Idea Telecom suggested a couple of years ago. Then it would truly be everybody's responsibility.
The whole point of concentrating power in a few hands is that we want someone to take decisions on our behalf. We want someone to take responsibility for the goodwill of the country. If these people whom we entrust power with refuse to take responsibility for their actions (or inactions), then what is the purpose of democracy ?? We may as well have a dictator ruling the country.
Consider the case of post WWII Germany. Some dim-witted politician said that the crimes against jews was the collective responsibility of all Germans. As a result, the people who were responsible for bringing the guilty to book were not as severe in their attempts as they should have been. So, most of the Nazis in Germany escaped, without ever having to pay for their crimes. That is what happens when there is talk of collective responsibility. The action gets dulled and delayed.
So, i don't want to hear anybody ever saying that its our collective responsibility to stay safe, to run the country efficiently, to bring the guilty to book. Because it isn't. It is the responsibility of those who have been elected to take responsibility, and wield power ethically and honourably.
As to the matter of Kasav, it doesn't matter what punishment he gets. If he dies he's achieved martyrdom in the eyes of the terrorists. If he isn't given death, then it doesn't make a difference either because dead to the terrorists as it is.
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