Rubber hoses for Spines

On 16 September, 2016 I wrote the following:

Someone asked me if Imran Khan was done with and over and finished. Here’s my perspective.

You can never right off anybody in politics.

I remember Oct 1999 and how the whole country went delirious when Sharif was removed and people thought that both Sharif and PPP were history.

Gone, dead, buried for good. Look what happened subsequently.

There’s something called “emotional and mental” fatigue and that’s what hit the anti Sharif political spectrum.

Those with means have gone back to their previous lives after the euphoria of change evaporated, especially after three events pertaining to Imran Khan.

His marriage and divorce causing him huge political capital.

Then his internal party feuding and finally the 300 million handout to Haqqania madrassa.

Those without means hoping for a more fair system gave up soon after the 2014 Dharna, realizing that change is not in the offing.

The poor and exploited really don’t give a hoot about constitution or law or Panama or corruption.

They want a system that can make their lives better. They thought they had hope in Imran but because he was unable to dislodge Sharif they’ve gone back to their lives doing what the do. Barely survive.

Sep 16, 2020 Note.

In my opinion, PM Imran is missing the boat by not focusing on improving governance but harping on corruption. He needs to focus on improving Governance and rebuilding civilian institutions and let the law take its course. He’s now cursed and held hostage by a hugely faulty decision in appointing Buzdar, running the risk of losing Punjab, if he now attempts to change him. No one but he’s to blame for this massive error of judgement. He’s disappointed many like me.

One can only hope and pray that he learns to steer the ship, get a better crew, before the deluge of the elite capturing status quo mafia overturns the ship. God Forbid!

16 Sep, 2016 Note continues.

So people are tired. Plus, historically we don’t have much to be proud of by standing up to despots, servile, slaves always.

Since the Slave dynasty in the 9th Century to the British till 1947 we’ve lived in servility and spineless subjugation for over a 1000 years, serving every invader and master. The most humiliating be ruled by a one eyed illiterate Sikh Chieftan of 3 million Sikhs, ruling and whipping 70 million Muslims, mostly Punjabis, Pathans and Kashmiris, from Ludhiana to Peshawar and Kashmir.

So it’ll take much more than a terribly corrupt person like Sharif or the call for an honest system by Imran Khan to move us.

Or perhaps nothing ever will and we will continue to live in an environment held hostage by the rich and the powerful, as we have for over a thousand years.

Welcome to a spineless society! We readily replace spines with rubber hoses for free. Especially the good ones amongst us, who elbow ahead to stand first in line, for the spine replacement by rubber hoses, to preserve their elite capture, their selfish criminal interests, their status quo, their wealth, power, position and privilege. And of course, their baradaris!

But then perhaps, there may still be some, amongst us, with a bit of spine left!

Perhaps still Imran Khan, despite his many follies and missteps. Hopefully he still has a spine, and hopefully not made of rubber!