Patriotism is a Doctrine

An immigrant periodically confronts the term Patriotism. 
When someone recently asked me such a question, I decided to learn more about it.
Patriotism is perceived as a measure for the love of the land.

Please allow me to start with a context of my belief:
I believe that anything, which can not be measured, can not be managed.
Anything which can not be managed, should not be used to evaluate anything.
When we do utilize them as evaluators, it only creates unresolvable conflicts.
This applies to perceived measures like - Religious and Patriotism.

Thus, if the intent is to seek a solution, one may not use these perceived, unmeasurable performance indicators, to evaluate a problem or quality of a solution.

Based on this understanding, my current conclusion is, that "Patriotism is a doctrine to control masses and nothing beyond that". I can sure go into a longer version of why, by sharing my experiences of last two decades starting with my first migration from Anand to Mumbai (within India), but not today. (Phew! :))

Historically there is one common behavior which all of 7 billion homo sapiens have demonstrated, to varying degrees, is "Migration".  Humans seek for lands which tend to their needs better. That land can be within recent definition of a country or not.

Please refer to this wiki for the history of the word: Patriotism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriotism

There is a tonne of material out there to understand the origins and utility of the term Patriotism.

It is important to note that Patriotism is a fairly new term coined only in late 18th century. Coincidentally this is the same time frame when the world started seeking "Democracy" as a model of Governance more extensively. Starting with US in 1776. I have no specific data but I would want to believe that there has been a significant part of the earth, which became democratic, since 18th century.

It may be a coincidence, but my cynical mind derives that this has to do with a NEED of something other then religion (which reached limited masses, comparatively) which would help control a larger set of masses, beyond the boundary of a religion.

A final and a very prominent clue is - why are people within a nation, who call emigrants unpatriotic, (only because they do not live there) but continuously do things which damages their own motherland ? My take, because they really do not believe in patriotism nor understand it but just use it because Patriotism can not be measured. Patriotism in this specific case is confused with the term residents.

Having said all that - you may notice that most immigrants, especially who came to US in last decade or two, are always involved in varying degree of volunteering within US and they contribute to their "motherland" significantly (whatever the reasons or motivations may be) without getting into any claims or debate about it. This is the reason why India, for example measures its economic growth by FII - Foreign Institutional Investments - keyword is Foreign.

Point is if one has to be appraised for their love for the land (mother or father! :)) they should be appraised by their commitment to "Giving back", irrespective of where they are giving it back. Simply because  "Giving Back" is measurable and actionable, Patriotism is not.

Side Note:
I wonder: why do Politicians love their jobs and never want to resign ?
Because this is one job where the employer (citizens) has no clue what or how to question the employee and in most cases either loves their employee blindly OR gives up on him/her because they belong to a Union! :)

The other Indian

I had to replace the coolant reservoir tank for my car. Because the part (tank) was only available from a dealer, I went to my local dealer to prepay for the part. The gentlemen at the desk asked for my name. I handed over my credit car because I find it the easiest to convey the correct spellings of my name!

He pronounced my last name so perfectly, I exclaimed: how did you say it so well ? He pointed to his business card (visiting card in India) and said: can you say, my name ? His last name is: Yackytooahnipah (pronounced: Yaa Kee too naa pah) I attempted it fairly successfully.  (at least that is what Kelly said, not sure if he was being polite! ) He declared, "I am 100% Comanche".

I ordered the part, paid for it and said good bye, see you tomorrow and parted.

The next day, I went to pick up the part. Kelly was there, he quickly procured my part and handed me over. I paused and before I say good bye, I said, "Kelly: don't you find it funny that I am that Indian who he (Columbus) was searching for and you are the one who he found ?" .. he laughed out loud. We said good bye and parted.

I found this exchange quite enriching and humbling.

God is what happens when humanity is connected.

About Roses

Our local - Santa Ana Heritage museum organized a Rose Pruning Workshop. The speaker was Annie Hall, a local expert landscape designer and rose expert. This entry is my attempt to share the amazing things I learned.

Selection and Packaging: 

Bare root roses: 
During January to March roses are largely available in the form of bare root. (They will look like this when opened). Soil / material used in this type of packaging would generally have least nutrient soil. It is anticipated that these roses will be planted before spring.

When one buys this packaging, it is recommended that all the soil / material used should be discarded into compost bins or green waste bins.

Select those bare root roses which do not have a lot of growth, preferably no growth. Idea is to allow them to grow once they are able to access rich nutrients of its planted environment and really grow.

They also comes in three grades - 1, 1.5 and 2.
Grade # 1 are the best from its survivability perceptive. They are the healthiest.

When ready to plant, remove the roots couple of hours in advance and soak them in water. Discard all the material as advised.

Canned roses:
For rest of the year roses are available in canned / planted form. These roses are planted with proper nutrients and are cared for by respective nurseries.

Planting:

Roses need 6 hours of full Sun, so find a location accordingly.
Location should also be such that there is a good flow of air, though not very windy.
Rose should be planted such that the last growth is exposed.

Plant them in a rich soil and water them thoroughly.
After the soil settles, make sure it is planted at the correct depth.

Caring for Roses:

Watering:
Water roses early AM, they need deep watering but less frequent watering.
Watering them once a week and adjusting it according to weather is advisable.
Ensure there are no showering sprinklers around roses. Water on their leaves attract disease and insects. Water on leaves also prevent them to interact with Sun and hinders their growth.
With that in mind - replace sprinkler heads (manifold) with drip irrigation manifolds.

Hose them down couple of times during summer on a sunny day. This will remove harmful insects and mildew. It will also remove layers of dusting and help them with required photo synthesis.

Fertilizing:

Fertilize lightly when planting or pruning.
Use organic fertilizer to allow the good bacteria to survive and contribute.


Trimming:

Trim roses periodically for:
- Dead heading - dried roses. trim stems till only 5 and more leaf growth remains.
- Trim leafs with powder mildew, black spots and rust.
- Check for any pests such as aphids and rose slugs (not the slugs we know as slugs).

Pruning:

Prune heavily once an year preferably during late January to early February.
Established roses should be pruned to half of its full grown height.
Remove old much around the roots and replace it with new richer organic mulch.
Collect all pruned material - leafs, stems and much into a container at once and discard it.
This way if there are any insects, diseases in them they will not impact any other plants.
Prune all stems thinner than a pencil.
Prune such that the new growth will be in the direction which you intend it to grow.
Prune all the crisscrossing growth to ensure rose plant with get enough air flow.
At the end of the pruning it would look like an empty, open vase.

My first traffic ticket

I have written a lot about various incidents and experiences we have had during our most adult living in the USA. I have also written about two key attitudes of this country which outweighs everything which is good about India and makes people stay back: civility and fairness.

We were visiting the Endeavour, the Space Shuttle which went to the International Space station 25 times, delivered the payload and astronauts and brought them back to the earth safely.
 

As US Government retired the Space Shuttle program, the four of them are now in four museums across the country. We, the angelinos (people from Metro Los Angeles)  got Endeavour

The sight of this 'thing' which has been to space many times, can not be described.
 

Anyway it is not about Endeavour today, but about the parking ticket I got while I had parked in their PAID parking lot. I got a ticket for not having the registration displayed on my license plate. ($50).

The ticket is incorrect because I have a valid registration, it is just that I had forgotten to put the sticker on. (We in CA get one every year when we pay registration fees).
 

Couple of days later I called them and explained, so they advised I should go to nearest Police Station and get their certification / endorsement on the ticket.

 So we went last Saturday to HBPD, when the traffic section remains closed. Though, the officer on duty saw the ticket and said "You should contest this ticket" because it is incorrectly cited. (Can you believe this ?)
 

I have known of the pain of the process of contesting so I just wanted their endorsement and pay $10 administration fee and be done with it.

I went back to HBPD (Huntington Beach Police Dept) yesterday. The officer, a senior lady, heard my case and endorsed it in no time. She said, I do not even need to see your vehicle (I did presented her my valid registration), I believe you! "WHAT" ? Anyway after endorsing she read the ticket carefully and advised me to call them and "Not to pay $50 but only $10".

The Police caring for the pocket of their residents ? WOW .. that is a new concept! (Notice the word residents, US law protects anyone who is physically present in the USA irrespective of their legal status or race or religion)

I wanted to share this experience and help you (non-US readers) understand why US is called "Developed" country. It is not about roads, cars, malls and McDonalds but it is about the "Individual human development and their strong beliefs in liberty and Justice".

USA was gifted Statue of Liberty because they believed in it and demonstrated it.

 
खुद ही को कर बुलंद इतना, कि हर तक़दीर से पहेले |

खुदा अपने बन्दे से पुछे कि बोल, तेरी रझा क्या है | |

Please share, when did 'you' feel proud about your Police Officer ? ...........

The concept of control

Who knew that the government shutdown can actually fuel job growth! This second longest shutdown of the US government was about debt control. Specifically about how much debt should be allowed, incurred, necessary, sufficient. It was not about debt but about how much of debt control.

Congress unanimously accepted the debt and the debt control. They also attribute debt in itself as necessary but fought fiercely to define what is the right amount of debt and how much of control is necessary.

Ray Dalio has done an amazing job explaining how debt is important for the economy. He also makes a point of need of debt control very elegantly.

Moving over to an another subject where control is being the core point of contention - the second amendment - the right to bear the firearms.

Everyone seem to agree to the core need and suggestion of the 2nd amendment - the right to self defense.When it comes to the tools of self defense, the firearms, the change of time has demanded a re-evaluation of the usage and utility of firearms. The America has become more prosperous, civil and secured compared to 1791 when the 2nd amendment was enacted.

Just as debt is necessary for the economy, the guns are necessary for the self defense.

With the same context, as debt is not an absolute good or bad which requires a constant monitoring and control, guns are also not an absolute good or bad and does require constant monitoring and control.

Idea of control in either case, debt or guns, is to manage the evils of the respective tools to enable the intended utilities. I wish that as congress unanimously accepted the debt and the debt control it will also rise up to accept guns and the gun control.

And people say Australia is land of convicts!

If you have visited Australia, you would know the amazing achievements of the country in many aspects of Democracy. In fact in many areas they are far ahead of US, UK and other older democracies in the world. And yet, they are  a constitutional monarchy! One area as an example is 'Gun Control'.

India, on the other hand, is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with rich history and spiritual past. Today's India, though, is run by convicts. These convicts are not the one's who were convicts, like Australians get tagged unfairly, in my opinion. But these are the convicts who run the country like the mafias used to run NYC, Chicago, LA, Miami and Las Vegas.

The constitution of India actually has an act on the books - Section 8 of The Representation Of The People Act, 1951. Sub section 8 (4) of this act- allows the convicted MPs and MLAs to continue representing the people of India even after they are convicted. In US, for example, it will be an automatic resignation.

Here is an interesting map presenting all current MPs and MLAs who are also convicted:
http://www.mibazaar.com/indianpolitics.html

On July 10, 2013, the Supreme Court of India, struck down section 8(4) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951. This will mean that all the MPs and MLAs currently serving and are convicted of a crime resulting in jail time of 2 years and more will have to resign immediately.

In reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling - a Bill was presented in Rajyasabha on August 23, 2013 and passed on the same day. It is important to note that Rajyasabha is collection of appointed individuals who many times are also considered 'Intellectual'.

When the Parliament of India is not in session, the Cabinet of India is empowered to act in emergency situations. The Cabinet of India, threatened by the Supreme Court's ruling, passed an ordinance to reject the ruling of the Supreme Court of India. I could not find any digital evidence of this action.

Unfortunately, The President of India, who has already shown his agreement, is likely to sign and join the shame parade of the Parliament of India.

As I write this, the latest is that the Parliament is surrendering to the public outcry and will meet on October 3rd or 4th to consider withdrawing the Ordinance. The ever forgiving people of India will welcome the withdrawal saying "सुबह का भुला शाम को घर लौटे तो उसे भुला नहीं कहेंगे !"

striking down section 8(4) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/why-the-prez-should-reject-upas-ordinance-to-save-convicted-politicians-1135553.html?utm_source=ref_article

striking down section 8(4) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/why-the-prez-should-reject-upas-ordinance-to-save-convicted-politicians-1135553.html?utm_source=ref_article

striking down section 8(4) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/why-the-prez-should-reject-upas-ordinance-to-save-convicted-politicians-1135553.html?utm_source=ref_article

striking down section 8(4) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/why-the-prez-should-reject-upas-ordinance-to-save-convicted-politicians-1135553.html?utm_source=ref_article

Questions I ponder upon and wonder about:

- Why can not India be 100% intolerant of criminal behavior just like all the developed countries in the world, democratic or otherwise. ?
- India, a country of billion people, had many choices from people without convictions, what compels this country with rich heritage of spirituality to continually reward bad behavior ? 
- Given that many of the things India is experiencing, many other democracies in the world has also faced, but they did not have precedences and history of solutions. India can avoid repeating their mistakes.

References:

Lawmaking Procedure in India

The legislative proposals are brought before either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha in the form of a bill. The bill is actually a draft of the legislative proposal. After being passed by both the Houses of the Parliament, the Bill is sent to the President of India for assent. After receiving the assent from the President of India, a bill becomes an Act of the Parliament.

Is old still gold ?

The twentieth century has been the realization century for the foundational scientific principles.

The concept of flying and flying of a kite can be traced as early as 1000 B.C.E. Historians have traced and documented numerous unsuccessful attempts of human flight until 1904. Aviation has been realized since 20th Century.

The concept of communication using external tools can be traced as early as the stone age. During 20th century the core principles of remote communication became reality so widely that it literally shrunk the world.

British and fellow Europeans stretched their imagination and decided to learn more about the world by exploring. Their adventures, abilities to trade, organization and people management skills influenced various forms of governance. British succeeded in establishing monopolized trade environments by using simple principles of mass controls - "Divide and Rule". Utilization of this core principle of mass control can also be traced as far back as the the first civilized act of humans.

20th century, in my opinion, also served as strengthening the abilities and reach of this core principle - divide and rule much more effectively and expeditiously.

The evidences are, that almost all the nations are now facing a common challenge - "the rising inequality". This is where the earth now has a common alien (enemy), metaphorically, which challenges the methods of trade, commerce and economics, which are complex implementations of the foundational principle - divide and rule.

This may sound to be an over simplification and even like a conspiracy theory but I am sure that this perspective will sure help make a case to question how we trade and commerce and why we are compelled to think and focus on  - Social Entrepreneurship.

References:

History and Timeline of Flight:
1.  http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/historyofflight.html
2.  http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/wb-timeline.html

Rising inequality:
1.  Report by the Brookings Institute - US Inequality
2.  Report - The rise of income inequality amongst rich countries