No Subject

[Sanjeev Sabhlok <sabhlok@almaak.usc.edu>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 10:54:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: "BDP India" <bdp.india@mailexcite.com>
To: india_policy@cine.net
Subject: Re: Now we need serious debate!

Sanjeev's Argument:

My argument is based on simple economics.

a) Either allow companies and all private interests to contribute to
campaign finance so that the actual expense of Rs. 2-6 crores per
constitutency is met out of these contributions. Thereafter, ensure that
the salary is sufficiently higher than that of the highest bureaucrat. 

Utkarsh: I am all for letting political parties as well politicians raise
donations from general public. And I am in all agreement to make it
transparent.

Utkarsh's Argument: 

There is no limit to make money. And if one is interested in making money
there should be efficient private market to provide such opportunities.
Elected positions must not be for getting rich. If we do not understad
this basic fact of public life then we will keep on getting the third
class thugs to represent us and we will stay in the world order where we
are today.

Sanjeev: 

Elected positions are not for getting rich? Why not? Why do you as a
citizen NOT want to pay for the government you want? Why do you and I want
sacrifice from elected representatives? Why do we fool ourselves all the
time? 

Utkarsh: I did not say that do not pay them good. What I did say that with
the perks and monies paid to them in salary puts these MPs in the top ten
percent paid category in India. I also support their right to raise
private donations in a transparent manner. Even in the most capitalistic
country like the US, Senators make $123,000 per year. Comparing that
number with present salaries and perks of Indian MPs, I am not just that
troubled for their compensation. 

My concern is bigger than paying them Rs. 1 Lakh to them. Because I am not
sure even that will stop these guys to sell my country.

I think the issue is bigger than just money. Why don't less paid teachers
(than present MPs salary) government doctors, engineers, IAS officers,
technicians and other individuals in various professions run for office.
In the capitalistic theory they should. it pays more. Hell it pays more
than 70% professionals make in India. In my opinion they do not run
because we the people have lowered our expectations from our political
leaders. Our parents teach us not to be involved in politics. Till we make
politics a form of profession which require high expectations of these
position holder, requies high ethical standards, we will get the same
quality of leaders. In my opinion again, though it is partially money, the
problem is of political education to the country. As a country we have
become too individualistic. Not my problem syndrome. May be we are a
scared race, who just would not stand up. I think the task of standing up
as a group to speak the truth and 'follow'the truth is of!  ! 
 utmost importance. 

Thanks,

Utkarsh Kansal


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