Season Finale!

Back in the early 2000s, an American friend of mine had said, "Soni, you don't know US, this country might see an African-American president some day, but never a woman."  I was shocked to hear about this from what I grew up thinking to be a liberal nation. But the fact that a misogynist like Trump can come this far does say something. A colored man did go on to become the president and a woman just got that much closer to be one. Will she win it?  Maybe, but will she win it solely on her merits? Probably not. US general elections are like the grand finale of what is now the world's biggest reality show. Not just Americans but millions in the rest of the world have this unhealthy obsession with US elections for the wrong reasons. Yes, it is the world's largest economy and its political decisions will affect the financial markets worldwide.  A war mongering president may further push the world into turmoil, but that's not why, is it? It is the glitzy campaigns, the shocking levels of mudslinging that goes on these campaigns that keeps people hooked. The more outrageous the comments, the more attention they get. These campaigns feed the baser instincts of people, successfully throwing the real issues into a fine print that no one reads. A reality show where some thing as minute as a twitch of a facial muscle to color of the clothes are analyzed up to the hilt, but core issues are left as obscure details on campaign websites. So, when my nine year old daughter catches a glimpse of Presidential debate playing on television and says, "Mama, I think Hillary should win, she has better debating skills and is giving proper answers to questions" Some sanity there! I couldn't help thinking if only kids were allowed to vote. Have to say, relieved to see this season coming to an end (or with a last minute extension, remember Dubya-Gore!) For now, enjoy the season finale!





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