HEART TALK Enough is Enough-Mudslinging isn't a new trend in Kashmir

HEART TALK_20-20 match Enough is Enough-Mudslinging isn't a new trend in Kashmir . Why do we denigrate our leaders? A trend set by some leaders and writers even in GK,s print version.They may be right after witnessing a closely contested 20-20 match between an Old guard and a hot blood. Are you as sick of the negativity and proliferation of half- truths and twisted logic as I am? Honestly, I feel like I need to take a shower after watching some of those accusations and counter accusations that have been aired lately in media. I'm not only disgusted, but also insulted and refuse to vouch for anyone who resorts to such mudslingering tactics. Of course, that greatly limits voters choices I understand the desire to defend one's self from attack, however, so those who responded in the spirit of self-defense I will consider as valid options. But those who first began to sling mud at their opponent are no longer in contention that too for my vote.First of all who are these leaders, which voting system made them representatives of common man-Yes, they are self styled who gained acceptance as they imposed themselves with promises of Azadi not without with selfless sacrifice.Compare leader versus leader. What is my position viz aviz them?Am I considered an important member in their team, r just mute spectator ? OH!My sentiments , My aspirations and Hum kya chahtey…when they come in the field ,and throw bouncers and sixes I cant resist sometimes saying,no more ? Where was that consideration when they came in open ground ,as usual they took me granted, a mute on looker s.OH greatest weakness of our team has been a Captain- sometimes like Imran Khab style whom we call as Shaikh sahib and at times due to many captains in the team, who is actually leading the team is always a guess for the supporters. Today why are they afraid of me or my independent opinion, to use or not to use franchise for hollow slogans of food , shelter and clothing or something beyond that---Future of our education, trade, resources, business, and stability or home land security. Competent citizens decline to run for office because of the beating they would receive if they put their names forth for consideration. We are in danger of "getting the kind of government we deserve" when we attack seekers to public office, or the souls who dares to expresses their wish and will .. We have a negative record reaching back for years. Is the end of unity finally in sight. After those remarks between old and young blood, when will this nasty political mudslinging be over - at least until the next election.. It's no great mystery why we the prospective voters are disgruntled, disgusted and disappointed with politics,politicians, and freedom hooters. We aren't stupid. We can see the gridlock created by partisanship. We understand that the bickering, finger pointing and the pursuit of personal agendas are getting us nowhere fast.Everone is suffering because of illplanning- and self centerdness.. let me vote to solve our domestic iissues.food,electricty.education, jobs; dal and water resources and time and agian when it comes to Azaadi-, i will have same feelings and sentiments.We consciously felt voting might undermine our cherished desire and goal of Azaadi. Whether I voted or refrained but nothing has changed in this direction. But Should we take part in voting.Yes, We must vote them out, no matter how fed up we feel with our current leaders and political system. It's the only path we have to alter the course and affect some positive changes. It's the only way we can restore hope and hopefully some human decency to politics.Because of all the twisting of facts, half-truths and quotes taken out of context, it's easy to feel as though all politicians are dishonest and manipulative. But I don't believe that's true. I believe there are some running for public office on non part basis who are doing so in the spirit of wanting to serve - with integrity. How can we tell who those are? That's the question. And that's what each of us must discern before we cast our vote.For the few running for office who have remained above the fray and have stayed focused on the issues,can,t I happily cast my vote in their favor. To the rest who made the conscious decision to try to sway me by using scare tactics and less-than-truthful claims, I wish you well in whatever career you next explore. I don't know how our political system has become so sorry and sullied. I suspect it has something to do with politicians. But, we as voters have to accept some of the responsibility. We, after all, are the ones who elected those politicians, by abstaining from expressing our will by not voting at all and benefit of absentees. Hence boycott helps none except these favored ones candidates.Sorry - means we're the same people who can remove them.As my mother use to say to me when, as a child, I badly misbehaved and she wanted to create a positive change, "I brought you into this world and I can take you out."So, beware mud-slinging, non-issue addressing, negativity- proliferating politicians, we can put you into office and we can take you out.To reclaim that power, all we have to do is cast an educated vote. What is this noise disturbing my peace of mind ,there is no India- Pak 20-20 cricket match, so why this high pitched commentary”oh it is my son Ayman ,19 yrs an eligible voter with his recently acquired voter card shaped like beguile running commentary brought through this paper roll ,”in comes Sajid bhai coming in fast pace ,crosses the crease and ,bowls with a recently taken new ball at Jimy uncle who is well padded with his famous traditional helmet, oh! an attempted bouncer but this pitched short,Jilani uncle shaping for a defensive shot instead had to duck to save his head, ball took an outer edge of his old famous hat ,the Sajid bhai appealed for leg before loudly ,and the man behind him appealed for caught behind .Jilani uncle looked at Sajid bhai whispered some personal remarks, ,the umpires are angry and want disciplinary action against the players, leaving the cheering the spectators’ dejected and mute. Local umpires can,t decide so a decision from third umpire is sought – “Decision pending ,”flashes the giant screen installed in the Red chowk.Suddenly faces of the spectators are down and wet . Oh- perhaps ,the rain had started , but sky is over cast with only clouds ,we in commentators box can,t say whether it is raining or not, and who is out .The latest news from the match referee is Duckworth lewis method is under consideration to choose the winner (-a set of mathematical calculations that help determine the winner in a weather interrupted one day match) or the organizers may insist for replay.” fiazfazili is a freelance writer writing for middle east journal and public speaker.