No matter how high-sounding, sublime and sacred their patriotic and nationalistic claims may be, and often are, the top contenders in the power game happen to be driven primarily by their lust for power. All other considerations—like love of the people—concern for the deprived—and passion to serve the nation —are essentially figures of speech, resorted to, and ceaselessly used for public consumption.
The lesser mortals, acting out lesser roles in the political theatre may have substantially honest pretenses to make to some noble goals, ideals and pursuits. But those who sit above them (and benefit hugely from their loyalties) have their eyes set unflinchingly and unblinkingly on one fundarnental objective—power.
If they happen to be in power, they consider it their pre-ordained duty to cling, and hang on to it with all the energies they can muster. And if they do not happen to be in power, they regard it their Divinely prescribed mission to pursue the goal of its acquisition with relentless single-mindedness.
In the process and in the bargain, all thinkable high ideals are picked up from dictionaries, history and literature, and incorporated studiously in their impassioned rhetoric.
They happen to know exactly how to stimulate the intense adorations and loyalties of their target audiences. And more often than not, they succeed in convincing their supporters and voters that all their toils and endeavours are in the cause of public good, and national well-being rather than their personal urge for power.
27-02-2014
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