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Journalism of Courage
There8217;re pesticides in colas. Make a law and ban colas. As MPs bristled over a study suggesting contaminated soft drinks, they revealed their comfort levels in their responsibilities as lawmakers: ban these poisonous beverages, they demanded of the government, or have yourself branded forever as agents of multinationals. The simplicity is impressive. Why get into the laborious detail over regulation, categorisation and institutional processes. Why spare even a moment for them, when all they could do is blur the stirring distinction between good and evil?
In any case that8217;s the grandeur of legislature. It must simply state its unambiguous position on a problem, and it stands resolved. So, did anyone say child labour was a problem? Think of it no more. The Central government this week outlawed employment of children as domestic help and in eateries. In fact, the Congress 8212; in this stint in government as leader of a coalition 8212; is particularly given to solutions via legislation. Did somebody mention that there are caste distortions in the intake of students in India8217;s universities? Worry no longer. A legislation has been piloted through the two Houses to secure quotas for disadvantaged groups 8212; never mind that implementation may prove to be somewhat problematic. Were citizens being estranged from government because of red-tape? No more. The right to information is enshrined in a spanking new law 8212; so what if China-like blocks on weblogs are now making an appearance.
