Wake-up call

This refers to Dhiraj Nayyar8217;s 8216;We the elite8217;. The elite in India do have the power to change things. They have woken up to a reality that has hit them directly

This refers to Dhiraj Nayyar8217;s 8216;We the elite8217; IE, December 4. The elite in India do have the power to change things. They have woken up to a reality thatnbsp;has hit them directly. They did not react when terrorists struck in the past. Delhi and a host of other cities have been witness to a number of bomb blasts but then the victims were not usually the rich. Did we have to wait for Mumbai, 26/11, to happen for this reaction? Still, better late than never.

8212;Jigme Wangdi, New Delhi

Prime challenges

This refers to Ajey Lele8217;s 8216;Terror 2.08217; IE, December 4. Technological advances are being put to diabolical ends. Consequently, our intelligence gathering needs to be stepped up, with the help of technology. We have excellent IT capabilities; but need stringent laws to avoid the breach of privacy. The US, UK and others formulated strict laws post-9/11. India needs to be bold in order to face unconventional terror.

8212;R. Narayanan, Ghaziabad

Politicians 038; pain

This refers to 8216;Proud of a notion8217; IE, December 3.

Disenchantment with politicians of all hues is widespread. After the Mumbai terror attacks, if there is one family that has every reason to be angry with politicians, especially the BJP, it is ATS chief Hemant Karkare8217;s family. But his wife chose to express her anger and pain more effectively 8212; she refused to come out of her room and accept Narendra Modi8217;s condolences, while her children did. She is also said to have refused to touch the Rs 1 crore offered by the Gujarat CM for all the slain security personnel. Perhaps, it8217;s time politicians learnt and remembered that money is the last thing on the mind of those wronged and bereaved. It is time for a value education of our leaders so that they change.

8212;Aditi, New Delhi

Politicians8217; reactions during and after the Mumbai crisis showed their real worth. It is the same mud-slinging we see after every terror strike. Politicians are quick to see an opportunity in a tragedy that has shaken the nation8217;s collective psyche. In this situation, the media has to play a very important role. It will have to promote honest and capable people in politics and governance. As a polity, we need to devise such a system. We need issue-based politics and not a politics based on vote bank and sentiment. After India8217;s systemic failure over Mumbai, 26/11, can we expect better governance?

8212;Hasan-ul-Huzaibi, Pune

In their own interest

The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has stated that her visit was meant to express solidarity with India. This obviously is not the real American goal, despite it being the most visible one.

Although the US advertises its endorsement of the Indian point of view that support is very much in its own interest.

8212;Lakshya Gupta,nbsp;New Delhi