This article from the New Yorker asks the question we’ve all been contemplating, “Has Modi Pushed Indian Democracy Past Its Breaking Point?”, and the short answer is: Absolutely.
Narendra Modi, you may recall, has been India’s prime minister since 2014. During his time in power he’s overseen a nation that grows increasingly authoritarian. Vigilante attacks on religious minorities, particularly Muslims, have increased significantly, as the ruling party has taken steps to strip citizenship from Indian Muslims, and the historically repressed Muslim-majority state of Kashmir has faced even harsher crackdowns, including internet blackouts.
Earlier this month, Rahul Gandhi, India’s main opposition leader, was convicted of defamation, for comparing the prime minister to a thief years ago. Just days later Gandhi was disqualified from serving in the lower house of the Indian parliament, which is controlled by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Mind you the BJP has a long and storied history of persecuting and oppressing anyone who stands in their way. It’s becoming clear that India has become an authoritarian regime where the man in charge is intending to rule forever.
Side Items
The Labor Movement Marches On: Yesterday I got my first taste of what collective action in the workplace can look like. Alongside the majority of my coworkers, we presented management at REI Lincoln Park with paperwork detailing our intentions to join the RWDSU, a move that took months of careful planning and detailed discussion. It’s just the first step in what will undoubtedly be a months-long process, but any progress shouldn’t be underestimated. We’ve spent too long doubting our collective power, it’s time to start believing in what we’re capable of changing
Tornadoes in the Midwest: A lethal storm system ripped through the Midwest yesterday, causing tornadoes and destructive storms from Texas to Wisconsin. At least seven people were killed as homes and shopping centers were shredded in Arkansas, a theater roof was collapsed during a heavy metal concert in Illinois and some cows were probably knocked over in Indiana. This storm system comes just days after Bag o’ Bones Biden toured the aftermath of the deadly tornado that struck in Mississippi last week. Biden promised that the government would help the area recover, but realistically there’s not much he can do to prevent these killer storms
Liverpool Result: I woke up bright and early at 6am CST to watch Liverpool take on league rival Manchester City. Things started out OK for the Reds as Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 17th minute, giving me hope that this game might be different from so many others this season. That hope was misplaced, as Liverpool proceeded to give up
two,three, four unanswered goals, solidifying their position in sixth place. Overall, not a great way to start a Saturday