As under Hitler, women will suffer the most under fascist-Hindutvawaadi rule. Since they supported the British in the pre-Independence era, RSS inspired forces will not hesitate to undermine Indian sovereignty in the interests of US led western block.
Historically, xenophobic-fundamentalist-fascistic nationalism has always favoured the big over small, domination of superpowers over regional powers. Liberal-left nationalism on the other hand, usually fights in the interest of the people and the country. On the contrary-the NDA regime-including senior leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi-persecuted Gandhians and liberal Hindus-and forced several Gandhian institutes-to shut down.
If nothing else-this-the deliberate neglect of the very Hindu heritage the Sangh Parivar claims to protect-should persuade people to see the other side of the Sanghi moonlight. Who is going to stop Hindutvawaadis from burning Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayan, Arthashastra, Kamasutra-as well as ancient, medieval and modern Indian works on science, art and humanism-if they are in power and a wave of puritan-paranoia takes hold of their political persona?
It just did not exist the way the fascists want it to exist-Mughals carried forward the initial efforts of empire building by Mauryas and Guptas-and beginning from the war, the Indian Independence movement gave a modern, nationhood status to that idea. The other aspect of course, is the use of violence for political ends, something that all fascists exercise to attain power. After all, even the most reverent Narendra Modi supporter concedes that the extremely violent Gujarat riots made possible the rise of their self-styled Hindutva icon.
Fascist violence carries an abnormal strain-it reflects a mind-set that is sadist, inherently cruel and cowardly-as well as eccentric-whimsical-in the ugly sense. Killing babies and children and raping women has always been a special fascist prerogative. If some day, a crazy bout of psychosis grips a fascist in power, he can also sever facets of the fascist-big business alliance.
Hitler persecuted businessmen also because they had some remote Jewish connection or the colour of their hair was not to his liking. Can Mamata go national? Successful coalitions at the Centre have been usually headed by leaders with weak power bases. Is a green Diwali possible? Ultra right and wrong: Women in India face a new threat to their freedom of choice. Nehru, Iqbal, cricket and the question of Muslim identity. Hate smug liberals? Interested in blogging for timesofindia.
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Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email. Amaresh Misra Amaresh Misra is an independent historian, author and novelist. The Myth of Racial Superiority Benjamin knew that all distinct cultures and identities of the world emerge only after prolonged material and spiritual praxis running over centuries. Is there a Hindu race and nation? Violence and Fascism The other aspect of course, is the use of violence for political ends, something that all fascists exercise to attain power.
Start a Conversation. Please note: TOI will have complete discretion to select bloggers TOI's decision in this regard will be final There's no remuneration for blogging TOI reserves the right to edit all blogs. At this time of year? But that doesn't make any sense Yeah, don't worry about it, Ramsey is getting the troops to go to Bigfoot Country and wrangle her back. No, I know what's happening. They won't be there. I… I don't have time to explain! Perkins, come with me! There they are!
I knew it! As the bigfoot females approach puberty, the elders herd them to a secondary location away from the males as they undergo their transformation.
Since we're genetically similar to bigfoots, they must've mistaken Dr. Harris' pheromones for one of their own. Well, I hope you're not expecting thanks for rescuing me. You're glad I don't charge you and the entire Imperial army with malicious negligence. Morgan, I rescind my resignation. It's obvious now you'd all die without me. I'm the only one around here who knows about the rituals of Bigfoots and the sleeping cycles of sandworms! I'm the only one who can save us!! Battle with Experiment X It's a good thing she's so… agreeable to work with Defense is the Best Insert Cliche Here.
Wait, you expect me to work for you under these conditions? Is this some kind of a joke? Where are the fire breathing robots? The electrical charged force fields? You're right, ma'am. It's a joke. Seriously, what do you expect?
We're stationed in the middle of the damn desert with no support from a dead Empire. Oh, and the entire frontier wants to murder us.
You destroyed my lab and led the Rebels to me so that you could give me this crude excuse for… civilization of any kind? A prison would have better facilities! If you expect me to help your cause, I'm going to need some resources. And a lot of them.
Well… Floyd doesn't have the qualifications that I do, so he can continue to tinker with his 'My First Beaker' kit in the raptor hay. Now do you want a real scientist working for your sorry excuse for a rag-tag band of… whatever you are, or don't you? A science lab?! Great idea, LT! I've wanted to do this forever! I even got some ideas brewin' on how to make all the furniture flame retardant!
Words can't quite convey my surprise at his disregard. He's just going to frantically wave a white flag around and dodge bullets until they get tired and go away. Look, Dr. It's Thursday, and I've already scheduled my 'me' time.
I've got the bubble bath drawn and everything. Just when I think your incompetence has reached its peak, you find a way to push the boundaries of your ineptitude. It wasn't a compliment. If I'm going to work with deadly, fragile chemicals to produce the weapons you need, I'm going to need a safe place to do it.
We already have a sweatshop for wayward children Now are you satisfied? Do you have enough supplies for your lab yet, or should I let you scavenge my house for loose parts?
You should watch your tone. I'm the one doing YOU a favor. Unless you can find another physicist who did her graduate work in advanced weaponry and Ancient tech. I am not letting any of them into the laboratory when we're finished with it I hope that I don't deeply regret my decision to help you. With such dangerous weapons comes a new kind of responsibility.
Can we build tanks with heat-detecting explosive cannons? I can even rig up some of our houses so that they'd defensively explode in case of home intrusions! I've always wanted to experiment with a hybrid raptor-laser. Half gentle dinosaur, half deadly machine. We literally just built the lab, Lieutenant. I'll be doing research for a while before anything is ready for the field. Well, if you insist on being bullheaded, I in fact had been working on a new weapon before this whole fiasco forced me out of my underground lab.
You're welcome to test it out, but we're going to need a production facility in place to make more. Honestly, I don't even like Archibald much. Perkins, I told you not to disturb me unless the life of someone I cared about on a personal level was at risk. And then you spent like fifteen minutes making sure it was clear that I was not on the list.
I remember. Do you remember when I listed all the people who are on the list even though you're not? I barely know that guy. I ask for so little. Morgan, I lost nearly everyone I knew when the Empire fell, and my girlfriend lives on the other side of a few hundred miles of frozen wasteland. If you don't let me have this, I have nothing. Wow, yeah, your life is kind of a bummer. Permission to take things real seriously and act all formal, granted. Well, if it isn't my knight in shining armor.
Nice to see you wantonly discharging weapons and risking lives in my town again, Lieutenant. Honestly, Lieutenant, I appreciate it, but you oughta head home. You know I don't brook firearms in Trotbeck, but the Rebels are soldiers, and I know how to manage them. This isn't a Silver Wolf raid, and I don't want my home to become a battlefield again, if I can help it. Morgan, we've received word from Ma Pierce. I guess we stirred some things up when we shot all those guys. Get ready to intercept my fists!
Into your faces! Cause I'm punching you! You know, if it weren't for the overwhelming numbers, and the significantly stronger economic and supply infrastructure, I feel like we'd really be giving these guys a run for their money. It's a good thing I never ever get tired of shooting guys. Of course, these targets shoot back.
Wish I could say I was glad to see you folks. I'm afraid these Rebels haven't exactly behaved like gentlemen. I was hoping you could help them blow off some steam. My apologies, Mrs. The behavior of these troops was absolutely unacceptable.
We'll be withdrawing to a safe distance, and please be assured that I'll be personally conducting a disciplinary investigation at the first opportunity. Lieutenant Morgan, I regret meeting you under these circumstances. It's clear that your presence here was requested and provided in good faith.
Given the situation, we'll make no attempt to pursue, and request that you do the same. So… you're just gonna leave. And you want us to just leave. And then we all agree to not shoot each other for a while? I… who are you exactly? This is a trap, right? I am General Salmanca of the Revolutionary army, and I swear on my family and homeland, for which I have fought and killed, that this is not a trap. I may have bruises, but at least I don't have toxic, repressed rage I was having the most peaceful dream, about a beautiful dove with wings made of white noise, surrounding me with a calming aura.
Then I realized it was just Rebel planes flying over the base again and I forced Perkins to spar with me bare knuckles for five rounds. Morgan does have the amazing ability to walk in somewhere and have everyone hate him instantly. The Rebels have been attacking the Outpost with startling frequency, Lieutenant Morgan. What kind of enemies have you made? If you could continue to distract them, I'd appreciate it. I'd prefer if a stray bullet didn't enter the laboratory, cause everything to explode, and shuffle us all off the mortal coil just yet.
How are those super weapons coming along, Dr. The troops are running out of steam and frankly, I want to see something explode. If you people would just let me concentrate and stop bothering me with your inane questions and concerns every five seconds, maybe I could come up with results faster. I'd like to issue a formal complaint against the plasma refinery.
It's built directly above an underground stream which is home to a rare species of blind trout. Hey, this whiskey wasn't cheap And what substance is that? We already tried out the bee gun. Perkins blew up like an anaphylaxis balloon and we had to rush him to the hospital to give him a bunch of epinephrine shots before he died.
I mean, it was hilarious, but impractical in the field. It's plasma, if you're so curious. Don't ask me to explain to you how it works, you wouldn't understand. Pffft, already been done. Those scientists up at Installation 17 made plasma. What else you got? I don't expect you to wrap your small, cheap-whiskey pickled brain around this, but what Installation 17 has done pales in comparison to my work. I'm putting plasma into mass-production, and creating weaponry durable enough for a soldier to take onto the field.
Installation 17 can barely keep their test tube beakers from exploding Behold, plasma. I'd do a better reveal, but you gave me rather poor facilities. So, well, here it is. Ah, yes, this stuff doesn't come cheap. And we'll need a lot, lot more of it. You should probably get to work It's adorable, how you expect quality with no consequences. The facilities required for making plasma weapons is more than your… You call it a factory?
And it doesn't have chemical treatment showers? Or radiation detection chambers? We need another factory. There is no negotiation on this. I think the word you're looking for is classist. And what are you, one of those hippies from Sundale?
Has anyone seen the Lieutenant? I got the bubble bath he asked for. It took me a while to scrape the mold off the soap but I think it should be fine now. He's been in the chemical treatment showers of the new plasma weapons factory for a while.
Also, he's singing. Frankly, I find it rather disturbing. I prefer him angry and irrational. I was so close to glory…. Not every trooper can wield plasma. It requires a bold mind, quick reflexes, and extraordinary stamina. Perkins, will you pick up that gun, please? Great work, Dr. I knew bringing you here was the right thing to do. Great work. Well, that's unfortunate. Would you look at that? With plasma weapons on our side, no one can stop us! Well, normally I'd say "no", and then make fun of you, but apparently wielding godlike power makes me magnanimous.
Permission granted. I know we were finally able to push back the Rebels, but don't you find this destruction… kind of appalling? Do the ends justify the means? Coffee Makes Everything Better. What's wrong with Scientist types?! Cassidy and I are separated by hundreds of miles of frozen wastes, but that doesn't mean I can't show my love for her. Ramsey, if you're looking for advice for your amorous affairs, I'm afraid you're talking to the wrong person.
I just figured I should do something special for her, you know. I mean, so she knows I still care and doesn't get together with one of those… scientist types. Bet none of them would go boar hunting with her…. Since you're still talking to me, I assume you want my input.
I've been studying Spiderwasp mating rituals, I could teach you an interpretive dance that involves smearing your beloved with your viscous pheromones. Hell, any excuse to get out of here for a few hours. Bein' here at I17 is okay an' all, but… I miss the days back when I was tendin' the family orchards — every summer we'd rustle up some boars and have us a barbeque.
Jones, you gotta make sure the dielectric gas is turned on before you move the electrical current through the tube. Here, let me help…. Ah, right, thanks. Speaking of "summer" and "seeing ground that isn't snow", we need to get a field team together to go down and research rumors of dangerous radiation levels in the Boar Badlands Radiation levels in the Boar Badlands?
I've never heard of such a thing I mean, Jones, you're right. Let's leave immediately. A new scope! Aw, hell, you didn't have to…I'm just glad to see ya. Now I'm blushin' in front of mah scientists. Can't wait to test out this new scope!
I wish it could be like it was in the old days, Cass. Nothing to worry about but the occasional Raider or Rebel.
Before the Empire fell, when things were, well, not simple, but not so damn hopeless. I can't tell if I want him to fail or not. Sir, I'd really like to follow-up on the Rebel intel indicating that they have sources in Recoil Ridge.
What, are you just going to wander up and be bland next to every person in Recoil, and hope they'll get bored and mention that they're giving aid to the enemy? Actually, I was hoping to hire some people, a sort of impromptu surveillance network, to inform on their friends and neighbors. Well, it's a little complicated sir… I wouldn't call it a failure exactly. I am getting a LOT of reports about suspicious movement and other irregular behavior.
I have! Unfortunately, so far, it's all just my informants informing on my other informants. Just following each other around and acting really suspicious. It's kind of a disaster. You catch more flies with honey, or grain alcohol, than vinegar. Uh, that is, I'm going to distill it in order to throw a party, and loosen lips down in Recoil so I can—. It went really well! A fair amount of boasting, and more than a few untoward comments. Lots to follow up on! Nothing the civilian authorities can't deal with on their own.
I've got military business to attend to, sir! What do they do with the flies? Why vinegar? A dead end, sir. We found a few informants and even a cell of Rebel sympathizers, but none of them had the kind of intel the Rebels had on us. This wasn't the leak we were warned about. Make sure to get plenty of string too. Still no leads on the informant… who could it be? OK, let's look at what we know… organize the information…. It's someone who knows us, and knows us well… someone we've trusted.
But also someone who was able to get away from the outpost, or send someone… And most importantly, someone who would benefit from our destruction. But drastic measures produce more immediate results! Floyd…what are you doing? Because it looks like you're crushing up pills and putting them in the Lieutenant's coffee. Your observational skills are acute as ever, because that's exactly what I'm doing. He seems sullen and distant lately.
It's just an experimental mood stabilizing drug I've been giving him for a few weeks to see if he'd cheer up. Well, you noticed it's been kind of crazy around here with the Rebels and all? I bet he's just focused on work. I got a bit of the blues once, but then I built myself a robot friend. Maybe L. Why do the robots I make always decide to set fire to everythin' I mean killer robot. It's already broken all my Double Old Fashioned glasses and a jar of limoncello I was infusing. And it set fire to my curtains.
While shouting at me through a loudspeaker that it wants me to die. Just seemed like yah needed the help, is all, LT… I mean your dishes have been pilin' up and you haven't even trimmed yer eyebrows in a while I think I know how to cheer Morgan up Well, that robot certainly didn't cheer Lieutenant Morgan up and— Floyd, didn't we have an agreement to stop putting experimental drugs in the Lieutenant's coffee?
Finally, Perkins! Is that my coffee? It's been two years and you still can't bring me my coffee on time? I order you to stand there while I drink it so I can stare at you angrily.
Is this skim milk? It tastes like gray watery garbage. Never mind the coffee. Just… bring me my whiskey, okay? Perkins, my mouth feels like a sour, sweat-stained mattress. Like a desert of mediocrity. Like a pedestrian, discount apocalyptic wasteland! The lieutenant always had a fondness for eating rare, innocent creatures. Well, he got really angry, and then he just got… really quiet. I was sure the mixed leather shoelaces would get to him. I know finding creative ways to punish me always made him feel better.
But… nothing. Well, that man's liver is like a cast-iron strainer. The drugs are ineffectual. I however, have another possible solution. Why are you so concerned? Are you drugging my food again? Floyd, what did I tell you about drugging people? Do I ever! Ramsey, I'm beginning to think we should investigate the water filtration system. Everyone is acting crazy. Floyd actually made me dinner out of baby animals. You know how Floyd is always whining about how "eating babies is wrong" and "it's unethical to torture animals to make them delicious" and boring stuff like that.
I think this is just what I needed. Now, to retroactively punish Perkins for all those previous infractions. Why don't I just have Floyd take over control of all combat operations while I'm at it! Hey Morgan, I was talking to Floyd earlier and… hasn't it kind of been a while since one of those lovesick Raiders showed up to win Yenkcha's hand?
What's up with that? Did she die or something? I still don't remember meeting her but… eh? Honestly, I don't really have time for this right now, Ramsey. I keep getting all these complaints about the quality of the workmanship at the Uniform Factory. I'm heading over for an inspection. I honestly have no idea. It turns out I don't know anything about textiles or manufactured goods.
Which I mentioned beforehand. What, did you think you'd just magically know if they were doing a bad job? I mean, it sounds dumb when you say it like that… I figured they'd be, you know, shiftless.
And I could be all "cut that out! Be less shiftless! Manager stuff. He's right, he IS easy to talk to. Perkins, I remember that you're in trouble for something, but I can't remember for the life of me.
Ugh, man, I have no idea where my head is these days. I'm just all… I'm overwhelmed, but I'm also distracted and… It's hard, because I want to talk about it, get some advice, but, let's be honest, all of you are insane.
Though Elder Taos, aside from all that terrifying cultural stuff, could actually be the most rational person around. I guess I could try talking to him. You know, sometimes I really find myself wishing Judge Pierce was still alive. Thanks, Perkins. Is there anything Raiders don't resolve with violence? Oh, nothing. Well, you know, Rebels, mysterious powerful people or groups conspiring against us in the shadows and giant bugs and stuff.
But nothing new. I'm kind of in a funk, honestly. Not sure why. Rare is the man who can see himself, rarer still the man who knows for what he searches. You will not find her here. Yenkcha has rededicated herself to her Dustwalker training in order to measure up to the Skinny Beast.
Well fought, Skinny Beast. You will find the Dustwalker training grounds in the fields around Blades in Moonlight's camp. It's just disingenuous. I mean, if you hadn't said you'd tell me, I think Crazy Blade's Base is probably the very first place I would have checked, honestly. True, but you do not think like one of my people. Only an outsider would ever venture to the home of Blades in Moonlight without good reason.
I'm not saying I'm thrilled to go there, but still, it just doesn't seem reasonable to say the location "is secret" when you really mean "is in a really scary place". Hey, it's Skinny Beast, which is less upsetting!
Well, I didn't actually tell you I was coming. I mean, when someone barges into your home there's no "late" or "on time". It just happens when it happens.
Hey, cool, so… is Yenkcha around or whatever? Cause I guess I kind of feel like knowing what she looks like? No heart propels your blade. You travel in a blizzard. You walk in circles and call it progress.
Yeah, I use a gun? The blades are your thing. Besides, I was asking about Yenkcha, not for inappropriately familiar personal assessments. So… she's gone? And she's… moving to gain power… and she still likes me?
If that's correct, say something terrifying. His crop is man. Mountains shed their cloaks to hills, and still he plans. You call him friend. He would not call you pet. Just put me on a production line and give me a serial number, why don't you I've noticed that ever since we built your lab, you haven't actually made anything cool or useful.
It's a bomb that sends out an extremely powerful pulse of hot, excitable kinetic energy that'll stimulate all materials in the nearby environment. When set off, the plasma entwined with all nearby substances is… an exceptionally strong chemistry to behold.
Yes, Lieutenant Morgan. Just looking at you sends a wave of paralyzing attraction and limerence through the core of my being. Marry me. Marry me now. Ramsey, get Perkins.
Instead of drawing tired red lines , he might consider scripting fresh visionary ones. Ukraine represents the kind of issue likely to bedevil world affairs for the foreseeable future. Neither it nor its neighbors wish to conquer the world. There are better opportunities. But to participate in the world markets that have lifted millions from poverty, nations must perform on a demanding international stage. They have to meet global standards of accountability, peacefulness and transparency.
Ukraine is an old nation, but an infant state. It attained sovereignty fewer than two decades ago. Its people have little experience of self-government, and they are internally divided. Some want closer ties to their Slavic kin. Some want closer ties to the glamorous West. Welcome to Eastern Europe. This cultural tug-and-pull is as old as dirt. Kiev was the first capital of Russia, centuries before Moscow. Ukrainians alone can determine where they stand between east and west.
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