We Are A Democratic Country And Here Is An Example Of How It Works.

Chennai floods has taken the life out of every resident, be it the rich or poor. Areas inundated with water, but life has more value in some places than others. The North Chennai has been ignored by the print and TV news cast.. The cameras focus on the the rich and middle class suffering but there is no one to high light the sufferings of the downtrodden. The slums are washed out on the banks of the rivers and canals- sad they were allowed to have a hut in the first place. The area Councillors and even ministers take bribe to let them have what you call a home if you are poor. You see bodies floating in areas not visited by the TV Crew, at least ten as estimated by my friends who dared to volunteer in the dirt and sewage water just to give a bite and sip of clean water. Sightseers lost their lives by venturing out in the early morning hours. Patients in ICU in a hospital built by NRIs died because the generators were flooded in the basement, at least 18 in the last count. A total of nearly fifty bodies were brought to the mortuary of Government hospitals from private ones- all in a day. Basic commodities prices rocketed as people tried to feed their newborns and toddlers with milk, diluting them with water(if they could lay their hands on clean water). The police prevent the people from raising their voices by nudging and asking them to leave and if not threatening to file FIR for causing disruption. The politicians don't dare to venture out as they are not sure what to expect. The water is receding as of now in many places but there is untold misery in the areas which are still flooded. People have been helping each other, cutting across religions but the task ahead is a mammoth one and no organization can bring a resolution to the task ahead except the Government which is hard to trust. But then, we are left with no choice and believe in the democratic principles we hold dearly to our hearts, knowing well that we have no say and freedom of speech is a laughing matter and those who venture out to claim their rights become a number and are erased from the memories of those who loved them by the machine that is politically strong and make their presence felt. Disgusted but still love my people in the city I belong.