Author: Atanu Dey

Economist.

Freedom Team of India Policy Writing Competition

Sanjeev Sabhlok of FTI — Freedom Team of India — announces a policy writing competition. Details below the fold.
Continue reading “Freedom Team of India Policy Writing Competition”

Thoughts on the Passing of Shri Balasaheb Thackeray

Balasaheb Thackeray
Balasaheb Thackeray

Shri Balasaheb Thackeray passed away today (Saturday afternoon India time) in Mumbai. Much of what I know about current events, I learn from the handful of people I follow on twitter. So I got to know of Balasaheb’s death through twitter. I noticed quite a few “RIP” messages. That prompted me to write a few tweets myself.
Continue reading “Thoughts on the Passing of Shri Balasaheb Thackeray”

The Cult of Ignorance

​There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” – Isaac Asimov​

Spreading the Message about Maino aka Sonia Gandhi

Spotted on the (information) highway. For those of you who don’t read Hindi, it reads (not a literal translation) “Sonia Gandhi, you are a disgrace & a shame.” Someone inform Diggy Raja.

Want to help the Congress & the N-G-M Family Quit India?

The Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi-Maino clan need your help in quitting India. You, and thousands like you who are willing and able to help them quit India, can make it happen. India needs your help. India can become a prosperous country once we take that first most critical step — make India free of the Congress and the N-G-M clan. Once India is rid of them, it will progress rapidly to become a developed nation. Come let us work together to make that a reality. Email me atanudey at gmail for details.

Democracy in America

If you thought that I was about to quote Alexis de Toqueville, you were wrong. I quote H. L. Mencken. “As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”

The US Civil War and President Lincoln

Steven Spielberg’s movie “Lincoln” which opens Friday is one that I plan to watch for sure. I think that Lincoln was a truly great man. It’s strange to think that there was a time when the US had an amazing giant of a man as its president, compared to whom the present leaders appear as pathetic caricatures — one of whom will be elected (or, heaven forbid re-elected) in a few days.
Continue reading “The US Civil War and President Lincoln”

The US Elections Are a Spectacular Sideshow

The US presidential elections are scheduled for next week Tuesday, Nov 6th. A lot hangs on the outcome for the US — and perhaps the world. In a piece that I wrote a few days ago for NitiCentral.com, I argue that its importance for India is overblown since what happens in the US does not materially affect India’s fortunes. For the record, here it is below the fold. If you wish to comment, please do so on NitiCentral.
Continue reading “The US Elections Are a Spectacular Sideshow”