ANNA v/s Robbing Hoods

Most of our elected representatives seem to believe they are modern day “robinhood”. They use this logic to demand bribes, to squeeze out any and sometimes everything from common people and everyday processes. They to ensure the robinhood myth is perpetuated by giving out a few crumbs to the less fortunate, while keeping the major part of the pie. Are they really “Robin Hoods”

The original Robin Hood lived in the forest with his band of merry men. They robbed fat rich men who usually had come by their wealth by dubious means, most likely by exploiting the poor peasant. At no time did we hear of Robin’s men troubling poor folks. Robin Hood opposed the Sheriff of Nottingham who was the law. While the Sheriff ate and drank at high table, Robin and his band sat around a fire in the forest, but had a merry time all the same. At no time, did Robin and his men attack local traders or businessmen, rob a bank or the Government treasury for that matter. Whoever they robbed, no deal was made, the target was relieved of all his processions and usually deserved no sympathy. All responsibility was owned by Robin Hood for his acts.

When shared it appeared most if not all was handed over to the peasants. From the beginning to the end Robin and his men remained at the same, strong principled men with no processions. If push came to shove the entire countyside would have backed Robin of Loxley.

If you contrast this to the modern day claimants to the TITLE, there are stark differences. For starters they live in palaces. The road from almost nothing to the titles of many properties is paved with dubious deals. These aspiring robin hoods are the law. No one or nothing is spared in the quest to collect booty. How else would you explain stories of poor people paying for the privilege of getting a government job or losing land to threat of acquisition? Even the act of recommending someone’s name for a ration card comes with a price, his vote, apart from the cash to be paid up front. Businessmen and traders are primary targets, any and every occasion is an opportunity to make a deal. The lions share is taken by the aspiring robin hood. The businessman on the other hand has to make his money short changing the project. So you will get a bridge, but less cement will be used so it falls in 10 years rather than the hundred it was supposed to last. When enquiry’s are held it is only the businessman who has to pay the price.

The best part I save for last, only crumbs are given out and the cream of the collection is added to the family’s silver, gold and BMW collection. These earnings are responsibility free. There is no money back guarantee. In one curious case aspirants are told that if the Government of the day falls and the promised job cannot be given, forget the money paid. They do not rob just people, they rob the exchequer, that effects us all.

In short, these are not Robin Hoods of yore, but simply Robbing Hoods.

Maybe we all knew this simple fact but were powerless to do anything. Not anymore, ANNA is there. The entire country side is up in arms, every nook and corner of India is bursting, the frustration is palpable, the fake robin hoods on the run. Unlike the original, who was chased by the law, today’s Robbing Hoods are using the law to try and suppress this frustration. There is not just one “Sheriff of Nottingham” in India, there are many. They are ganging up to safeguard their ill gotten interests.

Therefore, the “peasants” in India too must all join hands with ANNA HAZARE and get not only the JAN LOKPAL bill passed but the Lokayukta implemented in Goa. The time is now, stand up and be counted. STOP THE LOOT, BRING LOOTERS TO BOOK.

Jai Hind.