Comment on Steve Coll New Yorker Article: The Strongman Problem, from Modi to Trump
Mr. Coll:
I find your Daily Comment article in the New Yorker to be devoid of balance. While I understand the philosophy of the New Yorker, I expected certain standards to be maintained, especially in an era of misinformation. I will outline my thoughts on the article, very briefly:
1. I think that any comparison of Donald Trump with Narendra Modi is facile. I need not elaborate on the fundamental differences in politics, values, character, experience and lifestyle that characterizes these two personalities. Trump’s conflict of interest and nepotism bears no comparison to the nature of Mr. Modi’s management of India to date.
2. Criticisms of the notebandi abound, with very little analysis as to the enormous illegality that pervades many sectors of Indian business. You identified real estate as an example of an affected business, but failed to address the extent of money laundering and fraud that characterizes this sector, depriving the government of legitimate revenue. The fact that a large chunk of the economy is informal demanded that difficult choices be made, as was done by the Government. Criticisms of policies and implementation with little or no reference to the many underlining issues presents a distorted and misinformed view. It speaks ideological and political voices, rather than a legitimate concern for the poor.
3. Cult of personality: Every democrat should celebrate Mr. Modi’s election as it is quite remarkable in a country where most political parties are a family enterprise. That being said, your article should have referenced the many years when the said calendar did not feature MK Gandhi, and the release from the PMO that indicated that no prior permission was sought for the use of Mr. Modi’s image. This information is also readily available in the media and you should have turned your mind to it in an effort to be fair in your criticism.
On this note, I would really will appreciate an article that deals with Indian National Congress (INC) leaders, and leaders of other regional parties, that personifies your cult criticism. Unfortunately, this distortion seems to be a nature of democracy in India where dynasty rules the roost, regardless of merit or competence. The fact that more critical articles are not written about these characters, especially as the sycophants in the INC tries to foist incompetent leaders on the Indian public, speaks volumes.
4. Pressure on the press: I am not sure how any objective writer can make this statement. Have you taken the opportunity to peruse the voluminous Indian MSM and other website that have proliferated to date? The voluminous and strident criticisms belies your statement.
5. Trump’s transition team compared with Modi’s team: Can you point out where Mr. Modi has placed members of his family, extended or otherwise, in key roles?
Full disclaimer: I am not from India. I am just an observer of Indian politics, and I am just astounded at the level of distortion that now passes for journalism today. Is it wonder that Americans elect Trump?
I would hope that the New Yorker article will be edited to reflect and maintain some semblance of balance, especially from someone who is shaping the minds of future leaders in the US.
Kind regards,
Kowlasar Misir
Article reference: http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-strongman-problem-from-modi-to-trump
