#1 The American Politics

Whatever anyone may say, the United States still rules the world (at least temporarily) and what goes on in America influences the entire globe. Therefore, it is exceptionally scary when the US domestic politics goes bat-shit insane creating the possibility of another George W Bush or worse. 

This year, almost all that could go wrong with the US went wrong, most of it not because of Murphy’s Law but because of American political tendency to find an axe and kick its sharp end. During the year population of US citizens who think Obama is a Muslim actually increased to 20%! Despite having a supermajority and commitment, the President failed to achieve anything even as simple as shutting down Guantanamo Bay Prison. 

A better part of the year was spent on debating whether or not to provide free healthcare to people. In a country where costs of simple medical procedures like getting shots is more expensive than buying a television (note: if you are an American, please appreciate that rest of the world finds this situation absurd) half of the country came together to oppose free healthcare. Later in the year hottest political issue became whether a community center can be legally built two blocks away from 9/11 site. 

A significant part of 2010 midterm elections was spent on debating whether an obscure candidate was a witch. Entire legislative system was brought to a halt for over a month to make sure that the richest 1% of Americans received tax cuts. Meanwhile critical issue like US$ 300 billion dollar hole in American pocket as the cost of Afghanistan War or appropriate strategy to deal with China were not mentioned at all. 

I mean, I am game with a little political stupidity. Politics is hardly ever rational. But witchcraft, conspiracy theories and fraudulent birth certificates are way too much. How is it acceptable for a country to put out election campaign ads that promise to “punch the president of the country in the balls”!

With that punchy note, I will wrap up the list. With any luck, 2011 will be saner, although I have little hope.

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