Till the cows come home ...

IF THERE is any period of time in which so much significance given to a particular animal it is during the run up to the presidential election which is due in just three days. We see most political debates centered round this animal and that precious liquid we draw from it.

One candidate promises that he would give a glass of milk each to children and the other promises to give more.

One says that he would give the packeted form of it at a reduced price and the other offers a more reasonable price. We even see advertisements about children and milk so controversial that they finally end up in court.

More attention is given to the development of the livestock industry by all candidates. One has even gone to the extent of promising to give a cow each to every family. What a bovine affair!

All this is about who offers the best deal for the masses. Everybody knows that there is nothing more important than `hunger' when it comes to the poor. Can there be any better time than this to milk it for all it is worth.

Those rural masses are being heavily bombarded with various political ideologies, economic policies and social welfare strategies on a daily basis with increasing intensity as election day draws nearer.

However, these efforts, especially of the two main candidates may be in vain as their theories are beyond the comprehension of the rural folk.

They should beware of that third candidate who offers a more simple plan which is easily understood. Who knows; he might even prove himself to be a dark horse running away with all the votes in rural areas.

It is only with cows we can explain complex theories to the people of grass roots level. The word economy can be best explained as: "You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies and the economy grows. You retire on the income."

One can tell them that socialism is: "You have two cows. The Government takes them and puts them in a barn with everyone else's cows. You have to take care of all the cows. The Government gives you a glass of milk."

They will better understand capitalism as: "You don't have any cows. The bank will not lend you money to buy cows, because you don't have any cows to put up as collateral."

Whatever the economic policy a future Government will follow the ultimate goal should be the welfare of the people. One candidate promises an economic growth of 8 percent of the GDP and the other promises a 10 percent growth.

However, the only thing that grows on the point of view of the people is the cost of living.

Therefore, it is time for the politicians to stop confusing the masses with these economic jargons and make an honest attempt to identify their real problems and find effective solutions. People have been waiting since the independence to see a real change. A change that will put an end to their waiting.