Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Bush is not welcome

Arundhati Roy has mirrored the feelings of the entire cross section of Indians. Though written satirically, there is an undercurrent of truth in the article "George Bush go home" (Feb. 28) that tastes bitter. That George W. Bush is going to address us makes a mockery of the democracy and freedom we preach. Let the whole world know that while bureaucratic India extends a red carpet welcome to Mr. Bush, he is most unwelcome to patriotic Indian citizens.

R. Dharmaraja,
Coimbatore

By publishing the article, The Hindu has reaffirmed the values its founders stood for. True, Mr. Bush is not welcome here or in any self-respecting nation. He has defied the world by attacking Iraq and his hands are soiled with the blood of fellow human beings. I am, without doubt, among the millions who will groan and wince when Rajghat is defiled by his visit.

K.N.A. Ramchander,
Bangalore

Ms. Roy deserves praise and solidarity for articulating the sentiments of millions of Indians. The battle cry "George Bush go home" will surely echo in New Delhi's corridors of power.

C. John Rose,
Arumanai, T.N.

We are ashamed to have Mr. Bush as the nation's guest. What he really deserves are black flags and shouts of protests.

P. Hariprasad Krishnan,
Ernakulam, Kerala

The article echoes the sentiments of millions of Indians and other peace lovers throughout the world. Hats off to The Hindu for publishing the piece that minced no words on the eve of Mr. Bush's visit.

C.G. Senthilkumar,
Davis, California

I join Ms. Roy in protesting Mr. Bush's visit. I am aghast that Mr. Bush will place flowers on the memorial of one who sacrificed his life for non-violence. I am also ashamed that the Government is extending a red carpet welcome to the perpetrator of crimes against humanity.

R.G. Bhandiwad,
Dharwad, Karnataka

Ms. Roy's views reflect the sentiment of many others whose voices will not be heard by Mr. Bush. It is true that the soul of the Mahatma, an eternal symbol of non-violence, will grieve when Mr. Bush's bloodstained hands lay a wreath on his memorial.

S.M. Basha,
Kurnool, A.P.

My mind recollects a scene from Quo Vadis, in which Roman General Marcus Vinicius rides in triumph through the streets of Rome. He is puffed up with pride and arrogance when he sees thousands of people on both sides of the street giving him a rousing reception.

Behind him stands a slave who holds a crown of olive leaves above his head and goes on repeating the words, "Remember, thou art only a man."

K.S.S. Sarma,
Kurnool, A.P.

I understand the writer's feelings and am sure a large number of people will share her views. But protest meetings and rallies are not the answer to Mr. Bush. The most effective way to handle his visit would be to ignore it, and refuse to attend his meeting. That will be the truly Gandhian way of protesting.

J. Premachandran,
Chennai

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