Yahoo!: DiamondBacks Win the World Series. What a series!! Congratulations!
BBC: Massachusetts Rejects Microsoft Deal Thank You.
Salon: Thousands Convert to Buddhism
I have no problem if one voluntarily changes one's religion. But then they should give up the religious privileges they enjoyed in the former faith. For example, Muslims in India can have up to four wives. If they convert to Christianity, they no longer should be allowed to practice polygamy. Similarly, the above report suggests that all who converted belonged to the legally described backward communities (a.k.a. Dalits), who enjoy such governmental benefits as education, jobs, promotion (yes. It is called the roaster system; it is unbelievable), scholarships, pensions, and grants. IMO those who converted should be disqualified from receiving these benefits meant for the Dalits.
For those who do not know, the quota system (somewhat equivalent of the Affirmative Action in the USA, but designed for the majority of the population instead of the minorities), has taken a very ugly form in India. While many good things have emerged from it, but IMHO, the ill side-effects have outweighed the benefits. The quota system has become a synonym for incompetence (as in "Our new teacher just cannot teach. He must be a Dalit"), resulted in brain-drain (India's top students today migrate to Western countries, because it is the caste, and not merit that gets recognition), and in fact has worked to strengthen the caste divide.
I am against the Quota System because I am against the Caste System. Alas, many people
find that a paradox.
