Fountainhead and elections

Most of us have read Fountainhead. In its section on Elsworth Toohey, Toohey is once fired at by Steven Mallory, who, as he’s getting arrested, keeps saying, ‘The rest, I can understand; but why you? Why you?’ For those who have not read it, Mallory is a gifted sculptor who’s brilliant works are a celebration of the human spirit at its very best. However, his works’ class is way beyond the appreciation of the ordinary public and critics, who criticize him. He doesn’t mind that. But Toohey is a guy who can appreciate the value and the sheer genius of his work. Toohey is an influential thinker, a columnist who thousands read and believe in. Toohey knows that Mallory is good, and he has the power to say so and influence many others towards being able to appreciate his work. Yet, he also roundly criticizes it. Later in the book, we realize that it is his intention not to liberate the others, but to keep them under his control, subjugate their minds into thinking the way he wants everyone to think and believe. (You have to read the book to really understand what I am talking.)

Everyone who’s read Fountainhead know that Toohey is the worst of the lot, the one to be afraid of. He knows the difference between the good and the bad, the right and the wrong, and still willfully chooses the wrong and misguides others to do the same.

And that is why I am voting for the Congress over the BJP. Look at the nuclear deal, at the Varun Gandhi issue, over Gujarat… everytime the BJP knew whats the right thing to do, and did exactly the opposite, even having the galls to stoutly defend it. MMS may not be a Roark or even a Wynand, but atleast he’s an Eddie Willers (ok, change of books here); honest and well-meaning. He is the guy who staked his government for doing what he believed to be in India’s best interests (the nuke deal). And he has my vote.