Aam aadmi in Detriot

Aam aadmi in Detroit

                There were some sort of demands in Tamil Nadu to rename the party (AAP) at least to  enable the voters ( usually the common lot) to understand the meaning of the Hindi words. When it was disregarded by the high command, it was accepted and then some voters proudly stood by it. Though TN politicians were proud about the outcome, the voters were quite optimistic that their hope will be rewarded in the next elections. Well, the Delhi poll is a good sign in that direction. Now the Hindi translation is not necessary to identify the party and hence my identity here. Though I have a valid Indian driving license, I am afraid, I am pretty apprehensive about managing a car by myself especially on these American roads which boast of very reasonable courtesy and discipline. By default, I hope, I have become a self-absorbed, indifferent, wayward and defiant wheelman. Without these inhospitable twists of reputation, one can hardly survive in my home country, lest you should be branded as a habitual late comer or an amateur in road management or at least a preposterous berk. So, the only alternative here to move around is by public transport which is conspicuously absent. Even if you spot a bus, it is frighteningly empty and closed. I’m not sure what kind of money they( or he? because there is no specimen called conductor) would demand.  The other day, out of sheer curiosity, we boarded an overhead people mover( that is what they call it virtually, though it looks like a train with just two cars) and enthused by its friendliness and warm interiors we walked into it. To our amusement, it accommodated only a few, mostly crying kids accompanied by their pacifying mothers. It zigzagged along the downtown, and brought to us many visions of the city. Short though, the ride was delightful. Two or three parks were near  home. But they are available to you only if the weather winks at you. Still, we managed to amble along their winding concrete walkways, breathing very fresh air and occasionally smiling at strangers. A library in the vicinity gladly welcomed us and  generously let us browse through its good collection, sit comfortably there as long as we could,

in the company of very silent bibliophiles, and let us borrow as many books as we cherished without any officialese or premium subscription. An unambitious aam aadmi could while away his time here without much hassle or monotony, if he is fond of music, books, TV and Mc D food. I am fond of these, so no grouse!