America is the undisputed sole superpower, not because it’s powerful army, but because of the strength of its democracy, where laws prevail, not individuals. American military strength is a result of decades of research and development and an economy that is strictly regulated with a powerful judiciary and an effective tax collection system. It is a country whose citizens, irrespective of them being politicians in power, or serving generals, or bureaucrats, dare not violate the law, transgress their powers, or be seen serving their individual interests at the cost of the tax payers.
The system works to enforce rule of law and financial cum administrative discipline with transparency. Two four star generals, one serving and the others retired, who heads world’s most powerful intelligence agency are under scrutiny for adultery, which for ordinary Americans is considered a private matter, but for those holding sensitive posts it’s not allowed. In sharp contrast three retired Pakistani generals involved in daylight plunder of Pakistan Railways were defiant instead of repenting, or showed any remorse. The prestige and honor of world’s most powerful army in America was enhanced by accountability of its generals. There were no other men in uniform who dared to challenge this investigation and make it an issue of collective displaced honor or ego.
The prestige and honor of our valiant armed forces, built on sacrifices of men like Shabbir Sharif, Aziz Bhatti, Rashid Minhas and scores of others should not be allowed to be compromised by the greed and corruption of few generals, who are devoid of any honor, dignity and shame.
RASHID ORAKZAI,
USA, November 15.