Surreptitious Radical Maniac

Witnessing the way party politics work not just in India, but across democracies around the world makes me consider if there's any alternative to Representative Democracy. Abraham Lincoln said, "democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people." Is this true anymore? By voting/selecting a candidate and asking them to be your representative actually work? This is just giving voter a 'power' to select a candidate for a certain period of time. By the vote, the 'power' is transferred from citizen to the representative and disconnecting the citizen from the remaining aspects of exercising democratic functions. Moreover, the elections are seen just as an event focused on swing states, swing candidates, and also swing voters. So, is there an alternative? One alternative is partyless democracy. I guess this is something envisioned by our constitution writers as there's no mention of political party in our constitution. The concept is ...

Is emotional pain = physical pain? or vice versa? I read about it earlier learning that both are the same, but didn't agree or disagree with it straightaway. Maybe, I was looking for additional research or proof. Well, I got it yesterday. I met with an accident yesterday and my left leg is hurt. Physically. A major accident resulting in a serious injury under the wheels of a truck was avoided in split of a second. Ironically, nothing can be seen outside. Not even a scratch on the surface of the skin of my left leg. It's internal pain, a bit of swelling on outside, but pain can be felt. Unable to walk, cross, close or open legs, stress on the leg or use it for support. Apparently, MRI scan showed completely torn ligaments. Now, normal walk is few months away while surgery is required in the coming weeks. It's still a physical pain although my leg is hurt internally. As this is the situation, it reminded me of a totally disconnected situation. Emotional pain. I was hurt...