USA : A govt. for the people

USA Govt. : for the people

USA comes across to me as a govt. that cares for its citizens. Progressive policies and efficient adminstration makes the life of an average american comfortable in many ways. They lead a fine tuned life.

Public Library:
Every city is the proud owner of a large library which is the size of a mall. I found books on all subjeccts, latest thrillers, books with large prints , computer terminal everywhere for people to surf the net or whatever, tables and chair , copiers , fax machines, music Cds, DVDs, video tapes, magazies and news paper of all types. Latest movies were available. Chilren section is mind blowing. such a large collection of books , music cds and video one can borrow at a time any number of any of these and return within a week/month. No rent no deposit. What a system in place ! No robbing no stealing !
How literacy and acquisition of knowledge is a govt. policy and how effectively a system in place implements that - The public libraries in US are a shining exxample of that. India has a long way to go in this direction.

Well equipped Gyms :
Every town small or big houses several huge gyms with large no. of exercisers like treadmills, cycles, wieghts, trainers, jogging track, swimming pool, game courts. Gymming is again a way of life . This is an example of caring for public health in a positive way.


Art museums:
I visited only one in UIUC so far called Kranert's. There ia section here where all drawing and craft materials are provided free and you are encouraged to do what you want let the ceative juices flow.

Public rest rooms :
Where ever we went I found rest rooms with clean and safe toilets and tissue. How I wish back in India we have this system. I recall so many painful trips where one is hunting for decent loos.

Public transport system:
The buses are very large, cosy, comfortable. You ring a bell when you want to get down anywhere. IN Urbana Champaign there are large no. of buses plying on the road and some of these are free for students.

Pedestrian crossing:
Evrywhere there are boards that say "Vehicles yield to pedestrian. It is a state policy" . I always found if there is a car in a crossing and i want to cross, the driver would always indicate that he/she would wait till i cross. IN some signals where large no. of pedestrians are expected to cross there is a "WALK" , "No WALK" signal. In some busy signals where few pedestriaans are likely to cross, there is no pause cycle for pedestrian crossing. but there is a switch the pedestrian has to press for request to stop traffic. THE STOP SIGNAL changes to a human form indicating you can cross safely. "Yield to pedestrian" is a Illinois state policy and boards are put everywhere.

Public Laundary system:
There are laundary rooms where there are large number of washing machines and dryers. The average american does not wash clothes everyday but periodically once in some days. You put your clothes to wash , insert some coins, set the cycle and go complete some work, come back and pick up your clothes on the way . Drying means really dry. In a country where weather is adverse and rooms have to be kept absolutely dry, this is a way of solving a basic need.

Public water distribution system:
Many places in USA experience adverse weather conditions well below zero. Everywhere I saw hot and cold water both flowing out of taps . This is such a huge heating system in place in such a large country. i am really wonderstruck how they have acheived this as a nation. back home we are yet to have 100% water availability to all our people.

Care of Trees and soil:
Here in Urbana champaign I see rows and rows and rows of old tall trees very well cared for. and grass covers every piece of soil on the roads under the trees. Neatly trimmed green pine borders , The grass is swept and trimmed, Squirrels and rabbits run hither and thither. The green carpet of grass is given neat shapes too. Truly America is very rich in this natural resource and they take excellent care of it and nurture it. because of the grass everywhere there is no soil erosion and no dust. The landscape looks pretty too. India has a lot to learn in this direction.