"So the Sindh local government ordinance bill is passed."
"Yes and to be honest, I don't see the hoopla about it: for one reason, namely that the PPP and the MQM together account for an overwhelming majority of seats in the provincial assembly."
"So they must be allowed to do pretty much what they want?"
"That my friend is the basic premise of democracy, the majority rules, and Sindh is not like Balochistan where the current rulers are not the outcome of a democratic process."
"What I don't understand is why is the rather small minority making such an issue over this bill?"
"It's all about politics my friend and while whatever you and I may argue were the true reasons behind Musharraf's support for local government yet the fact remains that decentralization does focus attention on community issues which the federal or the provincial government simply cannot..."
"OK, but those opposed to the bill say that the process was circumvented."
"Maybe, but the constitution allows for it. And once again let me state that the PPP and the MQM have a majority, an overwhelming majority in the provincial assembly and they can do pretty much what they want. If any one doesn't like it then don't vote for these two parties in the next elections."
"We know why the PPP and the MQM wanted this bill passed and the MQM had given a three day ultimatum..."
"Hey, once again let me restate that democracy allows these two parties to pass whatever legislation they want."
"So, there is no redressal till next elections?"
"No, not unless the political leadership of the two major parties in Sindh change their minds about the bill."
"Which is not likely?"
"Not with the PPP polling so badly in surveys."
"OK, I hear Rehman Malik was summoned to London to be present during President Zardari's talks with Altaf Bhai?"
"Who did you expect to be summoned? Zulfiqar Mirza?"
"I heard Malik was looking for local bananas to take as a present for Altaf Bhai with him."
"The British don't allow food from non-EU countries into their country."
"OK, but did Altaf Bhai prepare haleem for the President?"
"Nope, I hear he decided to defer that till the next election results are out."