Adieus SyraCUSE





Maxwell School of Syracuse University (Photo by: Jung Wook Auh)

 Dear CUSE,
Never in my wildest dream 've I ever thought I would be with you one day. It's got to be magic or some kind of karma that lead us to this destiny. Perhaps..you don't know this- you got me thinking from the day IIE introduced you to me. I 've looked into every possible record you have on the net including the GoogleEarth. And guess what? ..the more I explored and knew you better more close I felt towards you and more I longed to be with you.


Within your own limitations, you provided me with prestine but conducive environment to study, fabulous architecture to enjoy, awesome wilderness to wonder, an excellent Maxwell School of Syracuse University to study, learned professors to learn from, good facilities to flirt and wonderful people to associate with. I will forever cherish all those. The wisdom, information, network and relationship that I will carry forward should serve as good reminiscence of our love affair in future.

I know this parting would be about it for our love affair for now but in case, please don't forget to warn me in advance of  your record-breaking snowfall, piercing wind, icy rainstorm and month-long gloomy weather conditions.  

Thank you once again and adieus!

Yours lovingly

Loday Tsheten



Syracuse (Photo by: Jung Wook Auh)



Wisdom behind the Royal Decree

There is only one thing that the Election Commission of Bhutan can do judging by the Royal Decree issued to them by His Majesty on 4th of May 2011 following an appeal by so called potential but disqualified candidates a couple of days ago.

The decree, amongst others, specifically points to how unconducive the environment is for the local government election to take place and that the democracy per se might suffer if issues are not resolved before going ahead with the election.  Another important point that stands out clear and loud is on having to remain faithful to the Constitution. By this, MY TWO CENTS are of the opinion that Constitution ought to be followed come what may and that bending it to suit our temporary need would be undesirable and uncalled for.

The only viable option for the Election Commission of Bhutan now is to postpond the local government election. Postpond to the extent of cooling time required for those disqualified candidates. This would not only resolve issues but also help us remain faithful to the letter and spirit of our Constitution without having to bend or amend any portion of it. Even otherwise, what is the opportunity cost of not holding the LG election for another one year?.. afterall, we already waited so much.

What is apparently more apparent in this Royal Decree is in the promise that His Majesty made during one of his public speeches-that he will 'not even for a day rule us as a king' and that he will 'serve us as father and son' for all time to come. This Royal Decree stands testemony to it. There is absolutely no decree to this Royal Decree and I am sure it is by design. As much as it provides guidance, this decree also lays  foundation for good discourse and particpation.

That's why, I say, Bhutan has a unique system of government.

Humphrey Trip to New York

This is a part of 2010-2011 program for Humphrey Fellows at Maxwell School of Syracuse University  New York. The trip was very fruitful in many ways.  The fellows visited the offices and interacted with officials of Interpol, Democratic Governance Group, Bureau for Development Policy, UNDP, UN and networked with Maxwell alumni in New York City. The trip would not have been complete without the visit to the iconic and historical landmark of the Statue of Liberty and ofcourse, the live Lion-King show at Broadway was the icing on the cake. 

Cheers!