It was Ramazan, and a friend of mine refused to fast. When I asked why, he said that his doctor had advised against it due to health reasons. Yet, the same friend smoked incessantly. I tried to argue and asked whether the same doctor had advised against smoking as well. He made a poker face and said no such advice was given to him. I am not sure what kind of doctor would not advise against smoking. Even cigarette brands advise against smoking at the end of their ads. Life is a game of what one chooses to believe, practise, avoid and adopt.

Just like religion, citizenship and patriotism are practised quite selectively as well. In the US, a specially tailored form of patriotism is in fashion, especially with the ascension of Trump to the White House. He was really voted in due to the poor situation of the US economy and the miserable conditions that the citizens found themselves........

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