The saga of Shiri Thandiar, a Democratic Congress member from India, has found a cozy spot in the political drama section, brushing shoulders with the most sensational scandals. Indeed, this man seems to be living in an alternate universe where political accountability is a quaint relic from the past. With a few accusations under his belt and some questionable fashion choices, Thandiar has carved out a name on the political stage that leaves Americans shaking their heads in disbelief.
In 2010, Thandiar was entangled in what some would casually call a “minor mishap” involving a now-defunct pharmaceutical testing facility. From what reports tell us, hundreds of animals were left abandoned, making his facility comparable to a scene from a heartbreaking movie where animals are left to fend for themselves. More than 170 critters, including 118 beagles and 55 long-tailed monkeys, had to be rescued by animal welfare groups after scaling fences to feed and water them became the local pastime.
Yet, despite politicians successfully leapfrogging from one scandal to another, Thandiar did what any ambitious politician would do—he jumped ship into Congress. Now, he has turned his attention to one of his favorite pastimes: trying to impeach Donald Trump. Yes, the very same representative who dances around accusations like a ballet performance is now participating in bigger political theatrics, forgetting not everyone finds his musical political farce endearing.
Recently, Hannity took Thandiar to task on live TV, holding his feet to the fire over his controversial stance on immigration, particularly concerning families victimized by illegal immigrants. Thandiar, in his bravest moment of political neutrality, chose not to stand and honor families grieving at the loss of loved ones due to unresolved issues within our border security. This cautious move prompts us to wonder if ignoring victims is a new Republican party trick we’ve yet to master.
Thandiar’s solution for the debated immigration issue? Abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, no less. It’s as if hopping off a plane in China, only to inform them that their entire system of law enforcement is passé and that you are the casual tourist who will change it all. At least in China, you wouldn’t be allowed to run for office and lecture their citizens. In contrast, Thandiar’s occasion of critiquing America’s immigration system just adds to his Olympic run of achievements.
Not one to shy away from amusing intricacies, Thandiar completes his eclectic persona with drawn-on eyebrow art, inviting his audience to appreciate his meme-worthy moments. Meanwhile, Hannity fans celebrate that night’s segment, which was quickly recapped across the internet with many cheering the exchange for highlighting Thandiar’s questionable choices. A so-called “pummeling” with fiery critiques on his voting record left many questioning how democracy managed to produce such fascinating spectacles.
Indeed, Thandiar’s political aspirations act as a reminder of the peculiar fantasies gripping certain realms of American politics today. It’s worth visiting such stories as a reminder of what active citizens shouldn’t ignore, and perhaps finding a touch of humor isn’t such a bad idea when confronting the theatrical twist and turns of political life.
