I know my friend, to whom I later confessed, has never quite forgiven me, even though she was as revulsed by the champagne celebration as I was. In the years since, as the divisions have only grown sharper, as we have lived through so many other depressing things that were let loose that December 6th, as I write and try to think clearly about and understand these issues, I return often to that little episode. Today, I am critical of those who, without a thought, pass judgement on others' patriotism or lack of it. I like passion, but the weird thing is, I myself squirm at explaining it away like that. It would not, and that is why I squirm.
Passion is good.
We could all use more of it. But when it becomes an excuse for crimes and criminals, that's when it's no good any more. I'll return to that. But first, let's get one thing out of the way. It is a fool who would deny that there are people, ordinary people, many people, who felt deeply hurt by the existence of the Babri Masjid.