Dear Reader, I write this as a common man.We have just celebrated our National Republic day.I remember as a kid we were taught about Republic of India.The history so rich and alarming.How much struggle involved,how much blood shed,what a heavy price paid for by common man for the common man to be happy.   I often wondered, what does Republic mean? The wikipedia definition I found out was " A republic is a state under a form of government in which the people, or some significant portion of them, retain supreme control over the government."   In simple words,it means a country not run by a single power but by representatives of all sectors and with the aim to achieve a goal of commonwealth.The concept,pretty noble,aims to achieve progress of everybody.   I also remember as  a kid,having so many programs to participate in which really was a good platform for learning about our country.As we went to college,I still remember many campaigns going on with youth that really kept the flame of patriotism alive.There were so many selfless campaigns that made you want to work like the National Flag Campaign,Jaagore campaign to name a few.   But as we went to the work field, the spirit diminished.There were so many other facets that came to light then.Corruption to top the list was everywhere,terrorism struck with a vengeance all over the world since the 9/11 attack and has its gruesome head lurking at many places,to top it on as a nation,we need not look outside for that.   To bring division in our country is so easy.Anything works,sometimes in the name of God a Rath Yaatra,in the name of language a Thackrey campaign,and of recently in the name of our national Flag,peace is disrupted by the very own who promise to govern. Journalism is not transparent either,the common man is not sure what to believe?   Alarming as it was to hear the news of a collector burnt alive on the very day we celebrate our Republic ,for just doing his job,was enough to cite the lawlessness that reigns.Horrifying is the feeling that comes to mind.There's no fear of a government that is divided,a government who cannot rule...whats more disturbing is that there seems to be no alternative either.The opposition that claims to be better when its given a chance seems equally inefficient.   I believe more than fear,its worry that consumes our time.How do we manage with the inflation and expenses going so high? How do we keep our jobs secure with recession? How do we get on daily and plan the future as well?With so much to think,who is bothered about whats going on in the country.Its our votes that count and sometimes we might not be bothered about that also.   Our country is made by us.We need to think and voice out now.The public makes the republic and my point ,dear reader, is just that if we don't  care now,when will we actually care?   My point is where is that republic spirit now?Where is the aim to commonwealth? Our taxes that go from our very own pockets into the hands of the government we vote for promises us no benefits for future,no guarantee of well being and no hopes of peace.Where is the law and where is justice? Where do we -the common man,go ?   Your's sincerely, Pearl Leo