Well, my formal education isn’t really much to speak of. I have a “Fachabitur”, which in Germany is something like a minor college degree, and i managed to reach the worst result of the whole school back then. I don’t even know where the certificate is, or if i still have it, as i haven’t looked at it since the day i got it.
I believe that my wife, who is a cook, has more marketable skills than i have. I am just a vessel filled with tons of quite useless knowledge.
“Orinoco Woof Woof Blanco”:
“whilst cruising the highways on your un-proletarian Kawasaki GTO 125cc ”
Which just needed a major engine overhaul. And when it rains, it pours…my camera gave up a few days ago, and i needed to buy a new one…
…by the way, how can i convince the wife that we should hire a maid and get a swimming pool? Any ideas?
The human rights worker who sent me the Amnesty email I pasted in above told me this about Ben Zawacki.
That Zawacki, when he made that decision, only relied on an MFA translation of Da Torpedo’s words.
That Zawacki, when he made that decision, spoke/read little or no Thai himself.
When Zawacki was challenged by the human rights worker and offered a different, independent translation of Da Torpedo’s speech he refused, point blank, to consider it or any other translation.
Zawacki was ONLY interested in his MFA contact. At that point the MFA was headed up by none other than the arch PAD fanatic, Kasit.
There is actually a huge contention over whether Da’s words were “violent” and several very highly regarded sources I’ve spoken to have all said that there is enough ambiguity to raise real concerns over Zawacki’s failure to investigate further.
Given Zawacki’s other pro-royalist comments it’s pretty easy to deduce his position. That he works for an organisation that seeks funds from the public whilst claiming to defend human rights impartially makes him, in my opinion, not fit for his position.
As for Zawacki’s dubious claim the Da’s words would get a prison sentence elsewhere – what nonsense. Yesterday, here in the UK, I listened to a song by “Class War” directed at the British Royal family called “Royal Funerals” which calls for guillotines, rebellion etc. (Just to be clear I’m not defending the position taken in that song. Listening to and then referencing something doesn’t mean you agree with it). It invokes a far more violent set of images than Da T ever came close to. It will, of course, be ignored by the authorities. There won;t be any “short sentences” or even an arrest.
Once again I return to the point that the Thai people have to face even Western human rights workers taking the side of human rights abusers.
The unprincipled and conniving irony of that situation is encapsulated perfectly by Chris Coles two excellent “noir” paintings entitled “NGO Guy in the Bangkok Night” and “Enthralled Farang in the Land of Smiles”. Now I know who Chris based these portraits on – can anyone guess?
Good comment and sage advice, but I do have a further question based on your premiss – how do we deal with the politicians who are corrupt (and I would hypothesize that is a large percentage)?
The ‘good’ men will always win if we cannot find a way to deal with the excuse they have to intervene and ‘save’ us. I believe that is the very crux of the issue. We have to find a mechanism to make it unacceptable to be corrupt, just as it is entirely unacceptable for the ‘good’ men to intervene. We have to stop giving them the excuse. I see no serious attempt to actually rid Thai politics of the scourge of corruption – ever.
Sorry, forgot to post the quote/email from AI which you only quoted in part. So it’s important people see the quote in its full context.
Furthermore, how do you know the MFA contact was a Democrat official? Isn’t entirely possible they were/are a civil servant? They could well still be there under PTP.
From: [email protected] ;
Subject: Re: Da Torpido 18 years imprisoned
NAME REDACTED
Date: Tuesday, 1 September, 2009, 11:16 PM
NAME REDACTED,
PART OF CORRESPONDENCE REDACTED HERE
But she [Da Torpedo] also–and this is very much the view of the MFA [Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs], including of my most trusted and respected contact there–was rather reckless in her language and either advocated violence against the king or came very close to doing so. I’m thinking in particular of the final lines on Russia and Nepal, right next to urging people to resist and fight. And I’m told that this is what really did it for her. 18 years is far too much, but she would have run the risk of a (shorter) sentence elsewhere for this, and so is not, as such, a POC [Prisoner of Conscience]. That is why AI is reluctant to take up her case.
Congrats to the technical producers of this vid. Its very well produced.
Unfortunately it contains so much misinformation and false underlying messages it is a shame for you all for either being mislead or for trying to mislead others.
You all demean your own abilities, intelligence and education by not publishing facts and proper information.
For your own good and for your own integrity do some proper research and find out the facts.
Dignifying Ko Thant Myint-U proposal of revitalizing Yangon further:
If Australian National University or any western higher institute of learning will establish extension campuses on available Rangoon University ground or any hundred of abandoned colonial building between Canal and Mahabundula street.
The possibilities will be infinitely more positive than exchanges of scholars toward the well being of Myanmar Citizenry Future.
Thanks, Nick! You have built a formidable reputation as an independent contributor to the recent history of SE Asia. I hope you now get the opportunity to write it all up in relative comfort, and to teach an exciting course in SE Asian history to bright and eager students at home….. and in Thailand as well.
“Be interesting to see how Dems supporters present on this thread will be able to weasel their way out of this one.”
Who are the Dems? Certainly not me.
Did you redact info in the Zawacki email, Andrew? If so, one has to be pretty suspicious of your motives given your selective/misrepresentative treatment of Wikileaks quotes on the LM thread.
Also what does the quote prove? It shows Ben has as source in the MFA. As a human rights NGO one would hole and expect Amnesty would have trusted sources here and elsewhere. It shows no bias because of that source. What the quote does show is that because Da Torpedo advocated or came close to advocating violence the she could not be considered a prisoner of conscience by AI. This has been AI policy from year one. People engaged in violence or armed struggle will not be considered prisoners of conscience by AI, though the rights group can still campaign on their behalf on other issues. Some people have problems with this policy, but it is central policy and nothing to do with Zawacki or Thailand in particular.
It is interesting that you ratchet up your attack on this thread http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/2447 where Zackawi explains why AI would not host or be part of a human rights event with Robert Amsterdam, Taksin’s paid political lobbyist. The reasons are clear, rational and fair.
Out of interest Andrew, is defending/supporting Robert Amsterdam also part of your as yet unspecified agenda.
“He has proven himself to be a man of integrity (for a politician)”
Notice the brackets… Now do pay attention. UNQUOTE
It was noticed. A couple of brackets don’t really do anything to dispel the seeming hallucination, however.
QUOTE One of the constant themes of the royalist/military/bureaucratic ascendancy that has ruled Thailand for many years is that all politicians are by their very nature corrupt and that one must rely on “good men” to save the country from their evil ways. What that really means is that parliamentary democracy which by its very nature is peopled by politicians is obviously and incorrigibly corrupt. And that the “good men” who are far too pure to go through the messy business of actually getting elected are the only ones who can be trusted. UNQUOTE
I’m doubting Chaturon’s integrity. You brought up the corruption and Devil Incarnate stuff yourself. The problem with Chaturon is that he was nurtured by the very same royalist system you describe – which, to my way of thinking, is totally lacking in integrity for the very same reasons you mention. Since most Thai politicians are self-proclaimed royalists, it is precisely their weasel way in hiding behind an apparently unassailable institution that renders them lacking in almost any integrity – in my view.
Think about how anyone is proved corrupt in this country. Well it almost never happens anyway – since the legal system (regardless of side) makes sure that the case is unsolvable. In that sort of climate, the ordinary unalligned bystander can NEVER prove guilt. So how can we deal with this. My approach to such slimy politics is to treat all politics here as highly suspect, with the onus always being on politicians to prove their innocence. Until such time as Chaturon is capable of telling me why he has spent so many years supporting the party of extra-judicial murder, CEO-style politics (with its ability to stifle any dissent not driven by its own money-grabbing agenda) and (yes) blind loyalty to the royalty , I see no reason to believe he is a man of integrity. So no voodoo stuff here. Just a belief that when I can never prove guilt, the onus is always on them to show me why I might be wrong. Chaturon’s protestations of innocence have so far been extremely feeble, to say the least.
Just when the masses were about to ditch Thaksin, the PAD+DEMs screw up an reinvigorate the red base with their political theatre.
A Democrat MP assults and commits battery upon a government MP on camera with the nation as witness.
Dozens of opposition MPs rush the speaker to demand that the government not carry out its mandates (reconciliation and bringing Thaksin back).
Anyone who believed Mark back in 2010 when he said that he would ‘allow’ an election’in six months if the Reds stood down has to know see that Mark heads a Political Party that is a disgrace among parties that claim to be democratic, a laughing stock.
Who remembers when a Thai Politician was vetted to head the UN? That will not occur again anytime in the near future.
Burma proceeds towards democracy and why not Thailand. Because of the undemocratic nature of the party that falsely claims the title Democrat Party.
And the Padocrats invert the 1%-99% figures to proclaim an Occupy Movement where the 1% want to occupy the space of the 99%ers. It would be funny except it will end badly.
I am embarrassed to admit that once I held the Democrat Party in esteem, identified myself as a supporter. Never again. I may hate Thaksin, but I hate destroyers of Democracy even more.
Thaksin for all his faults, did respect the ballot box. Unlike Mark, the coup leaders, and his Democrat Party.
It is highly doubtful even George Soros is so keen on rampant free market now as the poor man has been been cutting down his staff big time and his plan for unlimited credit facilities to bail out Greece seem to have few backers.
Markel may feel the same. Definitely the Socialist voters in France, not that they new government is going to stop promoting the capitalists but it will still keep some semblance of social welfare, starting with the their own salary cuts.
may not augur well for a wannabe rich country with dereliction of duty towards the masses.
As for the current direction Burma is on, it is like letting 5 year old to drive a car.
Not only the purported model is for “Free Market”, the policy to get there is “Free Buffet” as well.
Thein Sein with no knowledge and advise solely from self-promoters on ASEAN and the “West” and the unconditionally ever supportive sidekick Aung San Suu Kyi with even less wisdom are opening up and asking the would be rapists to be gentle!!! Sure they will be.
Contrary to being pessimistic, these are brave honest assessments and call for action and policies for the good of the masses which starts with PROMOTION of the welfare of the masses rather than inviting to get the subsistence wage jobs for them where they will forever be trapped.
It certainly would be of utmost importance to ask the people what they want and make that happens rather than shove down their throats what the Chinese, ASEAN, that fake democracy India and the “West” want.
At least Hlaing Thar Yar crowd seems not so keen on starvation and deprivation. Multiply that by a thousand and even the Sit-tut would not know where to hide.
“Be interesting to see how Dems supporters present on this thread will be able to weasel their way out of this one.”
Are there any?…. ooops … sorry…… Bloody fascists…. They are everywhere!
“Apparently, for some, this entire situation points to some unfathomable Thai-style complexity and if you condemn the Dems/PAD for attempting to destroy democracy and putting forth a neo-fascist political agenda you are somehow “not telling it like it is” or are exhibiting some kind of “false consciousness” or lacking the kind of “understanding” present only in the selected few. What arrogant nonsense.”
Or just talking insane hysterical bollocks?
“The PAD are fascists.”
Not strictly speaking…. Although both they and the UDD employ fascistic method.
“There’s not much to equivocate or pontificate about there and not much that’s too difficult to understand.”
Damn right… And you should quite clearly pontificate appropriately along those lines without a hint of equivocation…. Oh yes!
“Let’s not forget as well that LM charges, including Jiew’s, skyrocketed under the Dems.”
And lets not also forget how sympathetic PT are to remedying this terrible trend.
“And let’s remind ourselves that unlike Jiew, the likes of Da Torpedo remain buried alive in a Thai prison, completely ignored by Amnesty, the foreign media and the moral bankrupts who seek, on this thread, to defend, once again, the Dems/PAD.”
Right on! And the moral bankrupts who ignore or cheer on more of the same from the present PT government…. (Popularly elected with the power to turn these trends around).
“This is what the people of Thailand are up against. Human rights organisations colluding with human rights abusers. So-called “journalists” making excuses for massacres and physical violence in Parliament while failing utterly to provide accurate descriptions of what is actually going on. They do this whilst hiding behind carefully constructed conceits such as “it’s too complex” (isn’t everywhere?) or “we have to be impartial” (no, you have to tell the truth).”
I call on the popularly elected government to change this and stick it to these bastatrds!
“All political conflicts are complex by their very definition”
Er…. Spooner… You might want to rethink this one for the boss… You don’t do ‘complex’… You just do ‘vitriol’ and ‘slogan’…. Keep within your limits sunshine…. Oh fraternal fighter for ‘freedom’!…..
“You’re either opposed to the explicit fascism of the PAD/Dems or you’re not”
Zig heil! Shpooner ish der Furher Gezeintunhumpt!…………..
Although the author mentioned that this article barely scratched the surface, even this mere outline is sufficient to cause great trepidation upon reading…..this just shows how far away we as a nation have wondered way, way off-course; and great determination with true dedication are needed make up for lost time.
One commentator gave one scenario about a hung parliament. He said….”Govt in transition, country goes into another general elections with a new power sharing formula.” I am less sanguine about this, bearing in mind about the recent ‘noise’ about malay unity and the PAS hardliner coming out strongly about seeking out new partner ( from outside PR coalition) to realise its long desired dream of an islamic state.
“Full media freedom in Myanmar? Will the day arrive sooner than many thought?”
Someone will need to be reminded the ‘double edge sword” nature of media freedom.
Already the Power that be is attributing its obvious incompetency of delivering the most basic necessity to the fault of the rebels and on air/empty promises.
Use of either Facebook ,Twitter or any other internet based medium that require a certain amount of technological sophistry will not be forthcoming to majority of Myanmar Citizenry until the very basics of a desperate citizenry well beings is defined and addressed.
Can the most basic need of a citizenry well defined in various forums includ5ng here at New Mandala that has been ignored by the West be now reminded by such fleeting, self absorbing generation’s medium such as Facebook?
One of the constant themes of the royalist/military/bureaucratic ascendancy that has ruled Thailand for many years is that all politicians are by their very nature corrupt and that one must rely on “good men” to save the country from their evil ways. What that really means is that parliamentary democracy which by its very nature is peopled by politicians is obviously and incorrigibly corrupt. And that the “good men” who are far too pure to go through the messy business of actually getting elected are the only ones who can be trusted.
Of course, politicians can be corrupt and in Thailand there are corrupt politicians, even more so than elsewhere because the idea of parliamentary politics is painted as something only the corrupt would become involved in . A self-fulfilling prophecy in some ways. You only have so much time to make your bundle before the “good men” come in and throw you out.
But the “good men” get on the boards of big and small companies at least as much as the politicians.
But rather than just accepting this conventional truth of corrupt politicians and accusing others of living in a fantasy, you need to make the case for what you say. You need to proceed from some sort of testable evidence of Chaturon’s corruption, rather than a simple axiom that Chaturon is a politician, therefore he is corrupt. Otherwise, it is simply not fair and not convincing. Stating a premise does not make it true.
Speaking personally, Chaturon impressed me as he did Greg Lowe during the Thaksin government. I’m sure he’s not a saint but rather than just saying he’s a politician and therefore evil, why not point us to his actual corrupt activity. Give some evidence not just axioms.
I may be wrong though. He is, of course, associated with “Evil Incarnate: Corrupt to the Core” (A PAD sign with a squarehead picture I saw in the Nation Tonight) so he may be just a minion of the Evil One.
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Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
“R. N. England”:
Teaching a course… 😉
Well, my formal education isn’t really much to speak of. I have a “Fachabitur”, which in Germany is something like a minor college degree, and i managed to reach the worst result of the whole school back then. I don’t even know where the certificate is, or if i still have it, as i haven’t looked at it since the day i got it.
I believe that my wife, who is a cook, has more marketable skills than i have. I am just a vessel filled with tons of quite useless knowledge.
“Orinoco Woof Woof Blanco”:
“whilst cruising the highways on your un-proletarian Kawasaki GTO 125cc ”
Which just needed a major engine overhaul. And when it rains, it pours…my camera gave up a few days ago, and i needed to buy a new one…
…by the way, how can i convince the wife that we should hire a maid and get a swimming pool? Any ideas?
The end, the beginning
The human rights worker who sent me the Amnesty email I pasted in above told me this about Ben Zawacki.
That Zawacki, when he made that decision, only relied on an MFA translation of Da Torpedo’s words.
That Zawacki, when he made that decision, spoke/read little or no Thai himself.
When Zawacki was challenged by the human rights worker and offered a different, independent translation of Da Torpedo’s speech he refused, point blank, to consider it or any other translation.
Zawacki was ONLY interested in his MFA contact. At that point the MFA was headed up by none other than the arch PAD fanatic, Kasit.
There is actually a huge contention over whether Da’s words were “violent” and several very highly regarded sources I’ve spoken to have all said that there is enough ambiguity to raise real concerns over Zawacki’s failure to investigate further.
Given Zawacki’s other pro-royalist comments it’s pretty easy to deduce his position. That he works for an organisation that seeks funds from the public whilst claiming to defend human rights impartially makes him, in my opinion, not fit for his position.
As for Zawacki’s dubious claim the Da’s words would get a prison sentence elsewhere – what nonsense. Yesterday, here in the UK, I listened to a song by “Class War” directed at the British Royal family called “Royal Funerals” which calls for guillotines, rebellion etc. (Just to be clear I’m not defending the position taken in that song. Listening to and then referencing something doesn’t mean you agree with it). It invokes a far more violent set of images than Da T ever came close to. It will, of course, be ignored by the authorities. There won;t be any “short sentences” or even an arrest.
Once again I return to the point that the Thai people have to face even Western human rights workers taking the side of human rights abusers.
The unprincipled and conniving irony of that situation is encapsulated perfectly by Chris Coles two excellent “noir” paintings entitled “NGO Guy in the Bangkok Night” and “Enthralled Farang in the Land of Smiles”. Now I know who Chris based these portraits on – can anyone guess?
http://bangkok-noir.blogspot.com/2012/01/noir-ngo-guy-in-bangkok-night.html
http://bangkok-noir.blogspot.com/2012/01/engtralled-farang-in-land-of-smiles.html
The end, the beginning
#36 tom hoy
Good comment and sage advice, but I do have a further question based on your premiss – how do we deal with the politicians who are corrupt (and I would hypothesize that is a large percentage)?
The ‘good’ men will always win if we cannot find a way to deal with the excuse they have to intervene and ‘save’ us. I believe that is the very crux of the issue. We have to find a mechanism to make it unacceptable to be corrupt, just as it is entirely unacceptable for the ‘good’ men to intervene. We have to stop giving them the excuse. I see no serious attempt to actually rid Thai politics of the scourge of corruption – ever.
The end, the beginning
Sorry, forgot to post the quote/email from AI which you only quoted in part. So it’s important people see the quote in its full context.
Furthermore, how do you know the MFA contact was a Democrat official? Isn’t entirely possible they were/are a civil servant? They could well still be there under PTP.
Be interested to hear people’s thoughts on this.
On Tue, 1/9/09, [email protected]
; wrote:
From: [email protected] ;
Subject: Re: Da Torpido 18 years imprisoned
NAME REDACTED
Date: Tuesday, 1 September, 2009, 11:16 PM
NAME REDACTED,
PART OF CORRESPONDENCE REDACTED HERE
But she [Da Torpedo] also–and this is very much the view of the MFA [Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs], including of my most trusted and respected contact there–was rather reckless in her language and either advocated violence against the king or came very close to doing so. I’m thinking in particular of the final lines on Russia and Nepal, right next to urging people to resist and fight. And I’m told that this is what really did it for her. 18 years is far too much, but she would have run the risk of a (shorter) sentence elsewhere for this, and so is not, as such, a POC [Prisoner of Conscience]. That is why AI is reluctant to take up her case.
PART OF CORRESPONDENCE REDACTED HERE
Stop Lynas, Save Malaysia
Congrats to the technical producers of this vid. Its very well produced.
Unfortunately it contains so much misinformation and false underlying messages it is a shame for you all for either being mislead or for trying to mislead others.
You all demean your own abilities, intelligence and education by not publishing facts and proper information.
For your own good and for your own integrity do some proper research and find out the facts.
PS I love Malaysia also.
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Dignifying Ko Thant Myint-U proposal of revitalizing Yangon further:
If Australian National University or any western higher institute of learning will establish extension campuses on available Rangoon University ground or any hundred of abandoned colonial building between Canal and Mahabundula street.
The possibilities will be infinitely more positive than exchanges of scholars toward the well being of Myanmar Citizenry Future.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Thanks, Nick! You have built a formidable reputation as an independent contributor to the recent history of SE Asia. I hope you now get the opportunity to write it all up in relative comfort, and to teach an exciting course in SE Asian history to bright and eager students at home….. and in Thailand as well.
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Restoring the Yangon and Mandalay trams would be a good place to start.
Urban historical preservation and restoration coupled with tourism promotion certainly can contribute to poverty alleviation. 🙂
The end, the beginning
“Be interesting to see how Dems supporters present on this thread will be able to weasel their way out of this one.”
Who are the Dems? Certainly not me.
Did you redact info in the Zawacki email, Andrew? If so, one has to be pretty suspicious of your motives given your selective/misrepresentative treatment of Wikileaks quotes on the LM thread.
Also what does the quote prove? It shows Ben has as source in the MFA. As a human rights NGO one would hole and expect Amnesty would have trusted sources here and elsewhere. It shows no bias because of that source. What the quote does show is that because Da Torpedo advocated or came close to advocating violence the she could not be considered a prisoner of conscience by AI. This has been AI policy from year one. People engaged in violence or armed struggle will not be considered prisoners of conscience by AI, though the rights group can still campaign on their behalf on other issues. Some people have problems with this policy, but it is central policy and nothing to do with Zawacki or Thailand in particular.
It is interesting that you ratchet up your attack on this thread http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/2447 where Zackawi explains why AI would not host or be part of a human rights event with Robert Amsterdam, Taksin’s paid political lobbyist. The reasons are clear, rational and fair.
Out of interest Andrew, is defending/supporting Robert Amsterdam also part of your as yet unspecified agenda.
The end, the beginning
Reincarnation works unincensed. Try it.
The end, the beginning
QUOTE Andrew, thats why he said
“He has proven himself to be a man of integrity (for a politician)”
Notice the brackets… Now do pay attention. UNQUOTE
It was noticed. A couple of brackets don’t really do anything to dispel the seeming hallucination, however.
QUOTE One of the constant themes of the royalist/military/bureaucratic ascendancy that has ruled Thailand for many years is that all politicians are by their very nature corrupt and that one must rely on “good men” to save the country from their evil ways. What that really means is that parliamentary democracy which by its very nature is peopled by politicians is obviously and incorrigibly corrupt. And that the “good men” who are far too pure to go through the messy business of actually getting elected are the only ones who can be trusted. UNQUOTE
I’m doubting Chaturon’s integrity. You brought up the corruption and Devil Incarnate stuff yourself. The problem with Chaturon is that he was nurtured by the very same royalist system you describe – which, to my way of thinking, is totally lacking in integrity for the very same reasons you mention. Since most Thai politicians are self-proclaimed royalists, it is precisely their weasel way in hiding behind an apparently unassailable institution that renders them lacking in almost any integrity – in my view.
Think about how anyone is proved corrupt in this country. Well it almost never happens anyway – since the legal system (regardless of side) makes sure that the case is unsolvable. In that sort of climate, the ordinary unalligned bystander can NEVER prove guilt. So how can we deal with this. My approach to such slimy politics is to treat all politics here as highly suspect, with the onus always being on politicians to prove their innocence. Until such time as Chaturon is capable of telling me why he has spent so many years supporting the party of extra-judicial murder, CEO-style politics (with its ability to stifle any dissent not driven by its own money-grabbing agenda) and (yes) blind loyalty to the royalty , I see no reason to believe he is a man of integrity. So no voodoo stuff here. Just a belief that when I can never prove guilt, the onus is always on them to show me why I might be wrong. Chaturon’s protestations of innocence have so far been extremely feeble, to say the least.
The end, the beginning
Just when the masses were about to ditch Thaksin, the PAD+DEMs screw up an reinvigorate the red base with their political theatre.
A Democrat MP assults and commits battery upon a government MP on camera with the nation as witness.
Dozens of opposition MPs rush the speaker to demand that the government not carry out its mandates (reconciliation and bringing Thaksin back).
Anyone who believed Mark back in 2010 when he said that he would ‘allow’ an election’in six months if the Reds stood down has to know see that Mark heads a Political Party that is a disgrace among parties that claim to be democratic, a laughing stock.
Who remembers when a Thai Politician was vetted to head the UN? That will not occur again anytime in the near future.
Burma proceeds towards democracy and why not Thailand. Because of the undemocratic nature of the party that falsely claims the title Democrat Party.
And the Padocrats invert the 1%-99% figures to proclaim an Occupy Movement where the 1% want to occupy the space of the 99%ers. It would be funny except it will end badly.
I am embarrassed to admit that once I held the Democrat Party in esteem, identified myself as a supporter. Never again. I may hate Thaksin, but I hate destroyers of Democracy even more.
Thaksin for all his faults, did respect the ballot box. Unlike Mark, the coup leaders, and his Democrat Party.
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
It is highly doubtful even George Soros is so keen on rampant free market now as the poor man has been been cutting down his staff big time and his plan for unlimited credit facilities to bail out Greece seem to have few backers.
Markel may feel the same. Definitely the Socialist voters in France, not that they new government is going to stop promoting the capitalists but it will still keep some semblance of social welfare, starting with the their own salary cuts.
The old pensioner of “famed” suicide in Sytagma square and ongoing national problem
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/analysis-greeks-count-mental-health-cost-of-a-country-in-crisis
may not augur well for a wannabe rich country with dereliction of duty towards the masses.
As for the current direction Burma is on, it is like letting 5 year old to drive a car.
Not only the purported model is for “Free Market”, the policy to get there is “Free Buffet” as well.
Thein Sein with no knowledge and advise solely from self-promoters on ASEAN and the “West” and the unconditionally ever supportive sidekick Aung San Suu Kyi with even less wisdom are opening up and asking the would be rapists to be gentle!!! Sure they will be.
Contrary to being pessimistic, these are brave honest assessments and call for action and policies for the good of the masses which starts with PROMOTION of the welfare of the masses rather than inviting to get the subsistence wage jobs for them where they will forever be trapped.
It certainly would be of utmost importance to ask the people what they want and make that happens rather than shove down their throats what the Chinese, ASEAN, that fake democracy India and the “West” want.
At least Hlaing Thar Yar crowd seems not so keen on starvation and deprivation. Multiply that by a thousand and even the Sit-tut would not know where to hide.
The end, the beginning
#34 Andrew Spooner
“Be interesting to see how Dems supporters present on this thread will be able to weasel their way out of this one.”
Are there any?…. ooops … sorry…… Bloody fascists…. They are everywhere!
“Apparently, for some, this entire situation points to some unfathomable Thai-style complexity and if you condemn the Dems/PAD for attempting to destroy democracy and putting forth a neo-fascist political agenda you are somehow “not telling it like it is” or are exhibiting some kind of “false consciousness” or lacking the kind of “understanding” present only in the selected few. What arrogant nonsense.”
Or just talking insane hysterical bollocks?
“The PAD are fascists.”
Not strictly speaking…. Although both they and the UDD employ fascistic method.
“There’s not much to equivocate or pontificate about there and not much that’s too difficult to understand.”
Damn right… And you should quite clearly pontificate appropriately along those lines without a hint of equivocation…. Oh yes!
“Let’s not forget as well that LM charges, including Jiew’s, skyrocketed under the Dems.”
And lets not also forget how sympathetic PT are to remedying this terrible trend.
“And let’s remind ourselves that unlike Jiew, the likes of Da Torpedo remain buried alive in a Thai prison, completely ignored by Amnesty, the foreign media and the moral bankrupts who seek, on this thread, to defend, once again, the Dems/PAD.”
Right on! And the moral bankrupts who ignore or cheer on more of the same from the present PT government…. (Popularly elected with the power to turn these trends around).
“This is what the people of Thailand are up against. Human rights organisations colluding with human rights abusers. So-called “journalists” making excuses for massacres and physical violence in Parliament while failing utterly to provide accurate descriptions of what is actually going on. They do this whilst hiding behind carefully constructed conceits such as “it’s too complex” (isn’t everywhere?) or “we have to be impartial” (no, you have to tell the truth).”
I call on the popularly elected government to change this and stick it to these bastatrds!
“All political conflicts are complex by their very definition”
Er…. Spooner… You might want to rethink this one for the boss… You don’t do ‘complex’… You just do ‘vitriol’ and ‘slogan’…. Keep within your limits sunshine…. Oh fraternal fighter for ‘freedom’!…..
“You’re either opposed to the explicit fascism of the PAD/Dems or you’re not”
Zig heil! Shpooner ish der Furher Gezeintunhumpt!…………..
The end, the beginning
About the integrity of Chaturon Chaisaeng – Exceptions confirm the rule – rough translation of the German proverb:
Ausnahmen best├дtigen die Regel
Malaysia after regime change – Ong Kian Ming
Although the author mentioned that this article barely scratched the surface, even this mere outline is sufficient to cause great trepidation upon reading…..this just shows how far away we as a nation have wondered way, way off-course; and great determination with true dedication are needed make up for lost time.
One commentator gave one scenario about a hung parliament. He said….”Govt in transition, country goes into another general elections with a new power sharing formula.” I am less sanguine about this, bearing in mind about the recent ‘noise’ about malay unity and the PAS hardliner coming out strongly about seeking out new partner ( from outside PR coalition) to realise its long desired dream of an islamic state.
On protests and media in Myanmar
“Full media freedom in Myanmar? Will the day arrive sooner than many thought?”
Someone will need to be reminded the ‘double edge sword” nature of media freedom.
Already the Power that be is attributing its obvious incompetency of delivering the most basic necessity to the fault of the rebels and on air/empty promises.
Use of either Facebook ,Twitter or any other internet based medium that require a certain amount of technological sophistry will not be forthcoming to majority of Myanmar Citizenry until the very basics of a desperate citizenry well beings is defined and addressed.
Can the most basic need of a citizenry well defined in various forums includ5ng here at New Mandala that has been ignored by the West be now reminded by such fleeting, self absorbing generation’s medium such as Facebook?
The end, the beginning
Unincensed,
One of the constant themes of the royalist/military/bureaucratic ascendancy that has ruled Thailand for many years is that all politicians are by their very nature corrupt and that one must rely on “good men” to save the country from their evil ways. What that really means is that parliamentary democracy which by its very nature is peopled by politicians is obviously and incorrigibly corrupt. And that the “good men” who are far too pure to go through the messy business of actually getting elected are the only ones who can be trusted.
Of course, politicians can be corrupt and in Thailand there are corrupt politicians, even more so than elsewhere because the idea of parliamentary politics is painted as something only the corrupt would become involved in . A self-fulfilling prophecy in some ways. You only have so much time to make your bundle before the “good men” come in and throw you out.
But the “good men” get on the boards of big and small companies at least as much as the politicians.
But rather than just accepting this conventional truth of corrupt politicians and accusing others of living in a fantasy, you need to make the case for what you say. You need to proceed from some sort of testable evidence of Chaturon’s corruption, rather than a simple axiom that Chaturon is a politician, therefore he is corrupt. Otherwise, it is simply not fair and not convincing. Stating a premise does not make it true.
Speaking personally, Chaturon impressed me as he did Greg Lowe during the Thaksin government. I’m sure he’s not a saint but rather than just saying he’s a politician and therefore evil, why not point us to his actual corrupt activity. Give some evidence not just axioms.
I may be wrong though. He is, of course, associated with “Evil Incarnate: Corrupt to the Core” (A PAD sign with a squarehead picture I saw in the Nation Tonight) so he may be just a minion of the Evil One.
The end, the beginning
#33 Unincensed
“What fantasy world are we living in over there Greg? The last thing any Thai politician has is integrity”
Andrew, thats why he said
“He has proven himself to be a man of integrity (for a politician)”
Notice the brackets… Now do pay attention.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Many thanks Nick! You embody what true reporting is all about.