Free Bus, Free Train To Help Low-income Earners

[baanthale]

The first 10 years I spent here, was under the Dem's. goverm.

10 years under Democrat government? What (or when) are you talking about?

Yeah, very sorry, should read nearly 10 years

[Plus]

Did these ten years include 3 years right after economic crisis when Democrats stepped in to clear the mess? They had to cut down on social services under IMF conditions negotiated by Thaksin's future economic advisor and Finance minister.

Did you see them spreading wealth around Bangkok and South during that time?

When were those "nearly" ten years? Do you think anyone remembers how life was during short spell under Democrats thirteen years ago?

[Spee]

increased consumption will stimulate economic growth and benefits are bound to percolate down...

That's not how "socialist" states work. That's how the republicans in the US want it to work - less taxes, more money in people's pockets, less government sponsored welfare, let people fend for themselves.

I'm not judging which system is better, I'm saying that while our on-board socialists talk about building welfare state, the reality on the ground is just opposite.

If you won't judge it, then I will. Socialism by definition means the government controls the entire economy. What has made and to a large degree still makes America great is personal economic freedom. Economic freedom is why the country was formed. It is one of the few countries in the world where a people can go from "zero to hero" in a single generation, based solely on their ability to learn, work, save and sacrifice.

Every socialist state in history has been a failure. So-called socialist democracies of the current era are simply efforts headed in the direction of failure. Unfortunately, America has rapidly headed the way of the socialist democracy and the growth of government and government social programs has boomed during the last 40-50 years. While there is still a lot of economic freedom, government socialist policies have stymied large groups of people from opportunity to prosper by keeping them firmly secured to the federal teat.

I've no issue with people getting a "hand up" with free transporation, but what Thailand needs is greater individual economic freedom. That will only come from less government involvement, reducing the rampant corruption among the law, the military, the politicos and the wealthy elite. I don't see it happening any time soon, but there is nothing wrong with making it a 30-50 year plan. The roots of establishing the plan are to maintain the democratic initiatives and put the military under the command of the central government, not vice versa.