Parties urge NCPO to ease prohibition on political meetings

[webfact]

Parties urge NCPO to ease prohibition on political meetings
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Politicians from both sides of the divide have called on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to relax its restrictions on political gatherings so they can meet and discuss their contributions to the charter drafting process.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the junta should relax this ban on meetings, as it hinders political parties. He added that his party had no intention to stir disorder or do anything that could affect national security.

He went on to say that party members needed to meet to exchange views, and though he understands NCPO's concerns about security and disorder, he said it could allow parties to meet but take measures to forbid any questionable activities.

Abhisit added that he was ready to meet the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) on November 24 and offer his views on what the new charter should look like. The Democrat leader added that he believes the root cause of this country's political crisis lies in the abuse of power, which is linked to vote buying, corruption and media interference - all factors that have contributed to protests and failure of the political system.

The CDC has invited political parties and political groups to meet them between November 17 and 25 in order to express their views on what they wish to see in the new charter.

On the other side of the divide, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Suraphong Tovichakchaikul also urged the NCPO to relax its prohibition on political meetings.

CDC spokesperson Pakorn Priyakorn said it would be beneficial if political parties and political groups could offer their views on the charter. He also insisted yesterday that there was no "blue print" for the new charter as been reported by some members of media, adding that charter drafters really wanted input from different groups.

"I insist that the CDC is sincere. If we were not sincere, then we would not have invited political parties or political groups to participate. I want all sides to consider the country," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Parties-urge-NCPO-to-ease-prohibition-on-political-30247652.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-13

[arthurboy]

I'm sure the junta will allow parties to meet as long as any meeting was supervised/ monitored by an army representative.

[thesetat2013]

What parties??

I thought all parties were disbanded?

[yellow1red1]

George Washington, clearly, predicted how political parties would destroy democracy and he was, absolutely, correct.

"political parties must be restrained in a popularly elected government because of their tendency to distract the government from their duties, create unfounded jealousies among groups and regions, raise false alarms amongst the people, promote riots and insurrection, and provide foreign nations and interests [corp/banks] access to the government where they can impose their will upon the country. Moreover, Washington makes the case that "the alternate domination" of one party over another and coinciding efforts to exact revenge upon their opponents have led to horrible atrocities, and "is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism." From Washington's perspective and judgment, the tendency of political parties toward permanent despotism is because they eventually and "gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual. [Abhisit, Thaksin, Bush, Obama, Thatcher, etAL] " He, also, said "parties would allow cunning, ambitious, unprincipled men to subvert sovereignty of the People, usurp for themselves the reins of Governmment and create an Unjust Dominion." < Today's News written over 200 years ago. Bring back Political Gangs? Heck NO!

[DrTuner]

I read ease the prohibition during the political meetings. Thought Chalerm was on the ear medicine again.

[bangrak]

George Washington, clearly, predicted how political parties would destroy democracy and he was, absolutely, correct.

"political parties must be restrained in a popularly elected government because of their tendency to distract the government from their duties, create unfounded jealousies among groups and regions, raise false alarms amongst the people, promote riots and insurrection, and provide foreign nations and interests [corp/banks] access to the government where they can impose their will upon the country. Moreover, Washington makes the case that "the alternate domination" of one party over another and coinciding efforts to exact revenge upon their opponents have led to horrible atrocities, and "is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism." From Washington's perspective and judgment, the tendency of political parties toward permanent despotism is because they eventually and "gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual. [Abhisit, Thaksin, Bush, Obama, Thatcher, etAL] " He, also, said "parties would allow cunning, ambitious, unprincipled men to subvert sovereignty of the People, usurp for themselves the reins of Governmment and create an Unjust Dominion." < Today's News written over 200 years ago. Bring back Political Gangs? Heck NO!

Thank you for this valuable contribution to this forum, at the antipode of the biased babbles and platitudes which have alas become used too here! (And I really mean this!)

[bangrak]

What parties??

I thought all parties were disbanded?

Alas not...! (Which is evidence N°1 nothing will really change...)

[rickirs]

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George Washington, clearly, predicted how political parties would destroy democracy and he was, absolutely, correct.

"political parties must be restrained in a popularly elected government because of their tendency to distract the government from their duties, create unfounded jealousies among groups and regions, raise false alarms amongst the people, promote riots and insurrection, and provide foreign nations and interests [corp/banks] access to the government where they can impose their will upon the country. Moreover, Washington makes the case that "the alternate domination" of one party over another and coinciding efforts to exact revenge upon their opponents have led to horrible atrocities, and "is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism." From Washington's perspective and judgment, the tendency of political parties toward permanent despotism is because they eventually and "gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual. [Abhisit, Thaksin, Bush, Obama, Thatcher, etAL] " He, also, said "parties would allow cunning, ambitious, unprincipled men to subvert sovereignty of the People, usurp for themselves the reins of Governmment and create an Unjust Dominion." < Today's News written over 200 years ago. Bring back Political Gangs? Heck NO!

When the American Revolutionary War was born with General George Washington as its Supreme Military Commander, it CREATED a two-party system in the colonies! The Whigs (revolutionists) and the Tories (pro-British King) which were adaptations of the British opposition party names. Obviously, GW sided with the Whigs who financed the revolution. By defeating the British, the First Continental Congress became a one-party legislative body and GW had unanimous support of the Continental Congress to become its first president - he had no OPPOSITION for two terms. Like Gen. Prauth's "election", GW did not have to concern himself with political parties to become leader of the new nation.

But no sooner than having appointed his first cabinet did those people who he shared power with in the executive branch became politicized towards their own best interests. And so began a democratic-based multi-party system that has lasted over two hundred years. In that time there has been a peaceful continuity of elected US congressmen (except during the Civil War with the South seceding) and forty-four presidents without military coups. Looks like America missed the destruction you so desire.

Has America's lawmakers and national leadership always been perfect given the unrestrained opportunities for political opposition?No. Democracy is about trial and error, successes and mistakes - the ultimate educator for the People. What's important is that its citizens can be participatory in whatever direction the nation takes domestically and internationally. I think GW today would be honored and amazed to what he and the First Congress gave birth.