Thai alliance hinges on return to democracy: US diplomat

[devaram]

I fail to see how Thailand benefits from a military alliance with US and I also fail to see why the U.S. does not apply similar standards against Egypt. Thailand is better off being a peaceful neutral country. It is the US that seems to get some benefit from this alliance because of Thailands strategic location inn Asia and if China invades Thailand will US go to war against China? The Japanese don't even trust the U.S. to protect them from China.

[Lupatria]

Now I'm waiting for protesters with wounded pride over another attempt to interfere in Thai politics at Uncle Sam's embassy.

[phrisco17]

Without US and Japanese investments Thailand will move back to the stone age.

It's still there!!!!

[robblok]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

But that shows hypocrisy, it shows that Democracy is not important to them. So if the current junta could offer more as the PTP they would swing their opinion. Its all about their interests. I would not be surprised if big T had offered them a lot of things.

I hear the US has good relations with Suriname too.. and Bouterse there has killed his opponents in the past. But hey the US does not care about that.

So an endorsement or condemnation of the US does not really tell us much besides that their interests lie in an other direction.. nothing about the validity of a government.

This is internal Thai thing, the US fails to take into account that the previous government had an armed terrorist wing they hid and supported. No normal government has that.. .. oh one back in the 30ies in Europe they had the same thing. I would support a real government but not the bullies and criminals that called themselves the PTP. Give me one example where a convicted criminal is leading a government in a real democracy.

[SaamBaht]

US elites profit within a democratic system. Why can't Thailand's elites figure out how to do the same thing. Until the very highest reaches of Thai society are ready to let go of power, nothing but a series of coups will follow any elected government. The archaic Thai caste system doesn't help matters.

[robblok]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

So dictators and military junta's are fine as long as they are approved by the USA?

Here's an idea....the USA should stick their noses into their own mess at home, stop stooping around in Thailand and buddying to its political criminal element, shut their over opinionated traps and let the Junta have the time and space that they have indicated they need to implement reforms and return to elections.

Guess we have a Thai subversive in the midst.

The USA policy is that any overthrow of an democratically elected government ie coup is wrong. What happened in Thailand for the what 8,9,10,11,12 time? A coup. Thailand has a dismal track record of coups....it is what it is. Its a duck. Dont like it, fix the system....oh yeah like thats gonna ever happen.

And their support of Suriname ? They got a killer for a president.. who killed his opponents. No an endorsement or condemnation of the USA does not mean anything else besides that they can do better deals with the party they support.

[Chicken George]

So does this mean the USA will cut ties with Saudi Arabia? No it does not.. Just the usual American double standards

[robblok]

So does this mean the USA will cut ties with Saudi Arabia? No it does not.. Just the usual American double standards

That is the whole point.. I don't have a problem with America being pragmatic. But the users here acting like an endorsement or condemnation of the USA means anything besides that they think the other side has better deals for them are a bit crazy.

[harada]

Does Thailand seem worried,I don't think so,they have

just invited China to the Cobra Gold war games.in place

of the U.S.

regards Worgeordie

. Live ammunition ?

[phrisco17]

The US isn't really a democracy.

You just have 2 almost identical parties passing the baton every 8 years.

Where there are perceived policy differences (climate change, abortion, taxes) - the people following their party do so like drones sticking to the party line on those issues and thinking the followers of the other party idiots for choosing the wrong side out of a sum total of 2.

Lobbyists and cash donations set policy because getting elected is basically a money game and the chance of any other parties participating is basically zero.

And then - every now & again, the guy with the least votes becomes President.

A fine system indeed.

Guess you arent American....

Every 4 years we have elections for our president....and for many other officials. We vote.

And no, people do not follow like drones....we vote for whomever we feel better suited to govern along our believes

Lobbying and cash donations are controlled....in Thailand corruption is a normal part of daily life.

We are a democracy....we dont do coups or military takeovers. We have rules, we follow them.

We have a constitution and we protect it with our lives. Thailand has meaningless paper.

We have choices and freedom....Thailand has neither

From a fellow American, "Right On."

Pedro01 wrote, "And then - every now & again, the guy with the least votes becomes President."

Our method of elections was established and electoral delegates (electoral colledge) were selected to represent the voting majority of their district. Each delegate has one vote which was delivered to the US Capitol via horse and carrage or other transportation means until the invent of the telegraph. The aggregate of the delegate votes for a particular Presidental Candidate determines the election of the President. Normally this process follows the popular vote very closely, however there has been a small few cases where the Electoral votes differ from the popular vote. I admit that our election system is outdated and needs to move into the digital age but this system has been in place since 1776, it works, and is unlikely to change.

On a different note, the US Military has no political power, is sworn to uphold the Constitution and obey the oders of the Commander In Chief (President). Therefore any attempt to overthrow the government including a coup is treason.

Edited February 6, 2015 by phrisco17

[geriatrickid]

Does Thailand seem worried,I don't think so,they have just invited China to the Cobra Gold war games.in place

of the U.S.

regards Worgeordie

WRONG. The USA was not replaced by China

How many times do you have to be told that it was the USA who invited China, OVER A YEAR AGO.

China participated in an observer role last year.

What possesses you to make such a blatantly false statement?

The USA is funding Cobra Gold, not Thailand. Do you really think that the USA would continue to fund Cobra Gold if it was not a participant?

Seriously?

[Fat Haggis]

Everything is relative - if China becomes mouthy, watch the US quiet down on this quite quickly. Wish they would just <deleted> and let people sort themselves out.

surely you meant the Thais also wish ALL farangs would F-Off and let them sort themselves out, including the ones here who don't even have a say in the Thai political process

[umbanda]

The US isn't really a democracy.

You just have 2 almost identical parties passing the baton every 8 years.

Where there are perceived policy differences (climate change, abortion, taxes) - the people following their party do so like drones sticking to the party line on those issues and thinking the followers of the other party idiots for choosing the wrong side out of a sum total of 2.

Lobbyists and cash donations set policy because getting elected is basically a money game and the chance of any other parties participating is basically zero.

And then - every now & again, the guy with the least votes becomes President.

A fine system indeed.

Very, very fine indeed.. Tailored for dummies...

[2fishin2]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

So dictators and military junta's are fine as long as they are approved by the USA?

Here's an idea....the USA should stick their noses into their own mess at home, stop stooping around in Thailand and buddying to its political criminal element, shut their over opinionated traps and let the Junta have the time and space that they have indicated they need to implement reforms and return to elections.

Guess we have a Thai subversive in the midst.

The USA policy is that any overthrow of an democratically elected government ie coup is wrong. What happened in Thailand for the what 8,9,10,11,12 time? A coup. Thailand has a dismal track record of coups....it is what it is. Its a duck. Dont like it, fix the system....oh yeah like thats gonna ever happen.

And their support of Suriname ? They got a killer for a president.. who killed his opponents. No an endorsement or condemnation of the USA does not mean anything else besides that they can do better deals with the party they support.

Nothing in your retort had anything to do with my post. Go back to school and learn

[TomJoad]

The US isn't really a democracy.

You just have 2 almost identical parties passing the baton every 8 years.

Where there are perceived policy differences (climate change, abortion, taxes) - the people following their party do so like drones sticking to the party line on those issues and thinking the followers of the other party idiots for choosing the wrong side out of a sum total of 2.

Lobbyists and cash donations set policy because getting elected is basically a money game and the chance of any other parties participating is basically zero.

And then - every now & again, the guy with the least votes becomes President.

A fine system indeed.

In the USA we get 50 choices for Miss America...but only 2 for president.

[geriatrickid]

So does this mean the USA will cut ties with Saudi Arabia? No it does not.. Just the usual American double standards

Whether you like it or not, Saudi Arabia is vital to world peace. It is a stabilizing force. What do you think will happen if the House of Saud collapses? Need a hint? Take a look at North Africa now.

Perhaps you should have a look at a map of the Gulf region from which much of the oil that India , China, Japan, South Korea , the EU and the rest of Asia depend. Iran is a hostile rogue nation intent on dominating the region. In case you missed it the Shiites of Iran do not like the west, and they do not get along with the Sunnis. If Iran expands, the middle East will have an all out war and that could bring down some EU and Asian countries as their economies collapse. That includes energy importer Thailand. The USA, bordered by 2 of the worlds top energy producers and awash in its own shale sourced energy, is now energy sufficient if it so chooses. Much of the world is not.

The continued status quo of Saudi Arabia, while not to the liking of westerners reflects Arab values and culture. It has always been a tribal based culture and the Saudi people themselves for the most part support the way things are done, albeit they want some progress. This is very different from Thailand, where the majority of people want a free vote and wish to be free of military interference.

[phrisco17]

This pretty sums up whether or not Mr. Russel will respond to the invite to answer questions.

[robblok]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

So dictators and military junta's are fine as long as they are approved by the USA?

Here's an idea....the USA should stick their noses into their own mess at home, stop stooping around in Thailand and buddying to its political criminal element, shut their over opinionated traps and let the Junta have the time and space that they have indicated they need to implement reforms and return to elections.

Guess we have a Thai subversive in the midst.

The USA policy is that any overthrow of an democratically elected government ie coup is wrong. What happened in Thailand for the what 8,9,10,11,12 time? A coup. Thailand has a dismal track record of coups....it is what it is. Its a duck. Dont like it, fix the system....oh yeah like thats gonna ever happen.

And their support of Suriname ? They got a killer for a president.. who killed his opponents. No an endorsement or condemnation of the USA does not mean anything else besides that they can do better deals with the party they support.

Nothing in your retort had anything to do with my post. Go back to school and learn

After you learn how to operate a computer and what i said has relevance.. you just dont like it.

The US just supports whoever they think is beneficial and they don't care one bit about legitimacy.

Support of Suriname. Support of Egypt.. I think we can go on with some dictators helped into power by the US.

Them enforcing a party only means they will get more benefits from it then they could get from the rival party. Its based on business and pragmatism.. not on right and wrong.

[robblok]

The US isn't really a democracy.

You just have 2 almost identical parties passing the baton every 8 years.

Where there are perceived policy differences (climate change, abortion, taxes) - the people following their party do so like drones sticking to the party line on those issues and thinking the followers of the other party idiots for choosing the wrong side out of a sum total of 2.

Lobbyists and cash donations set policy because getting elected is basically a money game and the chance of any other parties participating is basically zero.

And then - every now & again, the guy with the least votes becomes President.

A fine system indeed.

In the USA we get 50 choices for Miss America...but only 2 for president.

Its not like multiple parties are always the solution. In the Netherlands we got loads of parties with different idea's but in the end they all have to move away from their idea's and compromise to form a government as none is big enough to rule alone.

[Fat Haggis]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

So dictators and military junta's are fine as long as they are approved by the USA?

Here's an idea....the USA should stick their noses into their own mess at home, stop stooping around in Thailand and buddying to its political criminal element, shut their over opinionated traps and let the Junta have the time and space that they have indicated they need to implement reforms and return to elections.

But it's okay for you and many other to have an opinion about Thailand where the majority have no say ? I do love your comment about shutting their traps, would it be possible or plausible for the non resident Farangs here to do likewise and let the Thais sort out THEIR own mess?

There's more chance of Yingluck shopping in Primark, than have farangs keep their opinions to themselves!!

[geriatrickid]

In the USA we get 50 choices for Miss America...but only 2 for president.

Maybe next election you will vote and see that there are multiple candidates.

In 2012 there were 28 declared presidential candidates, including thousands who were write ins.

All those candidates were culled from the primaries which saw hundreds of candidates running for their party nomination.

I am always amazed by Americans who are clueless as to how their own elections operate.

Are you even aware that the Libertarian candidate received 1,275,923 votes or that the Green party candidate received 469,000 votes?

Did you know that there were approx. 283,000 write in votes for someone to be President?

Contrary to the myths stated, the USA runs an open system for the Presidential vote. Anyone can be a candidate. This is very different than Thailand. There were approximately 8 different candidates for US president who identified with various forms of the Socialist Party. Try running as a socialist in Thailand and see what happens.

[lucky11]

Nice one US, Stick that in your pipe and smoke it P-Man

Prayut is taking absolutely ZERO notice of what the Yanks are saying - he couldn't care less what they do.

They are an irritant that keeps on sticking it's nose in where it doesn't belong. So what if the Yanks only send 4,000 as against the usual 5,000 troops for these worthless 'big boy' war games. They're training is a joke anyway, so Thailand is probably better off without them.

[TomJoad]

In the USA we get 50 choices for Miss America...but only 2 for president.

Maybe next election you will vote and see that there are multiple candidates.

In 2012 there were 28 declared presidential candidates, including thousands who were write ins.

All those candidates were culled from the primaries which saw hundreds of candidates running for their party nomination.

I am always amazed by Americans who are clueless as to how their own elections operate.

Are you even aware that the Libertarian candidate received 1,275,923 votes or that the Green party candidate received 469,000 votes?

Did you know that there were approx. 283,000 write in votes for someone to be President?

Contrary to the myths stated, the USA runs an open system for the Presidential vote. Anyone can be a candidate. This is very different than Thailand. There were approximately 8 different candidates for US president who identified with various forms of the Socialist Party. Try running as a socialist in Thailand and see what happens.

And I am always amazed how many Americans can convince themselves that Corporations aren't really the ones running America these days.

Didn't the Supreme Court recently affirm that Corporations have the same rights as citizens to make donations to political parties? And BTW, when is the last time a 3rd party candidate became president..?

Even Teddy Roosevelt couldn't manage it!

Edited February 6, 2015 by TomJoad

[rametindallas]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

So dictators and military junta's are fine as long as they are approved by the USA?

Here's an idea....the USA should stick their noses into their own mess at home, stop stooping around in Thailand and buddying to its political criminal element, shut their over opinionated traps and let the Junta have the time and space that they have indicated they need to implement reforms and return to elections.

But it's okay for you and many other to have an opinion about Thailand where the majority have no say ? I do love your comment about shutting their traps, would it be possible or plausible for the non resident Farangs here to do likewise and let the Thais sort out THEIR own mess?

There's more chance of Yingluck shopping in Primark, than have farangs keep their opinions to themselves!!

I really hope you know the difference from US government issued statements, made in public, and those of private citizens made on a 'members only' forum that carries absolutely no diplomatic force. The US government has a history of butting in wherever/whenever they feel like it whether it be verbally or militarily. We on the forum just don't have that kind of clout or else Prayut would have joined the forum and would be telling you his opinion. Next you will be comparing apples to oranges. Sheesh!

[geriatrickid]

After you learn how to operate a computer and what i said has relevance.. you just dont like it.

The US just supports whoever they think is beneficial and they don't care one bit about legitimacy.

Support of Suriname. Support of Egypt.. I think we can go on with some dictators helped into power by the US.

Them enforcing a party only means they will get more benefits from it then they could get from the rival party. Its based on business and pragmatism.. not on right and wrong.

You are not being honest. The US support of Suriname was so strong that it did not hesitate in arresting the son of its President and charging him with supporting a foreign terrorist organization. That was a real show of support for the President wasn't it?

The US is not "supporting" Egypt but is working with what's there. What would you like the USA to have done? Invaded Egypt and reinstated Morsi, a man that brought the country to the brink of civil war? The USA has crippled the Egyptian military with its refusal to release aid monies. If it does any more, Egypt will suffer another massive uprising and tens of thousands will die. Do you want another out of control country in the middle east, this time with a large well armed military? How will that benefit world peace?

It's all very well and nice to criticize the USA, but I don't see too many countries with the assets trying to keep the world at peace. Russia's doing a bang up job in the Ukraine isn't it. Before that it had its adventure in Georgia and Azerbaijan. China isn't making friends in its region now as it engages in an expansionist territory grab from its smaller neighbors. Several South American nations came close to all out hostilities in the past decade, Pakistan and India are at each other's throats, the Africans are busy killing each other in sectarian conflict, Iran is occupying UAE territory etc. etc. Please tell me which country has made an effort to keep the world from descending into madness. Sure, criticize the USA, but no one else is really doing anything, much like the response to the Ebola crisis. Russia and China and all the 3rd world big mouths at the UN did sweet FA to help. A large part of the funding and resources came from the USA. Did you see Mahidol's medical faculty offering any assistance?

Where was Thailand's health ministry?

Edited February 6, 2015 by geriatrickid

[Baerboxer]

I think, rightly, the international community decries ANY democracies that turn back to d********* (censored).

It is not anti-Thai or 'wounding Thai hearts' it is simply what is ethical, moral and right.

They know it is a slippery slope starting with 'we won't do it', arriving at 'we will do it for a short time' and ending with 'we will do it longer'

Very noble thoughts - and you'd hope so.

But, Egypt a Junta dictatorship is backed. In Ukraine the overthrow of a democratically elected President is supported. Africa and South America have many examples.

Sadly, morals, ethics and doing the "right" thing is no longer paramount. All about following their own agenda and the 'big" picture.

[2fishin2]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Typical US foreign policy. Schizophrenic. They've no problem with Egypt's Junta (who hates the US) or many others but love to drive their friends into their enemy's arms. Thailand does more trade with China and this short-sighted policy will cause Thailand to bond more closely with China to the detriment of both Thailand and the US. If the US State Dept. knew the first thing about Thais, they would know you don't get anywhere with ultimatums. Very disappointing.

Scholars rank US Secretary of State John Kerry dead last in terms of effectiveness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/05/scholars-rank-kerry-dead-last-in-terms-of-effectiveness/

And this is from a newspaper sympathetic to the Obama administration.

Right or wrong , Egypt Junta is keeping the Muslim Brotherhood and all that they are capable of, out of power, the same with many dictatorships the US supports. Thailand doesn't have scary terrorists that need a iron fist to keep them in line with a Junta, just a load of Farmers , Factory workers and housewives who want to vote for their own Government

So dictators and military junta's are fine as long as they are approved by the USA?

Here's an idea....the USA should stick their noses into their own mess at home, stop stooping around in Thailand and buddying to its political criminal element, shut their over opinionated traps and let the Junta have the time and space that they have indicated they need to implement reforms and return to elections.

Guess we have a Thai subversive in the midst.

The USA policy is that any overthrow of an democratically elected government ie coup is wrong. What happened in Thailand for the what 8,9,10,11,12 time? A coup. Thailand has a dismal track record of coups....it is what it is. Its a duck. Dont like it, fix the system....oh yeah like thats gonna ever happen.

And their support of Suriname ? They got a killer for a president.. who killed his opponents. No an endorsement or condemnation of the USA does not mean anything else besides that they can do better deals with the party they support.

Nothing in your retort had anything to do with my post. Go back to school and learn

After you learn how to operate a computer and what i said has relevance.. you just dont like it.

The US just supports whoever they think is beneficial and they don't care one bit about legitimacy.

Support of Suriname. Support of Egypt.. I think we can go on with some dictators helped into power by the US.

Them enforcing a party only means they will get more benefits from it then they could get from the rival party. Its based on business and pragmatism.. not on right and wrong.

They arent endorsing any parties....only the ideology that coups are wrong in overthrowing democratically elected governments.

Pretty simple concept.

The US in no way shape or form "needs" Thailand. There is nothing special here they cant get from other countries. US partnerships arent always about this perceived "need"

Still what part of Egypt or Suriname is in Thailand? How is any of this relevant to this topic?

[robblok]

After you learn how to operate a computer and what i said has relevance.. you just dont like it.

The US just supports whoever they think is beneficial and they don't care one bit about legitimacy.

Support of Suriname. Support of Egypt.. I think we can go on with some dictators helped into power by the US.

Them enforcing a party only means they will get more benefits from it then they could get from the rival party. Its based on business and pragmatism.. not on right and wrong.

You are not being honest. The US support of Suriname was so strong that it did not hesitate in arresting the son of its President and charging him with supporting a foreign terrorist organization. That was a real show of support for the President wasn't it?

The US is not "supporting" Egypt but is working with what's there. What would you like the USA to have done? Invaded Egypt and reinstated Morsi, a man that brought the country to the brink of civil war? The USA has crippled the Egyptian military with its refusal to release aid monies. If it does any more, Egypt will suffer another massive uprising and tens of thousands will die. Do you want another out of control country in the middle east, this time with a large well armed military? How will that benefit world peace?

It's all very well and nice to criticize the USA, but I don't see too many countries with the assets trying to keep the world at peace. Russia's doing a bang up job in the Ukraine isn't it. Before that it had its adventure in Georgia and Azerbaijan. China isn't making friends in its region now as it engages in an expansionist territory grab from its smaller neighbors. Several South American nations came close to all out hostilities in the past decade, Pakistan and India are at each other's throats, the Africans are busy killing each other in sectarian conflict, Iran is occupying UAE territory etc. etc. Please tell me which country has made an effort to keep the world from descending into madness. Sure, criticize the USA, but no one else is really doing anything, much like the response to the Ebola crisis. Russia and China and all the 3rd world big mouths at the UN did sweet FA to help. A large part of the funding and resources came from the USA. Did you see Mahidol's medical faculty offering any assistance?

Where was Thailand's health ministry?

Bouterse is a criminal and they still do business with him. Egypt is an other example you can say what else.. they still support after a coup. I am fair with them I am not condemning them I am saying that their support does not mean a thing on a right or wrong basis. They don't care about right and wrong they care about geopolitics and business. So an endorsement or a slap on the fingers from the USA does not mean much.

I am not saying that the USA should do it differently.. I am saying they are doing what is best for them but that does not mean its right or wrong so their actions have no merit in confirming right or wrong.

(yes other countries do the same this was not a dispute about if the USA is good or bad but if their support means anything else then what is good for them or good in their world view)

[Fat Haggis]

The US isn't really a democracy.

You just have 2 almost identical parties passing the baton every 8 years.

Where there are perceived policy differences (climate change, abortion, taxes) - the people following their party do so like drones sticking to the party line on those issues and thinking the followers of the other party idiots for choosing the wrong side out of a sum total of 2.

Lobbyists and cash donations set policy because getting elected is basically a money game and the chance of any other parties participating is basically zero.

And then - every now & again, the guy with the least votes becomes President.

A fine system indeed.

In the USA we get 50 choices for Miss America...but only 2 for president.

what happened to the other States?

[2fishin2]

After you learn how to operate a computer and what i said has relevance.. you just dont like it.

The US just supports whoever they think is beneficial and they don't care one bit about legitimacy.

Support of Suriname. Support of Egypt.. I think we can go on with some dictators helped into power by the US.

Them enforcing a party only means they will get more benefits from it then they could get from the rival party. Its based on business and pragmatism.. not on right and wrong.

You are not being honest. The US support of Suriname was so strong that it did not hesitate in arresting the son of its President and charging him with supporting a foreign terrorist organization. That was a real show of support for the President wasn't it?

The US is not "supporting" Egypt but is working with what's there. What would you like the USA to have done? Invaded Egypt and reinstated Morsi, a man that brought the country to the brink of civil war? The USA has crippled the Egyptian military with its refusal to release aid monies. If it does any more, Egypt will suffer another massive uprising and tens of thousands will die. Do you want another out of control country in the middle east, this time with a large well armed military? How will that benefit world peace?

It's all very well and nice to criticize the USA, but I don't see too many countries with the assets trying to keep the world at peace. Russia's doing a bang up job in the Ukraine isn't it. Before that it had its adventure in Georgia and Azerbaijan. China isn't making friends in its region now as it engages in an expansionist territory grab from its smaller neighbors. Several South American nations came close to all out hostilities in the past decade, Pakistan and India are at each other's throats, the Africans are busy killing each other in sectarian conflict, Iran is occupying UAE territory etc. etc. Please tell me which country has made an effort to keep the world from descending into madness. Sure, criticize the USA, but no one else is really doing anything, much like the response to the Ebola crisis. Russia and China and all the 3rd world big mouths at the UN did sweet FA to help. A large part of the funding and resources came from the USA. Did you see Mahidol's medical faculty offering any assistance?

Where was Thailand's health ministry?

So well put!

Wonder what the world would be like if China or Russia was the world "peace keeper" or leader? Or for that matter, any of the TV anti US brigade's own home country's?? Everybody is quick to bash the US leadership in promoting democracy and peace but, NOBODY is recommending alternative solutions.