kblaze Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 If I were Thai, regardless of my political sympathies, I would be absolutely infuriated by the level of condescension, arrogance, utter ignorance and aggressive stupidity shown by the Washington Post on this issue. What is it with Westerners constantly giving democracy lessons to the rest of the world ? Is it that our countries are a sort of Shangri-La where everything is fine and dandy just because people get to vote for one buffoon or another every now and then ? Is there any sensible and informed person in the world who still believes that Western countries are actually governed by their 'democratically elected' governments rather than their financial and economical tycoons ? Democracy is not a magic pill, it works only when a vast number of pre-requisites are put together, a miracle which happens once in a blue moon. Every democratic country has faults of varying degrees. Yes "pure democracy" is a near impossibility to attain, but it should be the end-goal, should it not? If democracy shouldn't be promoted, what should in your opinion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyJazz Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 The USA are ready to fight China over democracy in Hong Kong, in this regard Thailand's junta cannot expect any leniency from America in its push for greater democracy in SE Asia. The recent articles in Forbes and the Washington Post are just the tip of the iceberg. When you see to which extremes (Ukraine,the Middle East come to mind) the USA are ready to go to push for their agenda, I wouldn't be overly optimistic about Thailand prospects if the generals don't "readjust " their attitude in the very near future. Hahahahahaahaahahahah prove your points. If you cant (which I know you cant) then I will stop laughing.... Whats this thread about a newspaper post and a retort?? How do you equate hong kong and war into this? Today U.S. Representatives announced introduction of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a bipartisan bill that would enhance U.S. monitoring of Hong Kong’s autonomy and human rights and ensure that these issues remain a cornerstone of U.S. policy. Feb 27, 2015 http://democrats.foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?id=1424 What thread are u talking about ? No mention of a thread in my post. As usual shooting for the hip and reading later. Take your meds, you have everybody worried with your nervous laugher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wabothai Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> I hope that the Thais stay clear of the US version of democracy/corporatocracy. Real democracies you find in Europe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benmart Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. A democratic government allows people, who are not happy with that form of government, to move to another country where similar rights are not exercised. Democracy may not be the best form of government. It does, however, allow dissent and the questioning of it very existence. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post smedly Posted March 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Simply because the US has decided that Democracy is the best system for the world and they are willing to show countries the error of their ways if they do not agree. We have seen the success of this in places like Vietnam.....Err, no lets not use that as an example. How about more recently in Iraq and Libya where...... No those are not good examples either. Well Afghanistan then, OK as long as they keep troops there it should hold. And they always come out strongly against any coup...... well except when it is in their interests such as in Egypt lately. The US democracy is a fail in my opinion - it is a system that is now run by financiers and shady backroom deals that end up getting nothing achieved - the most powerful man in the world can't even implement reforms in his own countries health system because big pharma and insurance companies are feeding of the American people at an extraordinary level and they have the cheek to criticise Thailand 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benmart Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 The USA are ready to fight China over democracy in Hong Kong, in this regard Thailand's junta cannot expect any leniency from America in its push for greater democracy in SE Asia. The recent articles in Forbes and the Washington Post are just the tip of the iceberg. When you see to which extremes (Ukraine,the Middle East come to mind) the USA are ready to go to push for their agenda, I wouldn't be overly optimistic about Thailand prospects if the generals don't "readjust " their attitude in the very near future. Hahahahahaahaahahahah prove your points. If you cant (which I know you cant) then I will stop laughing.... Whats this thread about a newspaper post and a retort?? How do you equate hong kong and war into this? Today U.S. Representatives announced introduction of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a bipartisan bill that would enhance U.S. monitoring of Hong Kong’s autonomy and human rights and ensure that these issues remain a cornerstone of U.S. policy. Feb 27, 2015 http://democrats.foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?id=1424 What thread are u talking about ? No mention of a thread in my post. As usual shooting for the hip and reading later. Take your meds, you have everybody worried with your nervous laugher. The last sentence is unnecessary, unless you are the posters physician. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverSure Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 -snip- America!!! you have been warned!! LOL. Who are you talking to? It was a crummy newspaper that wrote the article and it doesn't represent the US. It's a private business and it represents itself. Such overreaction. I was being sarcastic!!! Sorry. I'll get a new detector. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2fishin2 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 I hope that the Thais stay clear of the US version of democracy/corporatocracy. The US isn't a democracy. Go back to school. Then what is the government? The USA is a Republic. A Democratic form of government = system in which the people decide policy matters directly A Republic form of government = system in which the people choose representatives who, in turn, make policy decisions on their behalf. Hnece the phrase "and to the republic for which it stands." in the Pledge of Allegiance. Nope you are wrong....the US government is a Democracy plain and simple Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverSure Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 -snip- The US democracy is a fail in my opinion - The US isn't a democracy so what else was it about the rest of your "opinion"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2fishin2 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Simply because the US has decided that Democracy is the best system for the world and they are willing to show countries the error of their ways if they do not agree. We have seen the success of this in places like Vietnam.....Err, no lets not use that as an example. How about more recently in Iraq and Libya where...... No those are not good examples either. Well Afghanistan then, OK as long as they keep troops there it should hold. And they always come out strongly against any coup...... well except when it is in their interests such as in Egypt lately. The US democracy is a fail in my opinion - it is a system that is now run by financiers and shady backroom deals that end up getting nothing achieved - the most powerful man in the world can't even implement reforms in his own countries health system because big pharma and insurance companies are feeding of the American people at an extraordinary level and they have the cheek to criticise Thailand Look its obvious that every post you make is anti-US. But the FACT is that it is one of the youngest and the most successful in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lupatria Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 (edited) "Thailand has not wavered in its commitment to democracy.” Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has warned that any news anchors or talking heads who present opposing views about his government may be summoned for discussion. The letter said there were no political prisoners… Of course not. However, there are a couple of people imprisoned for LM Anek Laothamatas, chairman of the National Reform Council (NRC), last week led committee members on a visit to inmates incarcerated as a result of the political unrest to discuss reconciliation and to try to serve them with better justice. When was the last time the Envoy visited Thailand? Edited March 2, 2015 by Lupatria 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucky11 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Yes, indeed, one needs to ask this question. Flawed so-called democracies such (as all of the Shinawatra controlled governments tend to be) are no better than corrupt dictatorships. Thailand is not mature enough for democratic rule as certain parties don't play by the rules and the people in the Northern parts aren't clever enough to make informed decisions. Someone please tell the Yanks to mind their own shop and butt out of Thailand's affairs. Thai people want to retain marshal law for as long as it is needed and they are VERY happy with this government's performance to date and so there is not a problem. I wonder what would happen if Thailand said to America until you sort out your differences and stop acting like little children when it comes to setting national budgets (caused by democracy) we will pull out of your silly little war games and play them with China instead. Also, it makes much more sense to trade with fellow Asian neighbours rather than a tin-pot country like the US of A - especially with a nice little rail-link or 2 on the horizon!!! America!!! you have been warned!! Then please tell Thailand to quit asking for US handouts. But for Thailand's military overthrow of a people elected government none of this would have happened remember...... Thailand doesn't ASK for US handouts - I believe it to be a paltry amount not worth worrying about anyway which should be refused the next time it is offered (unless it is given sincerely and with no strings attached). If Prayut hadn't have intervened when he did then what would the 'red' death toll be and in what state would Thailand be in now? He has created stability, happiness amongst the people, is getting things done across the board successfully, stamping down on corruption and other crimes committed by wrongdoers plus attacking a whole range of problems that were created by the previous abject excuse of a government. Think about it, that shouldn't be hard, even for you. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverSure Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 The US isn't a democracy. Go back to school. Then what is the government? The USA is a Republic. A Democratic form of government = system in which the people decide policy matters directly A Republic form of government = system in which the people choose representatives who, in turn, make policy decisions on their behalf. Hnece the phrase "and to the republic for which it stands." in the Pledge of Allegiance. Nope you are wrong....the US government is a Democracy plain and simple Sorry. It isn't a democracy. It is a republic of 50 states. The reason it isn't majority rule is that each of the 50 states gets two senators in the Senate regardless of that state's population. The US isn't "ruled" by a majority of the people but rather by a majority of the states. Read please. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kblaze Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Simply because the US has decided that Democracy is the best system for the world and they are willing to show countries the error of their ways if they do not agree. We have seen the success of this in places like Vietnam.....Err, no lets not use that as an example. How about more recently in Iraq and Libya where...... No those are not good examples either. Well Afghanistan then, OK as long as they keep troops there it should hold. And they always come out strongly against any coup...... well except when it is in their interests such as in Egypt lately. The U.S. didn't "decide" that democracy is the best system - it's just the natural tendency of humans to want to have some sort of say in their future. Sure you can name some examples where the US has "failed". But you are extremely naive to point the finger at democracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverSure Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 If I were Thai, regardless of my political sympathies, I would be absolutely infuriated by the level of condescension, arrogance, utter ignorance and aggressive stupidity shown by the Washington Post on this issue. What is it with Westerners constantly giving democracy lessons to the rest of the world ? Is it that our countries are a sort of Shangri-La where everything is fine and dandy just because people get to vote for one buffoon or another every now and then ? Is there any sensible and informed person in the world who still believes that Western countries are actually governed by their 'democratically elected' governments rather than their financial and economical tycoons ? Democracy is not a magic pill, it works only when a vast number of pre-requisites are put together, a miracle which happens once in a blue moon. 1. The US isn't a democracy. See my post above. 2. This article was written by a newspaper which is private. It's operating under the freedom of the press guarantee and doesn't represent either the people or the government. I can't believe how worked up some people get about a dumb newspaper which is just one of two main papers in DC and one of hundreds in the USA. Cheers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post kblaze Posted March 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2015 Thailand doesn't ASK for US handouts - I believe it to be a paltry amount not worth worrying about anyway which should be refused the next time it is offered (unless it is given sincerely and with no strings attached). If Prayut hadn't have intervened when he did then what would the 'red' death toll be and in what state would Thailand be in now? He has created stability, happiness amongst the people, is getting things done across the board successfully, stamping down on corruption and other crimes committed by wrongdoers plus attacking a whole range of problems that were created by the previous abject excuse of a government. Think about it, that shouldn't be hard, even for you. Prayut has "created happiness amongst the people"....LOL. Something is very wrong when a country derives its happiness from an Army General. "Is getting things done across the board" ...LOL. Govt budget disbursement rate has plummeted (only 15% of the fiscal year investment budget has been disbursed...), the 21st petroleum concession is getting no where, the 4G auction is getting pushed back to 2016, Education is going to back to the stone ages... "stamping down on corruption"...LOL. What are your examples? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSkyCowboy Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Yes, indeed, one needs to ask this question. Flawed so-called democracies such (as all of the Shinawatra controlled governments tend to be) are no better than corrupt dictatorships. Thailand is not mature enough for democratic rule as certain parties don't play by the rules and the people in the Northern parts aren't clever enough to make informed decisions. Someone please tell the Yanks to mind their own shop and butt out of Thailand's affairs. Thai people want to retain marshal law for as long as it is needed and they are VERY happy with this government's performance to date and so there is not a problem. I wonder what would happen if Thailand said to America until you sort out your differences and stop acting like little children when it comes to setting national budgets (caused by democracy) we will pull out of your silly little war games and play them with China instead. Also, it makes much more sense to trade with fellow Asian neighbours rather than a tin-pot country like the US of A - especially with a nice little rail-link or 2 on the horizon!!! America!!! you have been warned!! Then please tell Thailand to quit asking for US handouts. But for Thailand's military overthrow of a people elected government none of this would have happened remember...... I wish that the US would learn some thing from Thailand. We have a "democratically" elected (by voter fraud and liars of the highest degree) government and can expect Martial law in the next two years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSkyCowboy Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Thailand doesn't ASK for US handouts - I believe it to be a paltry amount not worth worrying about anyway which should be refused the next time it is offered (unless it is given sincerely and with no strings attached). If Prayut hadn't have intervened when he did then what would the 'red' death toll be and in what state would Thailand be in now? He has created stability, happiness amongst the people, is getting things done across the board successfully, stamping down on corruption and other crimes committed by wrongdoers plus attacking a whole range of problems that were created by the previous abject excuse of a government. Think about it, that shouldn't be hard, even for you. Prayut has "created happiness amongst the people"....LOL. Something is very wrong when a country derives its happiness from an Army General. "Is getting things done across the board" ...LOL. Govt budget disbursement rate has plummeted (only 15% of the fiscal year investment budget has been disbursed...), the 21st petroleum concession is getting no where, the 4G auction is getting pushed back to 2016, Education is going to back to the stone ages... "stamping down on corruption"...LOL. What are your examples? Are you referring to corruption in Thailand or the US??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneday Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 There will be comments and relations will be strained, but "...the Thai military would lose its relationship with the United States, including future exercises..." UNLIKELY "...It further said that if the Obama administration was unwilling to act, Congress should step in..." 555 UNLIKELY "...Martial law is necessary to maintain public safety..." Well, that's getting to be a very tired and unproven comment. "...said there were no political prisoners, and former premier Yingluck Shinawatra would enjoy due process in the Supreme Court..." 555 "...anti-human trafficking and anti-child pornography bills to further improve human rights protections were being pushed into law..." Bill and laws do not make it so. ENFORCEMENT DOES. "...Thailand's goal was to achieve democratic..." The trouble with this is there are many indications the leaders in this country have no clue whatsoever what real Democracy is. What they do know is "self-aggrandizement" and keeping the rich on top and the poor where they belong. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdanielmcev Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Correctly, the US is a constitutional republic. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 2fishin2 Posted March 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2015 Semantics brothers. Why do you guys always have to get in this pissing contest about who is right and wrong? Bottom line the Thailand government is ineffective now and has been for 80 years or so. Its dysfunctional and without true representation from the people. Its militaristic and archaic and does not work. Hate all you want on the USA....wont change anything. And for you guys who think otherwise: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States#Government_and_politics 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geriatrickid Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Your knowledge of democracy and history is lacking. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucky11 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 (edited) Thailand doesn't ASK for US handouts - I believe it to be a paltry amount not worth worrying about anyway which should be refused the next time it is offered (unless it is given sincerely and with no strings attached). If Prayut hadn't have intervened when he did then what would the 'red' death toll be and in what state would Thailand be in now? He has created stability, happiness amongst the people, is getting things done across the board successfully, stamping down on corruption and other crimes committed by wrongdoers plus attacking a whole range of problems that were created by the previous abject excuse of a government. Think about it, that shouldn't be hard, even for you. Prayut has "created happiness amongst the people"....LOL. Something is very wrong when a country derives its happiness from an Army General. "Is getting things done across the board" ...LOL. Govt budget disbursement rate has plummeted (only 15% of the fiscal year investment budget has been disbursed...), the 21st petroleum concession is getting no where, the 4G auction is getting pushed back to 2016, Education is going to back to the stone ages... "stamping down on corruption"...LOL. What are your examples? He is the most popular PM of Thailand there has ever been according to most/all opinion polls - there is nothing wrong BTW when happiness comes from an army general that has prevented an ongoing conflict from going on that was responsible for countless murders and deaths and was leading to the bankruptcy of Thailand. You should be thankful that he had the good sense and decency to intervene and put things right!! If Thaksin had his way nearly 100% of the budget money would be in the pockets of his cronies by now. What Prayut is doing is getting the authorities to justify the spending to avoid waste and ensure that it is distributed wisely to where it is most needed and will benefit the Nation so he is doing it carefully. It is not the idea to spend the budget as fast as you can as that is irresponsible to the extreme!!! The petroleum concession and 4G auctions are rightly being done properly as there is a massive amount of money at stake (not the kind of thing that Yingluck worried about, admittedly) - I believe that Prayut wanted the process speeded up but there were protestations from certain organisations and committees and he listened to what they were saying (yes, LISTENED) and noted their suggestions and objections about certain aspects of the process and delayed proceedings based on those until a better and fairer way is worked out. I don't agree with all they are planning on education but as far as I am aware they are simply plans at the moment and he can hardly blamed for taking education back to the stone ages as he hasn't really changed much, if anything yet on that front!! How can you be brazen enough to say that he is not stamplng down on corruption. Ask (Thaksin's) police force if he is doing anything about it, or the last corruption ravaged government and their (chosen) corrupt political officers that conspired with them to commit said corruption!!! I think that they would beg to differ on your closing statement. Edited March 2, 2015 by lucky11 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post geriatrickid Posted March 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2015 Nicely put into context!! Until they can appreciate that democracy is not for everyone and that other (non-Western) countries have different cultures and economies that democracy doesn't serve so well or function properly in (for a myriad of reasons) then they are never going to understand this!! I see. Under your approach, democracy should be reserved for those of western countries and is not for everyone. There's one significant problem with your position, and I am afraid it is a rather large one. The people in those non western countries would like to have the freedoms and liberties that democracy brings. Democracy is a very broad term and it is adapted for different cultures. Democracy as practiced in the USA is not the same as it is in the UK. Nor is democracy as it is practiced the same in the UK as it is Canada, or Japan, or Italy, or Israel, or South Africa or Samoa or India. However, all of these different democracies allow for rights and liberties found only in a democracy. Concepts such as civilian rule, habeas corpus, property rights, civil rights, environmental protection, anti corruption legislation with teeth, a separation of the powers between the judiciary, government and military, and a freedom of the press. More specifically, there has never ever been a respect for fundamental civil liberties in Thailand when the military has been the governing body. The Thai military is not accountable to the people. There was a time when people like you were not allowed to vote. It wasn't too long ago either. You wouldn't be too happy if people who had greater wealth than you, who were from a higher social status and more powerful removed some of your rights. Why then are you advocating for the removal of people's rights? 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby nz Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Simply because the US has decided that Democracy is the best system for the world and they are willing to show countries the error of their ways if they do not agree. We have seen the success of this in places like Vietnam.....Err, no lets not use that as an example. How about more recently in Iraq and Libya where...... No those are not good examples either. Well Afghanistan then, OK as long as they keep troops there it should hold. And they always come out strongly against any coup...... well except when it is in their interests such as in Egypt lately. So democracy is not for you, fair enough, just as long as we know what your opinions are based on. Or is it you just want to bash the US? Why not rant at the British (you could bring up all kinds of errant forays into foreign lands) or the European Union (Germany's part of that - just think what you could whinge about there), oh, and Japan, they're not exactly stellar on the foreign intervention front either (think Thailand for example). But do you know what else they have in common? - They've all come out strongly against the coup in Thailand. Another twist from you I see, how did you work out that I am against Democracy ? The things you elude to in the UK, Germany and Japan are way in the past. The UK has unfortunately in recent times followed the US into its overseas jaunts as has my country although both are backing off somewhat now. Once again what I have written is the truth something you have shown a strong aversion to. It would be great if for once you would address the topic at hand instead of attacking the poster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCC1701A Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 if the USA is not careful, Thailand might invade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucky11 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Nicely put into context!! Until they can appreciate that democracy is not for everyone and that other (non-Western) countries have different cultures and economies that democracy doesn't serve so well or function properly in (for a myriad of reasons) then they are never going to understand this!! I see. Under your approach, democracy should be reserved for those of western countries and is not for everyone. There's one significant problem with your position, and I am afraid it is a rather large one. The people in those non western countries would like to have the freedoms and liberties that democracy brings. Democracy is a very broad term and it is adapted for different cultures. Democracy as practiced in the USA is not the same as it is in the UK. Nor is democracy as it is practiced the same in the UK as it is Canada, or Japan, or Italy, or Israel, or South Africa or Samoa or India. However, all of these different democracies allow for rights and liberties found only in a democracy. Concepts such as civilian rule, habeas corpus, property rights, civil rights, environmental protection, anti corruption legislation with teeth, a separation of the powers between the judiciary, government and military, and a freedom of the press. More specifically, there has never ever been a respect for fundamental civil liberties in Thailand when the military has been the governing body. The Thai military is not accountable to the people. There was a time when people like you were not allowed to vote. It wasn't too long ago either. You wouldn't be too happy if people who had greater wealth than you, who were from a higher social status and more powerful removed some of your rights. Why then are you advocating for the removal of people's rights? OK then. The current government and continuation of marshal law have been democratically endorsed by the electorate in the numerous polls carried out meaning that both should continue until the people decide otherwise as it is their chosen path in the circumstances. These are THEIR rights (that you keep harping on about) and the US should stop interfering with them as it is none of their business!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baerboxer Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Simply because the US has decided that Democracy is the best system for the world and they are willing to show countries the error of their ways if they do not agree. We have seen the success of this in places like Vietnam.....Err, no lets not use that as an example. How about more recently in Iraq and Libya where...... No those are not good examples either. Well Afghanistan then, OK as long as they keep troops there it should hold. And they always come out strongly against any coup...... well except when it is in their interests such as in Egypt lately. So democracy is not for you, fair enough, just as long as we know what your opinions are based on. Or is it you just want to bash the US? Why not rant at the British (you could bring up all kinds of errant forays into foreign lands) or the European Union (Germany's part of that - just think what you could whinge about there), oh, and Japan, they're not exactly stellar on the foreign intervention front either (think Thailand for example). But do you know what else they have in common? - They've all come out strongly against the coup in Thailand. "They've all come out strongly against the coup in Thailand." And they're all actively pursuing developing further business, investment and links with Thailand at the same time they've, in your words, "come out strongly". And not one has come out strongly in support of the previous regime or whichever person you choose to believe was their real leader. Welcome to the world of political double speak. Wonder if all the African and Native Americans would agree how wonderful the US model of democracy has been since its inception? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Why is democracy ALWAYS assumed to be the BEST form of government....? Germany 1933 - a democracy that allowed Hitler to come to power. Millions died. USA 2003 - a democracy that allowed George W. Bush to start a war over false claims. Hundreds of thousands died. Further, why has the Washington Post not given the same attention / similar comments in regard to both Malaysia and Singapore? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Thailand doesn't ASK for US handouts - I believe it to be a paltry amount not worth worrying about anyway which should be refused the next time it is offered (unless it is given sincerely and with no strings attached). If Prayut hadn't have intervened when he did then what would the 'red' death toll be and in what state would Thailand be in now? He has created stability, happiness amongst the people, is getting things done across the board successfully, stamping down on corruption and other crimes committed by wrongdoers plus attacking a whole range of problems that were created by the previous abject excuse of a government. Think about it, that shouldn't be hard, even for you. Prayut has "created happiness amongst the people"....LOL. Something is very wrong when a country derives its happiness from an Army General. "Is getting things done across the board" ...LOL. Govt budget disbursement rate has plummeted (only 15% of the fiscal year investment budget has been disbursed...), the 21st petroleum concession is getting no where, the 4G auction is getting pushed back to 2016, Education is going to back to the stone ages... "stamping down on corruption"...LOL. What are your examples? He is the most popular PM of Thailand there has ever been according to most/all opinion polls - there is nothing wrong BTW when happiness comes from an army general that has prevented an ongoing conflict from going on that was responsible for countless murders and deaths and was leading to the bankruptcy of Thailand. You should be thankful that he had the good sense and decency to intervene and put things right!! If Thaksin had his way nearly 100% of the budget money would be in the pockets of his cronies by now. What Prayut is doing is getting the authorities to justify the spending to avoid waste and ensure that it is distributed wisely to where it is most needed and will benefit the Nation so he is doing it carefully. It is not the idea to spend the budget as fast as you can as that is irresponsible to the extreme!!! The petroleum concession and 4G auctions are rightly being done properly as there is a massive amount of money at stake (not the kind of thing that Yingluck worried about, admittedly) - I believe that Prayut wanted the process speeded up but there were protestations from certain organisations and committees and he listened to what they were saying (yes, LISTENED) and noted their suggestions and objections about certain aspects of the process and delayed proceedings based on those until a better and fairer way is worked out. I don't agree with all they are planning on education but as far as I am aware they are simply plans at the moment and he can hardly blamed for taking education back to the stone ages as he hasn't really changed much, if anything yet on that front!! How can you be brazen enough to say that he is not stamplng down on corruption. Ask (Thaksin's) police force if he is doing anything about it, or the last corruption ravaged government and their (chosen) corrupt political officers that conspired with them to commit said corruption!!! I think that they would beg to differ on your closing statement. I'll add, ask around amongst a diverse group of Thais and I guarantee you many will say 'take your time dear general, don't rush, take enough time to get the changes and reforms solidly locked into place'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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