Raising Our Voices Together

[butterfly]

Regarding the tragic circumstances which resulted in the death of a young Lao girl recently...

Among the din of cries and outrage at her death I found two notable suggestions. "The Lao embassy should protest if nothing is done about this case," is a great idea. The other, that asks that "(the) BKK Post... please investigate," is also very good since in a right society that has the ability to express itself freely, we might hope for a newspaper with resources enough to both discover and report the facts no matter how they fall. Unfortunately, however, money might play a role in either scenario as it does in any country; newspapers are often owned by someone(s) who run in the circle of privilege that fosters the care of its own... at any cost.

As another alternative, here's a third suggestion to consider. Why not start a non-profit in Thailand that is funded solely by such dissillusionists as we who have now raised our voice in disgust? Such an organization could bolster those who can't of their own accord? In other words, through contributions you could put your money where your mouth is and find a pro-bono lawyer (or even a paid one) and support him/her with a staff of like-minded, good-hearted peoples who would not only then have the contributed resources, but also actively seek to find rightful resolution for those who are beaten down for lack of money or societal position. Such an organization could be bi-national, and could stand in place of any currently existing government office not already flexing its own muscle where it should be; all of us know already this is more the rule rather than the exception in most third world countries, if not many others too.

My own experience and action in the face of what sometimes seem unsurmountable odds has been to find the one who has "the hammer" to both support and fight back with. Both money and organization could give us give us the hammer we need to forge the real justice we more ofen seek; a "new marshal in town," by and for the people.

Our hope now would be for a good-hearted, smart lawyer to read this and step forward; one with both a history and credentials in fighting for the poor would be a good start. Or, better yet, a committee to be formed to seek out such a person. I know such a person exists, because I have met Thai people of all position who reflect the values so many of us have expressed here as right, reasonable and responsible.

Please don't blame the rich alone for prevailing in such a way that right seems to be skewed in their direction when you don't think it should be. Apathy, in my humble opinion, includes complaint without action. We have an opportunity here; let's expand upon it. I'm ready to open my checkbook.

- Bushiba

[chazthai]

Your proposal is honorable and well-intended, but no organization can operate outside of the legal/judicial system. Instead, the laws must be strengthened, respected, enforced and obeyed.