Re: "Poll for PM invites chaos", (Editorial, Dec 10).
I join with your editorial in the hope that the idea proposed by some people in the National Reform Council (NRC) − that national leaders be elected directly by the people − be quickly debated and dropped by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).
This is an inappropriate and dangerous proposition. Directly elected national leaders are possible only in countries that have presidents as heads of state. In Thailand, we have His Majesty the King as our head of state.
I would suggest that to save time and provide efficiency in the constitution drafting process, the CDC should set up the ground rules as to which ideas or proposals should not be raised for inclusion in the constitution.
Only in that way can we have a decent and practical constitution in use in good time.
Vint Chavala
Test of willpower
I support the proposal for direct elections for prime minister, but not for the cabinet. Yes, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with our King as the head of state, and so we will remain until the end of time.
Some people say a directly elected prime minister would wield too much power. I see it otherwise. We are human beings who use this tool, the constitution, for our own purposes and aspirations. So, a few checks and balances among the administrative, legislative and judicial branches should pose no difficulty. The question is: Do we have the willpower to write up our constitution in such a way that would represent all three pillars of society in a harmonious and well-balanced fashion?
The time is ripe, and our country has to come up with an innovative idea for drafting the constitution. The Constitution Drafting Committee has to bear in mind that the country is dynamic and so are its people. Thus, the constitution also has to be dynamic in nature. The CDC has to be brave in traversing land where no man has gone before in drafting the constitution as though it were a living thing. Thailand needs a living constitution. This new constitution will be our 20th and must be our longest lasting. The best remedy for our political dilemma is to breathe some life into the constitution. CDC, you now have the power in your hands, so make it count. Don’t let the Thai people down.
Our constitution does not have to be the first on every front, but we have no need for a copycat document either. The country and its people need a constitution that is truly unique to Thailand. This means the CDC has to incorporate culture and tradition into this constitution. We simply cannot base the drafting of the highest law solely on mainstream culture and tradition. The CDC is accountable for all of Thailand’s diverse cultures and traditions. Apart from that, social, economic and political inequality issues also need to be factored in.
Joe Sirijaraya
US apologies needed
In the light of the publication of the US Senate report into CIA torture, is it too much to expect at least an apology from George Bush and Tony Blair and their devoted followers for this shameful practice − if not their prosecution?
Edward B Duhigg
Thaksin helps friends
Re: "CIA torture sparks world outrage", (BP, Dec 10).
My only reaction is the USA seems to believe in telling everyone what to do, criticises human rights issues worldwide, but practises the same human rights violations coupled with torture at home.
Bravo Senator Diane Feinstein for the 6,000-page expose. Both presidents Bush and Obama need to be brought to trial.
In a summary of the report, it is also reported that Thaksin sanctioned a “safe house somewhere in Thailand” for the CIA to use for water boarding as well, all in the name of wanting to help his American friends. Thaksin too needs to be made accountable. His crimes are so numerous, yet no extradition has ever been requested.
I always wonder why.
Lobzig
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