OPINION

Lessons to learn

Re: "Plugging in", (PostBag, April 16).

I would encourage all PostBag readers to watch the Netflix film 12th Fail. It's the story of a determined young man pursuing his dream of becoming an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, despite repeatedly failing the notoriously difficult entrance exam.

The protagonist refuses to give up, beautifully embodying the virtues of perseverance and integrity. In a poignant scene, when asked what he would do if he failed the final interview, he replies that he would become a teacher and instill in his students the importance of never cheating or taking shortcuts in life. This powerful message resonates deeply when juxtaposed against the political landscape in Thailand.

After the last election, it seems the overriding objective was not to uphold the will of the voters, but rather to prevent a particular party (MFP) from taking power, by any means necessary.

This stark contrast raises important questions. Why can't the Election Commission preemptively address potential issues, rather than waiting until after an election has taken place?

The lessons of 12th Fail are ones our politicians and policymakers would do well to heed. As one reader, Lungstib, rightly pointed out: "Reverence cannot be demanded by law, neither can trust of the people be commandeered by political shenanigans."

True progress and lasting change can only come through a steadfast commitment to honesty, hard work, and a genuine desire to serve the people, not one's own narrow interests. I sincerely hope the readers of PostBag will watch this film and reflect on its timely and important message.

Re: "Iran, Israel is a panto crisis, not a real war", (Opinion, April 17).

When Israel bombed the Iranian embassy in Syria it was an act of war. Doing so was a gross error. Iran is now responding through its proxies, Hezbollah and the Houthis, with hundreds of drones. Should Israel retaliate, escalating the conflict, it could mean the end of Israel.

The US, Israel's benefactor, is no longer energy-self-sufficient as the current administration has closed down domestic oil and gas drilling.

The US relies on imported oil, much of which comes through the Straits of Hormuz and that is controlled by Iran. But more seriously, Russia has warned the US not to attack Iran in support of Israel because it would not stand by and do nothing.

It would appear the US has to eat humble pie: attacking Iran to help Israel would further deepen its economic problems into collapse, but much worse, it cannot risk confrontation with Russia and WWIII. Were the US to support Israel in any way it would only increase the Iranian-backed destruction of Israel.

We can only hope that Israel accepts the recent Iranian bombing as tit-for-tat and does not retaliate, pulls in its horns and withdraws from Palestine.

Not to do this could mean the demise of Israel because it will not withstand constant Iranian-backed attacks against its alleged genocide without US support. Israel is the ticking time bomb that it's been since its creation.

Re: "Changing behaviour", (PostBag, April 15).

Paul A Renaud's criticisms of stock market regulators and Phuket's tunnel underpass as an example of having good laws that are not followed through with enforcement can be put another way: "Better no law than laws not enforced" (Italian proverb).