Parental pride
Re: “Two high schoolers face protest charges” ( BP, Nov 20).
What parent, what teacher, what school, what family would not be proud of the intelligence, the studiousness, the articulateness, the critical thinking skills, and the moral understanding of these two patriotic students being legally hounded by the law? Thailand should be praising them. Yet as the evangelist Luke tells us, Jesus warns that “No prophet is accepted in his own country” (Bible, KJV, Luke 4:24).
Thai law replicates too well the status quo that Jesus spread throughout his ministry. The accounts of the Bible’s other gospel writers confirm the Christ’s criticism of the conservative failure to honour those who deserve it for bravely speaking truths that need to be heard. Rather than being a cause of patriotic young Thais protesting its injustice, surely the law should heed ancient wisdom that in fact comports with good morals.
It is not too late to listen to the words of those on the streets who see a better future for their country. Do not repeat the wrongs of the false preachers of law-and-order of ancient Judea who, in the name of maintaining their peace and their social order, crucified according to the law the street activist who dared teach a better society founded on such values as justice, honesty, compassion and acceptance.
FELIX QUI
Advice best heeded
According to the Prime Minister, the King of Thailand has said that he does not want lese-majeste complaints used against people. Could it not, therefore, be deemed to be lese-majeste for someone to ignore such a wish and lay a complaint, whether it be the Prime Minister or a music industry executive?
CHRIS BOYLE
Society in decline
Re: “Populism is still a potent force,” ( BP, Nov 22).
Sadly, the current state of politics in America has not only given rise to populism and polarisation but also to the escalation of abuse, denigration of opponents, innuendoes, and insults. The era of healthy dialogue and discourse is now replaced by name-calling. Mr. Trump is the first president who made fabrications, falsification, forgery, and slander a hallmark of the White House.
Unfortunately, social media has exasperated the spreading of lies leading to the rise of another type of pandemic- a toxic politics of deceit, deception, and distrust. The new populism promoting violence and war on people and institutions who oppose those in power is a sign of a degenerating society. There is no doubt that American democracy is dipping down and declining to a level often seen in the Third World. It may take a few years to recover from this paralysis.
KULDEEP NAGI
Keep the hits coming
What a treat! On the same day we are graced with “Spivs, wide boys and dodgy kipper ties” by the inimitable Roger Crutchley the Thai police gave us “Ketamine yet to be found in 11.4 ton drug bust” ( BP, Nov 22).
“Scientists say it is possible that its colour is purple and ketamine might be put in boxes and buried in it” was a memorable punch line indeed. Scientists? Better believe them.
Thanks Bangkok Post for a hilariously entertaining breakfast read.
MICHAEL SETTER
