Comments on Somtow's World: Not the Best Timing

Thanks for your response. I totally agree. Educati...

2011-11-19T20:04:02.727+07:00

Thanks for your response. I totally agree. Education is vital and the answer is really to increase funding for education (by which I mean proper education which enables people to think) rather than to disenfranchise those who are uneducated. To deny a vote to the 'uneducated' would be hugely problematic, both because of the practicalities of establishing a viable test and because it is likely that even greater class division would be created. I also question the premise that educated people somehow vote on a more principled basis than uneducated people - unfortunately self-interest tends to govern most votes, whether educated or not.

Although there may be validity in limiting the fra...

2011-11-19T19:56:19.324+07:00

Although there may be validity in limiting the franchise in some way, I think that historically an educational test has generally proved easily abused. I think of the literacy test used to disenfranchise blacks in some Southern U.S. States for example. Plus, I know plenty of dumb Ph.D.s.

Of course, an educated electorate will probably make smarter decisions, but when you have democracy, there is always the danger of stupid decisions. It is one of the risks you take. My personal view is that no one should be disenfranchised, but that huge investment should be made in education, including gradually replacing the rote-learning system with one that encourages independent thought ...

Reality may never catch up to our ideals, but we should still try to make it so.

Khun Somtow, I completely agree that it would be b...

2011-11-19T17:42:29.069+07:00

Khun Somtow, I completely agree that it would be better for Thaksin to serve a short time in jail rather than try to receive a total amnesty via the back door. Presumably one problem with this as a viable idea, however, is the fear that the promise of a reduced sentence will not be kept?

I agree that raising the issue of amnesty for Thaksin at this point in time is very bad timing. However, I also think that the (sometimes hysterical) campaigns against Yingluck are also lousy timing.

I am particularly disappointed and concerned by the rise in calls for a system whereby only the educated should be allowed to vote - do you have a view on this?

Yeah, the lack of finesse they are using in trying...

2011-11-17T08:44:03.130+07:00

Yeah, the lack of finesse they are using in trying to bring about the return of thier golden boy shows nothing but contempt and distain for the Thai people. What an insult to the collective intelligence.

I think you would make a great Minister of Culture...

2011-11-16T20:09:45.886+07:00

I think you would make a great Minister of Culture