Dodging Section 112 debate
Re: "S112 won't fix itself", (BP, Nov 7).
Pheu Thai's refusal to discuss amending our lese majeste law, Section 112 of the Criminal Code, makes no sense. Pheu Thai earlier pledged to support such amendments and bail for defendants. It now claims that amending Section 112 cannot be discussed as the political climate is too sensitive and involves security matters.
But Section 112 was amended in 1976 in the wake of the Oct 6 massacre because of the then-unstable political climate and the need for more protection of the monarchy. Why would the same reasons demand amendment then but not now?
The 1976 amendment made the lese majeste penalties much harsher. If the earlier "solution" wasn't harsh enough, shouldn't we make penalties even more draconian? The matter cries out for full, open discussion on how to protect our high institution. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej told us, "The King is a human being and, as such, should be subject to criticism.
Charges against those accused of lèse-majesté should be dropped, and those held in jail for lèse-majesté should be released. The use of the lèse-majesté law ultimately damages the monarchy'" (source: Grossman and Faulder, King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work 2012).
What kind of children are we to act directly against our national father without discussion?
Border wall fantasy
After a stunned, speechless period of amazement at the naïve gullibility of over 50% of the US public, I suppose we have no other option but to accept the inevitable.
On the other hand, it is wonderful to see the wall extending over the entire southern border of the US and that Mexico has agreed to finance the entirety of the operation. We look forward to more resounding successes.
Putin's playbook
Re: "Sovereignty reigns", (PostBag, Nov 7).
One can tell poor old Nick Ferriman has his well-thumbed copy of Vlad's Guide to Invading Countries handy because he doesn't seem to know about the Soviet invasion of Finland -- the 1939 Winter War -- two years prior to Finland declaring war and trying to get its territory back.
As for Trump and Russia "recognising the sovereignty of other states", I fear that when Putin orders Trump to pull the plug on Ukraine's defences, Putin will be demonstrating his respect for sovereignty by illegally annexing even more of that country.
Putin and Xi must be heartily celebrating the demise of America as a superpower and eagerly considering what they can take next now they have a manipulable charlatan in the White House.
Live from the zoo
There is a rather peculiar mindset in Thailand that apparently tunes in to watch live footage on cable of a celebrity pachyderm (Moo Deng) "and his gang". The beastie performs no tricks but just mooches around, eating and looking rather bored and bewildered at the gawping tourists. "Grandad once told me never to leave Africa" must have been mum's belated apology.
I seem to remember similar coverage of pandas a few years back. Must cost a packet to produce and air.
However, I'm being unfair. Such harmless TV is infinitely preferable to endless news hype on government debates, road carnage, dysfunctional families, murders, con artists etc, etc.
Who wrote it?
Re: "For the record", (PostBag, Nov 8).
If, as Eric Bahrt asserts, he did not write that scurrilous letter of Oct 19, the editor of PostBag owes us an explanation of the measures taken to authenticate authorship of letters. As it is, writers must provide their full name and address, and most of us send our letters in by email, providing further evidence of genuine authorship.
So, how did Eric's letter pass scrutiny?
Age is no excuse
Re: "For the record", (PostBag, Nov 8).
Come on, Eric. Despite many readers being against your veggie crusade, your letters gave us something to think about and comment on.
Someone impersonating you in letter writing is unforgivable and deceitful. You're tired at 73? It must be because of your diet. I eat small portions of anything and everything and hanging in at 91 next month.
Get some protein down you. Don't throw in the towel!
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