Qualified, but be honest

To make a comparison, practically any American who was born a US citizen and is at least 35 years old is qualified to be president of the United States. But that doesn’t mean we should vote for him or her. In previous US presidential elections there have been candidates such as Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton who, in the past, had used their family names in order to advance their political careers. But both of these people had been US senators before attempting to become president.

Rather than compare Yingluck to Kennedy or Clinton, it would be more appropriate to compare her to Lurleen Wallace, who in 1966 was married to Alabama Governor George Wallace. Because he was no longer eligible to run for governor, he had his wife run. After she was elected, he in effect continued to rule the state. I don’t think even Mrs Wallace denied she was just a stand-in. 

Now, if Yingluck would admit she’s just a stand-in for her brother, I could respect that. But to expect me to believe that she was elected for any other reason is an insult to my intelligence.

Eric Bahrt

Pattaya