Democracy needs politically active voters

I agree with Vint Chavala’s assertion that if “politicians don’t change their evil ways, coups will almost certainly come back again and again”. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on [office], a rottenness begins in his conduct”. The behaviour of Thai MPs of any “colour” amply proves his point.

But, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “In a declining state of public morals men will be so blinded to their true interests as to put the incapable and unworthy at the helm. It is therefore in vain to complain of the follies or crimes of a government. We must lay our hands on our own hearts and say, ‘Here is the sin that makes the public sin.’” It is you and I, dear reader, who voted the rascals into power – either knowing full well what their warts were or not bothering to find out.

That’s why “politics is too serious a matter to be left to politicians” (Charles de Gaulle). We must always be politically aware, examining whether a candidate is open to outside ideas, if his platform is sustainable and beneficial for the country as a whole, is implemented transparently and effectively, etc.

In short, be politically active and watch our politicians like a hawk.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok