Misunderstandings mar proper debate
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Re: "Expats can say what they like, but must expect to be challenged", Letters, April 8.
I know that I promised not to submit any more letters on Thai politics, but I must submit this last one to clear up an important matter.
In my original letter of April 2, I wrote the following: “I have read letters in newspapers suggesting that all Thai farmers want are handouts, and that they are illiterate, shiftless and loyal to only those that give them freebies. That explanation is no more accurate than my speculations that the wealthy are insensitive, self-serving and indifferent to the suffering of the poor.”
Despite this, Songdej Praditsmanont took what I said out of context, not once, but twice. In his second missive, referenced above, he compounded the felony by using the quote as the basis for calling me such things as ignorant and bombastic.
I made the decision to quit writing because it is fairly obvious that both gentlemen with whom I inadvertently crossed swords seem to have a problem. Although their written English skills are excellent, they seem to have a problem with the comprehension of what they read. Either that, or they are dishonest. I let it go the first time with both gentlemen, but the second time from Songdej was a bit much.
John Arnone
