Onus should be with the writer, not reader
Re: "Misunderstandings mar proper debate", Letters, April 10
Once again we read John Arnone claiming to be misunderstood.
Whilst complimenting Songdej Praditsmanont and presumably Vint Chavala on their literacy in the English language, he doubts their ability in comprehension. It is clear that both these Thai gentlemen think before writing intelligibly and concisely, having given thought to their subject.
To avoid misunderstanding, the onus is on the writer rather than the reader. To continually apologise for one’s writing and to blame others for poor comprehension is a sign of literary weakness.
Ranting irrationally by referring collectively to vegetarianism, all religions and paedophilia, as in a recent letter calling for their cessation, was a clear example of this.
There is an old metaphorical truism, “when in a hole, stop digging”, and I would add, start thinking and look in the mirror.
JC Wilcox
Bangkok
