Now fashionable for bullies to dress as democrats

The war of words between Eric Bahrt and JC Wilcox over the merits and demerits of Donald Trump provides an entertaining diversion from political woes closer to home. I do think, however, that, while Trump is a natural product of Americans’ disaffection with the established political class, he is actually a bully and a vulgarian, with the sort of “policies” one would expect to hear from a bigoted bore perched on a barstool.

It was also interesting to read Mr Wilcox claim that he stood shoulder to shoulder for months on end with thousands of Thais on the streets of Bangkok, risking the bombs and bullets of government supporters. He points out that “elitist snobs” would not do that. He is right: they had in fact mostly deserted the street demonstrations long before the violence broke out, leaving the hot, uncomfortable and dirty work to rural folks bussed in from the provinces.

Remarkably, Mr Wilcox has also apparently been arrested several times in Britain by what he calls a “brutal and unethical” police force, during demonstrations against the abuse of animals. British Bobbies are not generally brutal or unethical, and it would be interesting to hear, from an impartial source, the precise circumstances which forced them, on multiple occasions, to “feel Mr Wilcox’s collar”, as we say in Britain.

Anyway, well done to Mr Wilcox for getting out on the streets to express his opinions, in accordance with democratic principles and freedom of expression. However, while feeling free to exercise these rights himself, he heaps scorn on those who demonstrate against, or even criticise, the military junta here in Thailand. I do not know if Mr Wilcox is an elitist snob, but Eric Bahrt’s charge of hypocrisy hits the mark.

Robin Grant