Reconciliation bill is a joke, but Democrats lacked dignity too

All we need is to forgive any wrongdoing motivated by political differences, and the lion will lie down with the lamb.

Let them put their money where their collective mouths are, by sponsoring a bill pre-legalising any act taken by those opposing the reconciliation bill, except killing. In other words, the opponents of the bill will not have to admit guilt, will not be held accountable and need not seek to repair any damage they’ve done or give credible assurances that they will not repeat their offences. Whatever they do, short of taking life, all will be forgiven.

Sirs, will you sponsor such a bill?

Also, I respectfully disagree with Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva that the Democrats were forced to be rude by mobbing the Parliament Speaker because he was biased towards the reconciliation bill sponsors. Although Yingluck/Thaksin are trying to ram the ironically-named bill down our throats using their parliamentary majority – and thus being anything but democratic – two wrongs don’t make a right. I suggest that if somebody shows you their middle finger, you should not drop your panties in return. 

The Democrats and their allies, for example, the yellow shirts, should take the high road by looking to examples elsewhere, such as the way that Greek politicians and public are, by and large, using democratic, peaceful means to decide whether or not to accept the EU austerity package. I don’t expect rowdies in and out of Parliament to know how civilised people act, but I would expect the oldest Thai party to know, especially since its leader’s from Eton and Oxford.

The Democrats should be the first party with vision and thus able to take the long view. Pheu Thai has no long-term vision, and we don’t know what Promised Land our female Moses is taking us to. Show that the Democrats are a viable and sustainable alternative to her and her brother. For instance, instead of rice programmes that price us out of the world rice market and give our No 1 market position to others, show us that you’ll sustainably increase real income by boosting our stagnant rice productivity and dropping transport costs.

Be a role model, not seek to race ruffians to the bottom. Be a choice, not an echo.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok