Criticism should lead to action

Siam Man asked me to respond, so I feel obligated to do so.

In his letter he asked me where the Obama “hope and change” is, but how in the world would I know, since my previous letter indicated that I am apparently the enemy of the US Democrats?

He mentioned “the rich and powerful 10-15 per cent Bangkok-dominant elite who control half or more of the nation’s wealth”, as if I did not acknowledge that. But my previous letters to The Nation have condemned the 20 per cent of Thais who make 55 per cent of the income in Thailand.

Of me he wrote: “Regarding Mr Baker as an American expat, rarely has a single word of praise for his homeland ever been penned.” Every one of my letters reflects the morals, ethics and values upon which the republic was founded and I am quite sure that those morals, ethics and values shine through each and every time I write. No greater praise could be bestowed upon America than to defend that which made Americans great at one time, in times past, in long-gone history, although often not found today.

Siam Man has gripes about Thailand, as expressed in his letter, but what about that missing money held up at the US Embassy? Why not address that? 

This was the point of my letter, sir: someone at the US Embassy held up my 2010 Federal tax-refund cheque until the cheque expired, and thus stole that money from me. How could anyone possibly defend that, and why was it done?

Guy Baker

Bangkok