Ah, the joys of 'real' debate

Welcome back, Khun (or rather Mr) Somsak Pola! I have never doubted the contention of John Arnone that farmers love Thaksin, but I rushed to my iPad (not typewriter) in response to his contention that the conflict is between rich and poor. Similarly, I never believed Mr Pola was a Thaksin supporter, thinking of him instead as a light-hearted and sarcastic expatriate with an unbending belief in Western democracy.

I have been branded lots of things – both pro- and anti-Thaksin/Yingluck, yellow shirt and red shirt, and pro-Suthep – to suit my opponents’ arguments. Such name-calling is a sign of weakness from people not open-minded enough to examine the rationales of each issue. Branding is the quickest and most mindless way to an illogical conclusion. I enjoy sharing their thoughts and nodding, learning, smiling or frowning at the opinions of others. Life is more fun this way, and far better than being addicted to idols and idolisation, fixated thoughts and self-congratulation over your own beliefs.

Songdej Praditsmanont