A reasonable solution is here: http://www.nganadeeleg.blogspot.com

The government does not have to give much ground, it just has to be more accommodating with its plans to amend the constitution, publicize how reasonable they have been, set a final deadline for dispersal on that basis, and then they would be well justified in clearing the area with appropriate force (tear gas is probably the fall back position).

“If you aren’t a crook when you get elected, you will be when you leave your post.”

In order to do some good, you have to compromise. The PAD/Thaksin are the same animal out for only themselves. The only difference is Thaksin was elected and PAD would rather be appointed.

Just to clarify:

-I don’t trust the PAD leaders, nor do I trust the PPP leaders (or the other coalition party leaders)
-I have never supported the PAD call for Samak to resign.
-I think many of the PAD claims are outlandish, although I disagree with claims that the protesters are there because they are fascists.

I think most have genuine concerns about where PPP are headed regarding the constitution and I also think if the PPP had handled things differently things would have not gotten to this stage.

So far, apart from the restraint from violence, I still think the government handling of this matter has been disappointing, and I have shown how the matter could easily be resolved if they really wanted to.

In addition to not trusting old foxes, I also don’t trust anyone who never acknowleges their own failings, or is never prepared to give some ground.

I grew up in (& still love) one of the most politically corrupt states in America. Someone mentioned Huey Long. Yep, that’s us. If our citizens reacted the way the PAD has everytime some shady politician was put in power, we would stay in a constant state of siege. We have had generations of dead people still voting in some areas of our state. Having said all that, do I think it is okay for a democracy to work that way?

NO! It is wrong, but trying to bully an elected offical out of office as the PAD has done is trying to cheat the majority of voters out of their power. The PAD can not win and haven’t won in general elections. The only way they have power is to try to have an appointed government. They have set up an “us or them” situation by hiding behind the “royalist” tag. They are not royalist as they claim. The King has made it fairly clear that he doesn’t want Samak to resign. I am sure that if the King did want Samak to resign, he would have already done so. If Samak resigns, then every Tom, Dick, or Harry with a grip against future governments will try to pressure the government out of power the way PAD has. Thailand has depended for too long on this way to settle things.

Furthermore, everyone is “forgeting” that when the current constitution was being pitched by the military juanta, they sold it as a living document whose short-comings they expected to be ammended in the future. People voted to accept the constitution based on the ability to ammend it later. MANY authorities warned that there would be trouble, but it went ahead anyway. Well, the future is now and look at all the trouble.

Our current governor has finally been able through political office term limits and a few other changes, pass some new ethics laws. Needless to say, he isn’t a very popular person with the old fox politicans.

PAD leaders are old foxes. Don’t trust the fox in sheep’s skin!

BangkokDan

Bongo: Was your “crap” comment aimed at me?

If it was, I would be interested to hear why?

At least I am trying to think of a reasonable compromise that does not bring down democracy, and promotes good governance by addressing the legitimate concerns of a large number of constituents.

This crisis could have been over much sooner had Samak & PPP backed off the constutional amendments and instead used a consultative process involving parliament and public referendum.
At the same time they should obviously be dismissing (with proper explanation) the unreasonable and outlandish demands of the PAD.

Had the government shown themslves to be competent and reasonable, they would have already been able to disperse the protesters with appropriate force such as tear gas & water cannons etc.

SBThailand: I take you point and much of my comments apply to democracy generally, not just Thailand.

Thailand is not the only country that lacks politicians with integrity and humility!

I’m not saying either, just saying I don’t give a crap!

My Trinkian way of saying “But I don’t give a hoot!”

BangkokDan