PAD the only force keeping Thaksin and cronies in line

Chang Noi still clings to the idea that an election win constitutes popular sovereignty. In Thailand, the event is just a ritual to confer the reign of parliamentary control through vote-buying. Chang Noi's analysis of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is far from objective. Without the PAD, Thaksin would have continued to pillage the country. Without the PAD, a great majority of the public would go without information about corruption and abuse of power in high places.

The real power of the PAD is not derived from its gathering at Makkhawan Bridge. Their strength comes from supporters at home in Thailand and worldwide who continue to send in contributions. Without the PAD, the Samak administration would have amended the Constitution to grant themselves amnesty and pave the way for Thaksin's return. If PAD is a bulldog on a leash, we need hundreds of them, because Thai body politics is just systemic corruption.

Netirat Intira

Bangkok

----------------------------------------------

Govt shouldn't stoop to a war of words with activists

I was surprised when Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej announced that the government would go on air five nights a week to counterattack the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). People who believe the PAD will always believe in the PAD and those who don't won't change their opinion.

Why give the PAD credibility? Why make a fool of yourself by arguing with a fool?

Meechai Burapa

Chiang Mai

----------------------------------------------

Obama could not do any more damage than Bush

Re: "Media covering up just how liberal Obama is", Letters, July 21.

One more American in denial - one of the big reasons that what is happening is happening. Ron, let's get the record straight.

The dollar has depreciated by about 25 per cent over the past year. Since the beginning of the year, the stock market has gone down 2000 points. We all know about the housing bubble explosion and now bank failures are increasing because of it.

Ron, I was a Republican and I despise what liberals have done to the United States over the past 40 years, but thanks to George, we are now in a real mess. I don't care if Obama is liberal or not. I can't see where he can do any more damage than George has done searching for weapons of mass destruction and where McCain, whom I supported prior to his statements suggesting that the war in Iraq can be won, will most likely do.

Like Thailand, they are all political quacks and there are times that I have to wonder if the world should not start governing itself through the use of computers. Someone gets an idea and submits it. Everyone votes through e-mail, and that's that. Then all we need are "expeditors" to carry out our wishes. I don't know about you, but I like the sound of that: "Our wishes."

John Arnone

Yasothon

----------------------------------------------

Best wishes to Thailand's Olympic hopefuls in Beijing

As the well-trained, daring Thai contingent prepares to depart, we extend our congratulations, earnest hopes and best wishes, trusting that the Kingdom's noble and proud representatives will make the most of this golden opportunity to grow mentally, socially, spiritually and physically more robust. Victors simply refuse to lose. Good luck!

Chanchai Prasertson

Bangkok