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After weeks of suffering a decreasing approval rating and weakening support for health care reform, US President Barack Obama's bold speech last Wednesday asked Americans to look at the proposed reform from other perspectives. Economic pressure aside, Obama called for all sides to support the bill by citing a moral obligation. Trying to transcend the political division, Obama said, "That large-heartedness - that concern and regard for the plight of others - is not a partisan feeling. It is not a Republican or a Democratic feeling. It, too, is part of the American character."

It's too early to judge whether Obama is an effective president. His speech has, however, demonstrated leadership when Americans need someone to move forward on this crucial issue. Moreover, Obama reminded Americans of the need to sustain the character of the nation. His message is that the country has a moral obligation.

Moral obligation is not an issue that often comes up in Thai prime ministers' speeches. Nonetheless, Thais have naturally demonstrated their "large-heartedness" when occasions arise. The outpouring of generosity by Thais in helping victims of The tsunami in 2004 is among the high-profile evidence that, especially in times of crisis, most Thais are more concerned about the plight of others.

The international news media interviewed many foreigners affected by The tsunami here, and most said they were touched by the generosity of Thais who shared food with them or provided them with emergency supplies, even though some of those same local donors were also badly affected by the disaster of that day.

Tolerance and a desire for peace and harmony are other characteristics that most foreigners remember about Thais when they come to Thailand. Most people would dismiss the claims of some cynical people who say that Thais are selfish or bad. In relative terms, Thais are "large-hearted", peaceful and tolerant people.

Unfortunately, some Thais are starting to forget the importance of sustaining our true character, which has been an essential element in keeping the nation together, from generation to generation.

In spite of our diversity of culture and tradition, people are used to being able to live together peacefully. There are few if any notions of "us" or "them". People are used to being tolerant and showing their large-heartedness to their neighbours in spite of their differences. Unfortunately, the events over the past few years have shown that we might be losing our character.

The political divisiveness has eaten into our character. Different opinions about politics are acceptable. Indeed, the debate on political development should be promoted. Unfortunately, the divisions in Thailand have now sunk to the level of personal issues. Not much time is spent debating the essence of the topic; instead the political groups hold continual rallies to express their disapproval of the opposition, and they verbally and even physically abuse the politicians they don't like.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's visit to Lop Buri was an unfortunate event in which he was greeted by a group of protesters trying to pelt him and his entourage with human faeces and bottles of water. This was their way of showing their disapproval of the premier.

There are many flaws in policy execution under the Abhisit government, but those who take a different political stance would more effectively bring these flaws to light by constructively debating, to point out how Abhisit has performed below the level of public expectation. However, they resorted to physically abusive behaviour that could be a violation of the law.

Some media meanwhile treated the incident lightly, as a joke. The headlines in serious media agencies were almost flippant,while very few questioned if this physically abusive behaviour should be allowed to continue to become part of our character.

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives is considering the possible censure of South Carolina Republican representative Joe Wilson, who shouted "You lie!" during President Obama's speech. Wilson had a point to make when Obama was saying that health care would not extend to illegal immigrants. But he chose an inappropriate way to express his opinion.

Wilson's outburst pales in comparison to what Thai or Taiwanese or Korean MPs do in their respective Houses. However, both US Democrats and Republicans called the outburst a breach of long-standing political decorum. The media didn't treat the outburst as a joke, but seriously debated why it had happened and how such an incident can be prevented from happening in the future. What Wilson did was out of character among American politicians. Most Americans believe that politicians should be an example for the public, showing that they can debate issues constructively.

The same incidents happen in Thailand, often. People take it lightly until a repetitive pattern of outbursts becomes the norm, or a part of our character.

In trying to win the argument over health care reform, Obama called for Americans to remember the character of the nation. Thailand's crisis has become critical to the point that it is almost beyond remedy - but it should not be too late for us to be mindful of what we claim to be the character of our nation.