Billmon:
[I]t appears that democracy has degenerated into a synonym for "a government we support."
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September 21, 2006
WB: Up is Downism
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According to thai expats interviewed in my local (european) paper, the problem with Thaksin’s kind of democracy was that people didn’t really feel it was much of a democracy; he’d been using his position to evade taxes, and he’d been maneuvering to postpone elections numerous times. And with him struggling to keep the power, the economy tanked. Not sure if this is a general opinion among Thais, but it sure explains the US reaction 😉
Posted by: Observer | Sep 21 2006 6:35 utc | 1
Up is down…
Lose is win…
Reuters, 3:17 p.m. Eastern:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – In a rebuke of President George W. Bush, a U.S. House of Representatives panel on Wednesday rejected his plan for interrogating foreign terrorist suspects. The bill, however, will still go to the full House for consideration.
The House Judiciary Committee, in a surprise move, rejected the measure 20-17. The Republican-led panel had been widely expected to back the bill pushed by Bush while he battles with some key Republicans in the Senate for similar authority.
Reuters, 5:02 p.m. Eastern:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – In an abrupt reversal, a U.S. House of Representatives committee narrowly voted on Wednesday to endorse President George W. Bush’s plan for tough interrogations and trials of foreign terrorism suspects after Republicans rounded up enough members.
About an hour earlier, the House Judiciary Committee rejected Bush’s plan, with three Republicans joining committee Democrats. Embarrassed Republicans then summoned absent members, called for another vote, and approved it 20-19.
Posted by: Uncle $cam | Sep 21 2006 7:05 utc | 2
I had a similar probelm with the first Gulf War when the news reported the “liberation of Kuwait”.
I had always thought that “liberation” had something to do with “liberty”, but the Sheikh of Kuwait had abolished parliament in 1986.
It then became clear to me that “liberation” in this case meant “replacing a hostile dictator with one more amenable to our policies”.
Posted by: ralphieboy | Sep 21 2006 10:27 utc | 3
Yes, the United States is death on tax evaders and election postponers.
Posted by: Thrasyboulos | Sep 22 2006 1:18 utc | 4