Televise charter debate to |end monopoly of brain-dead politicians, academics

An open debate or Q&A session on contentious points in the latest draft constitution should, indeed, be aired on television. It’s time to give the electorate an opportunity to properly comprehend the proposed charter and voice both support and objections. So far, the conversation has been limited to self-interested politicians, other vested interests and didactic academics, who confuse the issues and create a divisive “for or against” debate. This is unhealthy in a democratic process. The level of anger being expressed on each side makes one wonder whether some of them are brain-dead. 

The contentious points can be narrowed down to, a) a non-elected prime minister; b) senators elected through each trade association; c) temporary measures for crisis management; and d) a single voting system. It is presumptuous for anyone to be wholly negative or positive on any of these issues, and somewhat arrogant not to try to understand

the other side of the coin and weigh its advantages and disadvantages to the nation. The correct answers can be arrived at only through learning from past mistakes.

So far the public has not been offered an unbiased and reliable summary of the good and bad points for each contentious issue. This is where the media have a vital role to play, in aiding understanding that leads to educated decisions. In stark contrast, politicians driven by self-interest and whose despicable deeds landed us in this mess should be keeping quiet. 

The ongoing TV debates among US presidential candidates are an eye-opener for understanding the democratic process, since none of the contenders is permitted a monopoly on being right.

Songdej Praditsmanont