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Over the past couple of days Andrew Walker and I have written a number of analytical pieces about the crisis in Thailand. Today, Andrew has one in the The Wall Street Journal and we both have one over at Inside Story.
51 Responses
Andrew, good article and right on target pointing out how the government thinks it can simply sweep all of this under the rug, and "get back to normalcy." I don't have a TV, but this morning I watched TV in a room on Kaosan Road as my apartment is in an area of martial
law. What did I see? The King, the King, the King.
They just don't get it.
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But Andrew and Nicholas if the red shirts have lost faith in Thai democracy and that's why they turned their noses up at Abhisit's road map, where do they go from here? If Thaksin finances an insurgency would you support it?
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Andrew and Nicholas
On the whole a good piece but I do feel you are dodging the critical issues surrounding violent protest and resistance.
It is disingenuous to suggest that those who deplore the violence most are those who have denied the legitimacy of the Reds peaceful statements.
Many deplore political violence on moral and ethical grounds. And for strategic reasons many simply do not think that violence will succeed in bringing true democratic change. Violence from the state, PAD or anyone else should be condemned.
I also have my suspicions regarding the democratic credentials of many elements of the Reds, of Phua Thai and of Thaksin himself.
You have conveniently skirted around the issue of whether violence has been a central part of the Red strategy. You have not touched on the fiery oratory from the stage, the promises from Arisman to burn Bangkok and sala glang to the ground, nor Thaksin's prophesy of guerilla war. Is the current violence a justified outpouring of rage in the face of brutal state repression, or is it part of the original plan? Or a bit of both – now, as is the way with violence, going beyond what was originally expected.
But if you seriously believe that there is no faith in the electoral process – then are you arguing that the path of violence is justified and appropriate?
From your position it seems that nothing short of immediate house dissolution would have been acceptable, and that anything less should be met with violent resistance. If so it hardly presents a stance for negotiation. Sounds more like an ultimatum.
However flawed the electoral process is – surely it is better than armed struggle. Eventually the armed struggle will end in annihilation of one side, or negotiation.
We need to consider who benefits most from violence and chaos. It is usually the precursor to a more repressive government. Nothing the military likes more than a period of chaos.
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I think the solution to the Thai political problem is the "Presidential System" like in Indonesia and the United states where the people directly elect their Head of State. History repeatedly shows that the Thai monarchy has been the main obstacle to the country's democratization process. So the best way is to have the direct presidential election.
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Mrs. Wong,
FYI, the US president is NOT directly elected by the people. It is the electoral college that chooses the president. This is why there have been a number of presidents who have still become president even though they lost the 'popular vote.'
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The article was good, but like Jit says (#3) you don't make any comment on the Red shirt use of violence to achieve ends.
Maybe this is worth a study in itself?
Yesterday's senseless mayhem has done a lot of damage, to any "people's movement" taking serious hold in Thailand, for a long time.
We can all only hope, whoever takes the reigns of power in Thailand, will have the guts to address the obvious underlying and major issues.
It seems, the country is once again crying out for a leader to take the people forward – particularly now, "daddy can't fix". The problem is, all Thai leaders of this type, so far, have only done for the people when it suits (so they can line their pockets), and/or it helps win elections.
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Andrew is right on point in WSJ! Even if you don't talk about everything, he's talking about he actual reasons Thais refuse to listen/process and fail to understand.
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Nicholas & Andrew,
Great articles.
The use of violence by anyone is certainly sad but in certain situations necessary and unavoidable. This appears to be one of those certain situations; when those holding power are so intent on maintaining the status quo they refuse to play by the rules. As you rightly said in the article, this has been going on for many years.
Is it plausible the only thing separating the UDD hardliners from the moderates is something as simple as their level of tolerance? After the political games of the past 4 years the hardliners have finally said enough of the political wrangling, negotiation and elections. They have determined the only way for permanant change to take place a path of violence.
With each new instance of rule breaking and unequal treatment under the law the established elite power base is pushing more of their opponents past their level of tolerance. At a certain point, there is too few (or no one) left supporting an opinion to negotiate with the opposition. At that instance their options are to either live with the inequality or fight. In a nutshell, it is this type of situation which has led to revolutions.
Many people inside and outside Thailand point out, as you have, that the rural poor are in better financial shape today than they've been in the past (although, as you also pointed out, the gap between the wealthy and poor has been growing). Perhaps if these critics lived the life of someone on the receiving end of institutionalized injustice they'd have a different opinion. Can anyone honestly say different standards are not being applied to people on opposite sides of the political line?
**In other words, it's not just all about money. As you rightly pointed out, the reds have played by the rules and have won, only to have the elites utilize the military or political tactic to again gain the upper hand. It now appears the red shirts are tired of playing this game and brought out their own rulebook.
(**Note: One repeated argument is the rural poor will sell their vote to the highest bidder. What those backing the elites will never acknowledged is the documented and reported accounts that this also takes place in Bangkok and that the practice is a tool all political parties use.)
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Thailand politically is changed forever. There will be no return.
This government has virtually destroyed the country to keep itself and its attendant opportunists in power. Siam Square, burned down; Central World, burned down; Center One, burned down Big C, heavily damaged – major arson all over the city. So sad. So avoidable.
The economic damage will be in the billions. The investment damage, unfathomable, and rending of the social fabric, irreversible – just so this minority of elite sycophants attempt to hold on to power.
All could have been avoided – just to have let the people vote. But then, there was, after all, a military "government" and then two consecutive elected governments removed by an approved court. Governor Samak was removed from the premiership for doing a cooking show on TV. Unbelievable!
Then there were the abominable yellow shirts that held government house for months and then closed the international airport. Not one of these insurrectionists went to jail.
While Thaksin was in power, this country was making progress. The IMF was repaid, social systems initiated, and in-spite of his alleged venal ways, 60% of the Thai people loved him. Many say the proximate cause of his downfall was not his graft, but the plain fact of his huge popularity and that he would not pay obeisance to the certain persons of high station in the Thai constellation.
The Thailand we love may be lost forever. Lost because the powers that be fractured the social contract. This terrible loss might well have been avoided had they capitulated and held a snap election.
I guess, given the alternatives, the question is: did the fateful decisions that this government made, in these last critical days, benefit the Kingdom?
The answer, I think is self evident. What a terrible price they paid. Again, so sad; so avoidable.
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turned on CNN, ABC, BBC and what did I see? Thaksin, Thaksin, Thaksin, or his lawyer Amsterdam. Interviews, blogs, tweets, etc.
You just don't get it.
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Excellent analysis by AW (haven't got to the other one yet).
The North and Northeast were colonized and annexed by Siam (Bangkok). The other colonial powers in the region faced their colonies' battles for independence long ago. Bangkok is now facing its equivalent.
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This article is well worth a read.
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Team "Yellow" says that Thaksin was bad for the country and ruined the economy. That is an opinion, opinions are not fact. So let's have a look at the numbers. Here are some GDP Purchasing Power Parity per citizen (Country wealth per citizen) data ranking for Thailand vs the World average. What do the numbers say?
91 World $ 7,900 2002 est.
99 Thailand $ 6,900 2002 est.
89 World $ 10,000 2006 est.
92 Thailand $ 9,100 2006 est.
102 World $ 10,500 2009 est.
120 Thailand $ 8,100 2009 est.
Note the improvement during the Thaksin years and the decline after the coup in 2006. Anyone can have an opinion but the numbers don't lie. Thailand from 2002 closed the gap with the world average in 2006 reaching rank 92 in the world with the global average being 89. After the coup it dropped to 120 in rank with the global average being 102.
*NOTE: all countries had to deal with the financial crisis so that cannot be used as an excuse for Thailand dropping from 92 to 120.
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Walker's premise to explain why Thai farmers in the Northeast are angry about being disadvantaged, despite being relatively prosperous, seems to hinge entirely on analysis of economic data that he claims proves that the problem is an increasing wealth gap. After this exciting build up the reader is only titillated as Walker declines to show any of his economic analysis but effectivly invites the reader to find the data for himself before moving on hastily to his predictable conclusions. I suppose this is not a surprise, since Walker has not displayed any numeracy or in depth knowledge of economics in his writings to date, and we can assume that part of his education is still to come.
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Duncan McCargo writes on subject of this post in "Bangkok's battles a rehearsal for civil war" published today.
Some excerpts:
"This has been portrayed as a struggle between poor farmers from the countryside and an undemocratic Bangkok elite. Yet despite the sympathetic coverage for the Redshirts in much of the international media, this is not a classic "pro-democracy" struggle between good guys and bad guys. It is a savage and dispiriting civil conflict, from which nobody emerges with much credit."
"At the election in December 2007, the ruling Democrat Party took 39.63 per cent of the party list vote — almost exactly the same as the 39.6 per cent of the People's Power Party, from which the Redshirts are largely drawn. Neither side has had a monopoly on popular support; both have some valid arguments and positions; and neither has been playing by the rules."
"The central problem is that Thailand is torn between two rival camps, each led and directed by rich and powerful factions. Though ostensibly divided by ideological differences, the anti-government Redshirts and the pro-government Yellowshirts are best characterized as competing patronage networks, bound together primarily by personal loyalties and emotional attachments. Supporters on both sides have been mobilized by intermediaries playing on local and family ties."
"On one level, Thailand's political crisis is an expression of collective anxiety about the succession. If the sides cannot negotiate a settlement before then, the recent spate of protests may be dress rehearsals for an even more dramatic, and more damaging, confrontation."
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This article is also worth a read.
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Haven't read them.
Just wanna comment that all comments (including any articles) are only parts of the whole story. may be all are true, but you need to neatly and cleverly stitch them up.
overall they are just too 'conclusive' (including mine).
what happens with the economics first politics later rhetoric which stresses that if the people are fully fed they will be politically submissive. is the overall economic situation of average Thais taht bad these past few years?
anyway where did we leave the environment and climate change?
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It is naive for anybody to discredit the Red Shirt movement because it has violent elements. Non-violence is a viable strategy only in countries where there is rule of law and where the governing power does not commit extrajudicial killings or use unnecessary force. Thailand is not the United States and those who pursue purely non-violent protests are destined for slaughter. You fight back or you die.
It's even worse in countries like Vietnam or Laos, where non-violent protesters would be immediately seized and disappear into the gulags.
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Re: why the Reds didn't accept the Nov 14 offer?
My opinion: The UDD did not refuse the offer and I don't think the lost faith in the election is the explanation.
1. It is not true that the UDD refused the Nov 14 offer. They agree to negotiate on the timing of the dissolution and election. The word "refused" may look a trivial matter. But in this case, the govt's propaganda used it to create a general perception that the UDD "refused" the offer. This became a pretext for the government to withdrew the offer and went ahead with the crackdown. This narrative has a serious flaw.
2. But as the UDD agreed to negotiate the date, they added on a new demand — Suthep must get charged for the Apr 10 deaths.
What and why this demand? The answer to this is also the answer to the narrative flaw above.
An example of the narrative that becomes the pretext of the crackdown is by Mr. Voranai "Put an end to this rebellion" BKK Post 16/05/2010. Here is my comment on Mr. Voranai's narrative. (This comment was circulated to the TLC email group)
>>… there is one important piece that is missing in Mr Voranai's commentary. I assume that it is not intentional. But even if it is not, the missing piece is very telling how much a highly educated person like him fails to understand those protesters. This failure has been written all over pages of most newspapers, facebook, and many web sites throughout the current crisis. Sometimes this missing piece also shows up among the intellectuals who support the Reds too.
The missing piece is the April 10 clash with the 21 deaths of the Reds
In [Mr. Voranai's] narrative, the UDD refused the government offer for the election in November and turned to anarchy to serve Thaksin's agenda. This narrative fails to recognise the UDD's demand for a promise or assurance for justice for the deaths [of the Apr 10 clash]. Their demand for Deputy PM Suthep to get charged is
problematic in terms of legal procedure. But in their views, there is
nothing in the government's proposal that would guarantee justice for those deaths. To make things more difficult, the government's records on justice and judicial process, in their view, are not good either; they are known as "double standard". So it is not easy to convince the UDD that justice will be served. An investigation by a government committee, or by the yellowish National Human Right Commission, is not a satisfactory answer to them. [The fact that] Mr. Suthep turned himself in to the DSI (Thai FBI), in their view, was a joke since the DSI is under Suthep, and the DSI itself is the body that presses charges on the UDD leaders for terrorists and anti-monarchy.
Is the UDD demand for justice for the deaths unreasonable?
Why is this whole matter entirely missing from Mr. Voranai's account? We may dismiss their demand as unrealistic or politically weak. But somehow the Reds' overt and public sentiment about the April 10 clash and deaths and their demand for justice to the deaths is not even heard, let alone understood, by Mr. Voranai and the like. The Reds view of deaths and justice to [the deaths] does not exist in Mr. Voranai's narrative. Once he cannot understand it, his explanation turns to "anarchy" and "Thaksin". He turns the Reds to a
mob for hire as it has always been a convenient explanation by most Thai media and intellectuals. To these people, there is always a "hidden higher aganda" for Thaksin behind the Reds movement, and it is the tru-er reason than whatever the UDD has said.
The Thaksin agenda is a narrative construct to substitute for the failure by these highly educated, smart intellectuals to understand the protesters. They see the Reds as thugs, based on their
negative stereotypes of the nakleng and chaoban (not unlike the stereotype many educated Thais have for the "black" people even before they meet one).
[The educated urban upper class and intellectuals] don't understand those Reds' views of life, death, risk, peace, violence and so on, but instead taking the values held by our tribe (the highly educated urban elite) as the standard for morals, right and wrong. <<<<
In my opinion, the distrust in election was not the issue in the UDD response to the govt's offer. At least it was not as critical, as they were willing to negotiate. The critical issue to them is justice to the Apr 10 deaths.
The Apr 10 bloodshed coumpounded the original demand for dissolution and election, but many observers have not given adequate recognition. Justice, an apparent issue of grievance throughout the protest, had not been duly recognised but got much worse since Apr 1o.
It is justice that people have fought for to their death so many times in human history.
The Reds don't have to articulate straightforwardly as "justice". Actually they did, but observers didn't hear them. The Reds expressed their demand for justice in many terms — they can't go home without an answer about the Apr 10 death; the government must show responsibility, and so on. This is why they want something about Suthep, in ways that, in my opinion, was legally problematic. But I think their demand was just.
I doubt very much that Thaksin would prefer a bloody defeat. Yes, if many of us can foresee it after the govt's offer fell through, why can't he? The protest had done so much damages to the Democrats that a victory in the next election to the Pheu Thai Party is almost certain. Thaksin is smart enough to see the benefits of ending the protest and too high a risk to continue. It doesn't need Thaksin to make this calculation. (I heard that he is pretty good at the risk-benefit calculation, with the only exception for the 2006 coup.)
Contrary to many gurus who argue that the UDD "refused" the govt's offer because Thaksin's told them to, I think the UDD themselves made the decision to add a new demand. And such a demand is for JUSTICE. That is also why they were willing to fight on.
I think the added demand was politically a mistake, no matter how just it may be. But it is our serious mistake if we don't recognise the severe injustice to the Reds that was amplified multifold on Apr 10. They came to fight for justice. In the end, justice may still be missing even after the Apr 10 deaths, even in our analyses.
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Smith Jones@ 15 – quite agree.
And an even better article @ :
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I admire the way you make tremendous efforts in justifying the Red Shirts, the way you try to figure out all the reasons on earth favoring the validity of the Red Shirts. Now, with only half the efforts, will you refrain from for a while from being tilted towards the "poor", the "weak", and search into the facts that have been left out, about how these protesters got to come to Bangkok in the first place. Are you aware of how "canvassers" in rural Thailand operate? Do you know how the figure of "one million protesters" come about, in relation to the number of MPs from Pheu Thai party and the number of protesters each MP was to gather for the protest? Do you have any idea why this final showdown of the protest started soon after the verdict to confiscate Thaksin's Baht 40 billion and not sooner? etc. I respect all your efforts to analyse the Thai politics so intelligently. But like all researches, it all hinges on the data, the info, the facts—the thoroughness of all these input for analysis. As for the ligitimacy of Red Shirts's claim on bringing back Thaksin regime, mind you, Thaksin's party beat the runner up with only few hundreds of thousand votes at the ballot, not like millions and millions of votes as it looks. And the rest of the votes went to all the coalition in this present government. (I would have joined any protests myself if this coalition government came into office with less votes than Thaksin's (or ex-Thaksin party, if you like). If I were not let down by the way many "good" people always seem to side with the so- called "oppressed", I would shed light on how Thaksin got all his MPs under his wing; on how his party, which won 200 something seats (out of 400+) in his outset of his office grew to absolute majority of 300+ at the end of his first term—with no election in between! Curious, right? And I would further elaborate on how the number of political parties diminished while his seats in the parliament grew…. and so on, which brought him the absolute power that absolutely corrupted.
And as final words here, I would like to tell you that non-Thaksin votes (or the non-Red shirt) are not merely those in Bangkok, they are among the other "poor" and other "weak" in the rural Thailand, too, if you like. And we are happy and believe in this government, like we used to be with Thaksin's—in his first term.
Hope this might add to your data base for further research and analysis. Thanks.
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More Facts Please #22
"And as final words here, I would like to tell you that non-Thaksin votes (or the non-Red shirt) are not merely those in Bangkok, they are among the other "poor" and other "weak" in the rural Thailand, too, if you like. And we are happy and believe in this government, like we used to be with Thaksin's–in his first term."
So why not have an election now ?
Or why not have an election BEFORE this violence started ?
Abhisit made a major misjudgement here – he quite possibly could have won enough seats to form another government, even some in Lanna and perhaps Isaarn.
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@ Andrew Walker #21. Where is your own economic analysis?
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Why has this forum taken on the simplistic class analysis of 'elite' and 'poor' and accepted at face value this divide between Bangkok and rural areas?
The phenomenal social change of Thailand has created an even more complex tapestry of class than can be captured in elite/poor. Class differentiation is layered and complex – the means of production and of exchange are changing rapidly. There is a huge growth in rural entrepeneurship – agricultural or otherwise – although of course this has always been there.
What proportion of Bangkok is purely Bangkokian? From my own personal experience the vast majority of people I know (friend, family, colleagues, neighbours, associates) come from the provinces – i think the majority from backgrounds of farming, petty trading, civil service (teachers, police). These people still go back for Songkhran, weddings, funerals – and many more regularly than this. They are in no way as disconnected from provinces as is assumed.
To suggest that the whole of north and Isaan constitutes one distinct class is bizarre.
What on earth is the middle class in Thailand? How is it defined? Is there really one middle class? If so what proportion of Thailand fits into this class?
And how do we account for patronage in Thai politics? Does it not feature in all political parties – way beyond class consciousness?
It strikes me that there are some huge gaps in political and social analysis in Thailand, and that there is a desperate need for us to catch up if we are to understand and make a constructive contribution to democratic change
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That Matthew Hunter in the comments part who thinks Bangkok people think western are bias.
And I think, Andrew, your artical is bias.
You know why we complain about western bias? Because you do not know the whole truth. You're not local and you only listen to someone (western media) who only know tiny part of the truth. And because of that it painted the picture and made one side looks good and the other side looks bad. Just like what you did in the article. You think you knew all but you didn't even know half of it. We do not mind if you want to say anything coz we like freedom, free media too, but make sure what you said is the truth and that you really know the truth. We do not think that the poor's people vote shouldn't count because they're stupid. That is just wrong. This is why we're frustrated with people like Matthew Hunter who thinks he knows everything but he doesn't. If it's a democratic vote, they are more than entitled to it. But their vote was bought by money. Do you know how this works in Thailand? Of course you wouldn't because you're not a local. Do you know how the red shirt protesters were paid 500 baht a day each to be there thinking that they're there for democratic? Of course, you wouldn't know all these, again because you're not local. It's just like we think, all Australians are bloody lazy and spoiled. No wonder you're scared of any immigrants coz they will take away your job coz they're more hard-working than you people. Is it true? I think only you local would know the answer, but that's what we heard and saw too, just like you heard and saw from the media then made the assumption yourself. I suggest you interview the locals on both sides and at least more than 10 of them.
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Meeng, please stop. You're making Thais look bad. Blaming the west for their 'ignorant views' shows how small minded you are. Your reason for 'Free media' is rendered nil by the Thai gov's massive blockage on the net. And that's the most obvious part of it.
So stop, before you confirm more of their views to be correct.
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Meeng's voice is not an uncommon one heard on these matters. He/she is to be commended for airing them on this forum. At the same time, the voice shows that many people's thoughts are fogged by a combination of high-octane emotions, anecdotal evidence, and anti-foreign bias. Many of the problems in the current turmoil come from non-critical way of thinking. Instead mystical thinking is substituted. Only locals know the truth as if Thailand is a secret Free Mason's Society. This line of thinking descends into tribalism and belligerence and arrogance.
Such thinking is pervasive in Thailand and is the direct product of an educational system that does not place enough value on teaching rationality, process and evidence finding and evaluation, and distinguishing between speculative hearsay and hard evidence. There are enough foreigners who haven't gone through the Thai educational system who also engage in this way of thinking. Perhaps it is attitude as well as life experience as well as education that explains why and how mental states arise.
If a grown up could step forward and seek to lead people out of the burnt out emotional valley this would be a start. Instead we are likely to enter a phase of quasi-adolescent posturing, finger pointing and name calling. Should that be the case, the fear is, after a short lull, a renewed protest and violence.
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MichaelBkk 13. Interesting analysis. Can you also explain China's shifting rankings?
Est 2002 rank 129 $4,400
Est 2006 rank 109 $7,600
Est 2009 rank 128 $6,600
Goodness. How did China slip also back so much from 2006 to 2009? One had the sense that the communist central planners there were pushing all the right economic buttons, while the Falangist government in Thailand was doing everything completely wrong. Did Thaksin's departure from the helm in Thailand also have economic reverberations in his ancestral home? Or was there perhaps something similar happening across Asia? Did the fortuitous entry of several new countries into the rankings in 2009, e.g. Montenegro, also have an impact?
BTW Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is an arithmetical model for calculating theoretical exchange rates based on differences in rates of inflation. What you were referring to is GDP per capita. What you were trying to do is data mining.
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Re: Thongchai's view that "Thaksin is smart enough to see the benefits of ending the protest and too high a risk to continue."
The latest article from The Economist has following views on Thaksin's role in the peacetalks:
1. "As the bullets flew and the bodies fell, crocodile tears came from afar, as Mr Thaksin tweeted his sorrow to his followers. From his luxurious exile he denied, once again, that he was giving orders to the red-shirt leaders and urged everyone to embrace peace. There is little doubt, however, that Mr Thaksin holds sway over the splintered, squabbling red-shirt leadership. The two-month protest would not have been possible without his deep pockets, vengeful will and political network, even though the red-shirt cause has become much larger than him. And his stubbornness seems to have undone the peace talks, despite his protestations."
2. "Many are asking why peace talks failed, when the red shirts had little hope of resisting the troops. Insiders say that Mr Thaksin was a serious spoiler, as were General Khattiya and other radicals."
3. "That the leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the red shirts' formal title, failed to grasp this olive branch [Abhisit's roadmap] is tragic. They, as much as trigger-happy soldiers, must bear some responsibility for the lives lost."
4. "When the UDD called for the United Nations to step into the crisis, Mr Kasit retorted that Thailand was "not a failed state". That is true. But if it does become ungovernable, the fault will not be Mr Thaksin's alone. Equally culpable is the royalist PAD that Mr Kasit belongs to."
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Jit has made several good points in his comments that others seem to have missed or simply ignored. I would like to expand on these, adding my own thoughts in two areas:
First, the explanation that a "loss of faith in the electoral process" was behind the Red's refusal to accept Abhisit's road map and 14 November elections is unconvincing to me. To accept this begs the question of what exactly the UDD leadership were expecting to accomplish when they launched their protests, given their publicly stated demands (initially) for immediate dissolution of parliament and new elections. These demands were patently not actionable: no government would simply accept them without some compromise, so everyone expected a negotiated settlement. But even if these demands had been met, surely a Red-led government resulting from elections earlier than 14 November could also be overturned by politicized courts or a military coup, so how would this outcome have restored the Red's lost faith in the electoral process in a way that elections in November could not?
It seems more likely that only two outcomes were ever envisioned as possible by the UDD leadership (and as we have seen, the leaders were not actually united in their goals): (1) a negotiated compromise solution leading to new elections later this year plus unconditional immunity for Thaksin – the latter being the widely rumored sticking point at every stage of negotiations – or (2) violence, bloodshed, and promise of future anarchy as punishment to opponents of UDD and Thaksin, including various commercial interests generally aligned with the Democrats (among these, Bangkok Bank, Central Group, and others whose facilities were shuttered or put to the torch).
The fact that inflammatory rhetoric and actions, such as the blood tossing episode and vows of fighting to the death, actually preceded the tragic events of 10 April (with deadly violence initiated by men in black behind the red lines) seems, in retrospect, not just to have presaged the latest bloodshed and arson, but to have been carefully planned as both warning to the government and preparation of the rank and file protesters in the event negotiations failed to produce a settlement meeting with Thaksin's approval. General Khattiya (Seh Daeng) publicly stated that Thaksin refused Abhisit's road map and denounced Veera and others who were inclined to accept the offer.
Time will tell the real extent to which faith in the electoral process has been lost, assuming Abhisit sticks to his pledge of following the road map, but I don't believe the theory has really been put to the test yet. Thaksin's agents saw to that.
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Dear Meeng (#26)
Your ignorance is a tad embarrassing . Perhaps you should do some research on Andrew before posting comments above. In particular:
'But their vote was bought by money. Do you know how this works in Thailand? Of course you wouldn't because you're not a local.'
Perhaps you would care to know that Andrew has spent years working as an anthropologist in rural Thailand, amongst other things, researching precisely the issue you have raised above. If you have the time and intellectual honesty, why not try reading his article on 'Thailand's rural constitution'. It is available online, and is referenced positively in virtually all subsequent Thai academic literature on the issue.
The assuption that foreigners cannot understand Thailand is just epistemologically bankrupt. Why cant they? How can you demonstrate this? As other posters are beginning to suggest, it may well be the fact that indeed foreigners have a distance from Thai culture that allows for greater objectivity and curiosity that for those 'insiders'. This is worth teasing out in more detail…
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@ Andrew Walker. I can't see any statistical evidence in the latest UNDP Human Development Report that supports the main thesis of your WSJ article that red shirts are justified in being angry, despite now being fairly well off middle income peasants, due to deteriorating income equality relative to other countries in the region.
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>>3. "That the leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the red shirts' formal title, failed to grasp this olive branch [Abhisit's roadmap] is tragic. They, as much as trigger-happy soldiers, must bear some responsibility for the lives lost."<<
This I strongly disagree. As much as? So their comrades who died by 'trigger-happy soldiers' share as much blame as the soldiers?
Truely shocking.
It's like he's saying they WANT to die.
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Nov 14 was not open to negotiations.
When Abhisit announced his road map it was non-negotiable, he simply said what he was going to do and that if everything goes to plan the country can have elections on that date.
Investigation of April 10 was very much part of that plan and I don't believe he meant it would only be conducted by DSI.
Red leaders announced that they accept the roadmap in general, Abhisit that reminded them that if they want Nov 14 they have to stop the rally, the rest of his plan would go forward anyway.
A week had passed and reds showed no sign of moving out, and then there was Suthep goes to police comedy that turned Abhisit's plan into negotiation over terms of red "surrender".
That was non-negotiable, and it was never meant to be.
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Continuation of my previous posting…
Second, I would like to offer a working definition of middle class in Thailand as "those who pay income tax". A large majority of the population, presumably including many of the red shirt ranks, are not in this category – as is entirely appropriate for those with lower incomes under the principles of progressive taxation. However, there is also a small but very wealthy minority who pay far less than their proper due to government through various forms of illegal or marginally legal tax evasion. And it is especially rankling when the tax so evaded represents extraordinary gains from a government concession, privatization, or capital gains on share sales facilitated by dubious legal mechanisms and/or self-dealing political actions.
A fundamental tension in Thai society is the fact that government programs to benefit the poor (rural or urban) have resulted in the red shirt movement and a groundswell of support that has benefited Thaksin and his cronies, rather than support for the government as an institution, and much less for the tax-paying middle class who have disproportionately paid for these programs. One need not be a royalist or moneyed elite to feel indignation toward the red shirt cause. And nobody has talked much about the thousands of shop and office workers in Bangkok who have been put out of their jobs, or the small businesses destroyed, by the recent red shirt protests.
If only Thaksin had chosen to pay capital gains tax on the Temasak share sale (a pittance in retrospect) recent history might have been very different – and he would be no less rich today.
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Re: Chris Beale #23
It's beyond the mundane perspective of "winning" or "losing", it's the fate of a country we are looking at.
And as I said we are happy and believe in this legitimate government, so why on earth must we have another election? Just because some people sat together in a group on a Bangkok street?
And mind, you Abhisit did offer to have a new election on Nov 14, much to my disappointment, though!
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"They don't accept the legitimacy of the way current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was maneuvered into power by his royal, judicial and military backers. But most fundamentally, via the red shirts, rural Thailand is vigorously asserting its right to be represented in decision-making about the country's future development. "
I watched the count in Parliament. What brought the Democrats to power, ultimately, was the cynical defection of Newin, once one of Thaksin's allies. But that's politics. Frankly, "maneuvered into power by his royal, judicial and military backers" is slanderous. Unless you are privy to the inner workings of the palace, army and the judiciary, and can provide us with solid evidence.
"vigorously asserting" Oh yes. Very vigorous.
One thing about this forum that has me gritting my teeth in frustration is the attitude that Abhisit is a) some kind of ineffectual poodle for the unseen owners of the levers of power and is b) some kind of fascist ogre. Chaps, he can't be both.
I think he's tough (you don't get to be PM of any country without being very tough) but also understands the problems well. He has also bent over backwards to accommodate the views of the Reds. He even offered early elections – bowing, in effect, to the mob. But they gave him the finger.
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whilst the economic dimension is one of the grievances of the Red Shirts, it is but one of several, and perhaps not even the most important. Just as important, and also commented on by Andrew and Nich, is the issue of meaningful social and political enfranchisement. Their is a significant layer of Red Shirt supporters who are from the provincial middle classes who have either spent time as internal migrant labor in Thailand's urban centres or who have worked as migrant labor overseas – Dubai, Israel, Taiwan etc come to mind. The point is that these people are no longer the rural villagers of yesteryear. Whilst their identity is still in many ways bound up with the 'village', they have had sufficient urban (if not international) exposure to understand the machinations of power and political process. And they know that despite the fact that their income levels may match the urban middle classes, their social and political status lies far behind. That is, whils economically many Red Shirt supporters may be on level terms with their urban brethren, their inclusion in the Thai polity lags far behind. And these people feel it. They know they are looked down upon and that the BKK elites pay little heed to their desires and aspirations. Dignity and respect, for this layer of the movement, is just as significant as economic justice.
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Abhisit offered the Nov. 14 election to the Thai people, not just to the red shirts. He had no authority to make deals about election dates with a specific group. Having agreed to a Nov. 14 election, he had no basis to rescind his agreement based on whether one group accepted additional terms or not. This is about democracy for the country, not deals with specific groups. Why is Abhisit not willing to stick to his offer of a Nov. 14 election?
As for Abhisit offering an investigation of April 10, do you seriously believe that any military leader would be held accountable even if an investigation concluded they were culpable? Can you point to a single instance in modern Thai history where the military has been held accountable for any violation of a citizen's rights?
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-The Flip Side-
The government in Thailand has been widely criticized for their use of deadly force and censorship in its attempts to maintain peace in that country.
Arguably, the present leadership in Thailand was installed by the military to represent their interests. Maybe that's true. Does it matter? Democracy from its birth has represented the most powerful factions in a society and in that part of the world, the military is certainly all of that.
For a moment though, lets leave the political catchwords behind and look at the performance of this government.
Thailand's economy is the region's second biggest, and the country has made incredible strides forward in the last 20 years. Thais rarely want to leave their country, and westerners flock there in droves. Foreign ownership and exploitation has been kept to a minimum. Government bureaucracy is far less burdensome than in almost any other country you might care to mention. Crime is at very low levels compared to just about anywhere.
This is a country people want to live.
Whatever you want to call the present government, they have been doing a good job. Kingdom, Democracy, Military Junta. Call it what you will, its working and working well.
If there is one fault they have manifested, its the lack of recognition of their own strength. If they were more confident in their position, this government could reach out with an open hand to protesters and dissidents and offer them a greater part in the creation of the paradise that Thailand could become.
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Please correct me if I am wrong, but you seem to see the Red Shirts as, to a large extent at least, a progressive grassroots movement motivated by the goal of a more egalitarian society, and pitted against a reactionary elite often referred to as the amartya. This is one hypothesis, and possibly the correct one. However, there are others. It could also be argued, for example, that the Red Shirts are actually a reactionary patronage network organised by regional strongmen who see the emerging middle class in Bangkok as a threat to their traditional power and access to state wealth through corruption. I am not entirely sure which of these competing hypotheses is nearer the truth, but having lived in Thailand for seventeen years and having observed the likes of Chalerm, Chavalit and Thaksin at close quarters with growing contempt well before the Red Shirts appeared, you will perhaps understand why I have a suspicion that the second hypothesis may turn out to be more accurate. I suppose my question, then, is this: Can anyone refute hypothesis number 2, that the Red's are a reactionary patronage network?
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Nigel – 42
Interesting point
"Red Shirts are actually a reactionary patronage network organised by regional strongmen who see the emerging middle class in Bangkok as a threat to their traditional power and access to state wealth through corruption"
One has to ask whether which came first, the emerging middle class in Bangkok or the emerging middle class in the provinces.
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I would like to repeat a comment in another thread that went almost unnoticed, but refers to the elephant in the room that people are afraid to acknowledge. "It is said that only a few words from the top many years ago were taken to heart by the royalists for an all-out war against Thaksin." We may not know for years whether this is true or not, but it has a great deal of explanatory power, and for this reason I wouldn't mind betting that it is true. That would mean that the King himself put in train the sequence of events that has left his country in such a miserable state. Being a determinist, I am not charging him with moral responsibility for the tragedy, because its causes go back further than this. One of them is clearly the emergence of a somewhat unsavoury character as Prime Minister. Going back even further than that, is the moral climate in Thailand that causes, amongst other good and bad things, unsavoury characters to be welcomed in high positions (on both sides of the present political divide). The institution of monarchy in Thailand exists in that same moral climate. To invest one person with so much power is asking for trouble, even when the starting material is promising. We are all familiar with Lord Acton's dictum "All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". The King is a human being who has been subjected to a long lifetime of flattery and grovelling at levels that were bound to end in trouble for him and his country. The Thai monarchy has evolved into a monster with great power to do evil, even in the hands of one who was possibly (it is hard to tell) a better than average man. Thais secretly realise that the power of the monarchy is out of control, and shudder at the prospect of it passing into the hands of someone who is worse than average. I would argue that the Monster which corrupted the father in mid-life started on the son at birth, and he never had a chance.
Before the outrage starts, the point here is not to pass moral judgement on individuals, but to devise institutions that select better behaviour.
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Bkk Lawyer,
Abhisit indeed offered the Nov 14 date to all Thai people, not just one group. He offered it, he could withdrew it, he wasn't bound by any promises.
Whatever his calculation of Nov 14 was, it was clear from the start that main condition was discontinuing the red rally, and he had listed other factors that could have postponed the election date even further.
Reds, of course, were right that he didn't commit himself to anything, and that it's beyond his authority to set election dates.
That was his offer, however, they agreed to it in principle, and it was hinged on their full cooperation that clearly wasn't forthcoming.
Probe in Oct 2008 violence named a whole bunch of senior officials from both police and the government. I don't remember if Somchai, who was the PM at the time, was exonerated or not.
Of course you could argue that it was police, not the army, but then – when did the army commit any serious atrocities?
Tak Bai and Krue Sue under Thaksin? Why would Abhisit resurrect those? He has more pressing matters to attend. Reds didn't ask to investigate them either.
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More on Thaksin's role in derailing the peacetalks, this time from James Hookway of Wall Street Journal:
1. "People on both sides of Thailand's political divide with knowledge of the negotiations say that Mr. Thaksin's interventions–which they say included a number of new demands that ended up slowing the talks intended to end the political standoff–delayed an agreement for new elections that would have enabled the protesters to call off their months-long rally. His machinations prompted the most senior opposition Red Shirt negotiator to quit in frustration, according to these people."
2. "But in recent weeks Mr. Thaksin has kept in close contact with rogue military officers training a paramilitary "people's army" to attack troops and turn Bangkok's streets into a war zone, according to opposition members involved in the conflict."
3. "At a luxury hotel near the Red Shirts' camp in central Bangkok, a team of Mr. Thaksin's lawyers and advisers regularly conferred with protest leaders and other negotiators to ensure that Mr. Thaksin was kept in the loop over the past several weeks."
4. "People involved in both government and opposition camps say Mr. Thaksin urged hard-liners to come up with fresh demands that stalled the process, ultimately leading to the talks' collapse.They say Red Shirt leader Veera Musikapong quit the negotiations in disgust.
"He was questioning why they were bothering to talk when Mr. Thaksin was delaying any progress," says one person involved in the mediations. Mr. Veera is in army custody and couldn't be reached for comment."
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The only direct stuff from Thaksin that I have seen lately has been conciliatory. However I wouldn't be surprised if he were making plans for funding the guerrilla warfare he mentioned as a "theory" of the outcome of the violent repression. Also, I suspect that the Wall Street Journal article linked to (46) is lies fed to a lazy journalist by the Thai Government, which probably also planted "Updater" here. The Wall Street Journal is owned by Rupert Murdoch. All of them are crooks, some worse than others.
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R.N.England could not be more wrong when he commented "The only direct stuff from Thaksin that I have seen lately has been conciliatory."
Thaksin S. is vindictive and determined to give the city of Bangkok hell.
The mastermind's latest comment: Daily News Page 3, Politics Page, Friday May 21, 2010
Translated and Rewritten by Pornchai Sereemongkonpol
*If I can't live there, then don't hope that any Thai can live there comfortably.'
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No more comments from me. I want to withdraw coz I'm sick of people thought they know a lot about what's happening but they actually don't. Maybe this news article from a local Thai newspaper might help open up your blue eyes a little bit. Names and VDO clips are the evidence that this is not a made up story. Sorry only available in Thai, if you can read.
р╕Ю.р╕н.р╕кр╕гр╕гр╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕┤р╕Н р╣Бр╕Бр╣Йр╕зр╕Бр╕│р╣Ар╕Щр╕┤р╕Ф р╣Вр╕Жр╕йр╕Б р╕ир╕нр╕Й.р╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕бр╕╡р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕Ыр╕┤р╕Фр╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╕вр╕Щр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╕кр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щр╣Ж р╕Ир╕│р╕Щр╕зр╕Щр╕гр╕зр╕б 7 р╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╣Ир╕вр╕зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Бр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕Ыр╕ер╕╕р╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Фр╕бр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╣Бр╕Бр╕Щр╕│р╕Бр╕ер╕╕р╣Ир╕бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕бр╕зр╕ер╕Кр╕Щр╕бр╕╡р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕зр╕▓р╕Зр╣Ар╕Юр╕ер╕┤р╕Зр╣Ар╕Ьр╕▓р╕Ър╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╣Ар╕Ьр╕▓р╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕З р╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕Фр╕▒р╕Зр╕Бр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕бр╕╡р╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ы р╕Ю.р╕Х.р╕Ч.р╕Чр╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕┤р╕У р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕зр╕▒р╕Хр╕г р╕нр╕Фр╕╡р╕Хр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕Бр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕бр╕Щр╕Хр╕гр╕╡ р╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕╕р╕зр╣Ир╕▓ "р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Юр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Зр╕лр╕зр╕▒р╕Фр╣Др╕Ыр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕ир╕▓р╕ер╕▓р╕Бр╕ер╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╕Чр╕б.р╕Ьр╕бр╕нр╕вр╕▓р╕Бр╕Эр╕▓р╕Бр╕Ър╕нр╕Бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Чр╕▒р╣Ир╕зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Чр╕ир╕нр╕╡р╕Бр╕Др╕гр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕Цр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕╡р╕нр╕░р╣Др╕гр╣Ар╕Бр╕┤р╕Фр╕Вр╕╢р╣Йр╕Щр╕гр╕╕р╕Щр╣Бр╕гр╕Зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Юр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Ю р╕Юр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Зр╕лр╕зр╕▒р╕Фр╣Др╕Ыр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕ир╕▓р╕ер╕▓р╕Бр╕ер╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Щр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╣Ар╕Хр╣Зр╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣И"
р╕лр╕ер╕▒р╕Зр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щр╕бр╕╡р╣Ар╕кр╕╡р╕вр╕Зр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕Ир╕Хр╕╕р╕Юр╕г р╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕╕р╕зр╣Ир╕▓ "р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Юр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Чр╕╕р╕Бр╕Ир╕▒р╕Зр╕лр╕зр╕▒р╕Фр╣Др╕Ыр╕гр╕зр╕бр╕Бр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕ир╕▓р╕ер╕Бр╕ер╕▓р╕Зр╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕гр╕нр╣Ар╕зр╕ер╕▓ р╕Яр╕▒р╕Зр╕кр╕▒р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Ур╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╕╡р╣И р╕Ир╕нр╕бр╕╖р╕Фр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╣Др╕гр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕кр╣Ир╕Зр╕кр╕▒р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Ур╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕з р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Юр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Хр╕▒р╕Фр╕кр╕┤р╕Щр╣Гр╕Ир╕Чр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡"
р╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕нр╕гр╕┤р╕кр╕бр╕▒р╕Щр╕Хр╣М р╕Юр╕Зр╕йр╣Мр╣Ар╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕нр╕З р╣Бр╕Бр╕Щр╕Щр╕│р╕Бр╕ер╕╕р╣Ир╕бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З р╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕ир╕гр╕▒р╕вр╕Ър╕Щр╣Ар╕зр╕Чр╕╡р╕зр╣Ир╕▓ "р╕Цр╣Йр╕▓р╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╣Ар╕Вр╕▓р╕Ир╕░р╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕б р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Бр╕ер╕╕р╣Ир╕бр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Кр╕╕р╕бр╕Щр╕╕р╕бр╕Щр╕│р╕Вр╕зр╕Фр╣Бр╕Бр╣Йр╕зр╕бр╕▓р╕Др╕Щр╕ер╕░р╣Гр╕Ъ р╕Ър╕гр╕гр╕Ир╕╕р╕Щр╣Йр╕│р╕бр╕▒р╕Щр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╣Др╕Фр╣Й 75 р╕Лр╕╡р╕Лр╕╡р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕н 1 р╕ер╕┤р╕Хр╕г р╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╣Гр╕Щр╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Юр╕бр╕╡р╕Щр╣Йр╕│р╕бр╕▒р╕Щ 1 р╕ер╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╕ер╕┤р╕Хр╕гр╕гр╕▒р╕Ър╕гр╕нр╕Зр╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Ю р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Чр╕░р╣Ар╕ер╣Ар╕Юр╕ер╕┤р╕Зр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Бр╕Щр╣Ир╕Щр╕нр╕Щ р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕╣р╣Йр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Чр╕│р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╣Бр╕Ър╕Ър╕Щр╕╡р╣Й р╕нр╕вр╕▓р╕Бр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Чр╕лр╕▓р╕гр╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕▓р╕Чр╕│р╕ер╕▓р╕вр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З р╣Бр╕бр╣Йр╣Ар╕ер╕╖р╕нр╕Фр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╣Бр╕бр╣Йр╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╕лр╕вр╕Фр╣Ар╕Фр╕╡р╕вр╕зр╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕вр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Юр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Чр╕░р╣Ар╕ер╣Ар╕Юр╕ер╕┤р╕Зр╕Чр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡ р╣Гр╕Щр╕кр╣Ир╕зр╕Щр╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Зр╕лр╕зр╕▒р╕Ф р╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕бр╕╡р╕нр╕░р╣Др╕гр╣Ар╕Бр╕┤р╕Фр╕Вр╕╢р╣Йр╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Ю р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╣Др╕Ыр╕гр╕нр╕ир╕▓р╕ер╕▓р╕Бр╕ер╕▓р╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Зр╕лр╕зр╕▒р╕Фр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕нр╣Ар╕Зр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Щр╣Др╕В р╕Ир╕▒р╕Фр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Юр╕Ур╕▓р╕кр╕╣р╕Н"
р╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕бр╕▓р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕ир╕гр╕▒р╕вр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕зр╕╡р╕гр╕░ р╕бр╕╕р╕кр╕┤р╕Бр╕Юр╕Зр╕ир╣М р╣Бр╕Бр╕Щр╕Щр╕│р╕Бр╕ер╕╕р╣Ир╕бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕╕р╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕кр╕╣р╣Йр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Чр╕лр╕▓р╕гр╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╣Гр╕Кр╣Йр╕вр╕╕р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╕зр╕┤р╕Шр╕╡р╣Бр╕Ър╕Ър╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Ир╕░р╕Чр╕│р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Др╕Щр╕нр╕╖р╣Ир╕Щр╣Ар╕Вр╕▓р╕Бр╕ер╕▒р╕з р╕Др╕┤р╕Фр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕вр╕╕р╕Чр╕Шр╕зр╕┤р╕Шр╕╡р╣Бр╕Ър╕Ър╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Ир╕░р╕Чр╕│р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щр╣Бр╕Хр╕Бр╕Йр╕▓р╕Щ р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Вр╕нр╕Ър╕нр╕Бр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╣Др╕Яр╕Ир╕░р╕ер╕╕р╕Бр╕Чр╣Ир╕зр╕бр╕Чр╕╕р╕Бр╕Хр╕▓р╕гр╕▓р╕Зр╕Щр╕┤р╣Йр╕зр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Чр╕ир╣Др╕Чр╕в
р╕кр╣Ир╕зр╕Щр╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕Ур╕▒р╕Рр╕зр╕╕р╕Тр╕┤ р╣Гр╕кр╕вр╣Ар╕Бр╕╖р╣Йр╕н р╣Бр╕Бр╕Щр╕Щр╕│р╕Бр╕ер╕╕р╣Ир╕бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З р╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕╕р╕зр╣Ир╕▓ "р╕Цр╣Йр╕▓р╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╕вр╕╢р╕Фр╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕Ьр╕бр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╣Ар╕Ьр╕▓р╕Чр╕▒р╣Ир╕зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Чр╕и р╣Ар╕Ьр╕▓р╣Др╕Ыр╣Ар╕ер╕вр╕Юр╕╡р╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕нр╕З р╕Ьр╕бр╕гр╕▒р╕Ър╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕Кр╕нр╕Ър╣Ар╕нр╕З р╕Цр╣Йр╕▓р╣Гр╕Др╕гр╕Ир╕░р╕Ир╕▒р╕Ър╕бр╕▓р╣Ар╕нр╕▓р╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Ьр╕б р╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ьр╕бр╕Ър╕нр╕Бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Вр╕╡р╣Йр╕Хр╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕вр╕┤р╕Зр╕Хр╕╣р╕б р╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Ир╕░р╕зр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╣Ар╕Бр╕кр╕г р╕Юр╕▓р╕гр╕▓р╕Бр╕нр╕Щ р╕зр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╣Вр╕гр╕Зр╣Бр╕гр╕б р╣Бр╕Щр╕зр╣Вр╕Щр╣Йр╕бр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╕бр╕╡р╕лр╕ер╕▓р╕вр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕г р╕Ър╕▓р╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╕Хр╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╕зр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Лр╕▓р╣Бр╕Ър╕гр╕Щр╕Фр╣Мр╣Ар╕Щр╕б р╕Ър╕▓р╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╕Хр╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╕Кр╕нр╕Ър╕зр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╣Др╕Ыр╕лр╕▓р╣Ар╕Др╕гр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Фр╕▒р╕Ъ р╕Чр╕нр╕З р╣Ар╕Юр╕Кр╕г р╕Ър╕▓р╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╕Хр╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╕Кр╕нр╕Ър╕Вр╕▒р╕Ър╕гр╕Цр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╣Др╕Ыр╣Гр╕Щр╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕З р╕Ър╕▓р╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╕Хр╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╕Ир╕╕р╕Фр╣Др╕Яр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕▓р╕Бр╣Зр╕бр╕╡"
р╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕бр╕╡р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕Ыр╕┤р╕Фр╕Др╕ер╕┤р╕Ыр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕Ир╕Хр╕╕р╕Юр╕г р╕Юр╕гр╕лр╕бр╕Юр╕▒р╕Щр╕Шр╣М р╣Бр╕Бр╕Щр╕Щр╕│р╕Бр╕ер╕╕р╣Ир╕бр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З р╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕ир╕гр╕▒р╕вр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ "р╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕бр╕▓р╕Ър╕нр╕Бр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕│р╕Др╕▒р╕Нр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Вр╕▓р╣Др╕Ыр╕Бр╣Ир╕нр╕зр╕┤р╕Щр╕▓р╕ир╕Бр╕гр╕гр╕б р╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╣Др╕Ыр╕Бр╕╕р╕Вр╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Щр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Щр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕бр╕╕р╕кр╕ер╕┤р╕б р╣Вр╕гр╕Зр╕Юр╕вр╕▓р╕Ър╕▓р╕е р╕Цр╕Щр╕Щр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕зр╕┤р╕Цр╕╡ р╕кр╕░р╕Юр╕▓р╕Щр╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╣Бр╕бр╣Ир╕Щр╣Йр╕│ р╣Вр╕гр╕Зр╕Юр╕вр╕▓р╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕ир╕┤р╕гр╕┤р╕гр╕▓р╕К р╕Чр╕│р╣Ар╕Щр╕╡р╕вр╕Ъ р╕кр╕Щр╕▓р╕бр╕Ър╕┤р╕Щ р╕Шр╕Щр╕▓р╕Др╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Чр╕и р╕ир╕▓р╕ер╕вр╕╕р╕Хр╕┤р╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕б р╕нр╕Зр╕Др╣Мр╕Бр╕гр╕нр╕┤р╕кр╕гр╕░ р╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Ър╕нр╕Б р╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╣Гр╕Кр╣Йр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕гр╕╕р╕Щр╣Бр╕гр╕Зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З р╕гр╕▒р╕Ър╕гр╕нр╕Зр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╕Юр╕╣р╕Фр╕Ир╕░р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╣Ар╕лр╕ер╕╖р╕нр╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╣Гр╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Чр╕ир╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Бр╕Щр╣Ир╕Щр╕нр╕Щ р╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Ир╕░р╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕╣р╣Йр╕Др╕гр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕кр╕╕р╕Фр╕Чр╣Йр╕▓р╕в р╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Кр╕Щр╕░ р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Йр╕▓р╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕вр╕Др╕╖р╕нр╕Др╕╕р╕Бр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Хр╕▓р╕вр╣Ар╕Чр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щ р╣Ар╕Фр╕┤р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕бр╕╡р╣Бр╕Др╣Ир╕Юр╕гр╕гр╕Др╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕З р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕бр╕зр╕ер╕Кр╕Щ р╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╣Бр╕Бр╣Йр╕зр╕нр╕╡р╕Бр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕З р╕Др╕╖р╕н р╕Бр╕нр╕Зр╕Бр╕│р╕ер╕▒р╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Чр╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Эр╣Ир╕▓р╕вр╕Юр╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕Ыр╕Бр╕Ыр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З"
0 4
meeng – 49
Local news, which is control by the government will not convince us dude.
6 2
Here is a post written shortly after the crackdown and reading Andrew Walker's piece in the WSJ on the plane home. It was pure coincidence that I planned returning to the US during this time.
From http://aanesan.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/reflections-upon-return-aan-the-thai-crisis/
As I wait to fly home tomorrow, the "final crackdown" is taking place in central Bangkok. Protesters willing to fight to the death are destroying public and private property after a week-long, violent struggle with police and military. After working with the AAN for the past few years, I will be returning to a quiet, peaceful part of the U.S. to grow organic vegetables. These years have also been the start of a new time in Thai politics. Things will probably only get much worse before they get any better.
Before this week of violence began, waiting for a ride to Chiang Mai, I received a few of my daily "TheNation" text messages:
"Royal Ploughing Ceremony Thur., abundant water resources, foods predicted."
"Govt revoked Nov. 14 general election offer, after UDDs refused to move out of Rajprasong late Wed."
In Yasothon it has rained three times in the past six months. Farmers who planted a second rice crop now let their cows and buffaloes graze in the paddies, eating dried up young rice plants. This is not the picture of a healthy agro-ecological system. Yet we are promised abundance by the royal cows. There are many things wrong with Thailand's food and agriculture system – small farmers in Esan face a crisis of livelihood, culture, environment and politics. The irony of the Ploughing Ceremony is both environmental and political – as Thailand is elected to the UN Human Rights Council the government sends troops to kill Thai citizens in the streets. As I exchanged some cash at one of the bank branches in the airport, the teller asked me how I would explain the current crisis to people in America. I told him it would take some time to explain the background and certain complexities not reported in the mainstream media. He responded immediately, "and tell them that these people aren't Thais." This must be how the government views the Reds as well.
Of course joining with the Red shirts would be appealing or hopeful to those who saw Thaksin come out to find the people and actually enact policies. Now, as I write, the Rajprasong area of Bangkok, a space symbolic of both Thaksin's "CEO" approach to governance and the massive inequalities still present in Thai society, has been taken back by the government.
As people are murdered by the military, we must speak out against this injustice. The government is staying in power through violence – a massacre is currently taking place. Reds are responding, destroying public and private property in Bangkok, Udon and Khon Kaen. The city hall in Khon Kaen is up in flames and villagers are fighting with the police.
As a network, movement and organization, the Alternative Agriculture Network (AAN) doesn't yet have enough mass to change society. We agree with the need for structural change in the government. Thailand's non-transparent wealth-accumulation without good governance or citizen's equality is part of a long-term economic crisis. This political crisis is short-term by comparison – the expansion of private capital into rural Thailand is a trend that has destroyed local peoples' opportunity and has fueled the anger of many struggling people in Esan.
Over the long-term, this "rural transformation" has brought a response from "civil society advocates…but many of them got sidetracked by their anti-capitalist agenda and constructed an anachronistic stereotype of communal lifestyles and subsistence-oriented farming. This compounded the middle-income peasantry's cultural marginalization." Andrew Walker rightly points out that Thai civil society has lost it's chance to be a bigger voice for social change. But I have come to understand that the AAN orients itself towards creating sustainable livelihoods together with small farmers. This is a process of empowerment that both political movements lack. These farm-based livelihoods are also closely connected to alternative markets that support local, fair systems of connecting producers to urban consumers. This is not a subsistence-orientation, but a recognition of farmers' interdependence with markets. AAN farmers are actively building networks and strengthening community.
Perhaps we are idealist, with little reach thus far. But for farmers themselves to take a stand against the injustices inherent to Thailand's economy is to actively promote a progressive agenda aimed at raising awareness in society while supporting farmers rights to food and livelihood. In this "modern rural world of contract farming," this is activism at it's best – a problematic system in which agribusiness like CP has benefited and left farmers with new risk and more debt is openly criticized by small fish, sugarcane, vegetable and pig farmers and in response, sustainable practices are developed as solutions to this problematic system. Dissatisfaction with government policy is meaningless without proposals based in concrete alternatives – civil society and Red shirts agree on the need for reform, but the AAN believes that an alternative future is possible.
A different kind of development is possible: a development that empowers local communities to participate in the political and infrastructural changes taking place, values educational institutions as civic centers for next generation of community leaders (and not private investment opportunities) and supports an integrated rural economy with a genuinely local food system. 80% of Thailand's farmers are small scale – are we going to work to support these communities or sit back and watch this injustice continue?
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Date of Stay: August, 2013
It is very safe, yet conveniently close to where ever you want to be when visiting New Orleans. They offer a shuttle in case you don't want to drive. Upon our arrival they were very friendly, we had an assistant show us to our site and direct us in to our spot. The problem is the lack of shade and it is very dusty and there is no pavement and only patches of grass. After being there for 5 days the interior and exterior of our RV and vehicle where covered with dust.
Date of Stay: August, 2013
Hidden Lake RV Resort is a lovely resort it is very quit and a great place to get away to relax. The staff was friendly and it had a family like atmosphere where quests where made to feel welcome. It is taken care with landscaping and maintenance and kept clean regularly and I would recommend visiting this resort. Of course, the down fall is there isn't a whole lot to do in the surrounding area or resort for entertainment so it may not be for everyone.

subset: commoncrawl


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Daft Punk Announce T-Shirt in Support of Random Access Memories
by Rob Slater on March 25, 2014
The title says "t-shirt" not "tour." I'm so, so sorry.
To make it up to you, here's the first piece of merch for Random Access Memories since its release--a $40 shirt. You can order the "Instant Classic" right here if you'd like. Or you could do thousands of other things with that $40 like, Consequence of Sound points out, eat five orders of potato skins at TGI Fridays. That sounds a hell of a lot better than wearing my $40 Daft Punk shirt to the imaginary Daft Punk show this summer.
Nonetheless, let's stay on the bright side of things and assume this is the first of a few announcements from the guys. Maybe. Just, maybe.


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Catherine Latu says it "scares the hell" out of her to be cast as the go-to shooter in the Silver Ferns as they kick off their Commonwealth Games campaign tomorrow (NZ time).
It is a frank admission from the typically blunt goal shoot, but is by no means a concession of defeat.
The 16-test Silver Fern is determined to step up at this month's Commonwealth Games and match the standards set by veteran shooter Irene van Dyk, who stood down from international netball last month after a glittering 20-year career.
Latu was already well on her way to cementing her place as a regular starter in the New Zealand line-up before Van Dyk retired, the Mystics star getting the nod over the second half of last year's Constellation Cup series against Australia.
She also played the full match in the Ferns' 17-goal win over an impressive - on paper at least - England side in January this year. But in each of these starts, she had the safety net of knowing the world's most capped player was on the bench ready to step in if she struggled.
There will be no such luxury in Glasgow.
"It scares the hell out of me to be honest," said Latu of being the Ferns' main shooter, "but at the same time this is what I've been waiting for, so it would be rude and disrespectful to complain about it.
"I've only had some solid court time for about a year, which is about six or seven games, so I'm still fairly new even though I've been around a long time.
"I just need to soak up as much international pressure in the lead-up games and have confidence in myself that I can do the job."
Silver Ferns assistant coach Vicki Wilson said the entire team must have confidence in Latu to deliver under pressure for her to be successful in her new role.
"Cat has got confidence in her own ability, as has the team and I think that is the crux of it - ensuring that her teammates believe in what she can do and they most certainly do," said Wilson.
"The great thing about Irene is she set the benchmark for shooters, and Cat knows people will always be comparing her to Irene and what she was able to do.
"Cat is working really hard to ensure that when it comes to crunch time she can really deliver."
Wilson is confident about the mix she has as far as the team is concerned.


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Pascal Levensohn just put up a teaser post about his upcoming white paper addressing venture governance and the CEO succession challenge. I've referred to this paper in the last two posts I wrote on signs that a board should consider replacing the CEO and talking to fellow directors about replacing a CEO.
September 8, 2005
Teaser For Pascal Levensohn's Upcoming White Paper on Replacing a CEO
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May 1, 2014
According to information released by the Department of Education on May 1, 2014, procedures regarding sexual misconduct and harassment are being examined at 55 higher education institutions. (Read the announcement.)
Statement from SMU
SMU applauds the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to eradicate sexual violence on college campuses and to provide universities with additional tools to combat sexual assault. Our goals are the same.
The matters under review by the Education Department have been investigated by SMU and predate our University task force review of sexual misconduct policies and procedures. The University has been aggressive in putting into practice wide-ranging new procedures to inform and protect our students, to provide prompt and effective resolution of complaints, and to hold violators accountable while treating all students fairly.
SMU continually reviews and updates its programs in comparison with national benchmarks, and we are pleased that the White House also has made these matters a priority for all American universities. No issue is more important than the health and safety of our students.
Additional information
The Department of Education is reviewing three SMU cases that predate the University's Task Force on Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures. One case involved a complaint of inappropriate language in a classroom; one involved an alleged sexual assault that was later dismissed by the Dallas County District Attorney's Office; and the third case, which does not involve a sexual assault allegation, is currently the subject of litigation.
A year ago, SMU President R. Gerald Turner adopted the task force's recommendations for new and revised policies and procedures, including programs promoting education and training. Students, faculty and staff members have implemented many of these recommendations and continue to develop others.
New initiatives include an online course for incoming students on sexual misconduct prevention; an SMU Values Statement and the "Not on My Campus" campaign developed by student leaders; a research-based bystander intervention program created by the Department of Psychology and Health Center that will launch in fall 2014; and informational cards to help faculty and staff support students in case of sexual assault.
Continuing programs include sexual misconduct education in Wellness classes and residence hall programs, campus programs including Take Back the Night and Sexual Assault Awareness Week, and free self-defense programs offered by SMU Police.
Information about campus and community resources, state and federal laws, SMU policy, prevention and education is available on SMU's Health and Safety website, Live Responsibly.
SMU also is reviewing the White House's national task force report on campus sexual assaults, which was released April 29, and will compare it with the SMU task force recommendations. SMU will make any changes needed to ensure that SMU policies are in line with national benchmarks.
As reported by the White House, sexual misconduct is a serious issue at universities and colleges across the country, and sexual assault is an underreported crime nationwide. SMU seeks to provide a supportive environment for students to come forward, seek medical care and alert police immediately.
Campus resources here to help students include SMU Police, the SMU Title IX Coordinator, confidential counselors at the SMU Health Center, the Office of the Dean of Student Life and the SMU Women's Center. Community resources include the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center.
SMU expressly prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual assault and all acts of sexual violence, and will hold violators accountable. Sexual assault is a violation of SMU policy and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sexual assault also is a crime under Texas law that is punishable by imprisonment.
All SMU community members are urged to join efforts to prevent sexual misconduct. Read an op-ed from Vice President for Student Affairs Lori S. White and SMU Title IX Coordinator Samantha Thomas in the May 2 Daily Campus.
# # #


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BeschreibungRecent developments in constrained control and estimation have created a need for this comprehensive introduction to the underlying fundamental principles. These advances have significantly broadened the realm of application of constrained control.
- Using the principal tools of prediction and optimisation, examples of how to deal with constraints are given, placing emphasis on model predictive control.
- New results combine a number of methods in a unique way, enabling you to build on your background in estimation theory, linear control, stability theory and state-space methods.
- Companion web site, continually updated by the authors. Easy to read and at the same time containing a high level of technical detail, this self-contained, new approach to methods for constrained control in design will give you a full understanding of the subject.
InhaltsverzeichnisFoundations.- Overview of Optimisation Theory.- Fixed Horizon Optimal Control with Constraints.- Receding Horizon Optimal Control with Constraints.- Constrained Linear Quadratic Optimal Control.- Global Characterisation of Constrained Linear Quadratic Optimal Control.- Regional Characterisation of Constrained Linear Quadratic Optimal Control.- Computational Issues in Constrained Optimal Control.- Constrained Estimation.- Duality Between Constrained Estimation and Control.- Further Developments.- The Hessian in the QP Problem: Singular Value Structure and Related Algorithms.- Output Feedback Optimal Control with Constraints.- Finite Alphabet Controllers and Estimators.- Case Studies.- Rudder Roll Stabilisation of Ships.- Cross-Directional Control.- Control over Communication Networks.
PressestimmenFrom the reviews:
This book provides a seminal foundation for unifying constrained control and constrained estimation within the framework of nonlinear programming... A lot of thought and years of work have gone into developing this complete picture of an extremely complex field... Important geometric intuition is given on every front. The presentation style is lucid and makes for fascinating reading and study. In this day and age, the mathermatical demonstrations and proofs are welcome, while the case studies show the practical relevance of the approach as laid out in this very welcome book.
IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control 51 (2006) 176 - 177 (Reviewer: Frank L. Lewis)
This is an excellent book dealing with the important topic of constrained control and estimation. Constraints are present in all real systems and have been somewhat neglected by most of the existing control techniques with only a few exceptions such as MPC. Although the book cannot be classified as an MPC book, a significant part of the text is dedicated to receding horizon control and this work comlements and is a valuable addition to the list of existing MPC books.
The book is self-contained, with an extensive list of references, well-structured, and covers a wide range of topics required for constrained control and estimation. It is presented with a sufficient level of detail and mathematical rigor to be used as a textbook for research students or as the basis of a self-study programme for practitioners in constrained control and estimation.
International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control 17 (2007) 347 - 354 (Reviewer: Eduardo F. Camacho)
This book is a study on ... problems for linear finite-dimensional discrete-time systems.... References and an index are included at the end.... this book is worth acquiring for those involved in control system design, and it produces a valuable contribution to the area of constrained control systems.
Zentralblatt MATH 1078 (2006) (Reviewer: A. Akutowicz)
Untertitel: An Optimization Approach. 'Communications and Control Engineering'. 109 illus. Sprache: Englisch.
Verlag: Springer-Verlag GmbH
Erscheinungsdatum: September 2004
Seitenanzahl: XVIII
Format: gebunden


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There is unfortunately no universally recognized Hall of Fame for Awesomeness in Avarian Acrobatics. Cause this would be in it. It would also be in the Hall of Fame for Feats of Folicular Fancy, but that is a separate conversation altogether.
Derby #235: Dubious Honors
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Re: Flock
The Flock of Seagulls haircut is the most awesome haircut of all.
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New Zealand edged up one place in the latest ICC Test rankings to seventh following the annual update on the ladder by cricket's world governing body.
The Black Caps racked up wins over Zimbabwe and Australia last year, plus two draws with South Africa, giving them 87 points to the West Indies' 84.
England still hold the top spot with 122 points, while Australia move into No.2 on 116 and South Africa lie third with 113.
The Proteas can leap above Australia and England if they win their upcoming Test series against the world No.1 team.
Pakistan, despite a 1-0 defeat in the three-Test series which finished in Sri Lanka on Thursday, have moved up to fourth while India, No.1 this time last year, slip down to fifth, six points ahead of Sri Lanka.


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Overseas Suitors For Ultramar?by
There's takeover talk down in the oil patch, too. One possible target: Ultramar Diamond Shamrock (UDS), an independent refiner and marketer. One investment banker says three foreign companies have expressed interest in Ultramar and have spoken informally with Ultramar. This banker says the suitors are BP Amoco, Royal Dutch Petroleum, and Total Fina Elf Petroleum. These foreign suitors are seeking to widen their refining and distribution outlets in the U.S., says the banker. The buyout valuation they are talking about, according to this pro, is 32 to 35 a share. Some analysts say that, on fundamentals alone, Ultramar is already worth 35. Ultramar hit 28 in May, and is now trading at 25.
Ultramar operates six refineries--two in Texas and one each in California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Quebec. The installations produce gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The company sells most of its products--together with nonfuel merchandise--in about 5,000 convenience stores in 17 states and Canada.
Ultramar posted record second-quarter results that beat Street expectations, thanks to strong downstream margins. This prompted some analysts to increase their estimates. Paul Cheng, an analyst at Lehman Brothers who rates the stock a buy, raised his 2000 earnings estimate from $3.60 a share to $3.70. His estimate for 2001 is $4.15. Ultramar didn't return calls. Total's Tom Saunders declined comment. Royal Dutch couldn't be reached. A BP Amoco spokeswoman says the company would never comment on any potential acquisition.


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Cheerleading not a college varsity sport, judge rules
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Competitive cheerleading is too "underdeveloped" to qualify as a full-fledged sport for women under federal gender equality rules, and the university which proposed it discriminated against women, a federal judge in Connecticut ruled.
In the 95-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill said Quinnipiac University, located in Connecticut, had discriminated against women when it sought to eliminate the school's varsity volleyball team and create a competitive cheerleading squad in its stead.
Universities are mandated under a federal statute called Title IX modified in 1975 to provide equal opportunity for men and women in athletics programs.
"Quinnipiac discriminated on the basis of sex... by failing to provide equal athletic participation opportunities for women," Underhill said.
Plaintiffs' attorney Jonathan Orleans praised the ruling, saying in a statement "This is a victory not only for the student athletes and their coach, but for women's collegiate sports generally."
Connecticut ACLU executive director Andrew Schneider said the decision "gives force to the law that has opened doors for women over the last 30 years."
"The University's competitive cheerleading team does not qualify as a varsity sport for the purposes of Title IX and, therefore, its members may not be counted as athletic participants under the statute," the judge ruled.
While cheerleading may be recognized in the future, the judge said, "the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletic participation opportunities for students."
There are numerous cheerleading competitions around the country emphasizing dance and gymnastics moves. Continued...


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Senators sign Zack Smith to extension
Associated Press | Last updated September 05, 2012
The Ottawa Senators have signed center Zack Smith to a four-year extension worth $7.55 million. The 24-year-old Smith is coming off a career-best season in which he had 14 goals and 26 points in 81 games. He also provided a bit of an edge in racking up penalty minutes. The deal announced Wednesday keeps Smith under contract through the 2016-17 season. ''It's hard to find good young NHL players, and when you get them, you want to make sure you have them for term if at all possible,'' general manager Bryan Murray said. ''It allows us to have another good young player to build around.'' A third-round pick in 2008, Smith has played in 152 games with the Senators. He also helped AHL Binghamton win the Calder Cup in 2011. Smith's extension was completed less than a week after fellow center Kyle Turris signed a five-year extension with Ottawa worth $17.5 million.
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GWAR Announce Addition of New Guitarist Pustulus Maximus
It was on Nov. 3, 2011 that beloved GWAR guitarist Cory 'Flattus Maximus' Smoot departed our galaxy. Since that day, GWAR have shared the grieving process with their fans, continuing on as a four-piece ever since Smoot's passing and dedicating every live show to Smoot by placing his guitar onstage under a spotlight. Although there was some question as to whether GWAR would recruit a new guitarist, the band have just announced the addition of intergalactic shredder Pustulus Maximus, knownon Planet Earth as Brent Purgason.


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Hatha Yoga with Tanya Love is located at 134 Liverpool Road, London, N1 1LA. The nearest underground station is Angel Tube Station which is about 14 minutes to the South East. They offer Yoga Classes.
Tanya has been practising yoga for eleven years and teaching for two, she is accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga. She is drawn to styles and teachers of yoga that work safely and intelligently with our bodies; she is inspired by her teachers Catherine Annis, Kate Ellis, Sarah Litton, Jane Kersel and John Stirk, and is currently assisting Catherine and Kate on the latest Triyoga teacher training.
Tanya gives clear and helpful instructions, working with postures and the breath to unwind held tension, build strength and to get to know and love our bodies better. With varied classes working around different themes, it help you unwind held tension, build strength and to get to know and love our bodies better.
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The part of the "cloud" that annoys me:
When big businesses decide to cut services, even on consumer cloud services, you don't have too many options.
Case in point – http://www.zdnet.com/grab-and-backup-your-zune-hd-apps-today-microsoft-changing-services-7000003508/
As one of the few owners of ZuneHD, it's annoying that they cut some of the features that really made it unique from iTunes. Zune Channels was a feature that allowed you to sign up for a song 'type' and every month you got a variety of songs. Great for car music on MINI Cooper runs.
To add to the insult I got less than a two day notice.
Not good.


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Placer County water emergency A ruptured canal in the foothills has disrupted the Placer County Water Agency's water supply; a water emergency will be officially declared this week until PG&E fixes the canal sometime next month.
First 5 Sacramento The commission had to cut $48.5 million in programs for kids last week. The cuts were unavoidable because the state recently took $1 billion in reserve funds from First 5 commissions across California to help balance the state budget. First 5 Sacramento responded mostly by reducing appropriations by a quarter to one-half for a range of programs over the next five years. The biggest cut, $17 million, was made to a project that will provide water fluoridation to parts of the county.
California Tourism Can tourism save California's struggling economy? There's new data out that suggests it can and with Prince William and Kate planning a visit in July, things could start looking up. Caroline Beteta serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the industry-led California Travel and Tourism Commission(CTTC), a nonprofit organization created to market California as a premier travel destination and to increase the State's share of tourism-related revenues.
Josh Fernandez Local writer and journalist Josh Fernandez will talk about his recently released book, a collection of poems titled "Spare Parts and Dismemberment. Josh Fernandez was born in Denver, raised in Boston and Metro-California, and now lives and works in Midtown Sacramento. He writes for Spin, Boulder Weekly, San Antonio Current and the Sacramento News & Review. His poetry is widely published and he continues to be a sought-after reader and speaker - often asked to talk about ethnic diversity, abuse and addiction, and his background as a writer and poet.


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Tom Friedman Photographer
About MeHello All...My name is Kris :) Thank you for taking the time to view my MM profile.
Im very new to modeling, but always wanted to pursue it since I was a young child. I am a very goal driven, hard working woman who loves to meet new people. Im extremely friendly, always positive and easy to work with. I am very eager to give my all in advancing my goals with modeling. Im hoping that MM can connect me with meeting new photographers and make some magic happen! If you are interested in working with me, I would love to hear from you!
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The automotive technologies cluster at Sussex Technical High School hosted its annual industry breakfast Feb. 5. At the event, students in the career-technical areas of the cluster and their parents had the opportunity to meet industry representatives and learn about opportunities available at local businesses.
Sussex Tech urges its students to seek work-based learning opportunities in the summer during their junior and senior years and part-time during their senior year at a local education-partner dealership. During the WBL time, an experienced technician becomes the student's mentor to build the student's skills in a variety of technical specialties.
Brian Butler, owner of East Coast Restoration in Bridgeville, told students his objective as a business owner is to "put out the best quality [workmanship] every day." He also said he is looking for employees with integrity who are willing to learn. "Everybody makes mistakes," said Butler.
Sussex Tech's automotive technologies career-technical programs have been recognized as Automotive Youth Educational Systems school partners, are NATEF/AYES certified, and participate actively with local businesses to foster student apprenticeships. Collision repair is a multifaceted program in which students apply the I-CAR curriculum through a techademic, hands-on approach. I-CAR is the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, a nonprofit training organization focused on education, knowledge, and solutions for the collision repair inter-industry.
Allan Smith, Northeast regional manager for I-CAR, praised Sussex Tech for hosting the breakfast to bring students and industry professionals together. He told students, "The opportunities given by people you meet will be with you forever. You will get many opportunities from people if you have the desire in your heart and the passion in your brain to keep going."
All local professionals at the breakfast agreed there is a national shortage of qualified automotive technicians.
Ray LaNier from Wayside Auto Body in Denton, Md., said attitude has a lot to do with how successful the students will be. "Sussex Tech has the advantage [going into the industry] because they have the necessary background," said LaNier. "Their only limits are those they put on themselves."
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Job Seekers
Dillon, Montana – Seeking an excellent BC/BE Family Medicine, Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine physician. Per-diem position with flexible schedule, requiring at most seven 12 to 24 hour shifts. No call outside of scheduled shifts. Competitive compensation and travel benefits offered. One to two years of Emergency Medicine experience with a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinic experience is required. Join Providence Health & Services' excellent team of providers, and round out our contracted emergency room coverage for a well-respected medical center in Dillon, just 2 hours south of Missoula. Experience all that beautiful and scenic western Montana has to offer from the welcoming community of Dillon.
Providence Medical Group – Western Montana includes more than 30 primary and specialty care clinics and health care groups in Missoula, Polson and several smaller communities. PMG offers coordinated care by sharing EMR technology and best practices, and through its connection to two Providence hospitals: St. Patrick in Missoula and St. Joseph in Polson.
Western Montana offers spectacular Rocky Mountain living. Blue-ribbon trout streams, snow-capped peaks, vast pine forests and miles of trails make the region an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The small cities and towns scattered throughout are family-friendly communities with excellent schools, friendly neighbors and lots of Western character. The climate is relatively mild; winters, for example, are often warmer here than in much of the Midwest and Northeast. Western Montana summers are absolutely glorious, with long, adventure-inspiring days, starry nights and fresh mountain air.
Providence Health & Services is an integrated, not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and providers in Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon and Washington. We are affiliated with Swedish Health Services, Pacific Medical Centers, Kadlec and Facey Medical Group, sharing one EMR and best practices to create healthier communities, together. Learn more at www.providence.org/providerjobs
Emergency Medicine
Heart Association
We offer a full comprehensive range of benefits - see our website for details
Our Mission
As people of Providence, we reveal God's love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service.
About Us
Providence Health & Services is the third largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. Providence employs more than 82,000 caregivers (employees) across a five-state area; AK, WA, MT, OR, and CA. Our facilities include 34 hospitals, 600 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing and other health and educational services. Providence is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Providence does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
Schedule: On Call
Shift: Variable
Job Category: Physicians
Location: Montana-Missoula
Req ID: 140137


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The Deal
$45 for a tire rotation (a $10 value) and an alignment (an $89.95 value; a $99.95 total value)
Old Town Tire and Auto Center
Old Town Tire and Auto Center carries tires from trusted makers such as Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Bridgestone. Its tire specialists perform a range of services, from alignments and computer spin balancing to tire installations. The skilled mechanics can also tackle other automotive needs, including brake repair, oil changes, and transmission servicing.
Customer Reviews
24203 Main Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
+16612546304Get Directions


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Showing Suppliers 1 - 20 of 46
RiverSide Electronics, Ltd.
Address: One Riverside Drive, Lewiston, MN
Business Type: Service
Description: For over 30 years, RiverSide Electronics has provided contract Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who demand the highest level of quality, service, and value. RiverSide specializes in low to medium volume, high-mix, electronics manufacturing –... (more)
RiverSide Electronics is as full service electronic manufacturing provider and can meet all your supply chain needs. We provide worldwide order fulfillment and refurbishment services along with circuit board assembly from start up to production to EOL.
Logic PD
Address: 6201 Bury Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Business Type: Service
Description: Helping bring new products to market for 57 years. Logic PD collaborates with clients to guide them throughout the complete lifecycle of their Design & Engineering and Electronics Manufacturing Services needs to accelerate their growth and capture value. How do we do this? With... (more)
Altron, Inc.
Address: 6700 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Anoka, MN
Business Type: Service
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Automated Assembly Corporation
Address: 20777 Kensington Blvd., Lakeville, MN
Business Type: Service
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Dyna-Graphics Corporation
Address: 4080 Norex Drive, Chaska, MN
Business Type: Manufacturer, Service
Description: Custom Membrane Switch Manufacturer & PCB Assembly Founded in May of 1972 by Bill and Dolly Bury, the company's initial primary focus was the manufacturing of metal nameplates and screen printing. Under Bill and Dolly Bury's leadership, Dyna-Graphics evolved into a... (more)
AbelConn, LLC
Address: 9210 Science Center Drive, New Hope, MN
Business Type: Service
Agile Manufacturing, LLC
Address: 232 Industrial Blvd., Waconia, MN
Business Type: Service
Analog Technologies Corp.
Address: 11441 Rupp Drive, Burnsville, MN
Business Type: Service
Auscon, Inc.
Address: 2708 4th St. SE, Austin, MN
Business Type: Service
Avalon Engineering, LLC
Address: 980 E. Berwood Ave., Suite 100 PO Box 10789, White Bear Lake, MN
Business Type: Service
Bluff Country Manufacturing
Address: 1440 Highway 52 North, Preston, MN
Business Type: Service
BTW Incorporated
Address: 11551 Eagle Street NW, Suite 3, Coon Rapids, MN
Business Type: Service
Description: BTW is a customized electronics contract manufacturer serving the needs of local, regional and national markets. BTW's services include: PCB and product assembly System integration Electronics engineering and design New product introductions Complete testing... (more)
Caltronics Design & Assembly, Inc.
Address: 6189 Fieldstone Ct., Stacy, MN
Business Type: Service
Celonics, Inc.
Address: 3930 Hillcrest Way, Wayzata, MN
Business Type: Manufacturer, Service
Cicor Technologies, Ltd.
Address: 1660 South Highway 100, Suite 500, St. Louis Park, MN
Business Type: Service
Diversified Electronics & Assembly, Inc.
Address: 8260 Arthur Street NE, Suite C, Spring Lake Park, MN
Business Type: Service
Eagan Technical Services, Inc.
Address: 1408 Northland Dr., Suite 304, Mendota Heights, MN
Business Type: Service
EI Microcircuits, Inc.
Address: 1651 Pohl Road, Mankato, MN
Business Type: Service
Electramatic, Inc.
Address: 1815 Jefferson Street N.E., Minneapolis, MN
Business Type: Service
Electronic Industries Inc.
Address: 400 Commerce Court, Vadnais Heights, MN
Business Type: Service


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SearchAll Refuges
The refuge welcomes volunteers in a variety of fields and interests. Volunteers can help the refuge in the following disciplines:
Electric and water hook-ups are available for Volunteers with recreational vehicles at the refuge. Contact the Refuge Volunteer Coordinator for more information. Send inquiries to: Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Attention: Volunteer Coordinator, 24279 State Highway 51, Puxico, MO 63960 or call (573) 222-3589
Learn more about volunteering
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In 1976, through the Wilderness Act of 1964, Congress designated 7,730 acres of swamp, riparian areas, and Ozark Plateau uplands as the Mingo Wilderness Area.
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The right beauty products and routines will help you keep looking good and feeling great.
Your face is the first thing people notice about you, so taking care of it is central to any effective beauty regimen. It's important to choose the right facial cleanser and moisturizer, and you may also need other facial treatments to address special problems, such as wrinkles, scarring or acne. If your skin is oily, choose products designed to minimize oil and prevent acne. If your skin is dry, choose products with moisturizing agents and vitamins A and E. If you have combination skin, use both oily and dry skin products. sunscreen is an important part of any skin care regimen, especially if you use acne treatments or are concerned about signs of aging.
For your hair, you'll need the right shampoo, conditioner and styling products for your hair type. If your hair is oily, choose clear shampoos and use conditioner sparingly. If your hair is dry, choose moisturizing shampoos and deep conditioners. For normal hair, use shampoos and conditioners made for normal hair and avoid deep conditioners or products designed to reduce oily buildup.
makeup lets you express yourself and highlight your best features. Foundation is essential for a smooth, spotless look, and blush and bronzer will give you a healthy glow. Use eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner to make your eyes pop, and use lipstick or lip gloss for voluptuous lips.
Finally, make sure to take care of your teeth. Our oral care products, including toothpaste, mouthwash and whitening products, will help you maintain a dazzling smile.