Shades of Grey

This is a quote from a "Thai in English" online news source.
Despite the demonstrated public distaste for military coups and military rule, one year of political impasse and deteriorating confidence in the prime minister developed into a situation where the public could view the military as a possible protector of the country's hard-won democratic reforms. http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=24899

Growing up in the "good ol' USA" I never gave much thought to military coups, let alone ever thinking they could actually be viewed as a "good thing". However, after seeing on the Thai news today that people were actually giving soldiers food and drink and roses and a wai as well…that is the hands-together-in-front-of-the-face-sign-of-respect-thing, my ideas are changing.

I spent some time this afternoon with Scott's assistant, Jick, (after she got my email back to normal) discussing the politics of the day. From what I can gather, I think most people are glad that the Prime Minister has been ousted. They say he was TOO corrupt. From what I have learned, every politician here is viewed as corrupt…but he went over the top. No good person would dare to be in politics! This idea leads me to the topic of "Shades of Grey". According to the book, "Asia-A Christian Perspective" by Mary Ann Lind, one of the seven major cultural differences between Asia and the West is the way in which moral and ethical standards are viewed. In the West, rights and wrongs are absolutes. (Or at least have been until recent years.) This is actually traced back to the Judeo-Christian foundations that influenced Western law. Now, as a Westerner, this idea is sort of just a part of our general knowledge and usually we don't give it much thought. However, while living in Asia, I have begun to see these differences on a daily basis...whether it be how people drive, do their work, or run their government. Even Scott and I have altered our driving substantially since being here...with the words..."Thai Style".

I have learned that is illegal to pay voters for their votes here...yet politicians actually go into the villages and hand out cash for votes and no one thinks bad of him because he has the power. They say it could take up to a year to restore democracy here in Thailand...but has this "buying votes" been their view of democracy all along? The interesting thing is, contemplating these "strange views" while living here, has caused me to critique my "home country ways" a bit more closely. How do the "Western" countries "buy"their votes? Does America really have democracy all wrapped up or do we want to only think we do? Please don't get me wrong, I love the country where I was born. However, the daily exposure to things contrary to the way one has always thought, causes me to get the collander out and sift some of my views a bit.

Kinda like a couple of days ago when I made popcorn and found all these weavles in the popcorn jar. The collander came in real handy as I sifted those little nasty critters to their drowning death and the popcorn was still good. Yes, Mom and Dad, we are still using our Indiana crank for popping and loving it!!!

"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:4