The Beggar Control Bill Beggars Belief

Here are some comments from Khun Burin Kantabutra reacting to the passing of the Beggar Control Bill posted in the Bangkok Post readers' comments page.  I cannot agree more with what Khun Burin said. 

Link:  http://www.bangkokpost.com/041008_News/04Oct2008_news98.php

QUOTE

The Beggar Control Bill approved by this cabinet glaringly shows the government's incompetence.  The bill would licence those whom the government has failed to provide opportunities or care for to beg, e.g. the elderly without care, the homeless, disabled or underprivileged.

The Man in London and his brother-in-law should heed Hubert Humphrey: "The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped."

Past governments, as well as this one, have consistently failed to provide for a safety net for the elderly without care, or education and training that would enable all to develop their thinking and working potential to the fullest - so we wouldn't have the homeless, disabled or underprivileged.

But instead of acknowledging its accountability, PM Somchai's government wants to wash its hands of the matter by licensing them to beg. What a privilege!

PM Somchai, instead of licensing people to beg, go after your sister-in-law for the taxes she evaded.  You said you are not biased towards anybody.  Fine.  Surely a bail-jumper doesn't deserve a diplomatic passport?  Cancel it.  Push to have ex-PM Thaksin extradited and tried post-haste, so that if he is guilty we can use the penalties to build homes for the homeless, vocational schools for the disabled, etc.

Don't licence beggars. Rather, create conditions such that none need beg and all can live in dignity.

--  Burin Kantabutra

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