Dear Editor:
Regarding the letter "Against Criticism", the author has obviously not
been reading my column carefully. If he had, he would have realized that not once
have I "Criticized" anyone, Khmer politicians or otherwise.
Perhaps he was confused by the message of the first saying; "When the water
is high, the fish eat ants, When the water goes down, the ants eat the fish",
which deal with the law of Karma and impermanence. The last line reads; "An
excellent admonition for Khmer politicians." I suggest the author open his English
dictionary to admonition, and take careful note of the definition; "To counsel
another against something to be avoided; to caution". To admonish is to advise,
not criticize. This was exactly my intention: to counsel politicians (and others)
against the belief that they will always have the upper hand, will always be "on
top", so to speak. There is nothing critical about this sentence whatsoever.
The column is intended to enlighten readers with pithy tidbits of Khmer wisdom, which
may be generally relevant to the current state of affairs in Cambodia. It is not
my intention to criticize or degrade anyone, although those without a thorough understanding
of English misinterpret the finer points.
The author continues, in a pontificating tone and with confused logic, warning me
to "judge not lest ye be judged" and implying that I should "get out
of the kitchen" if I "can't stand the heat." Judge away then, my friend!
And if your sensitive ego takes offense at what I write, then there must be something
hitting home, no? To wit: "If the shoe fits, wear it."
-Jason Roberts
Contact PhnomPenh Post for full article
Post Media Co LtdThe Elements Condominium, Level 7
Hun Sen Boulevard
Phum Tuol Roka III
Sangkat Chak Angre Krom, Khan Meanchey
12353 Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Telegram: 092 555 741
Email: [email protected]