History to repeat itself<\/p>\n
In response to Mr. Patrick Schwarz' article Will history
\nrepeat itself? (The Jakarta Post, April 24, 1999), my answer is a
\nclear yes. The Balkans give us proof enough. But there are many
\nmore examples demonstrating that history is repeated. We humans
\ndo not seem to learn from our mistakes. The great author Mark
\nTwain said: \"There is only one thing greater than the Universe
\nand that is mankind's stupidity.\" This is very true in many
\npolitical decisions.<\/p>\n
Peanut-Jimmy Carter was not a great president or leader; but
\nat least he did not exploit his powers to impoverish a complete
\nnation. Many regimes seem to believe it is their legitimate right
\nto enrich themselves once they are in power. Their election
\npledge to serve the nation is usually quickly forgotten. Of
\ncourse this is nothing new.<\/p>\n
In a capitalistic world society, power is obtained through
\nmoney or vice versa. Once you have both money and power, you do
\nnot let hold of it. For this selfish reason, any trick is good
\nenough to protect your \"kingdom\". Since this kind of tactic
\nobviously works very well in Indonesia, it is understandable that
\nsuch strategies are used, especially in the political arena. The
\nfunctional group Golkar has the money, connections and experience
\nto use these forces best.<\/p>\n
Other parties promise freedom and true democracy. The change
\nto a democratic nation requires many sacrifices from everybody.
\nHow can we ask the poor to tighten their belt again? Democracy
\ncannot guarantee a quick economic recovery. But that is what is
\nneeded immediately. Democracy is a slow process and requires
\nchanges from within each person. It requires basic reforms on all
\nlevels, socially and educationally. As a Swiss, I propagate true
\ndemocracy. But is it the answer to Indonesia's problems?<\/p>\n
Looking at the West and Indonesia's neighbors, I believe, they
\nindeed want a stable, but weak Indonesia. Changes are, however,
\nnot welcome. A democratic government in Indonesia is not
\npredictable because other chess players enter the political
\narena. It might even destabilize other nations. A greedy
\ngovernment can be controlled with simple incentives such as
\nmoney. So why not support those who can be controlled?<\/p>\n
I am not a political analyst, but based on the above facts, my
\nlogic says that history will indeed repeat itself. But, on the
\nother hand, I would be very happy, if my predictions were totally
\nwrong.<\/p>\n
PETER GANZ<\/p>\n
Semarang, Central Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/history-to-repeat-itself-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }