Free drinks

The article entitled Military stops more students from 'trespassing in red zone' of your Dec. 4 edition (front page) needs correction.

It is reported that a foreign journalist offered a glass of cendol to a tired looking student and had to buy the vendor's entire stock after all the students "demanded" free drinks.

I am that journalist, Mr. Johnny Ray Fortune, of The Eclectic Observer in Southeast USA. I feel an urgent need to correct this lest readers form an unfair opinion.

I offered everyone drinks, and the ensuing crush of people may have made it appear I was coerced. I eventually bought out 3 cendol vendors and more than 100 plastic bottles of water from other sources. At no time did I feel threatened or in danger.

I consider it an honor to provide a small comfort to these very intelligent and dedicated individuals who are willing to work free toward what they see as justice for their country.

JOHNNY RAY FORTUNE

Alabama, USA