I vote for a well-mannered candidate

I vote for a well-mannered candidate

Thank you to The Jakarta Post photographer for that masterful
photograph titled Party platform which appeared on the front page
of the Post's April 28 edition. In this case, a picture is,
indeed, worth a thousand words.

The picture gives a very clear description of the individual
characters of the presidential candidates involved in the debate
and their attitudes toward another fellow candidate (in this
case, Sri Bintang Pamungkas from the Indonesia Democratic Union
Party) who is delivering a speech.

The attitude of Yusril Ihza Mahendra, chairperson of the
Crescent Star Party, is one of sheer disdain and utter boredom.
From his overbearing and conceited air, one can conclude that he
has nothing but contempt for his fellow speakers. Amien Rais,
chairperson of the National Mandate Party, does not do much
better, as he does not look at the speaker -- he just stares into
space with a condescending and self-satisfied expression on his
face.

In the picture, only one presidential candidate shows that he
is well-mannered and considerate, namely Justice Party leader
Didin Hafiduddin, who, judging from his sitting position and
expression, really pays attention to whatever Sri Bintang
Pamungkas is saying.

I am not going to vote for any of these gentlemen nor the
parties they represent. But I do salute Mr. Didin Hafiduddin for
tactfully showing his fellow presidential candidates what good
manners are all about.

TAMI KOESTOMO

Bogor, West Java