No excuse for being unkind

Although I agree with Ms. Carolyn Emmett's comment regarding some expatriates who are overworked, overstressed and overtired (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 7: Expat wives), I strongly disagree with her view of the foreigner mentioned in my letter (Show some decency on Dec. 2) as being "a frustrated boor". Frustration is no excuse for being unkind.

A large number of Indonesians do not have the privilege of "expat work-related frustration". Many have no jobs and many more have to struggle daily to make ends meet. There can be no nightmare worse than wondering if you will be able to feed your children tomorrow.

The most positive means of dealing with our frustrations is to think of, and feel compassion, for those less fortunate than ourselves.

MAHA BODEMAR

Jakarta