Monday, April 24, 2006

An Old Tease


Read this 'quiz' in Bangkok back in 1998.

Question: Who is he?

He was once expelled from his party because of his political views.
He wrote a book lauding racial chauvinism.
His country was poor until he industrialised it. He promoted the manufacturing of the first national car.
He launched a slew of mega-projects and hosted a world-class sport event.
He had to face a severe currency devaluation.
He insisted the problems of his country were due to a conspiracy by foreign powers.
He pulverised his political enemies and muzzled the media.
He had a deputy who called for reforms and caused jealousy among party big wigs.
His No 2, who had been with him for some 17 years, was finally removed under accusations of homosexuality and treason.

Answer/s: ???

One is dead and one is still speaking from the grave.

* I'm apolitical and think this comparison is unfair. Its just so easy to pick similar traits and events of 2 unrelated individuals. I'm sure Saddam and I have lots in common.

8 comments:

an0nymous-ign0ranus said...

he was imprisoned?

sic6sense said...

babe, he was expelled from the party actually(like the other). better correct that. Thanks!

madnoh said...

"He insisted the problems of his country were due to a conspiracy by foreign powers."

Both blamed Jews for everything, too.

Desparil said...

both blamed jews but only one actually killed any.

i think the comparison is unfair. TDM was nowhere near as bad as adolf.

madnoh said...

@ desparil

"Blaming" and "Executing" are two different things.

I do agree that the whole comparison (not only mine) was unfair. Nitpicking on a few issues while missing the bigger picture. The point of the article is to highlight the irony and to be taken with a pinch of Ajinomoto.

sic6sense said...

maddie, desperail...jews are easy political targets used to unite the countries.

The current TDM vs the Governement battle is interesting in that it has shown the ineptitude of both administrations. TDM's for his high handedness and Pak Lah for being a lame duck.

The voice of reason has yet to surface.

an0nymous-ign0ranus said...

i love that old man TDM. he's .. well .. he's such a great guy in person (from the perspective of a 13 year old girl back back back then).

sic6sense said...

babe, he's graceful in person...as long as you toe the line.