<ot> G'day all - Clark, 1st, I ve enjoyed the intellectual sparring between you and Larry, so I ve no intention to come between you two <g>, but this smiling, happy, gloomy and pain business got me thinking [and boy, it hurts to turn the blank pages in my head <sg>!]
The late Prof Joseph Campbell has once again of certain type of people, who would "joyfully participate in the sorrow of the world." I ve no idea how that is related to the ripostes you are engaging, but it sounds a nice ring to it.
Regardless, my hat to you for being able to feel the asian pain. Indeed, the descent of Indonesia, the case of the Thai Rags to Riches to Rags Paul has mentioned, can be gut wrenching. However, the latter has shown the indomitable human spirit [mundane that it may be,] shouldn't that be a cause of celebration? More, being someone who has wallowed different cultures, at different times and at the same time, the attitude of compassion and the colonial attitude are separated by a thin line.
best, Bosco |
