The Power of Money
If you think rich people and poor people have the same power or the same right in our
society, think again.
Whether it is in legal or in political process, the poor or the underprivileged just don’t have a leg to stand on. The riches can almost always buy themselves out of their troubles and get away with many things in which the poor can only dream of doing.
If one is rich and powerful, he or she can easily find the most qualified attorney to represent him or her in court and or can simply bail him or her out and yet continues to enjoy normal life without much fear. Most of the time, money can buy personal justice, physical freedom, individual titles, love and friendship, etc…
From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._J._Simpson_murder_case
From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._J._Simpson_murder_case
In politics, if a person or a political party lacks funds, the hope or chance for fruitful outcomes from the electoral processes is slim to none.
If a politician has no money, his/her views will not be heard or respected. He or she has little or no clout in his/her political organization. With money a political person (a politician) or a political party can buy votes, can attract more members, and can stand toe to toe with their opponents and get their voices heard louder.
Without money an event like this (below) cannot be organized.
If a politician has no money, his/her views will not be heard or respected. He or she has little or no clout in his/her political organization. With money a political person (a politician) or a political party can buy votes, can attract more members, and can stand toe to toe with their opponents and get their voices heard louder.
Without money an event like this (below) cannot be organized.
(Military personnel and members of Cambodian People's Party (CPP) participate in a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime at the National Stadium in Phnom Penh on January 7, 2009. Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheered for the 30th anniversary of the ouster of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime at an elaborate stadium ceremony mounted by the country's powerful ruling party January 7.)
In July 2008, I had the opportunity to experience the real Cambodian politics when the lack of money was our main problem. Although I wish to see honesty, loyalty, competence, and real democratic processes within the organization, I realized that only piles of money could talk. Money could qualify incompetent and disloyal persons to become the country political leaders and lack of it could disqualify skillful, knowledgeable and faithful people from participating in the process to help re-build our country.
The lack of funding forced us to limit our electoral campaign. This old truck, could not get us where we needed to be.
Individual countries in the world are no different from individual people on earth. Rich and powerful countries can demand (not command) more respects from other countries than those poor and weak ones. The rich and influential countries can get to do what they desire and in some cases they may violate international laws and yet be able to find ways to justify their abuses.
Individual countries in the world are no different from individual people on earth. Rich and powerful countries can demand (not command) more respects from other countries than those poor and weak ones. The rich and influential countries can get to do what they desire and in some cases they may violate international laws and yet be able to find ways to justify their abuses.
Needless to say the rich and powerful monarchs can acquire love, worship and respect from their subjects. They can certainly persuade their government officials and politicians to help achieve their personal and national objectives.
In contrast, some poor monarchs are subject to tremendous domestic and foreigner's pressure.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/thai-king-is-the-worlds-richest-monarch/352359/
Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's richest monarch with a personal fortune worth USD 35 billion, according to the 'Forbes' magazine.
" Forbes said that the 80-year-old Thai King's estimated net worth increased sevenfold during the past year because of the transparency of his riches which include over 3,000 acres of prime real estate land in Bangkok, a stake in a major bank and huge holdings in the Siam Cement company. In fact, King Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, reached the helm of the US-based magazine's list of 15 richest rulers by knocking Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of oil-rich Brunei off the top spot. Forbes rated the personal fortune of the 62-year-old Asian Sultan -- who fell to the number four slot -- at USD 20 billion, adding that Brunei's oilfields were in the danger of drying up." (clipped from PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd.August 22, 2008 )
Read more at:
http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/monarchs-wealth-scandal-business-billionaires-richest-royals.html
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On the other hand, the poor and weaker countries in the world--especially those countries that are run by undignified leaders or those which lack unity--are less (or not at all) respectful, being looked down upon and or being kicked around like a soccer ball.
Cambodian leaders, whether they are government officials or political leaders should learn too that while the power of money can be used to suppress people, buy votes, buy their heart, buy themselves nicer villas, demand people’s respects but at the same time money can divide, destroy or bring them and our country down to a level that other countries will continue to kick Cambodia around.
With the uprisings throughout the world even the richest man of India is worried about the "two indias."India’s Richest Man Worries About Other India:
Speaking to a gathering of Indian businessmen and top officials on Tuesday, Mukesh Ambani, chair of Reliance Industries Ltd., was found to be riding the India-not-so-shining car, offering listeners an idealistic speech that called for industry to work to unite the “two Indias.”
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/03/01/india%E2%80%99s-richest-man-worries-about-other-india/?mod=google_news_blog
In Cambodia, all Khmer people need to help improve Cambodia's image to earn respects from the international community as well as from ourselves. There are rooms to help develop in all areas. Unity among us is one of the challenges that face us now and in the future. Our advantages are that we have learned many times in the past that what has destroyed us thus far is the absence of unity. The split between then Prince Sihanouk and Marshal Lon Nol in the 1970, for example, has resulted in millions of Khmer lives.
The current democratic processes in Cambodia need to be improved at faster pace in order to avoid a possible all out public protest and to ensure that all Khmer citizens' voices are being heard without any distortions. In addition, political leaders of all parties need to put our "country first"--not their "money first, sex second and party third (or Luy lekh muoy, Sex lekh pii, Party lekh beiy)" as the new saying cited by many Cambodians in Phnom Penh streets.
What we have seen around the world lately is not a pretty sight. Collectively, people are trying to win or take back their rights, freedom and justice. It is proven that the power of money, especially the money earned from dishonesty, does not last forever. With modern technology and communication system, people are catching up rather quickly about what is going on in the world. Sooner or later they will learn that they have nothing to lose by aggressively demanding for their fair share.
To change Cambodia's future from plunging into the abyss, all of us need to do good or better things and we have to do them fast.
Cambodian leaders, whether they are government officials or political leaders should learn too that while the power of money can be used to suppress people, buy votes, buy their heart, buy themselves nicer villas, demand people’s respects but at the same time money can divide, destroy or bring them and our country down to a level that other countries will continue to kick Cambodia around.
With the uprisings throughout the world even the richest man of India is worried about the "two indias."India’s Richest Man Worries About Other India:
Speaking to a gathering of Indian businessmen and top officials on Tuesday, Mukesh Ambani, chair of Reliance Industries Ltd., was found to be riding the India-not-so-shining car, offering listeners an idealistic speech that called for industry to work to unite the “two Indias.”
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/03/01/india%E2%80%99s-richest-man-worries-about-other-india/?mod=google_news_blog
In Cambodia, all Khmer people need to help improve Cambodia's image to earn respects from the international community as well as from ourselves. There are rooms to help develop in all areas. Unity among us is one of the challenges that face us now and in the future. Our advantages are that we have learned many times in the past that what has destroyed us thus far is the absence of unity. The split between then Prince Sihanouk and Marshal Lon Nol in the 1970, for example, has resulted in millions of Khmer lives.
The current democratic processes in Cambodia need to be improved at faster pace in order to avoid a possible all out public protest and to ensure that all Khmer citizens' voices are being heard without any distortions. In addition, political leaders of all parties need to put our "country first"--not their "money first, sex second and party third (or Luy lekh muoy, Sex lekh pii, Party lekh beiy)" as the new saying cited by many Cambodians in Phnom Penh streets.
What we have seen around the world lately is not a pretty sight. Collectively, people are trying to win or take back their rights, freedom and justice. It is proven that the power of money, especially the money earned from dishonesty, does not last forever. With modern technology and communication system, people are catching up rather quickly about what is going on in the world. Sooner or later they will learn that they have nothing to lose by aggressively demanding for their fair share.
To change Cambodia's future from plunging into the abyss, all of us need to do good or better things and we have to do them fast.
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