What Would a Leader Do After His Political Life?

No body really knows what the future outcome will be for Cambodian Prime Minister. What will he be doing after the political life? Bill Clinton, former U.S President, has done a lot for the humanity after his presidential term. He just paid a surprised visit to North Korea to seek the release of 2 American journalists. On the other hand, first of all, no one knows when is Mr. Hun Sen going to step down from his long-term position as PM. It’s been 3 decades that Cambodia lays its fate on only one man’s hands (Hun Sen). Within these 30 years, he has done some transformation for the nation. But has he done enough for the sake of the people? Up till now, Cambodia is still among the poorest countries of the world. Some pro-CPP argue that no body helped Cambodian people as much as Hun Sen did. Ironically, no body ever has a chance to prove in his position. So the question is, “Who’s worth for a shot in leading the country?” Prince Ranarith was over. Politics is always complicated to be understood. But it’s pretty clear in the prince’s case. This guy is the bloodsucker who selfishly thinks of only his own benefit. Thus, only Sam Rangsy is suitable for the job. So why not give this man a chance! And we’ll see what can he do for the people.

Missing Those Songs!

New Year this season, I fell quite different from before. I seem to miss all those New Year songs, especially the “Chol Choung” oldies by Rous Serey Sothea and Sin Sisamouth. I still remember those days. Waking up in the morning a couple days before the New Year days, I could hear “Chol Choung” songs from my neighbor’s radio. The feeling of joys is indescribable! The music is so persuasive that actually makes you get up and plan to do something for the celebration. You’ll have a feeling to call up friends or relatives as companies to go shopping for new clothes and plan out for far trips. Now let’s get back to the reality! Life is lonely than ever! Getting up this morning, I did hear anything but the rain. I have to go to school. What a day! My college life in America sucks!

COMEDIANS!

Most of Khmer comedians use their acts with gestures to make people laugh. And most often times they overact which make the shows look weird. Niay Krem and Niay Koy are the most popular comedian stars in Cambodia. I got to say that some of the works that these two stars act together are impressive. Other than that, people seem to product crappy performances. There’s one exception though. The most exceptional talented comedian that no body can deny is Prum Minh. Even though there’s a controversial about the pornography of his acts, about all the comedian has tremendous recognition from Cambodian people. Prum Minh is not only a regular comedian, he is also real Khmer scholar; he is a professor of University of Arts and has a long history of singing Ah Yaiy, which is a unique traditional dual singing of Khmer people for centuries. After all, some of his poems have deep meanings in political stance. In the West, there are many talented comedians who some of them have their own talk shows. David Letterman and Jay Leno are most famous hosts of late night talk shows. These two guys have ability to convey their political ideologies to influence millions of audiences throughout America. And here are my favorite comedian and comedy shows. Russell Peters, Two and a Half Men, Friends…

A Controversial Picture!

Some years ago, Cambodian government destroyed a picture about the economy and corruption. This above picture is a new one that the artist redo it. What make this piece of art so powerful? The scene of the painting shows only a small corner of a typical city street near Psar Thmey. A desperate poor mother with two hungry kids represent a large proportion of Khmer population living under poverty. And a fancy Land Cruiser with the government license plate signifies the people in power and the government itself. Luxury companies in the background expose the imbalance of the economic growth. The main theme of picture is to reveal the truth that makes a corrupted government anxious about it. By the way, I would credit Mr. Khem Chantha, the artist, who expressed his honest feeling in this captivating painting. Find out more about his arts @
www.khmergallery.com

The Past's Haunting Cambodia!

I'm not talking about Khmer Rouge Tribunal Process that taking place. I'm talking about the other side of the past. During the period of civil war, Vietnam and China greatly got involved with our nation. From former king Sihanouk to current prime minister Hun Sen, Vietnam took advantage by manipulating Cambodian politics for its own benefit. And it's no doubt that Vietnamese policy still strongly influences Cambodia's current government. China, on the other hand, economically supported and armed Khmer Rouge Regime all the way in exchange of its Communism expanding ambition. Nowadays, no one can deny that China is not the biggest investor in Cambodia's economy. From textile industry to agricultural products, Chinese investment takes over and plays a very crucial role in the country's economical growth. The outside look of a very small scale development might confuse people's mind that the nation is moving in the right direction. In fact, we are so fragile internally. We are politically not an independent state. That is what I am afraid of. I'm worried that we may follow the past shadow. We used to make friends with the Communists and became foe with the West. And what happened? The nation was torn apart and the people died. Now what? Our current government obviously hate the West and allies with China and Vietnam. So just like the old time, we are moving in the right direction (??). I'm not a politician. I'm taking any political side either. I'm just a decent Khmer citizen who speak from what I envision.

Reckoning My Curiosity!

It’s been 5 years and 6 months, my college life in the United States has been considered a rough journey. I never feel like I belong here. I never enjoy living here. And then why the hell am I here in first place? The only answer that I can give to myself is “Pursuing a Better Life.” Yet how? How coming to America makes my life better? I never go that far to ask myself. Lately this question borders my head even worse. One day some thoughts fly into my head from nowhere offering me the answers that I’ve been waiting for awhile. Now I know. I realize that I am not happy with what I’ve been through now. But at least I know what my goals are. I know What I want to do in my future path. I have to admit this; it’s much better than while I was back there about 5 years ago. Back then I did not even have a dream. I did not know what I want in life. It was a nightmare. A life without a dream is a waste! So I cannot deny that Now is better than Before.

Cambodia-made Democracy!

We take power first
We take money next
And everything else comes later

In the West, Democracy & Capitalism work as “Yin & Yang”
In Cambodia, we take Capitalism to the next level and we step over Democracy

Here are how we roll:
We empower ourselves with "Special Right" to rule our countrymen rather than "Special Obligation" to serve
We chase people away and build Capitalists’ skyscraper
We sell everything that belongs to the people to empower our Capitalism empire
We sell mountains, rivers, trees, lands, mines, and even our identity
Above all, we put country for sale!

Yeah! That's how we roll!