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Forum: SBY's son, Megawati's daughter
Tue, 08/19/2008 10:37 AM | Reader's Forum
I still don't know about their competence at public speaking and debating. I never see them declaring their own idealism in a academic or political session.
But, I did watch them once on an infotainment show. At least, they showed up. So, I'm looking forward the two political heir and heiress to show up and speak their mind.
CHRYSTAL
Jakarta
Interfaith talks -- Aug. 13, p. 6
No offense to the author of this article, but it does not sound like you have studied much about Western society. I am from Australia, we have many Muslims here and most get along fine with the rest of our culture. There is no violence or discrimination towards them.
Why does an article like this focus on things like the cartoons by some hack in the Netherlands? You mention at the start of the article that you have freedom of the press in Indonesia, then at the end of the article are offended when someone uses that freedom to offend you with some lame cartoon.
Who cares what someone in the Netherlands thinks about your religion. He probably doesn't understand it and never will. If Muslims are to grow as a religion and people, maybe its time to put this mentality of "if one Muslim is trouble, we all get involved" behind you.
It just appears that patriotism might be a better road to go down; be proud of your nation before being proud to be a Muslim. This does not mean put your religion to one side at all, it means that you would say "I am an Indonesian Muslim", not "I am a Muslim" only.
This is just my opinion. Please do not get offended by this. Freedom of the press is alive and well in Indonesia. That is fantastic thing for your nation that you can discuss these things and have input from all corners.
ROD
Sydney
Coal tax refund problem -- Aug. 13, Online
According to the 2000 law on tax addition value, coal is not subject to the tax addition value. Therefore, when a coal company sells the product they don't put value added tax (VAT), but when they buy a machine or something else, they paid VAT to supplier.
Consequently, if the company sales coal in the domestic market, they don't have to pay VAT and if they export coal they have no restitution right for VAT.
This is fair enough because they can bring VAT to tax income returned as an expense. I think they have done it. So, royalty is an obligation. It is strange if they didn't pay royalty because of a restitution alibi.
RUDI
Jakarta
Flags must be flown -- Aug. 14, Online
Bapak Budiman Simarmata, the acting mayor of South Jakarta, can of course urge people what he likes. It would, however, be difficult to force people to be more patriotic, especially with an inept government -- whose members appear to be more preoccupied with enriching themselves than providing basic and affordable services to the electorate -- in power.
It seems that little has changed in the past 68 years. As the saying goes: You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.
HENRY MANOE
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
Body of American pilot -- Aug. 11, Online
David Clapper was a nephew of my former husband. He used to work for us on our farm in his "hometown" of Chambersburg, PA. He was a very strong man both physically and spiritually, as well as very likable and loved very much.
Could you somehow get this message to his wife, Beth?
I was so sorry to hear about this plane crash. When David did something, he gave it his all.
I'm sure she already knows that, but I just want to tell her and her family.
My prayers and thoughts are with her. I know it will be very hard adjusting, but we all know why he did what he did for the honor and glory of God.
My current husband's grandmother passed onto her heavenly home last week, and we just got back on eve Aug. 11 from Ohio, and heard the news first from Chet Nicarry, then again from my brother's wife, Joanne Patches, and then from my son and David's cousin, Joel Nicarry. Sincere sympathy.
FERN M. NICARRY
Pennington, U.S.
