That's the point
It is right and proper that the PM should advise caution. After all, we don't want a bloodbath on our doorstep. It wouldn't do, would it? Here we are proffering the hand of friendship, with a tidy sum in it, and that Suharto fellow starts knocking off the locals.
— It would be shameful.
Mind you, I'm not saying that's what he'll do. But he might, that's the point.
— And he's done it before.
He has. Yes. We'd look pretty darn silly spattered with blood like that.
— Knocked off a million or so back in the sixties.
Who?
— Suharto. That's how he got where he is today.
That's the point, isn't it. You don't know with these people. They run a pretty tight ship over there. It's their way I suppose. But when it turns nasty like this ...
— You want to be able to run for cover.
Exactly! Let them sort it out among themselves.
[Conversational lull. A stillness engulfs the speakers. Then ...]
But it must be hard for your ordinary, run-of-the-mill Indo', mustn't it? I mean, all you want out of life is three square meals a day and a roof over your head.
— It's the same for them.
That's the point. And those special measures insisted on by that World Bank thingy ... I mean, how'd you like it if it was you?
— I wouldn't.
That's the point. I wouldn't either. I reckon I'd be pretty mad.
— You'd riot.
I don't know if I'd go that far. I don't go in much for burning cars and ransacking shops. Let's just say that I'd be pretty darn choosy come election time.
— You'd be thinking of your hip pocket.
Exactly.
— Looking for change.
True.
— Desperately searching for a way out.
Yeah.
— Without taking to the streets.
Of course.
— And all that Suharto fella does is give you the finger.
Well ... put like that, I'd have to consider my options.
— And they are?
Hang on. Don't rush me.
— But whose side would you be on?
Let's see ...
— Not his surely?
No, not his. I couldn't bring myself to be on his side.
— Theirs then?
You mean the people? The rioters? Well ... I suppose I'd have to be.
— That's the point, isn't it?
So it is.
By Dave Riley