I read with sadness the fear of the unknown as espoused by Sam Chan's letter ([#1]People Power: Can we pay the price?[/#] Feb 1). While he correctly pointed out that Dr Mahathir Mahathir's sell-by date has come and gone, comparing us with the US is way out. Yes, we know about the OJ Simpson fiasco and LA police brutality, but remember how we get to hear about them in the first place?

The system in the US ensures that these get reported and eventual justice will be done - even if it comes 30 years late. Here? The criminals who are responsible for the May 13 riots in 1969 are either allowed to die in peace or are in (hopefully tormented) retirement. The whole affair has been given a whitewash all these years.

Our roads can be smooth when we want them to be, like in Putrajaya or just outside the right homes, but those elsewhere are supposed to feel grateful if the potholes around their homes get patched up after months of waiting.

Nor can the local council be sued successfully if a motorcyclist dies from hitting a pothole. Think about what would happen if the same occurs in California. While I do not agree with the "sue" mentality in the US, it does provide a powerful platform to bring the best out of the service providers.

The bigger question is, can we afford not to change our thinking? I share the frustration and sadness of Kevin Gan ([#2]Can People Power happen here?[/#] Jan 30). Unfortunately, our society is too segmented as compared with the Philippines and Thailand for the writer's dream to come true. Give the Philippines another generation, and if they carry on this process of accountability, the country will lead Southeast Asia like they did in the early 1960s.

We owe it our children to do better politically; otherwise, do not grieve if we have to send our daughters to work elsewhere.