John Galt Presents: <font face="Verdana" size="5">When Your Stepping Stone Becomes an Island</font>

Seems that no matter what challenges come my way, I'm still feeling like a million bucks. I'm almost surprised by it really. I just went through a court battle where I was sued for speaking my mind about a real estate agent who is in Pattaya. As most of you know, I published that commentary here on this this site. The guy sued me and he got a small decision against me. But despite that, I'm still feeling very good about my stay here in Thailand.

I think most people would be a bit down and feeling like throwing in the towel and packing up and going home. To me home is where I am. I take my home with me and I always have. I have now been here in Thailand in the same city for almost 7 years. Looking back to years prior and counting up all the places that I've lived, I can't remember living any place for 7 years. From an early age I count 4 elementary schools, 6 high schools, one college and 2 universities (one university didn't count). I couldn't even begin to count up all the places that I have lived over the years from Pennsylvania, to North Carolina, Florida, and most recently California. During those times, I didn't consider my frequent moves was so unusual because it had always been something that the family did on a regular basis. Now, I'm the first in my family to venture out and live outside the country and I have been in the same place now for quite a long time. And I still can't get over how happy I am here. All my basic needs are met. My costs are low. I never miss a day of work (that I don't want to miss). I never miss an opportunity to exercise. I don't have to fight anyone for a channel on the satellite TV. I have no wife to nag me for money. I sleep when I want to and rise in the morning when I want to, with whom I want to.

Recently, we have had a slight drop in sales.... the world financial crisis has had an impact on us. When this occurs, I drop my expenses and conserve resources. I'm not abundantly-capitalized, I'm just very under-expensed.

Through it all, I'm still feeling really up-beat about my life in in Thailand..... I'm scratching my head here trying to put my finger on it exactly. I think sometimes that I shouldn't be feeling this good, but I do.

I'm getting all kinds of mixed signals from the Stickman open piece this week. Stickman questioning himself in full view..... He was calling out to his readers for some interesting feedback....

And I thought to myself, this is Stickman - the guy who won't admit to anything. In years past, he had the need to go to Bangkok Nursing Hospital..... he raves about the beautiful nurses there and the services, but he never told us why he actually went to the hospital. Is it possible he was getting poked and prodded. (Come on Stick, we all get bent over at some point for a few tests - you can fess up to it).

He has no problem with talking about how Ken at Living Dolls was mugged a few weeks back -- but he won't breathe a word about an incident where he himself was given a beating. This happened to Stickman a few years back. A Stickman insider quoted Stickman as saying "It was a betrayal of the worst kind". Now that is a story that might prove to be very enlightening - why not tell it?

I particularly enjoy the little dog and pony show Stickman puts on about Greg of Sunbelt a few weeks back. Stickman made a fuss about Greg being legal and always carrying his work permit. I felt like Stickman was trying mirror up his image by being associated with someone (one person) who is compliant with the law and carries a work permit. We all carry work permits everyday (those of us who are legal and working). Funny, Stickman never talks about his web site business being legal or not-legal.

He wrote a column three months back about naughty boys with cameras going around the snapping questionable shots of girls, but he neglected to mention how he himself sometimes uses cameras to gather evidence on bar girls when he is hired by clients to check them out.

So my point is -- what is this about Stickman in his last column. It's high unusual. The Galt Truth-O-Meter was registering a nagging 5 on a scale of 10 ... and I just had to comment on my suspicions here....

This week Stickman's column is about a Drug and Alcohol Rehab called Channah Thailand. Now, this is business deal. Stickman didn't just bump into this guy. One of two things happened, either Stickman researched the web and found these people or they called on him to get some publicity. Stickman made a buck on this paid endorsement. So, clearly this is one of those business opportunities... It certainly isn't a "oh I just want to help the farang population".

"Am I an alcoholic? I drink most Fridays with friends, go out mid week and have a drink or two and probably share a bottle of wine every other week."

"...I have a few drinks while I am out to make it [the bars] more interesting. What do you make of that? Do I have a drinking issue?"

So, is Stickman really asking for himself? Does he normally call attention to any of his weaknesses? Hell NO!

I say Stickman is setting up the conversation to point out to all of you readers that you are alcoholics. He is drawing out these questions not for himself - because Stickman is always beyond reproach. He is not asking about himself, because it would be bad for business to ask the alternative questions: "Are my readers alcoholics?" "When can a reader consider himself to have a drinking problem".

Jessesss.... Stickman typically refers to us as whore mongers who hook up with prostitutes. He looks down at us for partaking of the night life..... Now he wants to call us all alcoholics?

I like the old Stickman better because this current one is way too removed from the real people. He's practically an Obama elitist.

However, I like this Greg guy. He lets us all off the hook. Did you see this? Those of us who are fine connoisseurs of Pattaya naughty night life -- those of us who can't get enough... we not addicted to sex, we are not lowly whore mongers as Stickman would suggest ....

We are only Esteem Challenged! Yea Baby!!! (fists in the air) There you go! I think I'm going to book a new trip to Pattaya to work on further building up my self-esteem (can it get any bigger than it is? -- <tongue in cheek>).

In recent times, we hear about sex addiction. This is a new so called mental disease or some such nonsense we hear more and more about it. Is it a problem and does your course deal with it?

The short answer is no. I think it is very easy for certain people to get addicted to the sex industry. Addicted to sex? I have difficulty with sex addiction because I would go back to what I said earlier. Sex is not the problem. It is the answer. People aren't addicted to the physical act of sex. They're addicted to the getting of, possession, instant gratification, hiding low self-esteem. The happiest people are probably happily married people. There is something about being content with who you are and who you are with. If you are with a different bargirl every night that is not going to make you feel good about yourself, at least not in the long-term.

Simon is right. You won't feel good about your-self long term. I tend to take the view of having occasional shorter term moments of happiness that can be repeated on a period basis ad-infinitum without risk of having to give up your money, your home and your business in a 50-50 split when you part ways.

Anyhow, people. Stickman could give a rats ass about your physical addition just short what money will trickle into his pocket for it (does life get any sadder than this?).

And one more side comment.... I'm sure Simon is a good guy, I know why he had such a hard time with the business permitting of this operation. It's fundamentally something that Thailand doesn't allow (farangs in the medical business) -- but you know -- they should. Lucky for him, farangs are able to get work permits like the ones real estate agents gets -- they are all "foreign consultants".

Those of us who are from the US probably know of George Carlin. We grew up with him and ov

er the years he has managed to stir up controversy with his comedy. I remember listening to George on LP records. That's right, he published and sold his off-beat brand of humor on vinyl in the mid to late 70's. And who could forget the controversy that erupted from him irreverent humor when he first performed his piece called the 7 words you can't say on television. I think everyone was walking around seeing if they could repeat the 7 words that way that Carlin did. Most, couldn't do it. Of course now years later, you can say a few of these words on TV.

Anyhow, as you may have heard, George Carlin past-away a number of weeks back and those of us who knew of his humor best, we are left here wondering.... did George "get his 2 minute warning". (Both of these comedic pieces were new around the mid to late 70's - 30 years ago). I hope George did get his 2 minute warning and had time enough to call family and say goodbye, because he deserved it by bringing all us closer to earth and helping us laugh at ourselves. George said on many occasions, "It's my job to think of goofy shit".

We also lost world famous cardiovascular surgeon, Dr DeBakey. This guy is legend. He lasted for 99 years and he was quoted as saying, "Man was born to work hard", and also "I like my work, very much. I like it so much that I don't want to do anything else"

I'm sure the good doctor ruffled a few feathers in his long career. He was know for being a "stern taskmaster and a perfectionist".

The doctor had 99 years of good living and helped tens of thousands of people. That is quite an achievement.

There was a stir about the age of the female Olympic gymnasts shortly after the female Chinese Olympic team captured goal. Bela Karolyi, coach of the US women's team murmured his misgivings saying that some of the girls didn't even have their all their teeth in place yet. This story was captured by the world press. Questions were starting to surface and Chinese officials were feeling hard pressed to provide some answers.

Rumor has it that Chinese officials will certainly avoid this issue for the next Olympics. Whispered secrets from behind closed does says that all future girls who are chosen to represent China at the next Olympics will have full dental work done. To further distance themselves from controversy, the gymnasts may even under-go some minor breast augmentation.

However, forward thinking was not solving the problem at hand. They were in a bind, or so we thought..... then, in a surprise discovery, the Chinese declared that they had provided evidence that all their girls were in fact of legal age to compete at Beijing.

Well, as it turns out a StickmanBangkok team member has leaked some information to me. Seems that Stickman got himself involved and swooped in to bail out the Chinese officials. You heard right. Seems that Stickman offered up his services as Mr Party Hat Investigator at large. He went in under-cover and wielding his patented Pubic Hair Density Disgronificator; he examined each girl up close. Stickman later declared the entire team over age 16 and the Chinese were exonerated of any suspicions of having any under-age athletes. .... Subsequently, on an another related anonymous tip, seems that the Chinese tourism board is going to be purchasing some ad space on StickmanBangkok.com. I'm not sure how this happened... wow what a coincidence. A source that remains unnamed leaked a mock up of the spread. I think this mock up was talked about on ThaiVisa.com already so I have no qualms about revealing it here..... Now Stickman... (Mr Party Hat) -- Don't get hard on me 'Pete', I'm just playing with you.

In two previous columns, Stickman reported on a physical attack of Ken, the owner/manager at Livings Dolls Showcase.

A very well known bald farang bar manager behind a highly successful Walking Street show bar was given one hell of a beating by a bunch of Thai lads this past week. Business or pleasure, who knows?

More has come to life about the attempted beating of a Walking Street bar personality. My initial report included that he was beaten up badly but it seems that was a case of Chinese whispers. As the gent's identity has been published in a number of spots I will now add that Ken of Living Dolls Showcase was attacked by three Thai youths who it would appear were slipped a few baht to mess Ken up. Now Ken is not a small fellow by any stretch of the imagination and after taking a few blows he claims that he managed to get to his feet and took off after them. Strange that given he spent time in hospital...

I have a small inside track on this story but I want to point out that I have not talked directly to Ken about his account. I have talked to someone who is spoke directly to Ken.

Ken has been a bit hush on the incident. He has down played speculation about who is behind the attack. He has had one disagreement in recent months with a third party. Could it be that this third party is prone to mob style muscle man tactics? Interestingly enough, this same third party (which I will not name here), has some connection to Stickman -- and sure enough -- Stickman gets the scoop on the deed.

In this particular case Stickman says "Thai youths who it would appear were slipped a few baht to mess Ken up". How would Stickman know that 5 or 6 weeks ago when this incident originally happened? Ken has been somewhat tight lipped about the incident....so how could have Stickman known that these guys were hired?

I have theorized in the past that Stickman gets the scoops on these deeds because he will publish them and make those club owners look bad. All of the negative publishing has been against clubs that DO NOT sponsor or fund StickmanBangkok.com activities. Stickman would not publish against a club own that is a customer -- so, that leaves Stickman to freely "report" on all those who do not pay him.

Let me congratulate Ken for having done a great job of defending himself against these 3 attackers. If you have spent any time here in Thailand, then you know that Thai men don't rely on their hands for fighting; they invariably use weapons. they will make use of a bottles or a belt with a belt buckle, an improvised club, etc. They typically don't go into a conflict without an advantage. When you're up against a small group like this, you have fight dirty to defend yourself. One of Ken's arms was hurt. I'm not sure how badly except for it required some treatment at a hospital.

I want point out one more thing here.... Notice that Stickman doesn't get all upset and denounce this violence against Ken. Stickman is quick to get very upset and angry about under-age girls working in the NNL industry but he doesn't really seem overly concerned about outright physical violence. Seems that Stickman only gets polarized on a topic when it can put money in his pocket. I wish that wasn't true, but the evidence is clear. Is Stickman becoming a "soft" mobster? -- a technically based wise-guy? This is something to think about.

As most of you know, I have not been publishing on a regular basis. In fact, for this entire year I have only published 8 times, yet I still have a following. I still have "friends of the Galt" emailing me on a semi-regular basis. I'm a bit surprised by it. I would think that most people are really not that interested, but evidently I would be wrong.

I'm very flattered and grateful that you as a reader find value (are at a least a little humor) in what I report here.

Anyhow, here are reading from two keys dates. The first one is my court date. The second date was the day that I received the verdict.

My following is probably a little bit like Howard Stern, half of the people who listen to Stern love him and want to see what he is going to say next, the other half hate him and want to see what is going to say next.....

I previously published that I had both won and lost the case that was launched against me by Clayton Wade of Premiere homes. I was found completely innocent of any computer crime yet still found guilty of slander and sentenced to 2 years in prison - sentence to be suspended upon payment of 100k baht fine (if I have interpreted the final judgement correctly). I will pay the fine and satisfy the court's judgment but I will appeal the decision.

There is another pending court case between Wade and I that will come before this court next month (for the arraignment) that levies charges against Clayton for lying in sworn courts documents and testimony in this slander case. That is when the hunted, becomes the hunter. I believe I have him solidly on these charges. He has big mouth and he felt free to open it at the trial. I thought the judge clearly heard the contradictions, but we're going revisit the court documents and point them out with precision.

Penalties for lying in court are twice that of slander. They say that falsifying court document or giving false testimony is likened to lying to the King. Will Clayton suffer a penalty for his alleged miss-conduct? Only time will tell. I make no predictions about this case. I just feel good to be in the driver's seat for a change.

Who do you think is going to win? I think Obama has the better presentation, but McCain has the right experience level.

On experience in the US senate: Obama = 3 years and McCain = 22 years? Are those the correct numbers? They both have had other governmental experience but Obama pails in comparison to McCain.

I have a feeling that the US is going to elect Obama and we'll end up with a president that we ultimately don't like. He comes off like another slick Willy to me. Obama has a lot of style but I question his substance....

It's a shame that neither candidate can stand up in front of the public and put the cards on the table about the rich and taxes. And heart of the issue is clear... If you tax the rich, they turn around the charge the poor. Then when the economics for business is weak inside the US (i.e. tax liability is too large), they ship their money and jobs over-seas.

Obama would be good for my business. If he raises taxes it will only be harder to duplicate my work state-side and I would likely gain customers from the US (for those of you who are new to this site, I own and operate the company AsianSignals.com and we produce LED lighting equipment right here in Thailand).

I think McCain would most certainly be the better president over-all, but if you can't sell the package then you don't get to play -- and lately, McCain is looking like a tuff package to sell. They to hire one of the original Slick Willy handlers to re-invent him a little.

I think the republicans should offer up Palin as the true champion of change and let the people know they get McCain for free. Never hurts to include that we'll have 4 years of great entertainment on SNL to boot (SNL = Saturday Night Live for you Europeans).

It will also be interesting to see if the people at the last minute are fearful of voting for a young black candidate....

I think the election is going to be nail-biter.... I just wished they would get on with it because sales are screwy when everyone is watching the TV.

Short Update Oct 27th. Not more than having this column up two days -- then what do I see? I see McCain on TV talking about high corporate taxes. He is reeling off names and saying that our tax rates of 35% are driving them out of the country because tax rate abroad are lower.... Imagine that.... someone is finally getting back to the fundamentals and countering this silly stupid Obama plan to raise taxes on the rich.

I'm the spoiler -- you know. I throw the dirt up on the wall and see what sticks. I'm gruff, and haughty and an all-around pain the ass to some folks in Bangkok/Pattaya. I enjoy being able to speak somewhat freely. I think between Stickman and myself, you get counter opinions on a host of issues that are related to Thailand. I think you as the reader need some conflicting ideas to debunk some of garbage that printed in the name of "Bangkok Commentary". Thailand is a country that has a poor record on consumer right and public protections. You are doing right to arm yourself with as much information as you can to protect yourself from con men and soft-hoodlums.

He is the "Don't stick your neck out for others" foreigner, whereas I am "Step out, take a risk and make a difference".

He is the guy "selling his opinions for a price", and I am the guy who says "Don't believe a word I say until you verify it for yourself".

He wants you to hire him to check out your Thai girlfriend, I'm the one who says, "Pay as you go and don't send them any money - or send them money you can afford to totally give away".

He calls it "prostitution", but I say "We all may 'sell-out' ourselves in certain situations and all Girls in Thailand expect 'gratitude' for their youth and beauty"

He's says that he's changed and is more 'Thai like'..... I haven't changed. I still hold fast to most of my western ideals while operating in Thailand.

I'd like to believe that I give a shit about the Thai people... I'd like to think that my company is doing something for them... I don't know what Stickman's response would be. He doesn't generally express his excitement about about teaching English.