Stardate 20010718.1839 (On Screen): President Wahid of Indonesia is trying to bargain, but he has no chips. He wants a compromise because it would permit him to hold onto at least some of the power and influence that he supposedly has. But there's nothing to bargain about, because what his opponents want his political head on a platter and seem to have the wherewithal to get it. For President Wahid I have a name: President Richard Nixon. The lesson of Nixon is that it is better to walk out of a place that you're not wanted than to be tossed out on your ear. You cannot retain office, but you might be able to retain some dignity.
(discuss)Update 20010720: The Indonesian Parliament has stolen a march on President Wahid and will begin impeachment hearings tomorrow.
