Government buying votes - Budget 2006
-
Does it mean that it is low by world standards then we should increase it? What logic is that?Originally posted by Salman:Transport cost will keep going up because it is low by world standards.Few billions no sweat? Peanuts you mean?
Don't be mad. Analysts say at the rate we are giving, we are running into a deficit soon.throwing out a billion will stimulate retail.
I don't believe this. If service standards shall remain poor, few people visits Singapore, throwing in a billion doesn't help. You can throw in one zillion if you like, it still won't stimulate it.Water and electricity don't cost? You want bus to waste resources?
Another excuse to raise transportation fares? -
then dun take the money lohOriginally posted by Devil1976:That's because we're not MONKEYS... DON'T throw PEANUTS AT US!!
once u all take liao
donate to charity
do something good -
The money they offer will end up in the hands of 'toddlers' who will inject this freebie back into the economy when nudged by the 'nanny' in that direction.
It's their way of giving with one hand and taking back with the other.
Remember NSS and ERS? How long did those freebies last and at what economic value did they sustain your households? How many simply withdrew the cash to spend on necessities such as utilities and groceries, both of which coincidently sparked price increases soon after?
How many of you received the 'top up SGD$50/- into your CFP acc' gimmick a year or so back? While claiming to offer the monetary incentive as a no-strings attached carrot, they conveniently slapped a qualifying requirement of 50 bucks before you were eligible.
Familiar? This policy infuriated many senior citizens, especially in the retired band who could not understand why a national contribution of 50 bucks was necessary for the so-called CPF top-up.
Budget 2006?
A complete farce. -
Originally posted by Salman:
Where is the proof that "the govt does try to find jobs for the unemployed and many have found jobs" ? .
Originally post by Heartlander:
It is better for the govt to find jobs, and better paying ones, for us than to give us such one-time goodies!
Response by Salman
The govt does try to find jobs for the unemployed and many have found jobs.
Surely, you should know that statistics can be manipulated - as you have been so brilliant in your use of it to justify your skewered views towards Muslims ? .
Read: Singapore: how jobless rate fall with foreign workers ?"
Did you not read that LHL the PM of a island Republic of 4.5 Million people had said that "It is not the Government's duty to find job for its Citizens" ? .
Is it surprising that the Prime Minister of China with a population of more then a BILLION will dare say that the Government will do its best to look for jobs for all its citizens ? .
Response by Salman
How do you propose for Singaporeans to qualify for higher paying jobs and remain competitive against global competition ? .
How does the govt find higher paying jobs for us if we are not competitive or qualified?
Is there not a contradiction in your postion - HIGH PAY and COMPETITIVE ? .
Was this not the same situation that the Singapore Government found itself in - having pushed for a higher salary for all Singaporeans during the 1980s so as to push out all the Low Tech Industries; and later to find out in late 1990s and early 2000s that Singaporeans are NO LONGER COMPETITIVE because OUR SALARY WAS TOO HIGH compared with the other countries that we are competing with ? .
What happened to our High Tech Industries that we were supposed to have morphed into - after driving out the low-tech industries with the high wage increases ? .
Did Switzerland lower the salary of their workers to compete in a global economy, or did the society retooled and entered niche areas that their population can contribute with existing skills and technical levels ? .Original post by Hearlander
Singapore transportation costs is certainly low by world standards simply because the Wages of its FIRST WORLD Citizens are comparatively too low when compared by WORLD STANDARDS. .
It is also impt that they not spike the transport, utility, GST and whatnot and take back whatever they give us.
Response by Salman
Transport cost will keep going up because it is low by world standards.
How do you intend to justify low wages with High Costs and remain COMPETITIVE in a GLOBAL ECONOMY ? .Original post by Hearlander
What VALUE is significant to one who is only capable of making "no brainer, one-liners" ? .
That few billions dollars are no sweat for PAP government as that Lunar new year's S$10millions Hong Pao TOTO draw already raked in few hundred millions and the rest can be settled in one or two months' TOTO, 4D and soccer draws, ERP,COE or taxes from petrol! Ministers with their types of pay they will not play TOTO or buy 4D, so those 45% lowly paid workers will use the windfall to "tikam" much more, hoping that they will get more out of it and the money is back in the govt's coffer sooner than you thought! You have seen more Singapore Turf clubs and more TOTO 4D outlets in your vicinity lately as the economic downturn has rendered the govt more opportunity to make more money because more Singaporeans would want to try their luck!
Response by Salman
Few billions no sweat? Peanuts you mean?
Original post by Hearlander
For a 'no brainer' with such economy of thoughts, go back to your School of Economics - in whichever Institute that you graduated from.
To be frank, the ruling party is generous in giving everyone something to cerebrate, it is great that they provide those who work with some bonus incentives but they should look into why Singapore employers are still paying Singaporeans $200,$400, to $800 per month and they paid themselves 5-6 figured salary? Few Singaporeans could earn a peanut of $600,000 in their whole life time! This budget will bring some joy to those who know how to treasure it, and it may be short live to many! Whether it can prop up the retail sectors or not is something yet to be seen.
Response by Salman
throwing out a billion will stimulate retail.
The multilplier effect to the economy is as high as the government will receive in return to the taxes that it will collect.Original post by Hearlander
Did the "no brainer" understand what has been posted before shooting his typcial "no brainer, one-liner" ?
The govt should lower some utility charges for the general public instead of giving subsidies every year! Just imagine Singaporeans are paying a series of taxes the minute they step down from his bed! Water has water conservancy tax, GST, and water borne fee! Do not tell Singaporeans that we have not enough water as of now, we are the educated lot and we have the eyes to see the potentials of our new reservoirs! That fear factor of the past that we need to import water is a thing of the past! May be we need time to pipe it from the many new reservoirs dotting the island. Singaporeans work hard to build the new reservoirs and should enjoy the fruit of that clean and affordable water coming from our own reservoirs!
Response by Salman
Water and electricity don't cost? You want bus to waste resources? .
Perhaps in the mind of the "no brainer" - he will operate his bus to run on "water and electricity" as he has such the stupendous qualification of being an economics grad.Response by Salman
Only a carpet beggar can appreciate the crumbs that are thrown in his direction, while the boss walk away with the loot. .
BTW I don't see anything wrong with such mass vote buying. In fact its good. We vote for them, they did a great job and we all get to share the success of Singapore.
What good is a govt that cannot build the country?
Surely, only an obedient 'PAPpy' will believe everything that is said and done by "PAPa" ? .
Singapore certainly built a SWISS Standard of Living and achieve a FIRST WORLD Status for its POLITICAL LEADERS, while its Citizens live in Third World wages, living in Third World Standards of Living and burdened with the REAL Cost of living in a FALSE FIRST WORLD HOME. . -
you'll get at least $200 from the growth dividend.Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Nothing in the budget for me as single professionals...they will have to do more to buy my vote -
I agree with you on that.Originally posted by Atobe:How do you propose for Singaporeans to qualify for higher paying jobs and remain competitive against global competition ?
Is there not a contradiction in your postion - HIGH PAY and COMPETITIVE ?
Was this not the same situation that the Singapore Government found itself in - having pushed for a higher salary for all Singaporeans during the 1980s so as to push out all the Low Tech Industries; and later to find out in late 1990s and early 2000s that Singaporeans are NO LONGER COMPETITIVE because OUR SALARY WAS TOO HIGH compared with the other countries that we are competing with ?
What happened to our High Tech Industries that we were supposed to have morphed into - after driving out the low-tech industries with the high wage increases ?
Did Switzerland lower the salary of their workers to compete in a global economy, or did the society retooled and entered niche areas that their population can contribute with existing skills and technical levels ? -
the gov is merely giving out $$ to the citizens. Perhaps there's an agenda behind their action but then again since you're not losing anything isn't it?
u do have a choice not to take the money ( donate to charity ) . or even if u do, u do have the choice not to vote for the ruling party isn't it??
nobody's throwing peanuts at you so why consider yourself a monkey?Originally posted by Devil1976:That's because we're not MONKEYS... DON'T throw PEANUTS AT US!! -
Can all those who don't like the goodies that PAP dish out please retrun them.
-
Funny lah you Salman.Originally posted by Salman:Can all those who don't like the goodies that PAP dish out please retrun them.
Goodies not dish out yet. How to return? Return the dish? -
exactly.Originally posted by Salman:Can all those who don't like the goodies that PAP dish out please retrun them.
perhaps those who feel it's peanuts or complaining abt this and that should seriously consider donating to the following charities.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/esvportal/others/charities/charity/charitylist.asp -
Seriously, haven't even been given out, how to donate? Say this after it is given out.Originally posted by foga:exactly.
perhaps those who feel it's peanuts or complaining abt this and that should seriously consider donating to the following charities.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/esvportal/others/charities/charity/charitylist.asp -
hmmm.. okie den. u come back to this thread after they give out the money yeahOriginally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:Seriously, haven't even been given out, how to donate? Say this after it is given out. -
Me don't have any. Because poly students were not mentioned during the budget. They don't need to buy votes from me either. Not old enough to vote.Originally posted by foga:hmmm.. okie den. u come back to this thread after they give out the money yeah
-
Originally posted by Salman:
Can all those who don't like the goodies that PAP dish out please retrun them.Originally posted by foga:
The sad part of such arrogant and empty minded statements is that you are the supposedly educated lot amongst Singaporeans, yet both are amongst those who blind by the fact that the money given out are a mere fraction from the large accumulated surplus through the ingenious tax and revenue collecting schemes set up by the Ruling Political Party a.k.a the Singapore Government to extract from Citizens.
exactly.
perhaps those who feel it's peanuts or complaining abt this and that should seriously consider donating to the following charities.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/esvportal/others/charities/charity/charitylist.asp
The more they give out, the more they will collect back - as by their Operating Philosphy : NOTHING IS FREE, nothing comes cheap.
How much does the small sum of $1,500 per household go to pay for anything in any given period of time ?
Will it not be better for the government to have spent the entire sum that is handed out, to help the various essential health, medical, utility services to lower their operating costs, so that such lower costs can benefit those Singaporeans who need help in these areas ?
The sum of money is to whet the apetite of the larger population of Singaporeans who are less educated, engaged in menial work, and largely disinterested in politics - those "Heartlanders" who form the large pool of voters in the various GRC that are carefully segmented to ensure a win for the encumbent Ruling Political Party in any election.
Singapore is free from corruption ?
It happens all the time, in many disguised form made to look innocuous but contain the same amount of toxicity and potency of corruption.
This is the First World Leaders playing Third World Politics to a Third World Electorate led to believe they are living in a FALSE First World Standard of Living with the First World Costs. -
I'll take the goodies and walk away.Originally posted by foga:exactly.
perhaps those who feel it's peanuts or complaining abt this and that should seriously consider donating to the following charities.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/esvportal/others/charities/charity/charitylist.asp
I need the money - uni fees have risen for the second year in a row.
Since the PAP says that it's not an election ploy, I'll still vote against them. -
No problem, Return them once its dished out.Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:Funny lah you Salman.
Goodies not dish out yet. How to return? Return the dish? -
gahmen always like that damn clever one what. Baby Bonus give one time tax rebate and this and that what not. But the cost of bringing up a child is always increasing and that can never be totally covered for. One time give u goodies...let u eat sweet sweet then in the centre bitter bitter..Originally posted by pearlie27:It is better for the govt to find jobs, and better paying ones, for us than to give us such one-time goodies!
It is also impt that they not spike the transport, utility, GST and whatnot and take back whatever they give us. -
hmm. how much is the dinner buffet at shangs?
-
Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:oxford, you are that materialistic meh?
Anyway, I also don't have, and I don't need to vote, doesn't matter. -
Originally posted by lousyboiboi:
time will tell.
[b]NO WOR.
PAGE 1 OF NEWSPAPER, PM SAY IS NOT GIVING US ELECTION GOODIES WOR. ITS FOR SINGAPORE BETTER LIVING. [/b]
see what happens after the elections. -
Then poly also ma. And I don't have any of the budget........Originally posted by fudgester:I'll take the goodies and walk away.
I need the money - uni fees have risen for the second year in a row.
Since the PAP says that it's not an election ploy, I'll still vote against them. 
-
Originally posted by oxford mushroom:
Man, I going to turn this into a crap thread already. -
You want govt to totally cover your child's upbringing? Shame on you!Originally posted by ablazegal:gahmen always like that damn clever one what. Baby Bonus give one time tax rebate and this and that what not. But the cost of bringing up a child is always increasing and that can never be totally covered for. One time give u goodies...let u eat sweet sweet then in the centre bitter bitter.. -
x2Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:Then poly also ma. And I don't have any of the budget........ -
Why return what is supposed to be ours?Originally posted by Salman:Can all those who don't like the goodies that PAP dish out please retrun them.
Your lack of logic astounds me, and let me repeat once again, Confucianism has no place nor future in this society, especially in the realm of fake reverence.