HST kissed by Ex-Taxi Driver
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I understand and pity the frustration of this old man is facing.....People in most countries at his age would have retired long long long time earlier than age 74. Yet, he is still struggling with his livelihood. For an old man of age 74...his eyesight maybe OK.....but I believe people of 65 onward would have to strain their eyes in prolong focusing..do you agree? Imagine...this old has to drive for at least 8 to 12 hours for a net income of S$50-S$80. Poor old man at age 74...begging for chance to get back to drive taxi as to struggle to his last breath but.........
I wonder why our government is so cold blooded that they would happily draw ridiculous salaries, perks, dividends and etc but turning a cold shoulder to the poors or the average income group of people.
The only words I can describe our government are....they are bunch of merciless blood sucking vampires. -
on another note, if i may ask... what responsibility is it of the gabrament if a dude refuses to prepare for his retirement and spends every cent of his wages each time he gets his paycheque? (that is, if he can afford it...)
ultimately, if the gabrament makes a safety net policy for those who do that instead of being responsible for themselves, the $$$ has to come from somewhere... will people KPKB about taxes? -
May I ask..if situation could not let one to save every penny....and is that the one's fault?Originally posted by the Bear:on another note, if i may ask... what responsibility is it of the gabrament if a dude refuses to prepare for his retirement and spends every cent of his wages each time he gets his paycheque? (that is, if he can afford it...)
ultimately, if the gabrament makes a safety net policy for those who do that instead of being responsible for themselves, the $$$ has to come from somewhere... will people KPKB about taxes? -
which is?
i ask this question because of people i know...
their fathers were taxi drivers...
one is enjoying retirement... the other is still struggling even with his son supporting him....
the first did what he could and it was sufficient.. the other spent craploads gambling... and still does.. his wages went and still go into 4D and horses..
it's the same.. if an exec blows his 5-figure wages all the time, he's going to have to work like a dog after his time to retire...Originally posted by Lowclassman:May I ask..if situation do not allowed one to do so....and is that the one's fault? -
Originally posted by Lowclassman:
I agree with YOU!!
I understand and pity the frustration of this old man is facing.....People in most countries at his age would have retired long long long time earlier than age 74. Yet, he is still struggling with his livelihood. For an old man of age 74...his eyesight maybe OK.....but I believe people of 65 onward would have to strain their eyes in prolong focusing..do you agree? Imagine...this old has to drive for at least 8 to 12 hours for a net income of S$50-S$80. [b]Poor old man at age 74...begging for chance to get back to drive taxi as to struggle to his last breath but.........
I wonder why our government is so cold blooded that they would happily draw ridiculous salaries, perks, dividends and etc but turning a cold shoulder to the poors or the average income group of people.
The only words I can describe our government are....they are bunch of merciless blood sucking vampires.
[/b] -
This is not a fair comparison! You can even say some are driving taxi just for extra income for luxuries. One true fact...my cousin is driving a taxi and he lives in a semi-detach house at Mackerrow Road and with no outstanding loans.Originally posted by the Bear:which is?
i ask this question because of people i know...
their fathers were taxi drivers...
one is enjoying retirement... the other is still struggling even with his son supporting him....
the first did what he could and it was sufficient.. the other spent craploads gambling... and still does.. his wages went and still go into 4D and horses..
it's the same.. if an exec blows his 5-figure wages all the time, he's going to have to work like a dog after his time to retire...
There, at least 50% are geniune cases where by they are struggling to meet their ends of daily expenditures. -
again, i ask.. which is?
thing is this... look around at most of the complaints in SC... all are asking.. nay.. DEMANDING that the gabrament do this, do that...
while they do not and refuse to take personal responsibility for their lives...
heck! they are even lauding the taxi driver for violence and assault!
the gabrament are money-grubbing... but the moment we do not take personal responsibility for our own lives, and demand that the gabrament do everything for us, we have lost the right to complain about them being money-grubbing... because we let them... and by complaining and demanding they do so, we insist that they squeeze us...
have you taken personal responsibility for your own life?
have those who are in such dire straits taken responsibility for their lives? -
continue discussion here
http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=201180 -
People who are financially irresponsible have lah but somehow i am more inclined towards the views of Lowclassman...
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This is simple taichi.....lots of people here push the blame to the government without considering their own faults...Originally posted by the Bear:again, i ask.. which is?
thing is this... look around at most of the complaints in SC... all are asking.. nay.. DEMANDING that the gabrament do this, do that...
while they do not and refuse to take personal responsibility for their lives...
heck! they are even lauding the taxi driver for violence and assault!
the gabrament are money-grubbing... but the moment we do not take personal responsibility for our own lives, and demand that the gabrament do everything for us, we have lost the right to complain about them being money-grubbing... because we let them... and by complaining and demanding they do so, we insist that they squeeze us...
have you taken personal responsibility for your own life?
have those who are in such dire straits taken responsibility for their lives? -
personal responsibilty of ones life is an issue
the balant corruption surronding us is another issue
but when the later issue effect your earlier issue
then it will be become a serious issue. -
Ok,
From my point of view, I can see that Singapore's economy is largely tailored & tuned for the highly educated, high-end industries, FTs & PRCs, Medical Science & Research, and other elit-oriented schemes.
As such, for the multitude of averagely or lowly educated generations, they appear to be left to die out slowly & agonisingly by sheer lack of lucrative means of making a living. Hence, many resorted to gambling and all other forms of quick bucks activities.
If our gov can understand that paying their ministers top salaries keeps corruption at bay, it should also apply to the people - allow them or create a sector in industry where they can make decent incomes and keep them away from vices & inevitable crimes... or sudden outburst of violence. -
How can poorly educated, low-skilled workers earn a 'decent' (I presume that means high) income in the midst of global competition and cheap foreign labour?
I suppose that's why the casinos are coming in...We have to continually upgrade our skills to meet the latest market demands.
To be employed is to be at risk. To be employable is to secure your future. -
Can anyone earning below $2,000 p.m. (before CPF deduction) still save for his retirement ?
What is the monthly cost that has to be met from one's nett salary ?
Monthly salary $2,000
LESS 20% CPF - $400
Nett Take Home: $1,600 x 12 months = $19,200 p.a.
LESS
Daily Adult Expenses
Daily Breakfast $3.00
Daily Lunch $4.50
Daily Dinner $4.50
Daily Transportation $6.00 - Total Daily Expenses : $18.00
TOTAL : 30 Day Expenses : $540.00 x 12 months = $6,480 p.a.
2 Child Expenses :
Daily Breakfast $2.00
Daily Lunch $3.00
Daily Dinner $3.00
Daily Transport $3.00 - Total Daily Expense $11.00 x 2 = $22.00
TOTAL : 30 Day Expenses : $660.00 x 12 months = $7,920 p.a.
School Fees per Month : $6.00 x 12 months = $72 p.a. x 2 = $144.00
School Text Books and Stationary: $200 p.a. x 2 = $400.00
School Uniform - Annual Expense : $50 p.a. x 2 = $100.00
School Miscellaneous Expense : $200 p.a. x 2 = $400.00
TOTAL 2 child School Expenses : $1,044 p.a.
Monthly Utilities for Family of four : $200.00 x 12 = $2,400 p.a.
Monthly Household Expenses: $112 x 12 = $1,344 p.a.
TOTAL Annual Expenses : $19,188 p.a.
Can those who are still Single understand the problems of raising a family ? -
Decent does not necessarily mean HIGH income, but rather; perhaps reducing certain costs so that these low income earners can match their earnings to.Originally posted by oxford mushroom:How can poorly educated, low-skilled workers earn a 'decent' (I presume that means high) income in the midst of global competition and cheap foreign labour?
I suppose that's why the casinos are coming in...We have to continually upgrade our skills to meet the latest market demands.
To be employed is to be at risk. To be employable is to secure your future.
A people of any country is dynamic and very variable, hence I believe that a gov chosen to lead, should find or discover avenues for thos of lesser to walk in life.
True they don't owe any of us a living, but since we somehow owe them a living, they should do their level best to create breathing space for the non-elits. They won't last long anyway....
When casinos are here, we shall see who the jobs will go to.... -
politican has to prepare for this. including kana bash by voters.
$11k salary not so easy to earn.
i come from a middle lower income family, i dont see myself why i need to support the the view of the politically elite singaporean. -
I do not know where is the prioriity for these MPs since they can keep their full time job.
Is their first priority towards their jobs and businesses or is it the residents' concerns and improvement to the constitutency should come first? -
Fully agree with you!Originally posted by ShutterBug:Ok,
From my point of view, I can see that Singapore's economy is largely tailored & tuned for the highly educated, high-end industries, FTs & PRCs, Medical Science & Research, and other elit-oriented schemes.
As such, for the multitude of averagely or lowly educated generations, they appear to be left to die out slowly & agonisingly by sheer lack of lucrative means of making a living. Hence, many resorted to gambling and all other forms of quick bucks activities.
If our gov can understand that paying their ministers top salaries keeps corruption at bay, it should also apply to the people - allow them or create a sector in industry where they can make decent incomes and keep them away from vices & inevitable crimes... or sudden outburst of violence.
These facts ought to be accounted for consequential of negative impact to society. -
Originally posted by the Bear:
How many people are enble to take responsibilty for their own life in dire straits?
again, i ask.. which is?
thing is this... look around at most of the complaints in SC... all are asking.. nay.. DEMANDING that the gabrament do this, do that...
[b][color=red][b][b]Reply: No one in singapore can demand our blood sucking gov to... do this or do that...or [b]anyone in history of singapore had demanded our blood sucking gov to do things and the blood sucking gov responded.
This blood sucking gov have always reacted or over reacted the ruling of our country and had been always benefited the elites and themselves. [/b][/b][/b][/color]
while they do not and refuse to take personal responsibility for their lives...
Reply and ask: if everyone is an Angel like you....Why the need for gov to implement CPF....OA...Medisave and SA?
heck! they are even lauding the taxi driver for violence and assault!
Reply: He is a 74 year old guy. What would you think if he happen to be a 44 year old guy? How will the gov be reacting to it?
the gabrament are money-grubbing... but the moment we do not take personal responsibility for our own lives, and demand that the gabrament do everything for us, we have lost the right to complain about them being money-grubbing... because we let them... and by complaining and demanding they do so, we insist that they squeeze us...
have you taken personal responsibility for your own life?
My question...have you (bear) taken [b]enough personal responsibility for your own life?[/b]
have those who are in such dire straits taken responsibility for their lives?[/b] -
continue discussion here
http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=201180
PS: Offenders may be BAN from further posting. -
Originally posted by Lowclassman:
[b]How many people are enble to take responsibilty for their own life in dire straits?
[/b]
The government made the decision that no one is capable to take responsibility for their own lives, hence there's this thing called CPF. -
News
Ex-cabby apologises for punching MP in the face
228 words
23 July 2006
Straits TimesEnglish
(c) 2006 Singapore Press Holdings Limited
A FORMER cabby who punched Yio Chu Kang MP Seng Han Thong in the face during a Meet-the-People session has apologised for his actions. Mr Koo Tong Huat, 74, wrote an apology in Chinese, expressing his regret for acting in a rash manner. He also asked for Mr Seng's forgiveness, reported Lianhe Wanbao yesterday.
Mr Koo produced the note during an interview with the Chinese newspaper, which later informed the MP about it. Mr Seng, who is in Shanghai on a business trip, accepted the apology and dismissed it as a small matter. The incident took place last Thursday at a PAP Community Foundation kindergarten in Ang Mo Kio. Mr Koo had gone to see the MP about his revoked taxi licence.
He had earlier sought the MP's help to get ComfortDelGro, which owns Comfort taxis, to reinstate his licence. But he lost his temper before Mr Seng could take out a letter to show him that he had acted on his appeal. Mr Koo reportedly lost his taxi licence four years ago after a passenger complained about his rude behaviour. He had apparently quarrelled with her over a basket of wet seafood she had put into his cab. Mr Koo was released on police bail last Friday. The police are investigating the matter. -
2 Child Expenses :
It is not cheap to raise children but I think your figures are inflated. I grew up in a poor family and we could get by with much less. My father brought home $500 a month (1980 figures) and we had three siblings:
Daily Breakfast $2.00
Daily Lunch $3.00
Daily Dinner $3.00
Daily Transport $3.00 - Total Daily Expense $11.00 x 2 = $22.00
TOTAL : 30 Day Expenses : $660.00 x 12 months = $7,920 p.a.
School Fees per Month : $6.00 x 12 months = $72 p.a. x 2 = $144.00
School Text Books and Stationary: $200 p.a. x 2 = $400.00
School Uniform - Annual Expense : $50 p.a. x 2 = $100.00
School Miscellaneous Expense : $200 p.a. x 2 = $400.00
TOTAL 2 child School Expenses : $1,044 p.a.
Breakfast: last night's left-overs
Lunch and dinner: Go to wholesale market and get vegetables that are already turning yellow. They used to give us a huge basketful for very little. Stew as mixed vegetables or make curry. We get meat once a week.
Daily transport: Walked to school and then took bus when secondary school was further away. Since when has student bus fare gone up to 1.50 per trip? And btw, school is only from Monday to Friday, you must not multiply by 30 per month. Occasional ECA, although we hardly participated in anything...use the time to study instead.
School fees: never had to pay. Scholarships and busaries paid for all fees and provided pocket money in addition. Some of them like the Pre-U MOE scholarship comes with remission of school fees.
Text books and stationary: Never had to buy books. Second hand from seniors,neighbours and siblings... As for some books that were not available, borrow from library and zapped the whole lot
Collected ten-year series and past exam papers from seniors (In fact, made money when I worked out the answers and sold them as model answers to classmates for 20cents a copy )
Stationary: used to work part-time delivering papers and later as student correspondent for the now-defunct Nanyang Siang Pau...the uncles and aunties there let me take the office pens and pencils...I took home two a week
School uniform: never had to buy them....second hand from seniors who have left the school...bit big but ok. Passed on to siblings.
Miscellaneous expenses: never joined school outings so no need to pay. Other expenses covered by scholarships and bursaries. Didn't have to pay for A level exam fees 'cos principal paid for me
If you come from a poor family, you can make do and get by with much less. Since I took my first bursary/scholarship in Pri 2, hardly had to spend a cent of my parent's money for school and I am nowhere near President scholarship material. Children can get by with less...it makes them stronger.. -
Originally posted by Atobe:
Indeed. There are some who earn just enough to get by, they simply do not have any leftovers to save. Then there are others who can save, and also invest wisely to make the money grow. Over 20 -30 years, the first group would still be at the edge, the slightest push, and they may have to go hungry. The second group can afford to retire early and enjoy their golden years.
Can anyone earning below $2,000 p.m. (before CPF deduction) still save for his retirement ?
What is the monthly cost that has to be met from one's nett salary ?
Monthly salary $2,000
LESS 20% CPF - $400
[b]Nett Take Home: $1,600 x 12 months = $19,200 p.a.
LESS
Daily Adult Expenses
Daily Breakfast $3.00
Daily Lunch $4.50
Daily Dinner $4.50
Daily Transportation $6.00 - Total Daily Expenses : $18.00
TOTAL : 30 Day Expenses : $540.00 x 12 months = $6,480 p.a.
2 Child Expenses :
Daily Breakfast $2.00
Daily Lunch $3.00
Daily Dinner $3.00
Daily Transport $3.00 - Total Daily Expense $11.00 x 2 = $22.00
TOTAL : 30 Day Expenses : $660.00 x 12 months = $7,920 p.a.
School Fees per Month : $6.00 x 12 months = $72 p.a. x 2 = $144.00
School Text Books and Stationary: $200 p.a. x 2 = $400.00
School Uniform - Annual Expense : $50 p.a. x 2 = $100.00
School Miscellaneous Expense : $200 p.a. x 2 = $400.00
TOTAL 2 child School Expenses : $1,044 p.a.
Monthly Utilities for Family of four : $200.00 x 12 = $2,400 p.a.
Monthly Household Expenses: $112 x 12 = $1,344 p.a.
TOTAL Annual Expenses : $19,188 p.a.
Can those who are still Single understand the problems of raising a family ?
[/b] -
you still have to consider medical fees, insurance or education fund contribution, etc. the money is even less.
And unlike the past when a lot of us survive on $10 a week from our parents, this is barely enough for today's children. They become more spoilt is one thing but also because things get more expensive, in my time eat one tua bao $0.60, now cost $1.20 or more. And no parent want their children to starve mah, if they want to eat, of course you have to give more.
Bottomline, salary < $2000 difficult to start a family.