I think this quote encapsulates perfectly the difference between America and Singapore. In America you can criticise your country however harshly and still be regarded as a patriot. However, in Singapore, do that and you are regarded as a threat and a traitor.Originally posted by fymk:Let me quote you James A Baldwin
"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually"
The only thing I have ownership over in Singapore are my memories of growing up there under a government which used to care about the progress of the country.Originally posted by dakkon_blackblade:I think this quote encapsulates perfectly the difference between America and Singapore. In America you can criticise your country however harshly and still be regarded as a patriot. However, in Singapore, do that and you are regarded as a threat and a traitor.
The Singapore government seems to fail to understand that patriotism stems from a sense of ownership of the country. Genuine patriots feel that the country belong to them, and that they have the right and ability to make it better. Part of this feeling of ownership comes from the freedom to think and say what is good and bad about the country. It is this freedom which we seem to lack, and hence we cannot foster genuine patriotism and love for the country.
LKY said this before: "What you cannot defend, you do not own." I think it should be: "What you do not own, you cannot defend".
I shudder to that thought...Originally posted by charlize:Singapore is slowly turning herself into a 6 star resort hotel for the rich.
Guess who has to serve the rich?
I know.I know ........Gazelle is our front runner, he is all prepared for it.Originally posted by charlize:Singapore is slowly turning herself into a 6 star resort hotel for the rich.
Guess who has to serve the rich?
It all goes down to the government's mentality.Originally posted by dakkon_blackblade:I think this quote encapsulates perfectly the difference between America and Singapore. In America you can criticise your country however harshly and still be regarded as a patriot. However, in Singapore, do that and you are regarded as a threat and a traitor.
The Singapore government seems to fail to understand that patriotism stems from a sense of ownership of the country. Genuine patriots feel that the country belong to them, and that they have the right and ability to make it better. Part of this feeling of ownership comes from the freedom to think and say what is good and bad about the country. It is this freedom which we seem to lack, and hence we cannot foster genuine patriotism and love for the country.
LKY said this before: "What you cannot defend, you do not own." I think it should be: "What you do not own, you cannot defend".
The gazelle will go down on all fours to service his clientele.Originally posted by miserable:I know.I know ........Gazelle is our front runner, he is all prepared for it.![]()
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If you not believe it, check out the tropics set by him![]()
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Well said. This should go down in the registry of Quotable Quotes.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Which is why the political ideology of the PAP, especially that ideological hubris and winner-takes-all mentality may be dangerous to Singapore's growth and maturity in the long-term.
Nope we can make noise sign petition wadever. But the government makes the descision for everything. They allow us to voice our opinions. Then they will say " we thank u for your time, we will look into this." aft u leave. Its goes into the bin.Originally posted by Slipshade:It all goes down to the government's mentality.
Our government thinks they are the best, and that whatever they do is right. So when we, the commoners, make noises about their policies, they are not very happy because 'the dumbdumbs do not know what is good for them'.
Bottomline is, whatever they say and do are right because they are the smartest whereas we commoners will be the complete opposite so dumbdumbs should shut up and not make noises!![]()
Well, we can always stage a peaceful protest by Applying for a permit.Originally posted by seotiblizzard:Nope we can make noise sign petition wadever. But the government makes the descision for everything. They allow us to voice our opinions. Then they will say " we thank u for your time, we will look into this." aft u leave. Its goes into the bin.
The problem does not lie so much in the difference between America and Singapore. Rather, this problem is a plague that's endemic of all rogue regimes run by despots and tyrants.Originally posted by dakkon_blackblade:I think this quote encapsulates perfectly the difference between America and Singapore. In America you can criticise your country however harshly and still be regarded as a patriot. However, in Singapore, do that and you are regarded as a threat and a traitor.
The Singapore government seems to fail to understand that patriotism stems from a sense of ownership of the country. Genuine patriots feel that the country belong to them, and that they have the right and ability to make it better. Part of this feeling of ownership comes from the freedom to think and say what is good and bad about the country. It is this freedom which we seem to lack, and hence we cannot foster genuine patriotism and love for the country.
LKY said this before: "What you cannot defend, you do not own." I think it should be: "What you do not own, you cannot defend".
Fail to understand of pretend not to understand?Originally posted by dakkon_blackblade:The Singapore government seems to fail to understand.
Yes, this paternalistic attitude has to change. Our people are getting better educated and the government should at least trust us to be able to think for ourselves and make our choices, instead of telling us what to do all the time. If the government never takes the initiative to shift the responsibility for our lives to us, it would be difficult for us to develop love for the country as a place where we want to live rather than a place where we just happen to be stuck in.Originally posted by Slipshade:It all goes down to the government's mentality.
Our government thinks they are the best, and that whatever they do is right. So when we, the commoners, make noises about their policies, they are not very happy because 'the dumbdumbs do not know what is good for them'.
Bottomline is, whatever they say and do are right because they are the smartest whereas we commoners will be the complete opposite so dumbdumbs should shut up and not make noises!![]()
You are very right, shared the same sentiments.Originally posted by charlize:Singapore is slowly turning herself into a 6 star resort hotel for the rich.
Guess who has to serve the rich?
He is right. He own and he defending..You don't own, what there for you to defend? So must own first..Originally posted by dakkon_blackblade:Selective quote:
LKY said this before: "What you cannot defend, you do not own." I think it should be: "What you do not own, you cannot defend".