Looks like its getting really serious....
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I agree with all except "you should not question".Originally posted by deathbait:i never said they weren't accountable.
There's a perfect check and balance system in place. You elect alternatives if you're dissapointed in the current one.
But you should not question, if they are currently fulfilling their end of the bargain. It's the core basic of agreements. You want something, they provided. Deal done.
Don't like how it's done? Perhaps next time you'll vote better. Or better yet, go around educating your neighbours. But we DID elect them. So suck it up. I don't like it either, but I don't whine when I lost. Especially when it isn't even THAT bad.
Excuse the strong language but I think its a sorry excuse for thinly disguised apathy.
As citizens, we ask questions not because we object or we oppose, but because we care.
We can talk all day about how they were already the incumbent before the first vote was cast due to walkovers or how the opposition had failed to field enough candidates to challenge the 2/3 majority needed to pass laws and tons of ink (and bandwidth) had already been utilised on such talk.
And that's why the citizen needs to question: because there are not enough "elected" representatives in parliament to watch our backs.
If we voted (as in, REALLY voted and not had one appointed due to a walkover) in a lousy opposition MP, or a lousy incumbent MP, then your point is valid. We suck it in.
But the situation as it is now? I don't think its wise at all to "suck it in".
The least we can do is, as you say, educate and hope to vote wisely in future, and QUESTION.
As for whether its really THAT bad or not, I think its all relative. GNP, GDP and per capita income doesn't mean that everyone is making that kinda money and increasingly, there's an income disparity.
As for who should help, whether its charities, NGOs or the govt, these are, excuse the repetition, valid questions.
As for transparency in government investments, I think they're good to know, esp if Temasek is so actively acquiring foreign assets.
There's all these talks about how "taxpayer's money" and "CPF money" being "wasted" on "dud acquisitions", it helps to have a more communicative government to dispel bad information with good information.
Truly, blind faith in the inherent checks and balances of the constitution when many of the representatives are not elected isn't exactly very reassuring to the average joe. -
I challenge you to proof me wrong.Originally posted by soul_rage:Don't need to listen to you then since you also don't carry any weight
Its just your word. -
I agree with what you're saying in theory, but when applied to the local situation, we also need to consider whether there's a critical mass available to support more competition.Originally posted by soul_rage:That being said, I agree that each model has its own merits, but currently, I am against privatization of public transport company because its, simply put, a monopoly. And all monopolies are bad for the end user (simple as that)
In a monopoly, increasing prices is the direct approach they use to increasing their bottom line. If we really should continue on the privatization approach, then we should have true competitors to ensure that fare increases are controlled by the market, and not some PWC council whose formulas are also questionable.
I think the best we can do is achieve an oligopoly (and that's not exactly desirable too cos it can turn into a cartel by crossing the thin red line).
Maybe a "monopolistic" model might be workable, with different companies given licenses to ply specific routes and open tenders required say, every 3 to 5 years to ensure that the most competitive bid with the best overall service package gets to operate the route.
That will introduce competition in the public transportation industry while ensuring the viability of a few medium sized bus service operators.
That will of course, raise separate problems as medium sized bus operators may not be able to achieve the economies of scale necessary to ensure affordable pricings.
Ultimately, its back to the point of "who's paying for it"? Somebody will have to in the end and i think the current situation, though not perfect, offers the most equitable solution possible for our situation. -
Originally posted by AndrewPKYap:
This may yet be the worst analysis of the situation i've seen.
This are yesterday's charts... as you can see there is a possibility that the US CENTRAL bank is trying to save the US Stock markets at the expense of currency stability...
As I have said earlier, this problem has many dangers and that is why [b]Looks like its getting really serious....
US Stock market stability will help the USA but currency instability (not so damaging to the US since the pseudo democracies and dictatorships lend the US money in US Dollars) might cause chaos and possibly regime change in China...
Watch this space.... [/b] -
I completely agree with you about questioning. I'm always encouraging people to question. The problem is asking the right questions. And asking the right people.Originally posted by CX:I agree with all except "you should not question".
Excuse the strong language but I think its a sorry excuse for thinly disguised apathy.
As citizens, we ask questions not because we object or we oppose, but because we care.
We can talk all day about how they were already the incumbent before the first vote was cast due to walkovers or how the opposition had failed to field enough candidates to challenge the 2/3 majority needed to pass laws and tons of ink (and bandwidth) had already been utilised on such talk.
And that's why the citizen needs to question: because there are not enough "elected" representatives in parliament to watch our backs.
If we voted (as in, REALLY voted and not had one appointed due to a walkover) in a lousy opposition MP, or a lousy incumbent MP, then your point is valid. We suck it in.
But the situation as it is now? I don't think its wise at all to "suck it in".
The least we can do is, as you say, educate and hope to vote wisely in future, and QUESTION.
As for whether its really THAT bad or not, I think its all relative. GNP, GDP and per capita income doesn't mean that everyone is making that kinda money and increasingly, there's an income disparity.
As for who should help, whether its charities, NGOs or the govt, these are, excuse the repetition, valid questions.
As for transparency in government investments, I think they're good to know, esp if Temasek is so actively acquiring foreign assets.
There's all these talks about how "taxpayer's money" and "CPF money" being "wasted" on "dud acquisitions", it helps to have a more communicative government to dispel bad information with good information.
Truly, blind faith in the inherent checks and balances of the constitution when many of the representatives are not elected isn't exactly very reassuring to the average joe.
You want your questions answered, you first need someone willing to answer questions. We talk about the government all day, but how many of us really go around the neighbourhood convincing people there is a need to change? If we've never made the effort, we can hardly complain that PAP is still in charge and refusing to answer questions.
That's what i meant by having to suck it. Because we lost the last election, the few of us who want change. We lost, and should be gracious losers. Asking for things never promised us is not the way to go. Instead, spend the energy going around talking to people. That is the correct way to do this.
I'm not generally in favor of the current system. But I know I was beat this election. We need to look ahead and plan the next one, not continue beating this dead horse. They won't answer your questions because they never said they would. You want questions answered? Promote a candidate willing to do so. -
Originally posted by deathbait:I completely agree with you about questioning. I'm always encouraging people to question. The problem is asking the right questions. And asking the right people.
You want your questions answered, you first need someone willing to answer questions. We talk about the government all day, but how many of us really go around the neighbourhood convincing people there is a need to change? If we've never made the effort, we can hardly complain that PAP is still in charge and refusing to answer questions.
That's what i meant by having to suck it. Because we lost the last election, the few of us who want change. We lost, and should be gracious losers. Asking for things never promised us is not the way to go. Instead, spend the energy going around talking to people. That is the correct way to do this.
I'm not generally in favor of the current system. But I know I was beat this election. We need to look ahead and plan the next one, not continue beating this dead horse. They won't answer your questions because they never said they would. You want questions answered? Promote a candidate willing to do so.
fair enough.
Though I think that accountability and transparency are not electoral promises. They are principles of good governance.
An elected government should deliver on its promises, but they should also be forthright in addressing the concerns of the citizens and avail themselves (or their press secretaries) to answer public queries.
Its a bit surreal to suggest that if the PAP promised upgrading to ageing HDB estates and delivers it, then they need not account to the public on how they spent money, why they increased taxes and what the state owned enterprises are doing.
This is especially if the incumbent prides itself on being clean, aboveboard and morally upright (if not superior). Why wait for an election to answer questions then? Since they themselves are complaining that the opposition had "disappeared" after the elections. -
I do. I am not one who mince my words when talking about the PAP that we have. My intention is not to brainwash, but to educate those who don't know.Originally posted by deathbait:I completely agree with you about questioning. I'm always encouraging people to question. The problem is asking the right questions. And asking the right people.
You want your questions answered, you first need someone willing to answer questions. We talk about the government all day, but how many of us really go around the neighbourhood convincing people there is a need to change? If we've never made the effort, we can hardly complain that PAP is still in charge and refusing to answer questions.
That's what i meant by having to suck it. Because we lost the last election, the few of us who want change. We lost, and should be gracious losers. Asking for things never promised us is not the way to go. Instead, spend the energy going around talking to people. That is the correct way to do this.
I'm not generally in favor of the current system. But I know I was beat this election. We need to look ahead and plan the next one, not continue beating this dead horse. They won't answer your questions because they never said they would. You want questions answered? Promote a candidate willing to do so.
And besides, raising these questions again will continually help to build up a strong case of change required in our country's governance.
But that aside, I enjoy our discussions. Thanks for the opinions -
Why should I?Originally posted by Gazelle:I challenge you to proof me wrong.
Its akin to me saying you are stupid, and then I challenge you to prove me wrong. *shrugs* -
childishOriginally posted by soul_rage:Why should I?
Its akin to me saying you are stupid, and then I challenge you to prove me wrong. *shrugs* -
The battle can be won in many ways. I think we're both fighting the good fight. See you on the other side.Originally posted by soul_rage:I do. I am not one who mince my words when talking about the PAP that we have. My intention is not to brainwash, but to educate those who don't know.
And besides, raising these questions again will continually help to build up a strong case of change required in our country's governance.
But that aside, I enjoy our discussions. Thanks for the opinions -
I agree with your dismay wrote:
Andrew,
I could'nt agree with you more. Given the brain powers pXp has amassed, I am stumped by SG willingness to spike the speculation spirit (of with heavy doses of whiskey by SG banks)on the real estate sector. Real estate is probably the most illiquid asset class and this is being primed as wealth enabler and savings at the sametime.
If you look at the mickey-mouse size rooms they have approved you have to wonder what happen to the planning authority or were they told to sleep at work or were they in the pockets of the developers or all of the above.
The timing is all the more impeccable. In the current credit crunch environment where big US/UK/EU banks are floundering and Chinese, Russian and Indian stock indexes at record highs, one would have thought some cautions are in order. Instead we witness a wild financial orgy which is deliberate. The risks are like those of free-fall diving.
This leads to the next inquiry - is SG working under instruction of some one or were they forced to do it or they are thinking they are different (this would be hubris to the extreme).
Posted on 11/28/07 at 22:27:21 -
sgforums seems to be experiencing some problems
I could have sworn Andrew didn't post anything new. -
Shi.t, did Andrew hang himself or run over by the Bull?
How some now stock chart!!!!!!
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This is Bull Run?Originally posted by Gazelle:Shi.t, did Andrew hang himself or run over by the Bull?
How some now stock chart!!!!!! 
What Bull.... thanks coolie, for bumpz up the thread and making the joke of the day so early in the morning.. -
Next he will be telling us that Ho Jinx is no longer a Jinx
... and while the markets rebounded ...
Ho Jinx stocks did what?
... any wonder that Ho Jinx's wife was sacked as finance minister? -
... the chart above is a one day trading chart (yesterday's)... of the bank Ho Jinx bought at the onset of the sub-prime crisis... brilliant move... for a JINX, that is...
... and when the markets hit bottom (temporarily)... sell just days ago, Bank of China shares when it hit rock bottom of this cycle...
Jinx behavior of the highest order!
... and when questioned about the losses what is her fav answer?
It is a long term investment, yah sure... therefore, must sell at the rock bottom of the cycles....
Causing her wife to lose the Finance Minister job in addition to losing Singaporeans money...
and her fav phrase when questioned about the losses? " It is a "long term investment". It sounds exactly like what this guy said yesterday..
Malaysians are always learning the wrong things from Singapore... how can anyone learn from a Ho that is a Jinx? -
Andrew, glad you still alive.
15)
Andrew there is no point telling us you are smart by reporting DowJones and yesterday news because my notebook and internet connection is already capable for feeding me more accurate and timely information.
If you want to show us how smart an investor you are, let me ask you.
a) Suppose if your running a investment company that manage $100m worth of fund. Am I right to say that since July 2007 (as you claim is the time have predicted the market will crash)you would have already exit the stock market?
b) Suppose if Yes. What will you be doing with the $100m worth of funds?
c) Suppose your answer is NO, will you be able to tell us which are the stock which you will continue to hold starting from today (reason I asking starting from today is because I know you will dig out the best performing stocks from the last 3 months and say thats your prediction)
Over to you Andrew!! -
Originally posted by AndrewPKYap:
how insightful andrew.
... the chart above is a one day trading chart (yesterday's)... of the bank Ho Jinx [b]bought at the onset of the sub-prime crisis... brilliant move... for a JINX, that is...
... and when the markets hit bottom (temporarily)... sell just days ago, Bank of China shares when it hit rock bottom of this cycle...
Jinx behavior of the highest order!
... and when questioned about the losses what is her fav answer?
It is a long term investment, yah sure... therefore, must sell at the rock bottom of the cycles....
Causing her wife to lose the Finance Minister job in addition to losing Singaporeans money...
and her fav phrase when questioned about the losses? " It is a "long term investment". It sounds exactly like what this guy says.... Malaysians are always learning the wrong things from Singapore... how can anyone learn from a Ho that is a Jinx? [/b]
just for giggles, i should point out that if she really were a jinx, any losses are not her personal fault. But you seem adamant about finding her guilty anyway, so on to the next point...
you really have to forgive us mortals andrew. Unlike you, we have no power to predict what will happen tommorow. Oh right, sorry, i forgot all your predictions have been wrong. Guess you're a mortal too.
I guess you've never bought high and sold low before. What was that you were saying? Stop loss importance? Definately doesn't apply to your enemies right. When they stop loss, it's buy high sell low. When it's you, it's financial genius.
See, unlike financial gods such as yourself, we look to long term investments. What? You buy and hold for decades? That sounds pretty long term too. It's beginning to really sound like you're not so much a financial guru, as a paradox of values.
Hey if you're so great about prediction, maybe you shorted the market recently, anticipating free-fall. Is that the real reason for your current inactivity? I mean, you were confident right? Why not short?
That's really the question you should ask all "experts" when they tell you it's crashing. If they don't even believe in their own analysis, why should you believe them? -
... thanks coolie for bumpz up my thread... I was afraid after writing so much about the Ho that is Jinx, no one bumpz up my thread for me...
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cue in personal insults here as Andrew lashes out at being caught with his hand in the cookie jar again.
don't you sweat over it Andrew, i'll help you remind the fellas. I promised Andrew a week ago that I would act on his continuous delibrate misleading "advice". No worries, it's being taken care of. I haven't forgotten=) -
It is common for bulls to run over their bullshi.tOriginally posted by AndrewPKYap:This is Bull Run? -
There are a lot of 'investment experts', that are very pessimistic about the market. They will keep giving doomsday predictions, and when the prediction doesn't happen, they just ignore their failure and continue to predict.Originally posted by deathbait:cue in personal insults here as Andrew lashes out at being caught with his hand in the cookie jar again.
don't you sweat over it Andrew, i'll help you remind the fellas. I promised Andrew a week ago that I would act on his continuous delibrate misleading "advice". No worries, it's being taken care of. I haven't forgotten=)
Year in year out, it doesn't happen, then one day, the market hits the downward cycle
That's when these 'investment experts' come out and say 'AHA, see! I told you so, a few years ago'
The fact is, history tells us that an upward or downward trend is about 5 years on average. All you need is being wrong for 5 years, and ignore all your failures, and when the cycle finally sets in, you can come out and say you are a prophet.
To those who are interested in investments, my advice is to learn it yourself, and learn the fundamentals of the market, rather than relying on doomsday predictions.
Each person should have his/her own method of investment (and none of them are wrong). Attempting to follow others usually results in failure, because their methods do not suit you (and god knows whether they themselves understand the fundamentals or not) -
Also, a person who refuses to act on his own advice is giving dubious advice. Ask how many times Andrew shorted the market when he predicted crashes.Originally posted by soul_rage:There are a lot of 'investment experts', that are very pessimistic about the market. They will keep giving doomsday predictions, and when the prediction doesn't happen, they just ignore their failure and continue to predict.
Year in year out, it doesn't happen, then one day, the market hits the downward cycle
That's when these 'investment experts' come out and say 'AHA, see! I told you so, a few years ago'
The fact is, history tells us that an upward or downward trend is about 5 years on average. All you need is being wrong for 5 years, and ignore all your failures, and when the cycle finally sets in, you can come out and say you are a prophet.
To those who are interested in investments, my advice is to learn it yourself, and learn the fundamentals of the market, rather than relying on doomsday predictions.
Each person should have his/her own method of investment (and none of them are wrong). Attempting to follow others usually results in failure, because their methods do not suit you (and god knows whether they themselves understand the fundamentals or not) -
US Dollars -
DOW JONES