NST Report: Bleak outlook for Singapore
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To “Gasband” and “CX”
Thanks for both of your insights, but I cannot blame you for reading more then what was intended in my post.
Did I project a “feeling” that working at a hawker center, or as a kopi tiam assistant or such similar menial work as Second Class?
Well, to your relatives and others, I must apologise, as that was never my intention.
I have friends who are young graduates and found lucrative employment as a hawker, using their parentsÂ’ age to obtain a hawker license; but these are the fortunate few who have the small capital to start up and a winning recipe or skill.
If you had been more discerning, and not so quick in your judgment, you will have read that I had stated that:-
“many families living in Single Room, Two Rooms and even 3-Room HDB Flats that have to take on second jobs to make ends meet…..............working in hawker centers, working as cleaners, sweepers, or as coffee shop assistants. Some even take on part time jobs as Relief Taxi Drivers, Trishaw Riders for down-town tours, or even as Security Guards”.
These people who take on such SECOND JOBS are probably stretched out on a full Eight Hour Day with the First Job (if they still have any), and to take on a Second Job although at shorter hours will be considered STRETCHING their energy level that will put their first job at risks too, and affecting the remaining time for family life
No wonder there is an increase in social problems such as family break ups, divorces, and petty disputes during these difficult times.
The Singapore Government has been very clear in their views of NOT providing any direct support for any kind of subsidies for all forms of public services.
The Citizens are expected to be charitable to support the various Private Charity Organisations that operate homes for the aged, hospices, care for the blind, deaf, the spastics and other institutions that looked after the unfortunate. The excuse given is valid that the Citizens cannot walk away from the responsibility of looking after these unfortunate members from our own community.
However, the same should be said of the Government too, especially when the healthy working Citizen gets old and infirmed, what is being done by the various Government bodies to look after US ?
Our Government is the primary champion of the “FREE MARKET MECHANISM” -to let the public (the Citizens) provide and pay for the services based on “MARKET PRICE” – which is basically fixed (or if you prefer “determined”) by the Government’s views of how a market mechanism should be.
When such “market mechanism” work in the favor of the Public, the Government will intervene by setting new rules to thwart such supposed “imperfect play” of market forces – (the COE system is a case in point).
With regards to being “Communistic” in practice, I was referring to the dominance of the Government views, and its non-acceptance of any alternative or dissenting views from the Citizens – in Private Life or in Opposition Politics; and the methods that they employ to “neutralize” opposing views (some have been sent to the Mental Institution for observation).
The Singapore Government (or should I refer to the Ruling Political Party) feel themselves as omni-potent in experience, knowledge and expertise by supposedly having the best brains that they can muster from the supposedly limited “Talent Pool” of this small island Nation of 4.5 million.
Quote from CX
“ah... could have helped, but did not... why? cos u're abusing hindsight. how would anyone know which investment would fail?”
Hindsight?
Well there were dissenting advice from within the Ruling Party , not to invest in the high risks venture of entering a failing market of Hard Disk Drives, but against all good advice, the GLC spent millions in buying over MICROPOLIS, and ended with a spectacular loss within a year (?). Did you say “Hindsight” ? There were some who had the foresight but the dissenting advice was ignored.
Seriously, do you believe in the accounts that have been generated after the FIRST YEAR of a take over?
Are you naive or innocent to politics ?
Those telecommunication companies that SingTel had bought over in Australia, Belgium, and Indonesia were all money losing companies for many years prior to being taken over.
Do you think that SingTel will be allowed to buy over these “national assets” that are suppose to be jewels and pride of the respective countries, if these were not already a burden to the country ?
Wait for another few more years and we will see the accounting results, then either you or I may have to eat our words.
DBS was surprised to have been sprung with another load of undeclared bad debts of another US$400+ Millions, almost two years after the take over of Dusat Thani Bank - AFTER the first batch of US$600 Plus Millions (I stand to be corrected??) were written off.
The current spate of price increases have been quickly executed, and the outbursts were tolerated with the expectation that it will blow over quickly, and over time the usual grudging acceptance will complete the exercise as a ‘fait accompli”.
With the full knowledge that events are going to be worst for the employed, and not too prospective for the unemployed, should the many price increases be implemented during the second half of 2002 in such a hurried manner ?
No one was asking for the dole then, nor subsidies; but everyone was asking for a delay in the increase in GST, hospital levies, utility rates, transport fares, and others.
"Do not ask what the Country can do for YOU, but what YOU can do for the Country ?"
Have you served your National Service ? Both of you must have completed your NS, and so have I.
We have given the best years of our Youth for the Country, and if ever called for the defense of this Country, I will give my life for it.
Do not ask more from me, not when you think you are SMARTER than me.
But what has the the GOVERNMENT of this Country done for US, other then to create all kinds of regulations, rules, and legislations, to suck up all the funds - that we have from our salary, CPF, Medisave, and MediShield – each time we spend on consumables, housing, transportation, medical, and what have you.
No one is asking for subsidies, but real market prices WITHOUT artificial interferences.
In the 1970Â’s the TeacherÂ’s Co-operative had proven that a group of people can come together with funds, to accomplish the building of a Private Housing Estate at a substantially lower costs then buying similar type of homes from a Private Developer.
With Public Housing, the original goal was to provide affordable housing for the masses, and it started off with reasonable affordable prices; and should have remained so with a larger co-operative formed by 4.5 million people all accepting and living in HDB homes.
However, the goals seemed to have shifted to one of PROFITABILITY, and with the HDB Homes subject to Market Pricing comparable to the Private Housing Sectors.
The newer types of HDB Flats are now TWENTY percent SMALLER, but cost more then THIRTY PERCENT compared to the homes built about 5 to 10 years ago – yet inflation is under control and hovering around ONE Percent annually for the last 20 years.
However, do not despair as there is a future for Singapore, ONLY when the Ruling Party decide NOT to use legislations to monopolise and dominate its privileged position in dealing with the Singapore Citizens on legitimate issues of politics, economics, social and cultural matters. -
brudder, u are cynical beyond belief...
nothing i want to say about your beliefs on the system... but as someone directly affected in more than one ways by the depression, i prefer a more direct approach towards alleviating the current economic woes.
and i believe that the little people and the heartlanders share this view also... we don't much care for flashy economic principles and g.p lessons. we don't care if the gov't is dirty and monopolistic. we don't much care if glcs win or lose money, as long as we get bread and circus.
the situation now suggests that we're only getting the clowns
i'm no liberal, neither am i a firm believer of parliamentary democracy. if there's ever a political philosophy i subscribe to, its anarchism. all gov'ts are bastards and scums and filth. the very institution itself is a device of oppression and exploitation.
but since a utopia where are men are kept in check with their self restraint is even more remote than a clean gov't, i subscribe to a more pragmatic view of my world.
many people now need direct aid before they can help themselves. i see your point, but i differ in opinion on what is more important to the people now.
cussing them for what they've done is not helpful here. and not everything that they've done has had a negative impact on the little man on the street.
what the little man cares about, is what they're gonna do to help him. i can pick myself up. i'm young. but what about the older retrenched workers?
the economy can restructure for all we care, jobs gone will just have to be lamented, but what more can be done to cushion the pain beyond rhetoric and symbolic gestures?
(and i don't want to hear another chee soon juan-type speech cos i frankly find them unconstructive and overly biased...) -
I am sorry if i ever sound insulting to anyone, but I guess when discussing politics, all a person is interested to brush away every single thing the government does, pin every blame to the government (my gosh i mean people can somehow say government no good=people need 2nd job=no time=family problems), i must say these people have a nice way of reasoning. Therefore I think if you cant give a neutral discussion of politics, you have just proven yourself dispensible in our country's development.
Leave if you need to. -
To “CX” and “gasband”,
Many thanks for your views that have been put in a very clear way.
The question that has been asked is what can we do to fend for ourselves under the present circumstances?
We are more hardy then the griping reveal, and there are many ways to beat any system that the Government care to put up.
Sometimes griping do help to stir the spirit, and one can be inspired to be more creative.
About the “chee soon juan” type of politics, I think we should give him more credit for his “die-die” type of perseverance in butting his head against the system.
if we shut off the propaganda and character assassination, and listen to his principles, and his thoughts on some of the issues, there are reasonable views that even a supposed "NUT Case" can also offer.
The eminent Jeyaratnam was also vilified by his nemesis in LKY, and likewise the older generation also derided "Jeya" - (as this present generation is also deriding “Chee Soon Juan”).
After more then 20 years in Politics, the soon to be “Rising Son” in the DPM has decided to give Jeyaratnam his rightful dues of recognition for his perseverance in his political views for Singapore in his heart.
Shut out the political propaganda and character assassination, and Chee Soon Juan may yet see his better days, when the next future generation of Political Leaders decide to give him recognition for his present perseverence and efforts, despite the current on-going attempts to neutralize him while he is in his present youthful age.
Should we then play into the hands of the Ruling Political Party, by following their propaganda to deride Chee Soon Juan in his seemingly suicidal butting with the system ?
I would like to have an Active Opposition Representing the alternative views (in any form and quality) then NO Opposition to represent the alternative views in Parliament.
At present, the Ruling Political Party is having it too easy, in passing any legislation without any serious debate or representation of the feelings and views of the citizens.
With a vibrant political system, that allow for alternative views and open debate of ideas, the present disgraceful display of Political SUPREMACY and ARROGANCE can be avoided.
Contrary to what the Ruling Party would have us to believe, a serious Opposition Party would at least put in check the arrogant wastage of Public Funds in all the failed ventures locally as well as overseas that remain quietly and embarrassingly suppressed.
About “neutral position” to be taken in a discussion of politics, I guess one has to be a fence sitter, if I have to follow “gasband’s” idea of political neutrality in such discussion. Unfortunately, this is something that I am not familiar with, being a “Fence Sitter”.
“Either you are with the Government position, or you are against it.”
You can’t have the cake and eat it; and unfortunately, many Singaporeans are “Fence Sitters” in Politics.
They would like to have a strong Opposition, but they prefer also to have the goodies that the present Government is prepared to offer them if the votes are received.
“Selling their soul to the Devil for the material goods that can be immediately enjoyed ?”
With the exception of the wards in Potong Pasir and Yishun that elected Opposition Candidates, and turned down the tempting offers from the Ruling Party; the other wards that had the opportunity to cast their votes, had basically preferred material gains then to restore their political pride of self-assertion. -
now, i do not deride chee in light of PAP propaganda... i've always believed that ALL politicians are scums. that we vote for them anyway is immaterial... ultimately, they're either scums in disguise or scums to be.
and chee would never survive in the dirty world of politics with his brand of stubborn, principled, ideals. thats not what politics is about. he's a dreamer, not a leader or a politician.
i respect his ideas and his beliefs, but i doubt his ability to do anything more than talk.Sometimes griping do help to stir the spirit, and one can be inspired to be more creative.
its not what u say... its how u've been saying it... i'm not stirred, i'm annoyed with your bigotry. i'm not inspired, i'm offended with your stubborness. and i certainly do not believe that creativity is nurtured by senselessly trashing the establishment.
i'm no rebel without a cause. if u can't make a valid point other than the fact that u like complaining, then i'm not impressed.
anyway, on another note... if there's ever to be a politician i would vote for, it would be someone as dirty as the PAP... it takes a crook to beat a crook at his own game.
i want someone with political savvy, someone who knows how to cover his ass so he won't get sued, someone who understands how to push his programs through by exploiting the various compromises that must be made to satisfy the diverse interests involved. this isn't something idealists like chee is able to achieve. he's too damn naive.
if anything at all, i believe that chee and jeya have sacrificed their credibility just to make a weak point. what a tragic waste of political capital. -
“Bigotry” ?
Has my unwavering critical position of our Singapore Government turned into only “bigotry” and nothing more ?
How sad if your preferred perception can only come down to this narrow point, after all the essential issues raised in my posts qualify for nothing beyond "bigotry" ?
Perhaps my perceived “bigotry” towards the Government is justified by the Government’s own attitude of “bigotry” towards anyone who dare stand up against the Ruling Party that form the Government for the last 40 years ?
Perhaps your perceived “bigotry” of my posts made is due to the practice of “bigotry” on the part of the Government’s obstinate, uncompromising, intolerant, narrow minded, opinionated, prejudiced, and zealous effort to demolish anyone from the Private Citizen to a member of Opposition Politics, who dare put up a strong challenge towards the Ruling Party's arrogant claim towards permanence of its “Own” in its continuation of Political Power ?
Perhaps the perceived “bigotry” of my views is a result of the bigoted position taken by the Government in claiming that only the qualified (aka University Graduates) are capable to the leadership position, and no one else without this minimal qualification ?
“Bigotry” from my views, when the Luminaire from Government adopt a bigoted view that only Graduates marrying Graduates can produce intelligent Off-springs ?
Well, perhaps the old adage confirms that “bigotry begets bigotry”. -
see what i mean?
why do u bother coming here if u're already convinced of the rightness of your opinion?
u call on others to keep an open mind but u yourself refuse to extend the same courtesy.
what a load of bigoted bull. shall i add hypocrisy to the list as well? so what have YOU done for your fellow man lately other than talk up a storm?
seems to me that your criticisms reflect your own disadvantaged interests more than genuine issues at large. -
My fellow Singaporean, “CX”,
It truly amazes me that my posts seems to constantly elicit from anyone, a habit of reading more than what has been posted; as reflected in the constant non-failure in such reactions from you, “gasband” and “tripwire” as in my earlier response to all your postings.
Has any one of my posts specifically made any explicit or implied request for an open mind from anyone to my posts ?
Have I confronted or taken anyoneÂ’s position to task, or fault anyone for their preferred posts directly - as what you have done in your direct "confrontation" to my posts ?
Could my posting of my alternative views to someone elseÂ’s posts be considered a violation and a discourtesy shown to his position taken ? Have I criticize anyone's posting in the same manner as adopted in your style displayed ?
The controversial positions that I have preferred to take, and dare to take a stand on, is quite different from yours, and the preferred neutral position taken by "gasband", and the controversial "tripwire" - as you guys seem to prefer to take a safer approach of walking the fine line of non-commitment to any clear defined political position(s).
Now I am wondering where the “bigoted bull” is coming from, and who is taking a hypocritical position in being “the kettle calling the pot black”.
I believe that this condescending statement from you is a reflection of your position of "hypocrisy and bigotry" more than that from what position I have taken; and in posting your own critique by assuming more then what I had written.
Certainly, the intent of my post is to talk up a storm, to awake the placid contentment of Singaporeans that continue in dreamland, thinking that the present Political Status Quo is good for the future of Politics in Singapore; and for the future development of Singapore.
The present economic malaise in Singapore has as much to do with the Political Situation of a Dominant Single Party Politics, that has the arrogance of believing in its omnipotent righteousness and correctness in everything it does, and is intolerant to any alternative advise or opposing views.
Its sheer arrogance is reflected in its dictate that Citizens, who must make political statements, have to join a Political Party before they can make any statements.
This in breeding of exclusive talent, that believes that it alone has the monopoly and exclusive right to political governance, at the expense and exclusion of participation by all other Citizens from the other strata of Singapore Society, can only spell more trouble for Singapore.
I would welcome any reply from any interested party to engage in my “bigotry” (if you so prefer to call my posts), and will invite anyone to prove where I have been mistaken in my views.
Why do you take it on yourself to teach anyone about courtesies, when you have displayed little understanding of this subject; nor have you appreciated the perimeters of your own status as a participant in this forum ?
Have you shown courtesy or respect to anyone elseÂ’s viewpoints that you disagree with ?
Not being able to accept someone else’s view points (or prefer to adopt a differing view) does not entitle you to show disrespect by calling someone’s viewpoints as being “bigotry”.
This must be some kind of weird lopsided courtesy ?
What motivate you to view it as “bigotry” ?
If my posts have inflamed your emotions, at least it met my objective of agitating you from slumber, and hopefully caused you to view matters outside the influence of established propaganda and clichés.
I would certainly extend to you the courtesy of your own bigoted views to my posting, and welcome any critiques you may have.
However, I do not think you are in any position to teach anyone the lessons of courtesy when you have shown little understanding of this subject - excuse me, but no apologies will be offered. -
Originally posted by Atobe:
i told u... its not what u say, its how u say it... if u did not intend to sound like a left-wing anti-gov't crackpot, then don't use language and words that makes u out to be one.
My fellow Singaporean, “CX”,
It truly amazes me that my posts seems to constantly elicit from anyone, a habit of reading more than what has been posted; as reflected in the constant non-failure in such reactions from you, “gasband” and “tripwire” as in my earlier response to all your postings.Has any one of my posts specifically made any explicit or implied request for an open mind from anyone to my posts ?
we are all here to discuss views freely, aren't we? why come if u know all the answers and everyone else is wrong in your eyes?Have I confronted or taken anyoneÂ’s position to task, or fault anyone for their preferred posts directly - as what you have done in your direct "confrontation" to my posts ?
i make no apologies if u are offended... as mentioned, u really shouldn't bother coming if u don't want people to reply to your points.
Could my posting of my alternative views to someone elseÂ’s posts be considered a violation and a discourtesy shown to his position taken ? Have I criticize anyone's posting in the same manner as adopted in your style displayed ?
and no, we might not agree, but i'll respect your right to say it if you'll respect my rights to trash itThe controversial positions that I have preferred to take, and dare to take a stand on, is quite different from yours...
none commital?
dissent is a full time job my man... especially in Sg, every man who has woken up to political consciousness has taken a BIG step as compared to the jack and joe who're still apathetic and apolitical.Now I am wondering where the “bigoted bull” is coming from, and who is taking a hypocritical position in being “the kettle calling the pot black”.
i told u... your choice of words are loaded. if u did not intend for people to read more than u intend, use more neutral words and be more concise.
I believe that this condescending statement from you is a reflection of your position of "hypocrisy and bigotry" more than that from what position I have taken; and in posting your own critique by assuming more then what I had written.
isn't it strange that 3 different people had the same idea of what your posts implied even though u protest that u did not explicitly state them??Certainly, the intent of my post is to talk up a storm, to awake the placid contentment of Singaporeans that continue in dreamland, thinking that the present Political Status Quo is good for the future of Politics in Singapore; and for the future development of Singapore.
those who are still in dreamland won't be here... as u mentioned, they want to believe that the propaganda is all real.The present economic malaise in Singapore has as much to do with the Political Situation of a Dominant Single Party Politics, that has the arrogance of believing in its omnipotent righteousness and correctness in everything it does, and is intolerant to any alternative advise or opposing views.
hmmm... not quite... partially, but the cracks never surfaced until it was forced to the surface by the world recession and the war on terrorism which worsened economic prospects...
it remains to be seen if these cracks are fatal... i hesitate to speculate but it is overly narrow to blame everyone's economic plight on the glcs and the gov't. nothing happens as a result of ONE single reason.Its sheer arrogance is reflected in its dictate that Citizens, who must make political statements, have to join a Political Party before they can make any statements.
i don't agree with that as well. but opposition politicians must have a program. its pointless to have people who just talk and criticise by have no specific programs.
hitler had a program, stalin had a program, even mussolini had a program.This in breeding of exclusive talent, that believes that it alone has the monopoly and exclusive right to political governance, at the expense and exclusion of participation by all other Citizens from the other strata of Singapore Society, can only spell more trouble for Singapore.
nobody really believes in eugenics anymore in this time and age... and no, i don't think grads are thrilled at being made to join SDU upon graduation. (most i know avoid their functions like a plague...)If my posts have inflamed your emotions, at least it met my objective of agitating you from slumber, and hopefully caused you to view matters outside the influence of established propaganda and clichés.
*yawn* don't flatter yourself... your two pence coffee shop anti-gov't talk is hardly ground breaking nor new... hardly inflamed... just amused at your narrow mindedness...
wow! progress... u have moved up from bigot to narrow-minded. -
It is good to discuss and sometimes argue.
From here, comes progress.
I tend to have a bleak outlook for Singapore. I have despaired about the lea-duh-ship in Singapore and where it is going. And even more, I was put down for my despair.
Argue on... mayhap the hope of Singapore is in the hands of those who still have the strength to argue... -
Thanks but in this hard times, anything is welcome.Originally posted by CX:*yawn* don't flatter yourself... your two pence coffee shop anti-gov't talk is hardly ground breaking nor new... hardly inflamed... just amused at your narrow mindedness...
wow! progress... u have moved up from bigot to narrow-minded. -
I am more concern of whether today's USA is in the hands of aOriginally posted by the Bear:Argue on... mayhap the hope of Singapore is in the hands of
those who still have the strength to argue...
competent administration. Anything they decide to do in DC will
have implications on Singapore, regardless what PAP can do.
Just look at today's report on American lawmakers trying to
make offical name changes to restaurant menus from "French
Fries" to "Freedom Fries" in protest against France (and with the
majority of UN members) on disagreement with Junior Bush fetish
on Saddamm.
So check your McDonald or BurgerKing orders next time
-
The full response that had to be aborted yesterday, due to pressure of work.
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quote: Originally posted by Atobe:
My fellow Singaporean, “CX”,
It truly amazes me that my posts seems to constantly elicit from anyone, a habit of reading more than what has been posted; as reflected in the constant non-failure in such reactions from you, “gasband” and “tripwire” as in my earlier response to all your postings.
____________________________________________________
Original Posted by CX
i told u... its not what u say, its how u say it... if u did not intend to sound like a left-wing anti-gov't crackpot, then don't use language and words that makes u out to be one.
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Left-wing ? Crackpot ?
This is unfortunate that perceptions of oneÂ’s opinion should lead to aggressive classification to intimidate someone with labels.
Is this courtesy in free exchange of ideas ?
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quote:
Has any one of my posts specifically made any explicit or implied request for an open mind from anyone to my posts ?
___________________________________________________
originally posted by CX
we are all here to discuss views freely, aren't we? why come if u know all the answers and everyone else is wrong in your eyes? ____________________________________________________
It is unfortunate that you have decided for me that I know everthing, (again - reading more into my text ?) for the simple reason that our views on the same issue take on different strengths.
How did you come to the conclusion that I have form an opinion that “everyone else’s views are wrong ? (again reading more then necessary ?)
Is this your way of pushing your PREFERRED VIEW to my posts, so as to suit your own agenda and direction of argument, by not addressing the issues but being personal ?
___________________________________________________
quote:
Have I confronted or taken anyoneÂ’s position to task, or fault anyone for their preferred posts directly - as what you have done in your direct "confrontation" to my posts ?
Could my posting of my alternative views to someone elseÂ’s posts be considered a violation and a discourtesy shown to his position taken ?
Have I criticize anyone's posting in the same manner as adopted in your style displayed ?
____________________________________________________
Originally posted by CX
i make no apologies if u are offended... as mentioned, u really shouldn't bother coming if u don't want people to reply to your points. and no, we might not agree, but i'll respect your right to say it if you'll respect my rights to trash it _________________________________________________
It is interesting to view the many differing perspectives of others in the manner of replies received.
While some take on issues head on in calm incisive manner, others take on a wild reckless approach, and someothers delight in tearing into the persona behind the post.
You certainly have the rights to your own views of my posts – right or wrong; as much as I am entitled to put up a strong and “aggressive” defense of my position.
Does that give you any right to state your preference to label my views as “left wing” and “crackpot” ?
This is typical PAP tactic when the truth cannot be tolerated and take refuge with personal attacks.
Is this your form of respect towards the opinion of others, while claiming your right to trash the same opinion which you do not agree ?
___________________________________________________
quote:
Now I am wondering where the “bigoted bull” is coming from, and who is taking a hypocritical position in being “the kettle calling the pot black”.
I believe that this condescending statement from you is a reflection of your position of "hypocrisy and bigotry" more than that from what position I have taken; and in posting your own critique by assuming more then what I had written.
____________________________________________________
Originally posted by CX
i told u... your choice of words are loaded. if u did not intend for people to read more than u intend, use more neutral words and be more concise.
isn't it strange that 3 different people had the same idea of what your posts implied even though u protest that u did not explicitly state them??
____________________________________________________
So now besides trying to teach courtesy, you are now trying to teach the forms of delivery too ?
I cannot stop you or anyone from reading more into my sentence or word, in a manner which you prefer to justify your own argument and reinforce your own point of views.
In my reading of your postings and replies to my post, at least, I have not resort to labeling yours or anyone’s views as “bigotry” or “leftwing” or “crackpot” for the strong stand that you or others have made.
I have at least shown courtesy to that extent that you have not shown, and the fact that you dare to preach about it.
You are flattering the 3 different persons (with yourself included), who share a common trait of the same HABIT of reading more into a printed word, then necessary.
3 out of the 61 replies, and from a total of 928 visitors at the last count, who have visited this Post and none made any similar controversial observations. ?
If you prefer to interpret the “implication” more then the direct meaning of any statements - verbal or in print, it must be a very burdensome way of living Life.
Do you go around interpreting the implied meaning of every sentence uttered in daily conversation, every statements written, or every word spelt ?
It seems that crackpots do exist in many forms, not simply leftwing or rightwing political types.
BTW, how did you read my text to conclude that I know everything ? Was my choice of words loaded again, or did you prefer to read in a manner that reveals your habit of searching for the load ?
____________________________________________________
quote:
The present economic malaise in Singapore has as much to do with the Political Situation of a Dominant Single Party Politics, that has the arrogance of believing in its omnipotent righteousness and correctness in everything it does, and is intolerant to any alternative advise or opposing views.
____________________________________________________
Originally posted by CX
hmmm... not quite... partially, but the cracks never surfaced until it was forced to the surface by the world recession and the war on terrorism which worsened economic prospects...
it remains to be seen if these cracks are fatal... i hesitate to speculate but it is overly narrow to blame everyone's economic plight on the glcs and the gov't. nothing happens as a result of ONE single reason.
_______________________________________________
You are correct that nothing happens as a result of ONE single reason.
But many faults can be caused from ONE single source, that when put all together can have a multiplier effect that reinforce the problems that have been ACCUMULATING over a LONG PERIOD.
To debate on this issue, another topic will have to be raised, which will be as controversial.
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quote:
Its sheer arrogance is reflected in its dictate that Citizens, who must make political statements, have to join a Political Party before they can make any statements.
___________________________________________________
Originally posted by CX
i don't agree with that as well. but opposition politicians must have a program. its pointless to have people who just talk and criticise by have no specific programs.
hitler had a program, stalin had a program, even mussolini had a program.
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You seemed to have missed the point, in your effort to read more into the statement made that “its sheer arrogance is reflected in its dictate that Citizens, who must make political statements, have to join a Political Party….”
Will you associate Singapore Citizens such as Catherine Lim with Hitler, Stalin or Mussolini, and does she need a program before she can express her PRIVATE statements for the interest and well being of Singapore ?
Try reading the CLEAR and SIMPLE question asked.
How could you have missed this unfettered and non-loaded statement, and responded with your "Facist idols(?)" ?
POLITICS is about policies that rule our life in all spheres of human activities.
As private individuals, do we need a program, or any declared agenda, to speak out on the various POLICIES that affect us ?
The question remains - do we need to JOIN a political party before we can speak out on any POLICIES that affect us ?
Is the making of POLICIES the exclusive domain of POLITICIANS only?
Does the common CITIZEN have no rights to any formal or informal participation in the formulation of policies that affect our own lives ?
____________________________________________________
quote:
This in breeding of exclusive talent, that believes that it alone has the monopoly and exclusive right to political governance, at the expense and exclusion of participation by all other Citizens from the other strata of Singapore Society, can only spell more trouble for Singapore.
____________________________________________________
Originally posted by CX:
nobody really believes in eugenics anymore in this time and age... and no, i don't think grads are thrilled at being made to join SDU upon graduation. (most i know avoid their functions like a plague...)
____________________________________________________
Unfortunately the Government does not share your opinion, and believe that talent to Govern and determine the Political Future of Singapore rest in their exclusive monopoly of talent.
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quote:
If my posts have inflamed your emotions, at least it met my objective of agitating you from slumber, and hopefully caused you to view matters outside the influence of established propaganda and clichés.
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Originally posted by CX
*yawn* don't flatter yourself... your two pence coffee shop anti-gov't talk is hardly ground breaking nor new... hardly inflamed... just amused at your narrow mindedness...
wow! progress... u have moved up from bigot to narrow-minded.
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It is amazing for one to lecture to others about “Courtesy to be shown towards posting by others” leaves himself out of this requirement.
It is interesting that my mundane “coffee shop anti-government talk” that is worth only “two pence”, did not inflame you but caused you to post your opinions of “bigotry and narrow minded” observation to my post.
Thanks but in this hard times, anything is welcome. -
u expect to read all that??? get a life... i'll rather have all my teeth pulled out... can't u be a little more concise.
i'm not gonna reply to your defensive posturing... we are obviously talking over each other's head here.
i did not say that u're a left wing crackpot. i said your views sounded like a left wing crackpot. u keep complaining that people are misreading your posts. so i suggest the reason could be the way u're presenting your views.
u wanna take everything personal? thats fine by me... such a bizarre personality. i cut a suit and he puts it on and declares it a perfect fit... childish. -
Without reading the posted replies to your many preferred points of views, again, how did you conclude that we are talking over each otherÂ’s head ?
It seems to be your style in not addressing the issues, but have a childish habit of “hit and run” after reading more then what the writer had intended.
Not so smart, when your views are replied “point-by-point”, and you have no rejoinder to offer ?
If you do not wish to concede to the truth of the matters at hand, donÂ’t try to turn the table around by calling names.
Why chicken out from a debate ?
Brush up on your English, before displaying your “Latin”.
It is pathetic, the manner of your understanding of the very simple English words used, and try not to read more then the intent of the posted language. -
latin??? ah... seems like your linguistic capabilities are only limited to english...
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excusez mon erreur, il est français que vous écriviez? -
Pouvons-nous avoir une discussion amicale et respectable? -
bien sur... enchanté/e
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merveilleuse, peut la paix être avec vous