APEC 2024 Peru. Biden shafted to a corner in the back row. Xi in front row next to Peru's President
3/19/2007
good for commuters
Bus arrival time
So the bus panels to tell how late a bus will arrive is going to be set up. This is the strength of this island. Once decided to do something, just do it.
No one really cares whether the commuters are willing to pay for the cost of the system. Someone has decided that it is good for the commuters, a better quality of life. So get it done, and the commuters will just have to pay for it.
Would someone want to improve the efficiency of the system without adding all these cost?
Looking at the good side, we will probably acquire another world number one title for introducing such a futuristic system for our commuters. And with so many panels under the blazing sun, perhaps they can consider building bus kiosk, and aircon them for the comfort of the commuters under the hot tropical heat. The panels need some protection from heat and bright sunlight. Killing two birds with one stone.
You have something against improving the quality of human life?
ReplyDeleteTransport costs in S'pore are low by global standards, and the quality received for the price paid is good.
At the very least, these "privatised" govt companies are innovative and courageous and are set in improving their service to the public.
These companies are listed on the stock exchange. The public has the CHOICE to "punish" them by the market if they so choose.
BTW, no one forces anyone to take the bus. There are alternatives.
if this is improving the quality of life i will have no objection. it is like buying an expensive mirror for everyone to look at how ugly he is but side stepping the issue of how to make the face nicer looking.
ReplyDeleteand it is damn costly. do you want the hospital to hook a $1 mil machine to tell you that your heart beating rate is normal or not normal and take their time to heal your sickness?
Ah, now we get closer to the truth, and closer to expose your contradiction in this matter.
ReplyDeleteThe reason it is "costly" is because of a cartel or near-monopoly regarding public transport—even though "private" comapnies are supposed to be running the show.
These "private" companies are none other than government "privatised" corporations which is essentially woves in free market clothing.
Thus the consumer—to be precise—the Sovereign consumer has his choices made for him by the nanny-state. Pay the increase or take a hike buddy...
However, you support the idea of a state, and the idea of a state running the dog-and-pony show called "public transport".
I find it strange therefore that you choose to complain about this—you don't like what is happening, yet you support the primary causal agent which is doing this to you—The State.
What gives lah? If I didn't know you so well from the internet, I would hastily concluded that you might be exhibiting early signs of mental illness!
:-)
ya, it is confusing. govt dressed up as private companies or private companies dressed up as govt?
ReplyDeletei am confused too.
The modern Nation-State is a chameleon. It can take any form and function to achieve various goals. To achieve these "goals" certain things occur with alarming consistency:
ReplyDelete* The removal of individual freedom and civil liberties
* The confiscation of personal property.
Sophisticated nation-states go one further:
* Dumbing down independent thinking and essentially brainwashing as much of the population as possible.
Becoming a "chameleon" is thus necessary to achieve these social-engineering objectives.
To appear "benevolent and charitable" the modern nation state adopts a socialist approach— and gives "handouts" to the people under the guise of "looking after them".
Then it changes to an institution of JUSTICE which punishes those who breaks its laws.
During celebrations like "national day", the state attempts to "blend in" with the people of the country, such that the people and their government become "buddies".
In order to appear "successful" to the eyes of the voters,and to instill a sense of pride and achievement to "show the world", the state becomes CAPITALIST by making money like a super-corporation. In extreme cases the nation-state adopts an IMPERIALIST persona. A modrn example is the awesome global power of the US Government, aided by their allies—the US Federal Reserve, the United Nations, the IMF and World Bank.
Lee Kuan Yew's PAP is a very small player in the global scheme of things, but they are doing GREAT (for a small "gang") on the IMPERIALIST front by doing MEGA DEALS in foreign currency like rupiah, yuan, baht, rupee and ringgit.
If one agrees that the people get the government they deserve, then one has to salute the S'pore voters for their excellent democratic choice. The S'pore State is the perfect socialist, capitalist and nationalist.
Singaporeans are very smart people. ;)...... (NOT!)