Yushui Village in Lijiang, Yunnan, with snow mountain backdrop and cascading waterfalls.
8/31/2009
Landslide in Japan
The 21st Century seems to be a century of landslide victories for opposition political parties that have for years been seen as no hopers. Malaysia shook the ruling UMNO by delivering several states to the opposition, something so unbelieveable. UMNO, with all its machinery and state organisations and power, could just watch as the opposition chips away at their territories. Every by election seems to be an opportunity for the opposition to wrestle another constituency from UMNO.
Last night we saw another landslide in Japan. After more than 50 years of domination in Japanese politics, the Japanese grew tired and disillusioned with the ruling party. The LDP seemed to be running out of tricks from its bag and was soundly trumped by the DPJ. The winning margin was unimaginable. And we are witnessing another historical event and a new beginning, and the end of LDP.
If this is the trend to be, we will probably see a similar landslide here in the next GE. Many may sneer at such a thought or suggestion. The ruling party has been in power for so long, with all the right and highly qualified candidates, with all the machinery and achievements to show how good it has been. And the opposition is still unable to find the right candidates to make a little dent on this formidable machine.
Who knows what will happen or what will come next. There are plenty of qualified and able Singaporeans waiting in the fringe for the moment that could change the course of our history. To get 80 good men and women to stand for a general election is not a difficult task when the time is ripe. The landslide may come earlier than expected. The seemingly uphill task may not be that impossible when the chips are down.
Would we see a landslide in two years? I know that many are laughing at such a possibility. At this point in time, it seems clearly impossible, no way. Who knows?
In your post, you forgot one thing. Our opposition is nothing like the DPJ, or the Tory vs. Labour in UK, or the Democrats VS. Republicans in the US. We have fragmented, disorganised and underperforming parties making up the opposition. Their actions or lack of action speak for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe day as you envisioned will come but not during mine or your lifetime.
you are right. the present group would do. but you cannot rule out the entry of a highly qualified group or groups of professionals to enter the fray and spoil the party.
ReplyDeleteWallys' Comment here stands for at least the period he mentioned and that is; we will not be around to see the Opposition unseats the Present Regime.
ReplyDeleteHowever,
let us join Redbean in hoping for an avalanche in a country where there is only one sturdy little granite hill(Bukit Timah)-Kepala batu hill, if i may call it.
patriot
This group or groups will only be sustained if the real living standards of the people are jeopardized. Right now there are lots of whining, ranting and minor gripes here and there but I don't see a descent into the abyss.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has a roof over their heads, everyone is gainfully employed if they are realistic and not choosy. Health care is excellent. Living environment is good.
Me have observed some old folk groups that seemed to be lapping up the good livings. These groups are most of the time attending functions held by the State. Minister or MP Walkabouts. Community Centre organized tours and excursions, visits to makan places, shopping centres and farm marts etc.
ReplyDeleteMost of the members are elderlies that appeared happy go lucky and healthy and usually travelled in busloads. The sights of these groups somehow get me to agree with Wally that the Day of Reckoning has not arrived,
though,
i do think, event could come in the form of an avalanche, unpredictable and furious.
patriot
japan is still number one in asia and number two in the world. why the landslide? jer lat or too tired of the same menu. the people vote for change, for something new.
ReplyDeletewe may experience the same 7 year itch. the oldies may not want to change. the youngies may have different ideas.
Hehe Patriot,
ReplyDeleteCount me out. I don't go out with oldies in a bus to shake hands with the RCs or the MPs. I've got much much more interesting and entertaining things to do. But my observations are based on what I do see around me. In general, the Govt. has managed the "downturn" which was actually a small glitch well. For a small country which has so much economic clout is already a darn good achievement by any standard of measurement.
i don't think anyone can disagree that we are a modern day economic miracle.
ReplyDeletewe have done exceptionally well as a country.
LDP should have copied the Singaporean system. They should have introduced the GRC system. That way, even before the first voye is cast, the election is won. Why did they not used this same trick??????
ReplyDeleteIf the Japanese Regime follows or copies the SIN System; GRC, ISA and suing opposition members to bankruptcies, Japan would have sunk.
ReplyDeleteThe Japanese are courageous and responsible, they commit Hari-kiri(suicide) as atonement when they are responsible for grave wrongs. The least they do is apologize for their mistakes and resign.
They also have a culture of upholding honour.
In any case, few country will adopt perverted policies because citizens of other countries are not as easily intimidated as Singaporeans.
patriot
how could the japanese be so foolhardy to take risk with a political party that has no experience in running the country?
ReplyDeletethey should continue to vote in the LDP. after all the japan of today is through the effort of the LPD. and LPD could promise them more good years.
Singaporeans must open their eyes and vote with their eyes open. However, somehow I think that will never happen. For one thing, Singaporeans are easily conned by a few $$$ just before election day. Another thing is the number on the ballot paper. If you work for a govt dept and looking for promotion, would you dare voting for the opposition? HDB upgrades for opposition wards at the end of the queue is another incentive to vote for the PAP. GRC ensures at least 40+ seats in parliament. How to have change in govt??
ReplyDeletethe GRCs will make it easier for the opposition to make a landslide win if they can find the good candidates. and my feeling is that many are ready to stand when the time comes.
ReplyDeletesingaporeans are not that dumb or apathetic. just plug into the grapevine and listen to what they are really saying.
Hi Mr Wally;
ReplyDeleteYou are wise to go around in your jelopy and keep away from those 'don't know what to do oldies'.
Most consider those ignorant elderlies as unpaid carefares(actor/actress) been/being foolishly made use of as patriotic supporters.
patriot