APEC 2024 Peru. Biden shafted to a corner in the back row. Xi in front row next to Peru's President
4/01/2011
I don't buy that
Would I accept someone who becomes a citizen overnight and say he is going to stand for election, to look after my country and look after the citizens, including me? Nah, I don't buy that. This is my country, the place that I grow up and grow attach to. I know and feel for the country and the people more than any Ginny come lately who becomes a new citizen to want to represent me and look after me.
I dunno about how the rest of the Singaporeans feel. For me, a new citizen is just not ready, not proven to be a stayer, through thick and thin. It takes years, maybe a life time to feel and become part of a place called country and home.
It is cheap to say 'This is my country and this is my home' just because someone is here for two months or two years. This is my country and this is my home goes deeper than something one says as a pledge. There are emotions involved, sentiments involved, a whole process of growing up and being here, with many people and friends that we have built relationships with over a life time. And to miss this place, the cup of kopi O, or the nasi padang or char kway teow, when one is away for too long, the familiar faces and places that we missed and a longing for, an emotional attachment.
When someone who is born and grow up here and affectionately say, 'This is my country, this is my home,' it is different.
I too don't buy that.
ReplyDeleteI trust a true blue vociferous, complaining, born here, spider catching, expletive spluttering Sinkapoorean taxi driver than some newly minted citizens who might be doctors, lawyers and other high falutin' "professionals" mostly bandwagon sidekicks getting on the gravy train and speaking with honey coated, forked tongues.
Before the elections, ideals are lofty.
I ask not what the country can do for me but what I can do for the country.
After getting elected and sitting a few sessions in Parliament, dozing off with all those drab and dry speeches, it's
Ask not what I can do for my new country but what these suckers can do for me.
Trust me. That scenario is prescient.
Wow Marine Parade GRC getting someone who speaks some Bahasa Indonesia to serve them....Huh???
ReplyDeleteNow i hope my GRC can have candidate who speaks with Bejing accent
I was born and grew up in Singapore but I still say 'This is NOT my country and this is NOT my home'. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteSad that Singaporeans are not calling this place their country and their home. On the other hand all the Ginnies come lately are claiming so and warmly embraced.
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on or what's is going wrong?
Oh, I will vote for quitter Matilah if he comes back and stand. He may have quitted, but deep down he is still one of us. He missed his kopi and roti prata and his friends.
ReplyDeleteHe may not admit it, but he is truly a Singaporean. It is what you say and what you do. Not just simply claiming this or that because the weather if fine.
Me feels that some words are badly misunderstood and really it is.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone WHO LORDS OVER YOU says: 'This MY Country', he/she means the Land belongs to him/her and YOU THE SLAVES shall also be subjected to his/her rule and obey ALL ORDERS he/she makes. Whether or not You are born here has no bearing to their authorities.
patriot
In the 1990s, I always tell my overseas friends that I m a Singaporean, and very proud to be one. I was still proud to be one in the early 2000s.
ReplyDeleteBut now, I view myself as a second or third class citizen, way behind the FT and F-non-T.
So much has changed in the social fabric that Singaporeans plight has been so badly bruised; and when I watch "Every Singaporean Son", I feel sorry for us Singaporean MEN. WTF are we doing, for peanuts or mustard seeds???? While the FT and F-non-T took our jobs.
Between the back packing Matilah and the Kate Spade carrying giggler, my vote goes to Matilah anytime, hands down.
ReplyDeleteI like to see some real debate in Parliament not a chorus of "Ayes" from "Yes" men and definitely not from some silly little girls who, if elected on the coattails of the so called "heavyweights" lay claim to represent me in Parliament and has a hand in making laws that affects the citizens of this country.
Fielding such "talents" is a mistake. Running a country is serious business. Each of the 84 parliamentary seats are seats of onerous responsibility. We do not begrudge the 15 big ones paid but for fuck sake, give us people we can relate to and respect.
Now you know why new citizens are fielded? There is nothing left in Sin to choose from.
ReplyDeleteI am slightly flattered by redbean's and wally's approval for any political aspirations I may have regarding S'pore.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy time spent in S'pore. If you drop any jingoistic ideas of "cuntry" and like me accept that there is nothing special about any geographical territory -- divided and tagged off by invisible lines on a map -- but the value of our existence is on one level defined by our relationships with REAL people, then from that view, I am Singaporean, and passionately so.
However since around the 1980's -- the people have steadily lost their country to the state. To be sure, it is the people's fault ultimately -- but playing the "blame-game" is nonsense at this point.
Unless the people collectively rise up and take back the cuntry from the state -- which is unlikely no matter WHICH PARTY gets in, I will continue my dissociation with the damn place and enjoy a status as a Permanent Traveler or Hotel Dweller -- solely focusing on human relationships and ignoring the government completely -- not trusting them one whit.
My anti-state, anarcho-capitalist ideas will never fly in Singapore -- although many Singaporeans are anarcho-capitalists without even knowing it. However, if I drop that philosophy and focus on bare-bones, ground up REPUBLICANISM -- then Singaporeans have truly failed.
IMO, until the bulk of the voters educate themselves not on politics, but how their own constitutionally run (hahaha) system is supposed to both serve AND protect them, you are stuck with the "nanny state" -- who will control your economic lives and thus your social lives from cradle to grave.
Frankly, Matilah's thinking makes sense.
ReplyDeleteNowadays, one must be a citizen of the world rather than be too nationalistic and stake claim on one country. However to do that, you need means and mobility.
Without realising it, my constant commute between certain countries has made me lose sight of the fact that I am leaving one country as a citizen and entering another as an alien. Over time, the transition becomes seamless, unobtrusive and carefree.
I also notice the very low levels of xenophobia in other countries.
Embracing the global village concept must be a subject by itself to be taught in schools if the young are to survive in the new world order.
Yeah, I still want real debates in Parliament, but those who asked too many questions will ultimately be retired early.
ReplyDeleteLing How Doong's famous 'Don't talk cock' outburst in Parliament must have given many a wry smile recalling it.
Maybe, just maybe, some new citizen MPs may set the same tone in Parliament in time to come. Then we can have real debates and shoe throwing tantrums in Parliament to spice things up in drab little dot.
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ReplyDeleteActually it is the so-called "new world order" which is part of the problem.
Sooner or later humans like to "organise" things. Organisation has its place, no doubt or else nothing could be achieved. However when organisation gets to the point where certain powerful political entities are able to "control" the lives of others -- that's not so good...especially for those who are being controlled.
The New World Order leads to many conspiracy theories -- I am not one of those conspiracy nuts. I do however know about a little about economics and incentives: humans have the tendency to "get more with less".
Thus if you hand over power to a human, invariably he will use that power to "get more for less" -- i.e. take stuff instead of working hard, saving up and buying "it" in a free and open market.
Human's have this crazy mental problem -- they don't like chaos and uncertainty. This is when this "organisation" need gets out of hand. Everything and every human action must be regulated and controlled -- gradually, kiss your freedom goodbye.
The one good thing about geographical borders is that they do to a great extent ensure that there is "anarchy" (definition: anarchy here means "no government", not "insane rampage") between states -- and clever individuals can exploit this natural outcome of national sovereignty.
For e.g. once in a territory, you are under that rule of law. However you are "immune" from the rule of law of another territory (unless of course the govts cooperate to enforce extra-territorial laws, but usually not -- unless you are a really bad criminal).
Thus using the "3 Flag Theory" for those interested in exploiting this "anarchy" -- such as those who are anarcho-capitalistically inclined. (anarcho -- no govt, capitalism -- an economic, social and financial system based on private ownership and individual enterprise) -- and absolutely loath govt interference into their "wealth creation".
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ReplyDeleteA quick definition of "wealth": The ability, but not the obligation to CONSUME. Before anyone can CONSUME they have to produce, by organising CAPITAL goods so that there application achieves an objective: producing goods for consumption. This could be economic goods and services -- cars, houses, shoes, iPads, legal services, entertainment services or "social" goods: friendship, love, companionship, family values. To produce social goods, you need to FORM CAPITAL and direct that capital to create "wealth" -- good relationships. Your "capital" in this case could be: empathy, kindness, being a good listener, willing to spend time, good humour, not being an asshole etc.
Human beings seek to create wealth -- "own stuff" or "consume" or increase the ability to consume. Human "wealth creation" is the improvement to their condition going on all the time from planning socials with friends and family, to making big bucks on that great idea -- that flash of brilliance -- they had whilst drunk and horny the other night at the karaoke. We "do stuff" because "we want a change". All humans act, all the time.
Governments are adept at screwing up wealth creation -- both on the social and economic levels. a world-government is just as horrific but on a global scale. They screw with the individual's choice and thus ACTION to direct his CAPITAL to achieving his PEACEFUL objectives. I leave the reader to himself identify where the govt does this and what it is they do. For e.g. if you are gay - an accident of nature, not your fault -- you are a criminal under Section 335 in S'pore penal code. In most countries, If you rent out your body for the sexual pleasures of balding, sagging uncles like me, both of us can be charged under law -- even though we are not disturbing anyone else.
As for what is to be taught in schools: #1, hands down -- critical thinking skills -- even though it means educators will have to contend with loud, emotional, teenagers expressing themselves and driving adults crazy. I don't like docile teens...I like them loud, boisterous and expressive...but with good hearts.
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ReplyDeleteanon 139
ReplyDeleteDebates with emotion and the occasional outburst of emotion that crosses the line is more desirable than absolute "order in the house" -- which is fucking boring. No wonder people fall asleep in parliament.
A member that looses his composure due to frustration, and who might occasionally "let go" an expletive or physically assault his opponent tends to win my respect -- as long as his arguments make sense.
A Mastercard Moment
MP salary: $15k
Policy being hotly debated: 100's of million$ to billion$
MP's losing it and beating each other up? PRICELESS
I want parliament to be like Ultimate Fighting Championship. Shit, they're being paid enough, so they can jolly well entertain us with some violence!!
I want BLOOD!
If I have the wherewithall to move from one cuntry to another, I too will do what Matilah is doing and take advantage of those stupid cuntries that allowed themselves to be taken advantage of. But I would want to keep my base country safe in case those silly cuntries wise up or their citizens revolt and overthrow the system.
ReplyDeleteThe people's interests will prevail and no govt can adopt systems or policies to the detriment of their people all the tiem. A time will come when all good things must come back to square one. Then it is good to have a fall back option.
In the meantime exploit those silly cuntries as best as you could.
citizenship is just a piece of paper that you live in singapore and agree to abide by the rules..
ReplyDeleteThe PAP is also turning on the tap for Foreign talent whom wanting to join politics. As they always say, we were descendant of immigrants too.
This is the way of getting people to reinforce the party. Their rewards is millions of dollar of cause.
Unless Singaporean are smart enough to defend this move, It is sad that we will always live in the "Lee's gardern".
redbean:
ReplyDelete> The people's interests will prevail and no govt can adopt systems or policies to the detriment of their people all the tiem. <
I think you over state your case. The PAP is not the perfect govt-- there is no such thing. Political "solutions" are all compromises of some sort: the rights of one group are compromised for the sake of "benefits" to another group.
That is never going to change. So the PAP does exactly that -- however they haven't trampled over ALL the rights of the citizens ALL of the time.
IMO all govt is eventually horrible. The idea off humans needing "government" to "look after" them is a flawed argument and continues to be demolished over and over. However, every cuntry in the world has a government. That's the whole, hard , cold reality.
Thus the PAP are the least bad in the realm of the fundamentally "bad idea" of having a state/ government to "organise" a nation and its people. But nothing is constant. If they fuck up -- everyone loses -- big time. And all govt comprises of humans, who do fuck up.
Voting in alternative parties for "change" is like changing religions -- swapping one 'god' for another. The fact is people still 'believe' in a myth -- changing the myth doesn't change anything.
Other than changing for a dictatorship, in cases like ours, you can expect the new rulers to at least try to change for the better.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't dismiss the new ones. If they can form the govt, it means they have the numbers and enuf good candidates to be elected.
Also don't insult the people for their choices. The voters today are no longer stupid. If they think the govt deserves to be changed and the change is reasonable, they will do it.
Human beings in big groups are invariably stupid. 'Mob mentality' (aka Herd Mentality)-- based on widespread heightened emotion -- tends to 'crowd out' individual thought and critical thinking.
ReplyDeleteThe times when they seem to make the 'right decision' is because there is no choice or they just 'fluked' it. For e.g. The throwing out of Egyptian president : no choice.
Judging a 'no choice' action does not give any insight to the 'intelligence' of the mob. You can also ask the question: How come you let the problem last as long as it did before you did anything? Because people in big groups are stupid, that's why.
Democracy works at its imperfect best in SMALL groups – groups small enough that everyone basically knows each other.
Not that i am the violent type, but I wish someone would shoot some of these easy mouth buggers and let's see how many would still dare to bounce such cheap talk at us without really meaning them.
ReplyDeleteI would understand if you have to remove my post. Just have to get this off my chest. Can't stand such hypocrites going fast and loose, taking such liberties with somethings as important to Singaporeans as elcting our rep. in parliament.
ReplyDeleteAfter the first embarrassing encounter I think people have grown up by now. But of course if people are still jittery, I will oblige to remove the post: )
ReplyDelete