To live in truth or in tooth

Not too long ago, Perm Secs were very discreet in their lifestyle. I remember Lim Siong Guan driving around in his old Honda Accord, (I think) when he could afford a Mercedes. I remember a MD insisting that no GMs shall purchase a Mercedes for his use under the corporate account. Not that they were living a life of hypocrisy. They could afford it. But then they were not paid the kind of crazy salaries that the present elite were getting. They were comfortable but not super wealthy. How would the public take it if all the Perm Secs today were to drive around in old Japanese cars? Would it make any difference if they dine in the best restaurants but put on a show to visit hawker centres to be seen with the lesser mortals? Asking the elite to dress down, live down, lie down when they don't really need to, and that they really don't, may not come down well. It smacks of real hypocrisy don't you think so?

Extracts of Obama's speech

Below are extracts of Obama's inauguration which may be spoken by another great leader who will lead us forward to a better tomorrow. ....On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.... Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.... What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.... As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.... To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist....

Notable quote by Redbean

I think Obama will feel a little envious if he were to compare his pay with our President. Redbean.

More empathy for the perm sec

The netizens are now more sympathetic to the perm sec and his culinary course. There was an expression of empathy across cyberspace for him. And the media too, there were letters in support of the perm sec and that it was a non issue. There is no reason to kick a big row over someone spending his money chasing after his dreams. It is always good to look at the good and right side of things. Let's close the chapter and continue to live happily in the paradise of the living mortals and immortals and demigods.

The Obama Inauguration

The atmosphere was filled with hope, peace and unity. It was a joyous occasion for all Americans. Their happiness was genuine. There was an absence of hate, anger or trying to settle scores. Obama and the Democrats were happy for obvious reasons. George Bush and the Republicans were celebrating the event in their strides. John McCain was invited for dinner by Obama. The whole ceremony was arranged, organised and executed by a bureaucracy not tainted by any political party. They were Ameicans first, the American civil servants serving the American people, not serving the ruling party. And the American people were there to join in the celebration. They braved the icy cold winter, made their way there on their own. They need not be ferried or herded to attend the ceremony. The did it with a genuine intent to celebrate the incoming of a new Presdent. The Americans were one people, one nation, nothing more, nothing less. No need prompting, no need coercion, no need reminders. That is what a great nation is all about. It is the people that make the nation and the people know that they are all part of the nation. A truly inclusive society. No gimmicks.