Whorehouse for sale

Someone told me the story of a prostitute who wanted to go big time. Her plan was to marry someone big time. And her method was simple, just pay a big dowry. But who would want to marry a prostitute just for the money? The prostitute was not worried, as long as she put the money on the table, someone would come along. She tried very hard. But it was obvious that no decent fella would want to marry a prostitute. Then someone suggested to the prostitute to sell the whorehouse since business was still good. The better price, without having to pay a ransom for dowry, would mean that the owners could get a bigger return and may be happier, at least, instead of being sold out for the interest of the prostitute. I think it makes good business sense. A prostitute is in for the money. So why not just sell the whole whorehouse if the owners cannot object? And I am sure the prostitute will still get the lion’s share. As for the owners of the whorehouse, that is all they got. What’s next is their problem. They can never acquire another whorehouse with the pittance they will be getting. So what? It makes business sense, right? And the whorehouse can continue operating under different owners and making money as usual.

Pharoah's rites

A procession in ancient Egypt.

Understudy MPs

The concept of MPs understudying senior MPs has its merits. Not many are born to be instant MPs or instant ministers. Of course there are exceptional talents that are born and instantly can become good MPs and good ministers without any need for tuition or under study. Training is unheard off and no need for retraining of any nature when one is born to be a knows all. Only has been PMETs need to go for retraining. Having agreed to this concept, I think there are needs for some modifications to the current electoral systems. Firstly, paying $14k or $15k to any rookie MP to understudy anyone may be a bit too much. Agree or not? Ok, it may be nothing compares to a peanut, but still a lot of money to pay to anyone to learn on the job. As an ex HR practitioner, I have never come across anyone being paid so much to understudy a job. What I would like to suggest is to have a secondary election for understudy MPs, for MPs that are not ready to do the real job of an MP. And those elected to as understudy MPs can be paid an allowance of say $3k. I think this will be more acceptable and palatable to those who are vehemently against the big sum of money being paid to a trainee MP. And when the trainee MP is ready, then he can stand for election for the real stuff. Or we can have a mandatory course for would be MPs to pass before they can stand for election. Anyone think this is a good idea? I am just floating it like flying a kite. If the objection is too great, just take it as a joke ok. Don’t get mad at me huh.

The first crack appearing

I am seeing the first sign of a crack in the great wall. Could it develop further and cause a breakthrough in the form of a new Barisan Socialist breakaway? One side believes staunchly that the great wall is solid and homogenous, will never break, no breaks will be allowed. Could that be the truth, or furthest from the truth? If there is an open break, would the memories of Cold Storage be relived? Can our system or the people live with another mass cold storage exercise? And what could be the reason for the people to accept without any question? There is no demon today to hang, nor would the people believe in demons. It will be interesting to see who will defect and join a new barisan and who is the new leader. Can't call them communist, racist, religious fanatics nor terrorists. Everyone is a respectable and honourable man/woman who have served the country well. I am putting the stethoscope on the ground to feel the tremor. It is grumbling and growing in strength. My God, an earthquake in Sin!

The Water Margin

Koh Choon Hwee wrote an article in Kent Ridge Common lamenting about the lack or dearth of comments from local political commentators and observers. In advertently the burden fell on the shoulder of Assoc Professor Eugene Tan of SMU. Any reporter who needs a view or comment will come knocking at the door of Eugene Tan. The fact that Eugene has a string of spectacular degrees and appointments helps too for the choice. Koh Choon Hwee was suggesting that perhaps more views should be sort from other political observers like Catherine Lim and some other luminaries. And he asked why not, why always from a few established names? The immediate thought that comes to mine is that there is a world of difference between seeking views by main stream reporters form officially safe personalities and those from the mountain of Liang Shan as in the novel Water Margin. Who needs the views of the outlaws? And outlaws too may not have a string of qualifications to carry the kind of weight that they wanted. Would they be comfortable with views from Wally, Patriot or Matilah? You guys, can you please attach your titles to your name when you post. Maybe they will come around looking for your view too. I am going to announce mine right here, Dr Redbean, political analyst, PhD from LSE. Oh, I have just bought my PhD from Lembaga School of Economics. Ok, I am waiting. I will check my email everyday for reporters seeking my views or comments on local issues. Incidentally my email is available at my CV. Hope they would not mind the association with the heroes of the Water Margin.