Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Top 10 politicial videos for 2008...
1. Wil.i.am's Yes We Can video:
2. The American Promise:
3. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin "I Can See Russia From My House!"
Excerpt from ABC News in a skit of the VP debate in Sept..
2. The American Promise:
3. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin "I Can See Russia From My House!"
Excerpt from ABC News in a skit of the VP debate in Sept..
Top 10 politicial videos for 2008 (cont'd)
4. Obama Girl- I've Got A Crush On Obama
5. Barack Obama's 30 minutes infomercial: American Stories, American Solutions
The 30 minute prime time ad($3m in total) that most TV networks broadcasted- and which a major league sport allowed the game to be delayed for at most 30 minutes for it to be broadcast on the last weekend before Nov 4th.
6. Hillary Clinton's concession primary election Speech "18 million cracks in the ceiling"
One of Senator(and now soon-to-be Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton's finest speeches, and an inspiration to all women and men.
5. Barack Obama's 30 minutes infomercial: American Stories, American Solutions
The 30 minute prime time ad($3m in total) that most TV networks broadcasted- and which a major league sport allowed the game to be delayed for at most 30 minutes for it to be broadcast on the last weekend before Nov 4th.
6. Hillary Clinton's concession primary election Speech "18 million cracks in the ceiling"
One of Senator(and now soon-to-be Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton's finest speeches, and an inspiration to all women and men.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Top 10 Politicial Videos of 2007/2008
No.7: Sarah Palin as a Hockey Mum:
No.8 Barack Obama dancing in the Ellen DeGeneres show:
No. 9 Hillary Clinton's 3 a.m video in the primary season in Pennsylvania
No. 10 Homer Simpson tries to vote for Obama
I will continue the countdown tomorrow with the other four...
No.8 Barack Obama dancing in the Ellen DeGeneres show:
No. 9 Hillary Clinton's 3 a.m video in the primary season in Pennsylvania
No. 10 Homer Simpson tries to vote for Obama
I will continue the countdown tomorrow with the other four...
I was watching V for Vendetta a while back..and this part, reflected in this embed video..strikes a chord with me
I don't condone violence that the main character advocates though..but the context of the speech remains true.
Monday, December 22, 2008
I'm back home in Singapore..
And its time for eating, meeting up with old friends, and catching up. Also there would also some homework to be done, on a personal front and on a group front. There are many serious issues to be discussed, noted down, and debated upon, and as such, I look forward to such discussions.
Especially once the New Year is upon us.
For now, I just wanna wish everyone here, a Merry Xmas, and a Happy New Year! I will see you guys soon!
Especially once the New Year is upon us.
For now, I just wanna wish everyone here, a Merry Xmas, and a Happy New Year! I will see you guys soon!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I'm returning to Singapore this sunday...
Yes, I am.
But as I am packing my bags I had thought about this for a long time. First I need to clear a few things up. One of them is that while I do love my family, my friends, and my relatives, I also do have mixed feelings of Singapore at the same time. Second, I think my loyalty to my country while has remained steadfast, is not translated to loyalty towards the ruling party- because I think the country is bigger than any political party.
Thirdly, while I also feel that the current ruling party has done a lot for my country of birth, I also feel that the PAP has been stuck in the past, mired too much in past glories and has not fully established a true vision for the future for its people.
Instead what it has increasingly relied on is to use fear to force people to vote for them, by means of financial pressure through hidden charges using acronyms, by means of politicising the construction of national infrastructure(using taxpayers money) to only those who have voted for them, and to put people who don't deserve to be there on merit on the management boards of every single government corporation, and in every single government department for political, ideological reasons.
And the result is that Singapore increasingly has put its future further on the edge of a spiral. I mean, when a country is completely politicised from one end to another, it weakens all aspects of the country as a whole as the fundamentals have been shaken to its core. When a ruling party starts thinking of its self-interests as the country's self-interests, then that's when the rot starts.
The escape of Mas Selamat was merely the beginning. The fact that Singapore is the first Asian country to slip into recession is merely just another blip that the pulse isn't right. Then there is the minibonds scandal. And then now with the future of the IR heavily in doubt(of even being able to open in time), as with the F1, Singapore isn't looking very rosy.
Isn't it time Singapore has a better alternative than this? That we can do better than to depend on a party that has been ruling for 50 years? In politics, which is pretty much corrupting in the first place?
Its time we know we can do much better.
I now know Singapore is not an utopia, and shouldn't be viewed as one. For once, its time we took off those rose-tinted specs and really see the goodness and the flaws of Singapore at the same time, and know always that Singapore is always in a work in progress and as such, when time changes, we know we must change. And change can only come from those who do not belong to the status quo, who thinks that if we can do the same things for the last 50 years, somehow we will get a different result.
It is time.
But as I am packing my bags I had thought about this for a long time. First I need to clear a few things up. One of them is that while I do love my family, my friends, and my relatives, I also do have mixed feelings of Singapore at the same time. Second, I think my loyalty to my country while has remained steadfast, is not translated to loyalty towards the ruling party- because I think the country is bigger than any political party.
Thirdly, while I also feel that the current ruling party has done a lot for my country of birth, I also feel that the PAP has been stuck in the past, mired too much in past glories and has not fully established a true vision for the future for its people.
Instead what it has increasingly relied on is to use fear to force people to vote for them, by means of financial pressure through hidden charges using acronyms, by means of politicising the construction of national infrastructure(using taxpayers money) to only those who have voted for them, and to put people who don't deserve to be there on merit on the management boards of every single government corporation, and in every single government department for political, ideological reasons.
And the result is that Singapore increasingly has put its future further on the edge of a spiral. I mean, when a country is completely politicised from one end to another, it weakens all aspects of the country as a whole as the fundamentals have been shaken to its core. When a ruling party starts thinking of its self-interests as the country's self-interests, then that's when the rot starts.
The escape of Mas Selamat was merely the beginning. The fact that Singapore is the first Asian country to slip into recession is merely just another blip that the pulse isn't right. Then there is the minibonds scandal. And then now with the future of the IR heavily in doubt(of even being able to open in time), as with the F1, Singapore isn't looking very rosy.
Isn't it time Singapore has a better alternative than this? That we can do better than to depend on a party that has been ruling for 50 years? In politics, which is pretty much corrupting in the first place?
Its time we know we can do much better.
I now know Singapore is not an utopia, and shouldn't be viewed as one. For once, its time we took off those rose-tinted specs and really see the goodness and the flaws of Singapore at the same time, and know always that Singapore is always in a work in progress and as such, when time changes, we know we must change. And change can only come from those who do not belong to the status quo, who thinks that if we can do the same things for the last 50 years, somehow we will get a different result.
It is time.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
U2-One: One Of My Favourite Songs...
This was from their Chicago concert DVD during the Vertigo tour in 2005..
Bono also talks about why he set up the One campaign....
Bono also talks about why he set up the One campaign....
Saturday, November 29, 2008
S'porean killed by Mumbai hostage takers yesterday...
My sincere prayers go out to the unfortunate family and friends of Ms Lo, an innocent victim of circumstances...
Bloomberg: Singaporean Killed in recently ended Mumbai Siege/Hostage Taking crisis
Bloomberg: Singaporean Killed in recently ended Mumbai Siege/Hostage Taking crisis
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Mumbai under siege from terrorists in a well-coordinated attack on tourists..
Video is below..more to come:
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Top 10 Songs I love
1. "The Rising"- Bruce Springsteen
2. "Stronger"- Kanye West
3. "Everything I do"- Bryan Adams
4. "I'll Make Love To You"- Boyz II Men
5. "Heal The World"- Michael Jackson
6. "Hosanna"- Hill Song
7. "City Of Blinding Lights"- U2
8. "One"- U2
9. "Butterflies and Hurricanes"- Muse
10. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"- Radiohead
2. "Stronger"- Kanye West
3. "Everything I do"- Bryan Adams
4. "I'll Make Love To You"- Boyz II Men
5. "Heal The World"- Michael Jackson
6. "Hosanna"- Hill Song
7. "City Of Blinding Lights"- U2
8. "One"- U2
9. "Butterflies and Hurricanes"- Muse
10. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"- Radiohead
Saturday, November 22, 2008
For a quiet Saturday, away from politics...for now..
NBA Top 5 plays:
I quite like b-ball and thus to lighten up the mood, here's a video of the latest NBA matches in the States...
I quite like b-ball and thus to lighten up the mood, here's a video of the latest NBA matches in the States...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Something I wanna share- touching
The Two Towers: Sam Tales That Really Mattered
The Tales that really mattered
It's like in the great stories, mister Frodo
The ones that really mattered
Full of darkness and danger they were
And sometimes you didn't want to know the end
BeCause how could the end be happy
How could the world go back to the way it was
When so much bad had happened
But in the end, it's only a passing thing
This shadow, even darkness must pass
A new day will come
And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer
Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something
Even if you were too small to understand why
But I think mister Frodo
I do understand
I know now
Folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back but only they didn't
They kept going
Because they were holding on to something
There is some good in this world mister Frodo
And it's worth fighting for!
-------------------------------------------
And that's why we must keep on fighting for hope and change, Ladies and Gentlemen!
The Tales that really mattered
It's like in the great stories, mister Frodo
The ones that really mattered
Full of darkness and danger they were
And sometimes you didn't want to know the end
BeCause how could the end be happy
How could the world go back to the way it was
When so much bad had happened
But in the end, it's only a passing thing
This shadow, even darkness must pass
A new day will come
And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer
Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something
Even if you were too small to understand why
But I think mister Frodo
I do understand
I know now
Folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back but only they didn't
They kept going
Because they were holding on to something
There is some good in this world mister Frodo
And it's worth fighting for!
-------------------------------------------
And that's why we must keep on fighting for hope and change, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Looking back to Election 2008 and drawing lessons from it...
I think the recently concluded elections this year in places like Taiwan, and in countries like the US have shown how much more effective campaigns framed on issues and positivity are.
I'm glad President-elect Obama has won. I'm also glad that with the election of Ma Jing Yeou, the previously high tensions between both sides have lessen. Its all good for the world that two progressive candidates have won, and with good majorities and with the fact that they have made inroads with a larger electorate.
And the lessons here for all of us is this: when it comes to elections and governing, its important that the issues are in play, that we frame the election in terms of the issues that are very important to everyone, the ordinary citizens, and in a strong positive manner.
And we must never shy away from arguing the rationale of our issues- because we know these issues address the fundamentals that the country is dependent on. Because our principles lie in these issues, the argument is rationale and sensible.
But more importantly, even as we disagree and argue, we don't argue for the sake of arguing; neither do we disagree to be disagreeable. Even if the other side refuses to return the gesture, we cannot drown ourselves about it. We cannot dwell on anger.
Finally, policies and issues shouldn't be argued for ideological purposes. Every problem has a common sense solution, and as such solutions must be about solving the current situation in that particular circumstances. To say we must go back and argue for old ideological solutions and phrases that existed in the 19th to the 20th century is just looking too much backwards and not forward. Thus we have to look into the future, and find solutions that are pragmatic, sensible and very much related to common sense.
I'm glad President-elect Obama has won. I'm also glad that with the election of Ma Jing Yeou, the previously high tensions between both sides have lessen. Its all good for the world that two progressive candidates have won, and with good majorities and with the fact that they have made inroads with a larger electorate.
And the lessons here for all of us is this: when it comes to elections and governing, its important that the issues are in play, that we frame the election in terms of the issues that are very important to everyone, the ordinary citizens, and in a strong positive manner.
And we must never shy away from arguing the rationale of our issues- because we know these issues address the fundamentals that the country is dependent on. Because our principles lie in these issues, the argument is rationale and sensible.
But more importantly, even as we disagree and argue, we don't argue for the sake of arguing; neither do we disagree to be disagreeable. Even if the other side refuses to return the gesture, we cannot drown ourselves about it. We cannot dwell on anger.
Finally, policies and issues shouldn't be argued for ideological purposes. Every problem has a common sense solution, and as such solutions must be about solving the current situation in that particular circumstances. To say we must go back and argue for old ideological solutions and phrases that existed in the 19th to the 20th century is just looking too much backwards and not forward. Thus we have to look into the future, and find solutions that are pragmatic, sensible and very much related to common sense.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A 10 minute summary of a glorious tuesday night of Barack Obama
A 10 minute summary of the historical Tuesday night last week.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
In the Streets of New York City and in the pubs..
of Pennsylvania...Obama girl shares her thought.
Just a disclaimer here: factoring in the inevitable sex factor still, I think this video included the last part when young Gen-Y Obama supporters celebrated in the streets of New York City, like it was Xmas or the New Year, and I thought it was very meaningful.
My apologies if anyone was offended by the sexy part.
Just a disclaimer here: factoring in the inevitable sex factor still, I think this video included the last part when young Gen-Y Obama supporters celebrated in the streets of New York City, like it was Xmas or the New Year, and I thought it was very meaningful.
My apologies if anyone was offended by the sexy part.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Singapore IR Project is in deep trouble
Las Vegas Sands' chances of default and bankruptcy has risen over the months due to the fallout in the tourism market.
More news at Bloomberg services:
Las Vegas Sands' shares fall drastically after bankruptcy fears rose
Looks like the loans from the local banks to LVS could be in a state of default. This means trouble for the banks, DBS, UOB, and others. If these loans become bad debts and proved overwhelming, much of our savings in DBS and POSB are in trouble.
Time to withdraw?
More news at Bloomberg services:
Las Vegas Sands' shares fall drastically after bankruptcy fears rose
Looks like the loans from the local banks to LVS could be in a state of default. This means trouble for the banks, DBS, UOB, and others. If these loans become bad debts and proved overwhelming, much of our savings in DBS and POSB are in trouble.
Time to withdraw?
The reasons on why I have dropped accountancy..
Well, most people would have known that most Asians are good with numbers; I agree with that. That is a fact. But its also a fact that can be stereotyped and become a caricature.
Some are good, some are not. And those who are good and very diligent about their skills, more often than not, do well in science and maths, and excel in both fields, let it be in the scientific field, or in business where maths, and advanced maths are of paramount importance.
Thus, while I respect many of my peers in the choices they have made, I do not believe personally that I'm suitable for the same thing: accountancy. Its not in my slightest thought that I would criticise the choices of those who have differ- because all choices are personal, and thus cannot be either right or wrong. To deem otherwise would be viewed rightfully as arrogant, and one should never go there.
I therefore have adopted economics, and entrepreneurship as my university majors for my BA in Economics. I wish all those who are taking accountancy all the best in their endeavours, and I hope they progress swiftly and do not fade when there's difficulties in all of our lives.
Some are good, some are not. And those who are good and very diligent about their skills, more often than not, do well in science and maths, and excel in both fields, let it be in the scientific field, or in business where maths, and advanced maths are of paramount importance.
Thus, while I respect many of my peers in the choices they have made, I do not believe personally that I'm suitable for the same thing: accountancy. Its not in my slightest thought that I would criticise the choices of those who have differ- because all choices are personal, and thus cannot be either right or wrong. To deem otherwise would be viewed rightfully as arrogant, and one should never go there.
I therefore have adopted economics, and entrepreneurship as my university majors for my BA in Economics. I wish all those who are taking accountancy all the best in their endeavours, and I hope they progress swiftly and do not fade when there's difficulties in all of our lives.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
BARACK OBAMA HAS WON THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS!!!!!!!!!
ONE Word, people: YEAH!!!!
4th November 2008: when history fell, and when history was made again. Eighteen months back, when I first started to support the Obama candidacy, not many in Asia knew who he was. In fact, many mistaken him for one of the most infamous guys because of the similarity in name.
Many supported Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, and have heard of Rudy Giuliani. But not many gave Barack Obama a chance, believing that a black man, no matter how educated he is, how talented he is, and how well-spoken he is, would never win the Presidency of the most powerful nation in the world.
But after months of intensity and doubt, and of joy and tears, and of the efforts of all those Americans who helped in the Obama campaign, our moral support for the Obama campaign in overseas countries have not been in waste. God bless America, God bless Americans, and God Bless the world.
This victory is dedicated to all those who have worked hard for Obama! And this victory is for Obama's mum, maternal grandparents and also his father, and stepfather.
4th November 2008: when history fell, and when history was made again. Eighteen months back, when I first started to support the Obama candidacy, not many in Asia knew who he was. In fact, many mistaken him for one of the most infamous guys because of the similarity in name.
Many supported Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, and have heard of Rudy Giuliani. But not many gave Barack Obama a chance, believing that a black man, no matter how educated he is, how talented he is, and how well-spoken he is, would never win the Presidency of the most powerful nation in the world.
But after months of intensity and doubt, and of joy and tears, and of the efforts of all those Americans who helped in the Obama campaign, our moral support for the Obama campaign in overseas countries have not been in waste. God bless America, God bless Americans, and God Bless the world.
This victory is dedicated to all those who have worked hard for Obama! And this victory is for Obama's mum, maternal grandparents and also his father, and stepfather.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Barack Obama addresses 100,000 people in Manassas, Va.
Sen. Obama campaigned for the final time this year in the US Presidential elections in the heart of Virginia.
Here's the link:
Tired Obama addresses huge Virginia crowd
Here's the link:
Tired Obama addresses huge Virginia crowd
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Yes We Can change the world...
As this video proves. On Tuesday, we will change the world especially when Sen. Obama is elected! Go on, Barack!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Barack Obama's 30 minute info-ad
Here's some sharing: It was broadcast last night during the Baseball World Series on US TV networks:
Saturday, October 25, 2008
President Bush announces his very-public support for McCain's candidacy...
At least this would have been transpired if Saturday Night Live had its own way...
;)
;)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Something I found online..
Unbelievable McCain Vs. Obama Dance-Off - Watch more Free Videos
:) How to win the Presidential race? Perhaps they should dance instead! ;)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I Love This Bruce Springsteen Song
I wish this song can be played sometime in the future, when the next election rolls around. From some other parties, apart from the obvious one.
Part 4: James Roosevelt, great grandson of President FDR states it as such
In this video: The reason on why we should have social security for our own elderly, that retirees also have in the US and in Australia.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Taking Care Of The Elderly: Why Should We Do it- Part 3
But that's not all.
In fact the minibonds scandal is just a small microcosm of the general problem that we have in Singapore. As proven in the two videos in Part 1, there has been a general shortfall of what we are supposed to do for the elderly in Singapore.
In Asia, we have been told that we are, unlike those in other cultures in some other countries, we actually do respect our elders more; we do take care of our elders more; and in general, we do respect their opinions more, and carry out as such without complains.
In general, that is the truth. But sometimes, like in other culture in other countries, we, as humans, also fall short. We speak about all three, but we do not, at times, practice what we preach.
We all know that we will all grow old. In one way or another, as time passes, we ourselves will pass the batons to the younger generations. We will give that baton to that young baby 20 years down the line. And as such, once we age, we will not expect ourselves to perform the way we can now.
And because of this, its only natural that younger people will take care of the old, as with now where we take care of our parents when they retire, and when our parents took care of their own parents during their time. It means society has a moral obligation to the earlier and later generations, that we have a stake in each others life.
So, if we are to do that, then our actions must reflect that. But somehow along the line, as our own Singapore's Greatest Generation toiled in the early days of Singapore to make Singapore what is now, some of them, now old, have to toil selling tissue paper, collecting cardboards and cans for recycling, and generally begging on the streets so that they can earn $5 to $10 for 1 or 2 daily meals. To them, a plate of char kway teow or fishball noodles with coffee are a luxury.
And that's not all.
Even the better ones, the ones who can rent a HDB flat, often have to choose between the medicine, and the rent, and the food. And if they sacrifice food, they either often go very hungry, or have to wait for charity organisations' volunteers to ring them to give them rice, eggs and milk, and to cook for them. Sometimes they have to choose between the rent and medicine, and hence, they are forced to go out to collect cardboards to pay the rent and to pay for medicine.
And most likely than not, they usually don't.
Let's be honest here: when our elders, even those whom we don't know, are forced to choose between paying for the rent, or paying for food, it affects us even though she or he ain't our grandparents. A retired old man shouldn't be left to fend for himself even though he's now old.
I mean, I know my own grandparents, from both sides, were lucky enough to enjoy a retired lifestyle. My grandparents raised me, taught me certain values that I, as anyone else must have. They also fed me, and took care of me when my parents were away. And as such, they now enjoy retired life. Now my grandma cooks for my cousin, and my dad's sister- my aunt, and for her husband, my grandpa. She now goes to do community service as a retiree in a club for retirees. She enjoys the life she has, and knows how lucky her family, my family and herself are.
But not all elderly people share the same luck. I wish God would give them the same luck that my family has enjoyed as a middle class family. And in such I believe, taking care of the elderly is not just a responsibility; its a right. Its a moral obligation, by God, that we not only respect our elderly through words, but through actions as well.
That's why I don't believe that just because one family, like mine, is lucky, and healthy, we benefit, while others whom hadn't been lucky or healthy, will have no-one else to took to. That's not what our values are about. That's not a receipt for strong social cohesion. That's not we believe as "asian values". That's not we are as a people. It just go against what we believe as a value that says we have a stake in each others lives and in each other's success.
And that's not certainly rewarding the greatest generation for their hard work over the years.
We have to take care of them- and this means that the so-called "Ownership society" and "kiasuism" idea and culture has to be halted. If we are to be really a great country, that we have to seriously start taking care of our elderly, by means of action and not by empty words?
The question is: do we want to? Will the government play their role? Or are we destined to say but not do or do too little? We have time still, but we are running out of time.
And if we do nothing now, it will get worse for the rest of us, and especially our parents, whom most are baby boomers.
In fact the minibonds scandal is just a small microcosm of the general problem that we have in Singapore. As proven in the two videos in Part 1, there has been a general shortfall of what we are supposed to do for the elderly in Singapore.
In Asia, we have been told that we are, unlike those in other cultures in some other countries, we actually do respect our elders more; we do take care of our elders more; and in general, we do respect their opinions more, and carry out as such without complains.
In general, that is the truth. But sometimes, like in other culture in other countries, we, as humans, also fall short. We speak about all three, but we do not, at times, practice what we preach.
We all know that we will all grow old. In one way or another, as time passes, we ourselves will pass the batons to the younger generations. We will give that baton to that young baby 20 years down the line. And as such, once we age, we will not expect ourselves to perform the way we can now.
And because of this, its only natural that younger people will take care of the old, as with now where we take care of our parents when they retire, and when our parents took care of their own parents during their time. It means society has a moral obligation to the earlier and later generations, that we have a stake in each others life.
So, if we are to do that, then our actions must reflect that. But somehow along the line, as our own Singapore's Greatest Generation toiled in the early days of Singapore to make Singapore what is now, some of them, now old, have to toil selling tissue paper, collecting cardboards and cans for recycling, and generally begging on the streets so that they can earn $5 to $10 for 1 or 2 daily meals. To them, a plate of char kway teow or fishball noodles with coffee are a luxury.
And that's not all.
Even the better ones, the ones who can rent a HDB flat, often have to choose between the medicine, and the rent, and the food. And if they sacrifice food, they either often go very hungry, or have to wait for charity organisations' volunteers to ring them to give them rice, eggs and milk, and to cook for them. Sometimes they have to choose between the rent and medicine, and hence, they are forced to go out to collect cardboards to pay the rent and to pay for medicine.
And most likely than not, they usually don't.
Let's be honest here: when our elders, even those whom we don't know, are forced to choose between paying for the rent, or paying for food, it affects us even though she or he ain't our grandparents. A retired old man shouldn't be left to fend for himself even though he's now old.
I mean, I know my own grandparents, from both sides, were lucky enough to enjoy a retired lifestyle. My grandparents raised me, taught me certain values that I, as anyone else must have. They also fed me, and took care of me when my parents were away. And as such, they now enjoy retired life. Now my grandma cooks for my cousin, and my dad's sister- my aunt, and for her husband, my grandpa. She now goes to do community service as a retiree in a club for retirees. She enjoys the life she has, and knows how lucky her family, my family and herself are.
But not all elderly people share the same luck. I wish God would give them the same luck that my family has enjoyed as a middle class family. And in such I believe, taking care of the elderly is not just a responsibility; its a right. Its a moral obligation, by God, that we not only respect our elderly through words, but through actions as well.
That's why I don't believe that just because one family, like mine, is lucky, and healthy, we benefit, while others whom hadn't been lucky or healthy, will have no-one else to took to. That's not what our values are about. That's not a receipt for strong social cohesion. That's not we believe as "asian values". That's not we are as a people. It just go against what we believe as a value that says we have a stake in each others lives and in each other's success.
And that's not certainly rewarding the greatest generation for their hard work over the years.
We have to take care of them- and this means that the so-called "Ownership society" and "kiasuism" idea and culture has to be halted. If we are to be really a great country, that we have to seriously start taking care of our elderly, by means of action and not by empty words?
The question is: do we want to? Will the government play their role? Or are we destined to say but not do or do too little? We have time still, but we are running out of time.
And if we do nothing now, it will get worse for the rest of us, and especially our parents, whom most are baby boomers.
Taking Care of the Elderly: Why should we do it- Part 2
I write the 2nd part in response to the recent minibonds debacle by Lehman Brothers and DBS, both in Singapore and in HK. I heard that many retirees and housewives got burned in the minibonds debacle, and they had lost a sizeable sum of money, much of it either retirement savings or carefully cultivated family accounts for say, the education for their children, living expenses and others.
I spoke to a friend, whom I will call Jim earlier today, as we were discussing this before the start of worship, and I pretty much stated the point about why these people should have their concerns addressed, and why the banks have to be regulated.
My points were simply this: I believe that retirees and housewives may or may not have the understanding of the markets. Much of them invested in such bonds simply because they thought they could earn money, and because friends recommended them to. But because they didn't understand that Lehman was in trouble in the US because of the sub-prime crisis, the bank didn't inform them that there was a risk and that the bank should be obligated to inform them of the risks, and to fully brief them before any investment is made.
Because they invested in the minibonds, most retirees based it on friends' recommendations, and the bank's reputation. But business also means one has to look into the form(current state) of the bank as well. And because they were not as knowledgable, their ignorance, and the bank's silence were the main reasons on why they had invested their entire retirement savings/family savings into something that isn't guaranteed.
Therefore, I believe that in order to recify this: firstly, the government should now regulate these banks. I do believe the banking sector has unofficially went the de-regulation route locally, and that's why the lack of transparency and accountability has led to banks like Lehman Brothers, and DBS to seek cheap money from retirees, without fully informing these small-time investors of the risks involved. Second, the government should also force these companies to return the money even though Lehman has now filed for Chapter 11(bankruptcy) in the US. They should impose quick regulations to force compensation, and to push Lehman and DBS to negotiate in good faith to return most of their money to these burned investors.
Thirdly, we must ensure that whenever retiree investors put it their money, that hopefully, the law may require that retirees do inform their grown-up children or get an adviser from the government or private sources to advise them about the risks involved, and generally to inform them about their options, so that they would be more knowledgeable about their money and where to invest, and how to invest.
We probably can't stop every finger from being burnt in the future, but as long as we reduce ignorance through openness, transparency and honesty, and get in some more regulations, we can help retirees and housewives secure more of their retirement/family savings for their future use.
I spoke to a friend, whom I will call Jim earlier today, as we were discussing this before the start of worship, and I pretty much stated the point about why these people should have their concerns addressed, and why the banks have to be regulated.
My points were simply this: I believe that retirees and housewives may or may not have the understanding of the markets. Much of them invested in such bonds simply because they thought they could earn money, and because friends recommended them to. But because they didn't understand that Lehman was in trouble in the US because of the sub-prime crisis, the bank didn't inform them that there was a risk and that the bank should be obligated to inform them of the risks, and to fully brief them before any investment is made.
Because they invested in the minibonds, most retirees based it on friends' recommendations, and the bank's reputation. But business also means one has to look into the form(current state) of the bank as well. And because they were not as knowledgable, their ignorance, and the bank's silence were the main reasons on why they had invested their entire retirement savings/family savings into something that isn't guaranteed.
Therefore, I believe that in order to recify this: firstly, the government should now regulate these banks. I do believe the banking sector has unofficially went the de-regulation route locally, and that's why the lack of transparency and accountability has led to banks like Lehman Brothers, and DBS to seek cheap money from retirees, without fully informing these small-time investors of the risks involved. Second, the government should also force these companies to return the money even though Lehman has now filed for Chapter 11(bankruptcy) in the US. They should impose quick regulations to force compensation, and to push Lehman and DBS to negotiate in good faith to return most of their money to these burned investors.
Thirdly, we must ensure that whenever retiree investors put it their money, that hopefully, the law may require that retirees do inform their grown-up children or get an adviser from the government or private sources to advise them about the risks involved, and generally to inform them about their options, so that they would be more knowledgeable about their money and where to invest, and how to invest.
We probably can't stop every finger from being burnt in the future, but as long as we reduce ignorance through openness, transparency and honesty, and get in some more regulations, we can help retirees and housewives secure more of their retirement/family savings for their future use.
Taking care of the elderly: Why should we do it?- Part 1.
First a video, highlighting the situation of our elderly in Singapore:
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A country's happiness; social cohension; and how they foster patriotism
I have just read through the annual list listing the happiness level of every country around the world on Businessweek, and I must say it has strike a chord with me. And the most important point is that it says that its not just about the money. In short, just like what God and Jesus Christ said in the Bible- and as with all other religious books have aso stated- money cannot lead to happiness; or rather money alone will not buy happiness.
And therefore its not a surprise that Denmark still tops the list. In fact the rank depends on the factors of freedom, social tolerance, individual benevolence and expressions of gratitude, and also religion. In short, those countries whose citizens, and government fosters such an environment, and treat each other fairly, are gonna be ones who will be happier.
While Singapore isn't ranked, I think that Singapore, in general, and Singaporeans are generally not happy citizens. This is because we have a money-obsessed culture, and we are far short on freedom, social tolerance, benevolence. We are also not particularly religious as a people. And our government doesn't help especially when its so overbearing, and so cold.
Its fair to say that we Singaporeans do not have an equal partner relationship with our government. Its more like we have a master-servant relationship, and we do whatever our master tells us to do.
And that simply doesn't help. I will talk about this in quick terms why.
1. Government policy on people strife people's natural instinct. In short, when the government starts taking singaporeans for granted, and treats them badly, there will be no love for them, and less commitment towards the people.
And when a 62 year old man is fined $200 for oversleeping on a park bench- just for that, as if that's a crime in the first place- it emphasises on how overbearing the government has become in society. There's a difference in having law and regulations that's based on common sense, and laws & regulations that's based on a completely ridiculous notion.
2. People do not have a say or share in the country. The government generally says and do, and gingerly rents out the share to the people; but the people have no say nor do they have a share. Why?
I mean, look. In the private sector, Temasek and GIC owns 60% of it. And the rest is dominated by foreign MNCs. So everything is dictated to the people by these entitles. If local people want to set up a small business however, he generally has to go through a huge amount of bureaucracy. Then he has to face massive costs in terms of rent, supplies, and taxes. And then he has to compete with state-owned companies in the same area. If he owns a fruit shop, and then he has to face NTUC, he's sure to lose a lot of business, and at the same time, face high rents, expensive start-up costs and pay more because he's only a single dealer.
And when Singaporeans are shut out of the economy, and have no choice but to be an employee for a state-owned firm or as a lowly civil servant, then they don't feel like they are being respected. Instead of their instincts being respected, they are treated as kids, and as disrespected as possible. And with such treatment, and with people unable to fulfill their dreams, then they will not feel very committed.
3. Singapore society has a long way to go. Let's face it: after years of government policy that forces us to look after our own self-interest, we have become a bo-chap society, one which doesn't care much for other people. Instead of having a do unto neighbours, as you do unto yourself attitude, we have not become that.
And a society that only looks after its own individual self-interests and not of others is not a cohesive society. And a non-cohesive society weakens the social fabric of any nation. To have a cohesive society is to understand that we have a stake in each other's lives, and that what we do affects others. And so, if we see an old woman being unable to pay her rent, pay for her daily meals despite working hard all her life, that affects us even if she's not our grandmother. And if we see a person being rounded up and put behind bars, without an access to the due process, that affects us even if he's not a friend of ours.
That's why government has a role to play: we can start reforming the current approach to reflect that society has a role to play, and that we have a role to play in each other's life and that we must take care of each other. This means that the government must liberalise their policies, and stop being overbearing. They have to extend all opportunities(social, economic, and political) to all of us, not just the favoured few. They must reduce the current pay levels of the government itself, so that there's no more Swiss-Somalia levels. The government must start respecting all of us as people. They must de-politicise the judiciary and start approaching the issue of law as one that is pragmatic and not ideologic, and which takes account of the level of crime, in consideration to the level of punishment that is needed. The government must also treat us like equal partners, and not as servants or kids to be whipped.
And most importantly of all, the government must give all citizens their dignity back as a people. And then the people must respond as well. That if they do this, then surely, we wouldn't need superficial efforts like NDP, or National Education, or NS or emptily reciting the Pledge everyday just because we have to.
In the end, when we as people are committed to each other, that we have a proper set of values that all of us share, and that the government finally treats us as equal partners, then we have a cohesive society, and that helps people feel more committed, more ready to show patriotism when the hard times come around.
Update on Aussie PM's plan to help families; Australian Senate passes tax cut for Medicare
Here's a further update on PM Rudd's A$10b plan for people who are vulnerable to an economic downturn:
Rudd's A$10b golden goose
And the Australian Senate- the Upper House- has decided to cut the taxes for 250,000 people for their Medicare coverage.
250,000 set to get Medicare tax cut
Last but not least, PM Rudd lambasts executives and their excessive pay, and proposes that executive pay be subjected to the amount of profit and job performance. This is in addition to the fact earlier that PM Rudd, upon taking over the government in January, had froze the wage levels of his government, and froze all wage increases for his ministers.
This is very important, considering there's no such thing in Singapore. We all know how excessive the wages are for the government in general over there, and the amount the rich get every month. Its a sign of government and private sector greediness, and it points to the fact on how corrupted politics and business have become in my home town.
Rudd's executive idea is to force a fine tuning
Rudd's A$10b golden goose
And the Australian Senate- the Upper House- has decided to cut the taxes for 250,000 people for their Medicare coverage.
250,000 set to get Medicare tax cut
Last but not least, PM Rudd lambasts executives and their excessive pay, and proposes that executive pay be subjected to the amount of profit and job performance. This is in addition to the fact earlier that PM Rudd, upon taking over the government in January, had froze the wage levels of his government, and froze all wage increases for his ministers.
This is very important, considering there's no such thing in Singapore. We all know how excessive the wages are for the government in general over there, and the amount the rich get every month. Its a sign of government and private sector greediness, and it points to the fact on how corrupted politics and business have become in my home town.
Rudd's executive idea is to force a fine tuning
Aussie Prime Minister takes further action to reduce Australia's chances of a recession..
Rudd moves to protect economy
While PM Rudd is doing the right thing- the argument is whether is it fast enough or not- at least he's doing something now, even though Australia still isn't in any recession as yet.
And get this: low and middle income families will get $1000 per child, for child care. 4 million pensioners, seniors and carers- including those on disability support and war veterans- will get $1400 each. Carer allowance receipts will get $1000 for every eligible person in their care.
There's also aid for first time home buyers. This is amazing.
I wish the same could be said for my own country. I mean, in Singapore, its a case of "we are rich government people so we can spend as much as we like. And the rest of you guys, sorry its time to tighten your belts and cut spending! And at the same time we are increasing public transport and uilities costs for all of you. And btw this recession is your fault, not ours..I mean why did you tell us to build this casino?"
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
An Obama supporter produces this video about Obama's campaign..
I love this video and I hope you do as well. The song is by U2 and its "City Of Blinding Lights".
Monday, October 13, 2008
Australian PM announces A$700b guarantee for bank deposits for 3 years..
Somthing important from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd:
PM Rudd said that he had to act quickly and decisively
A solid thumbs up for decisive leadership, even though Australia's still not in a recession.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The ad about taketh and giventh..
View this in the local context of GST, living expenses and the inadequate GST rebates in the beginning of the year.
Listen to what Sen. Obama says from 1:38 to 1:50..
As I said in the previous posts, its switch and bait. One hand taketh, one hand giveth away.
In the end, you're worse off when the giveth is less than the taketh.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
In contrast, at least the Aussie Federal government is doing something..
Even though Australia isn't in a recession as for now. PM Kevin Rudd is now in a series of meetings with economical experts outside and inside of his government to see how can they sort it out.
Reports from Sydney Morning Herald:
PM Rudd meets with great minds within Australia to sort out crisis
Reports from Sydney Morning Herald:
PM Rudd meets with great minds within Australia to sort out crisis
Truth telling
I write this in regret from news back home.
It seems that while other politicians overseas are speaking the truth and wanting to sort it out, ours aren't. Instead of speaking of the truth diplomatically, they have instead resort to false assurances, and misleading statements to "assure" Singaporeans.
But its their bad economical leadership that has put Singapore and its citizens in the current recession in the first place.
Why?
1. The market burst more than a year ago, in August 2007. Instead of taking early counter-measures, they have instead went on their plan for F1, IR and the Flyer. And then they continued to put even more money into destabilized American banks, which would, in the end, cost them more money.
2. Their efforts to loose up the local credit market, so as to 'boost' demand for HDB flats and private property, has instead created a dangerous property bubble. Of course, it was portrayed as a boom, and a good permanent boom. But inside, many young couples were borrowing a lot of money through banks and CPF, with high interest rates they couldn't afford to pay. And then they further mortgage their flats to buy a car which is also overpriced.
And now as the property bubble starts to burst- and it has already affected the freehold side- the people who borrowed on collateral might find themselves unable to pay for the loans they have taken out- and the interest.
The banks are also in trouble, because of this.
3. Instead of telling the truth after Aug 2007, a certain so-called "Father of Our Nation" said that the credit crunch would sort itself out by the end of 2007, and even said that Singapore was on the cusp on a golden period for the next five to ten years.
Its not even looking from a glass half full view; its completely false and virtually a lie. He is not stupid, and yet he gives out such stupid statements. Falsehoods and virtual lies should not coming out from such people. Its extremely wrong.
In the end, Ladies and Gentlemen, we cannot expect people who have created this domestic crisis to protect us from this crisis. Its like you're a Gotham City resident, and then trusting the Joker- who creates this chao to spite Batman- to cut the crap and protect the city.
And everyone knows that you can't trust the Joker; its illogical.
And in fact, the government is not even protecting the people. They have implied that if you can't afford it, you're dead. And worse, they have rubbed salt into the wounds by increasing everything from public utilities, the ERP to public transport. And so now as more ordinary people face wage cuts, and retrenchments, the government wants to collect more money from you.
In the end, what's the point of all the help they give in the GST rebates and what not, when they take back more away from you at the end of year? Its like early in the year, they give you $500. And then by 31st dec, they take back $5000. As Sen. Obama had said earlier this year: its nothing more than bait-and-switch.
Beware of such politicians who cannot show economical leadership: the bread and butter of politics in the first place.
It seems that while other politicians overseas are speaking the truth and wanting to sort it out, ours aren't. Instead of speaking of the truth diplomatically, they have instead resort to false assurances, and misleading statements to "assure" Singaporeans.
But its their bad economical leadership that has put Singapore and its citizens in the current recession in the first place.
Why?
1. The market burst more than a year ago, in August 2007. Instead of taking early counter-measures, they have instead went on their plan for F1, IR and the Flyer. And then they continued to put even more money into destabilized American banks, which would, in the end, cost them more money.
2. Their efforts to loose up the local credit market, so as to 'boost' demand for HDB flats and private property, has instead created a dangerous property bubble. Of course, it was portrayed as a boom, and a good permanent boom. But inside, many young couples were borrowing a lot of money through banks and CPF, with high interest rates they couldn't afford to pay. And then they further mortgage their flats to buy a car which is also overpriced.
And now as the property bubble starts to burst- and it has already affected the freehold side- the people who borrowed on collateral might find themselves unable to pay for the loans they have taken out- and the interest.
The banks are also in trouble, because of this.
3. Instead of telling the truth after Aug 2007, a certain so-called "Father of Our Nation" said that the credit crunch would sort itself out by the end of 2007, and even said that Singapore was on the cusp on a golden period for the next five to ten years.
Its not even looking from a glass half full view; its completely false and virtually a lie. He is not stupid, and yet he gives out such stupid statements. Falsehoods and virtual lies should not coming out from such people. Its extremely wrong.
In the end, Ladies and Gentlemen, we cannot expect people who have created this domestic crisis to protect us from this crisis. Its like you're a Gotham City resident, and then trusting the Joker- who creates this chao to spite Batman- to cut the crap and protect the city.
And everyone knows that you can't trust the Joker; its illogical.
And in fact, the government is not even protecting the people. They have implied that if you can't afford it, you're dead. And worse, they have rubbed salt into the wounds by increasing everything from public utilities, the ERP to public transport. And so now as more ordinary people face wage cuts, and retrenchments, the government wants to collect more money from you.
In the end, what's the point of all the help they give in the GST rebates and what not, when they take back more away from you at the end of year? Its like early in the year, they give you $500. And then by 31st dec, they take back $5000. As Sen. Obama had said earlier this year: its nothing more than bait-and-switch.
Beware of such politicians who cannot show economical leadership: the bread and butter of politics in the first place.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A mother's promise: Barack's Biography
This is a great video. Made me a bit more emotional than usual.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
In the Context of all things...
Its clear America needs new leadership. And in the context of this video, do we need new leadership in the countries we belong to?
I think we know the answer.
I think we know the answer.
Disappointed at the Melamine scandal and JBJ's death..
As I write this, I'm incredibly disappointed at the lack of professionalism and accountability of the AVA, which has put the lives of many babies in Singapore at risk.
Its incredibly shocking to hear that AVA didn't withdraw the milk powder until a week later, and it put a lot of risk on mothers who may not have known because of many reasons, including being too busy.
And when the AVA shown such negligence, it shows how incompetent and complacent the AVA has become. Let it be for social reasons, or because of ignorance, or just plain "I don't give a damn" attitudes, such negligence should not have happened in the first place.
I call the AVA to be held accountable for their actions, as they have put many children at risk in Singapore by such unprofessional behaviour. If there's no accountability by the authorities on their parts, then its safe to conclude that even the authorities don't even care about the people anymore.
JBJ:
In the shocking days after JBJ's death, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the family of JBJ in this trying times. They have my entire sympathy and I hope they won't be too angry at this arupt, sudden, and permanent departure.
Its now up to us, the younger generation, to assume the mantle of leadership and to pick up the fight he has started for all of us. Its with his legacy in our minds, we will do so.
Rest In Peace, JBJ.
Its incredibly shocking to hear that AVA didn't withdraw the milk powder until a week later, and it put a lot of risk on mothers who may not have known because of many reasons, including being too busy.
And when the AVA shown such negligence, it shows how incompetent and complacent the AVA has become. Let it be for social reasons, or because of ignorance, or just plain "I don't give a damn" attitudes, such negligence should not have happened in the first place.
I call the AVA to be held accountable for their actions, as they have put many children at risk in Singapore by such unprofessional behaviour. If there's no accountability by the authorities on their parts, then its safe to conclude that even the authorities don't even care about the people anymore.
JBJ:
In the shocking days after JBJ's death, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the family of JBJ in this trying times. They have my entire sympathy and I hope they won't be too angry at this arupt, sudden, and permanent departure.
Its now up to us, the younger generation, to assume the mantle of leadership and to pick up the fight he has started for all of us. Its with his legacy in our minds, we will do so.
Rest In Peace, JBJ.
Trek to Weir Dam and Mundaring..yesterday
Hey man, I just wanna post some pictures I took of our hike in the hills outside Perth city yesterday. Pictures say pretty much everything really, and I appreciate the scenery as many of us did as well.
An exhausting hike nonetheless, but we were all good, despite the swing in the mood of the overall weather.
A picture of Arthur Wright, our mentoring/business comm lecturer/tutor-cum-guide..
The whole group...
Finally..
An exhausting hike nonetheless, but we were all good, despite the swing in the mood of the overall weather.
A picture of Arthur Wright, our mentoring/business comm lecturer/tutor-cum-guide..
The whole group...
Finally..
American Election Update- it involves the financial meltdown as well..
These are the videos from youtube...
Barack Obama speaks about the crisis in Nevada...
Obama For Seniors want more senior citizens to vote for Obama to secure their futures, especially their social security.
Who said McCain was the right about the Iraqi war, or different from President Bush?
Barack Obama speaks about the crisis in Nevada...
Obama For Seniors want more senior citizens to vote for Obama to secure their futures, especially their social security.
Who said McCain was the right about the Iraqi war, or different from President Bush?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
LOTR: The Two Towers...
I thought I shared this on my facebook account- but I will publish this here anyway..
The best scene anyway...very moving.
The best scene anyway...very moving.
Role Models and Heroes- Inspiring Figures
I guess there are a few role models whom I think are great inspirations for anyone. My list would be shorten to just three people.
The first one would be Benjamin Franklin, a diplomat, a scientist, and a statesman.
My reason is this: when he served the country, he served his country and his fellow citizens for the greater good and not for himself. How did he demonstrate it? Well, all of his inventions were social inventions and he never did apply for any patent for any of these inventions. His motto was that his inventions was for the people in general and therefore the more people use these social inventions, the more this young country will be better for it.
This was the ultimate example of selflessness by any individual.
The second one would actually be a fictional character, but nonetheless most of us would have heard of. He's actually one of the major characters in the most recent popular films which had actually won 11 oscars in a sweep. Yes he's Aragorn.
Why did I choose him? Because he emboldens everyone in past history, such as Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, William Wallace and many others who have faced great odds and yet managed to triumph despite of it. He also represents the never-say-die attitude that all leaders should have, and is willing to make huge personal sacrifices so that his country can survive the difficult situation they were in.
Plus, his love story with Erwen was just so touching in both the book and especially in the movie. His scenes with Erwen, especially in the final film, just made me very emotional.
Third, my final role model would be the social workers, such as nurses, community organisers who help disadvantaged people overcome their handicap to become self-reliant, and to ensure that these people have an equal seat on the table. I think good ordinary people, when you set standards for them to reach, most will try to reach the expectations others expect of them. Its the same here.
The first one would be Benjamin Franklin, a diplomat, a scientist, and a statesman.
My reason is this: when he served the country, he served his country and his fellow citizens for the greater good and not for himself. How did he demonstrate it? Well, all of his inventions were social inventions and he never did apply for any patent for any of these inventions. His motto was that his inventions was for the people in general and therefore the more people use these social inventions, the more this young country will be better for it.
This was the ultimate example of selflessness by any individual.
The second one would actually be a fictional character, but nonetheless most of us would have heard of. He's actually one of the major characters in the most recent popular films which had actually won 11 oscars in a sweep. Yes he's Aragorn.
Why did I choose him? Because he emboldens everyone in past history, such as Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, William Wallace and many others who have faced great odds and yet managed to triumph despite of it. He also represents the never-say-die attitude that all leaders should have, and is willing to make huge personal sacrifices so that his country can survive the difficult situation they were in.
Plus, his love story with Erwen was just so touching in both the book and especially in the movie. His scenes with Erwen, especially in the final film, just made me very emotional.
Third, my final role model would be the social workers, such as nurses, community organisers who help disadvantaged people overcome their handicap to become self-reliant, and to ensure that these people have an equal seat on the table. I think good ordinary people, when you set standards for them to reach, most will try to reach the expectations others expect of them. Its the same here.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
What I feel about things currently
Now as I've been away from Singapore the last two months, I look back at the news back home, and majority of the time, I'm dismayed on what I have heard.
From the recent collapse of the stock market, to the ever rising costs from public transport, to food, and then the recent contamination of certain brands of milk back home, to the bubble burst in the property sector to the recent overhype of the F1 race, I have to say that the leadership that we have, as Singaporeans, have not been impressive nor inspiring in a long while.
Let's put it honestly: they have been pretending for a long time, and have shown to be lacking honesty more frequently than ever. And even as things began to collapse on their own shaky foundations around the world, the leadership has been trying to blatantly mislead fellow Singaporeans in saying that we will be, in effect, immune to the world economy breakdown.
Take for example, the property bubble burst. For the last 3 years, the government has 'liberalise' the rules so that more couples can borrow more money from the banks and from their CPF, without the need of showing some collateral, in order to prove they can pay for it. As a result of cheap credit, HDB flat demand began to soar, and young couples began to accumulate more debt in order to pay for a flat that is way out of their budget, overpriced at S$400k, and is only on a 99 year lease.
But like the one in the US, where cheap credit was extended to people who couldn't afford it, and then these credit programs were re-packaged as CDOs, and sold to other investment firms, it was a disaster waiting to happen.
Let's face the facts: when was public housing ever part of the free market in the first place? As these flats are built on taxpayers money, it should be sold based not on market rates, but on the terms of affordability and reasonableness. Public housing, is essentially a service provided by the government, a public service, by a natural monopoly: the HDB.
And if the market was allowed to operate in such an environment, prices will only shoot through the roof, making purchases and rentals of flats unaffordable to more and more people annually.
That should not be the case. HDB flats, as public housing, is not the same as freehold properties like condos and landed property.
That's not the type of people leadership that anyone can believe in.
In the end, ladies and gentleman, my view is that when it comes to leadership in issues like this, we have to be clear on certain things:
1. We have to be honest more often than not and be prepared to tell the truth, in a polite, but firm, honest fashion.
2. We cannot use the market as an excuse to extend it to everything else, including in markets that are almost always going to be controlled by natural monopolies. Public housing, public transport and utilities are such examples.
The same applies vice versa for markets which should remain as markets, and not be controlled by monopolies for political gain. For example, telecommunications, and grocery shopping.
3. We have to understand that we should not politicise every single market for political gain and political protection. To politicise the HDB demand, and to gain extra cash, and to treat the demand for more flats as a excuse to make HDB into a corporation when it shouldn't be is wrong. The HDB organisation is not there to serve the government; its to serve its people and to service, they are to build flats and sell them for cheap rates.
4. Last of all, we, on good faith, shouldn't be recommending people to overuse their CPF funds to buy flats. After all, the CPF fund for each Singaporean is to better guarantee that they will have a basis of a retirement fund when one's old. But when young Singaporeans use too much of it as collateral, or as loans to buy a HDB flat, and leave little for retirement, they will be in a difficult position many years to come. Financial independence should be an attainable option to everyone, not just the well privileged.
And if the government allows that, and decides to restrict people in using their CPF funds to buy what's an overpriced flat, then they will make more people financially independent, and feeling more secure.
Lastly, when it comes to leadership, I always look to, not just God, and JC, but also to people in history who have inspired us to great levels of progress that one may not be attain before. People like Martin Luther King, Jr., to Mother Theresa, to Gandhi, to the head of Grameen Bank, to Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein to politicians like Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, and now present-day leaders like Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Obama, for directions on where one and we should go.
I hope Singapore will have such leadership in the future. It just saddens me when we have not.
From the recent collapse of the stock market, to the ever rising costs from public transport, to food, and then the recent contamination of certain brands of milk back home, to the bubble burst in the property sector to the recent overhype of the F1 race, I have to say that the leadership that we have, as Singaporeans, have not been impressive nor inspiring in a long while.
Let's put it honestly: they have been pretending for a long time, and have shown to be lacking honesty more frequently than ever. And even as things began to collapse on their own shaky foundations around the world, the leadership has been trying to blatantly mislead fellow Singaporeans in saying that we will be, in effect, immune to the world economy breakdown.
Take for example, the property bubble burst. For the last 3 years, the government has 'liberalise' the rules so that more couples can borrow more money from the banks and from their CPF, without the need of showing some collateral, in order to prove they can pay for it. As a result of cheap credit, HDB flat demand began to soar, and young couples began to accumulate more debt in order to pay for a flat that is way out of their budget, overpriced at S$400k, and is only on a 99 year lease.
But like the one in the US, where cheap credit was extended to people who couldn't afford it, and then these credit programs were re-packaged as CDOs, and sold to other investment firms, it was a disaster waiting to happen.
Let's face the facts: when was public housing ever part of the free market in the first place? As these flats are built on taxpayers money, it should be sold based not on market rates, but on the terms of affordability and reasonableness. Public housing, is essentially a service provided by the government, a public service, by a natural monopoly: the HDB.
And if the market was allowed to operate in such an environment, prices will only shoot through the roof, making purchases and rentals of flats unaffordable to more and more people annually.
That should not be the case. HDB flats, as public housing, is not the same as freehold properties like condos and landed property.
That's not the type of people leadership that anyone can believe in.
In the end, ladies and gentleman, my view is that when it comes to leadership in issues like this, we have to be clear on certain things:
1. We have to be honest more often than not and be prepared to tell the truth, in a polite, but firm, honest fashion.
2. We cannot use the market as an excuse to extend it to everything else, including in markets that are almost always going to be controlled by natural monopolies. Public housing, public transport and utilities are such examples.
The same applies vice versa for markets which should remain as markets, and not be controlled by monopolies for political gain. For example, telecommunications, and grocery shopping.
3. We have to understand that we should not politicise every single market for political gain and political protection. To politicise the HDB demand, and to gain extra cash, and to treat the demand for more flats as a excuse to make HDB into a corporation when it shouldn't be is wrong. The HDB organisation is not there to serve the government; its to serve its people and to service, they are to build flats and sell them for cheap rates.
4. Last of all, we, on good faith, shouldn't be recommending people to overuse their CPF funds to buy flats. After all, the CPF fund for each Singaporean is to better guarantee that they will have a basis of a retirement fund when one's old. But when young Singaporeans use too much of it as collateral, or as loans to buy a HDB flat, and leave little for retirement, they will be in a difficult position many years to come. Financial independence should be an attainable option to everyone, not just the well privileged.
And if the government allows that, and decides to restrict people in using their CPF funds to buy what's an overpriced flat, then they will make more people financially independent, and feeling more secure.
Lastly, when it comes to leadership, I always look to, not just God, and JC, but also to people in history who have inspired us to great levels of progress that one may not be attain before. People like Martin Luther King, Jr., to Mother Theresa, to Gandhi, to the head of Grameen Bank, to Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein to politicians like Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, and now present-day leaders like Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Obama, for directions on where one and we should go.
I hope Singapore will have such leadership in the future. It just saddens me when we have not.
2 Months- and 1 week- in Australia
Hey all,
Another update from me here....
If you may not have known, I have been in Perth, Australia for slightly more than 2 months now. I'm now studying in the Diploma of Commerce, UWA stream, at Canning College. This means that my first year at Canning would be the equivalent of my 1st year in UWA, and pertaining final total results at the end of my 2nd semesters, I would be studying at University of Western Australia next year.
Anyway I have been doing fine here. I have attached a few pictures here, as I feel, as the old cliche goes, a few pictures will say more than a thousand words.
And of course, I got a new phone from 3. Its the LG U990 and its almost a smartphone with 3.5G coverage..
The website for 3's mobile services is below:
http://store.three.com.au/mobiles/LG-Viewty(U990)-Internet-Key-49-combo
Thanks and cheers, guys
Another update from me here....
If you may not have known, I have been in Perth, Australia for slightly more than 2 months now. I'm now studying in the Diploma of Commerce, UWA stream, at Canning College. This means that my first year at Canning would be the equivalent of my 1st year in UWA, and pertaining final total results at the end of my 2nd semesters, I would be studying at University of Western Australia next year.
Anyway I have been doing fine here. I have attached a few pictures here, as I feel, as the old cliche goes, a few pictures will say more than a thousand words.
And of course, I got a new phone from 3. Its the LG U990 and its almost a smartphone with 3.5G coverage..
The website for 3's mobile services is below:
http://store.three.com.au/mobiles/LG-Viewty(U990)-Internet-Key-49-combo
Thanks and cheers, guys
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Hi there!
Greetings from Perth, Australia everyone and welcome to my blog.
Because this is my very first post in a new blog in a long time, I hope I would be much better than what I have done in the past. I also hope to expand my thoughts about issues of the day, and also about my life so far, and life in Australia as an overseas student..
For now, I will give my thanks to my friends back in Singapore, in Hope Singapore, and hope they continue to receive the Lord's blessing...
Peace out, mates.
Because this is my very first post in a new blog in a long time, I hope I would be much better than what I have done in the past. I also hope to expand my thoughts about issues of the day, and also about my life so far, and life in Australia as an overseas student..
For now, I will give my thanks to my friends back in Singapore, in Hope Singapore, and hope they continue to receive the Lord's blessing...
Peace out, mates.
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