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Say NO to internet regulation in Singapore.
Daily SG: 7 Jul 2008
Posted by singaporedaily on July 7th, 2008
147th|151st and falling
- Mr Wang Says So: The State and the Media and Their Embarrassingly Passionate Embrace in Singapore
- My Singapore News: What should be the role of media?
- My Sketchbook: Obey the state
We Don’t Need No Regulation
- Article 14: The Wisdom of a 15 year old
- Out of my mind: The RI Lecture - Freedom of speech about freedom of speech!
Lee vs Chee
- Mollymeek: Chee Lies & is Ungrammatical!
- Sgpolitics: Mind Your Language, Madam Yeong
- Singapore Dissident: Give me a trial or let me go NOW!
Singaporeans are fed, up with progress!
- Diary of A Singaporean Mind: ERP, Socialism,Capitalism, Crisis, Obama, Change
GIC, Temasek State Funds Investments
- Under the Willow Tree: Singapore’s SWFs and the 3 Behemoths of Mass Implosion
Human Rights
- Where Bears Roam Free: Walter Woon’s Stand on Human Rights
Anti-G8 Solidarity Action
- Singapore Indian Voice: Anti-G8 Solidarity Action in Singapore
Daily Discourse
- TOC: Singapore’s Poor Law
- Singapore Peak Oil: Are Singapore’s Food Policies Sustainable?
- This lush garden within: Disgusting Singaporeans on Stomp
- Singapore Life and Times: Blame Game
- Sgpolitics: Safeguard our future. Empower our children
Life, the universe and everything
- Sam’s Thoughts: Famili-nation
- Yawning Bread: Thursday morning at the Novotel
- Ian On The Red Dot: The Girl Effect
Cosfest 2008
- ALVINOLOGY: Cosfest 2008 - Photo Galore!
Infoblogoramus
- a blog @ Singapore: WP Youth Wing: YouthQuake 3
July 7th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
comment in Where Bears Roam Free: Walter Woon’s Stand on Human Rights
You can’t present a case properly.
Why doesn’t he bring up the case where the china government take back the residential area for the olympics.
That why We must read Straits times you can’t give a balanced view.
If he is really global ,he should include all countries and that include china ,Africa and myanmar/burma. And since when is strait times balanced. Didn’t MM pronounce that China and India had overtaken the lousy USA already?
July 8th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I’ve come across this person in a forum (‘Would Singapore be better off had it remained under British rule?’ at http://www.newsintercom.org) who goes by the moniker of ‘innercomm’ whose posts below must made known. I can’t and won’t find out who he is; reading his posts is just fine. They reveal an energetic mind interested in the diction of commerce and eclectic (even contrarian) economics. This is a person whose understanding of business is likely to be extensive, whose learning the robes of the trade most probably began on the streets. I have respect for him. He believes in difference for the sake of difference (‘Remain different’; ‘Take an opposite view on many issues’); when it comes to issues like gun control he is both a deep thinker (‘Shallow thinking is not good for focusing’) and creative (the constant reference to “the little red dot”; the simile ‘sand flies’ for ballistics), while things as terrifying as mind-reading and –control are, in his own words, ‘only skin-deep’. The diction is highly-evocative, sometimes even graphic, the syntax original. Where ungrammaticalities occur you find that they are a way of self-defence even as he himself makes controversial statements, so I had to edit his comments a bit to show what is really being meant. His take on gun control in the US and Singapore and their respective democratic systems is most difficult to understand, especially the part about slander (‘I must be going nuts’; ‘there [in the US] it’s slander all you like’). But with perseverance comes reward. I make the guess that he is Singaporean Chinese, from a major dialect group, who is middle-aged or over, and has worked for military and statutory boards (‘Born and served in the army at the wrong time’). Perhaps he’s even done intelligence work. He seems to have some knowledge of embassy affairs and gives the impression he’s been stationed abroad with his family (‘You might be making a mistake thinking only you and your family are in the States’; ‘I don’t read local propaganda’). He also reminds me of various characters in the movie Infernal Affairs. As for his beliefs, if he has a religion, I make the guess that it’s Buddhism (’…Unless and until all desires are removed’). As to his marital status he speaks as if he’s single. If he’s married with children, he probably has about 2. Finally, he believes in right of majority (igniting ‘time-bombs’ for instance, in the hands of ‘the minority’) and that he is fighting-strong (‘Weaklings are easily affected by propaganda’; ‘Who’s next?’).
*
‘No two countries or cities are alike. No two governments are alike. No two systems are alike. Time will tell who is right. Those that aren’t will be thrown out by the ballot box. Some will get removed by [sic] the bullet. It is not easy to govern, and it is not easy to stay in government. One cannot fool everyone all the time, unless peace and stability is maintained [so that one can fool everyone all the time] but at what cost [that is, that everyone is fooled all the time].’
‘Some people think the present system will nurture politically-apathetic and spineless citizens. How many actually believe this true? Examine the makeup of this society. Those people want to revive the mob instinct of street protesters; they want to revive stone hurling and violence for, they say, the love of country. They think this instinct is dead in Singaporeans. But few actually understand how an individual and how a mob is disturbed, provoked and instigated to violence. Those people think the disturbance of an individual or a mob might be eroded, no doubt, due to their reading theories of evolution, “brainwashing” or ‘central control’. Isn’t that a bit naive? Is the human make-up of feelings and emotions really so pliable? No ruler; no king, president or prime minister has ever been able to achieve mind-control and the control of human emotions. Any control is [sic] only skin-deep. It is always there in the human make-up. So don’t write off the human. One [sic] can easily be provoked into action by a spark. There is always an inherent political will in the human, which no one can remove unless and until all desires are removed. Can it be removed? No; the more it is disturbed and provoked, the more likely it is to explode, especially when there is unbearable hunger.’
‘It does not mean that the majority who vote every year is voting blindly in the political sense. It does not mean the majority does not have a mind; that only the vocal minority has. Don’t write off Singaporeans as weaklings, as if they were no better than spineless jelly-fish. That can [sic] stink as well. The government knows it. The government knows it and so has to govern conscientiously, and not allow things to blow up from the pent-up feelings of the majority. Things could ignite anytime if the government goes on the wrong path of governing. It is not easy to govern and to stay in government. It takes a lot of effort to ensure policies do not become igniters of a mob reaction. If policies are flawed, deeply flawed, things could lead to that. No one can contain it once it is unleashed. It will become a time-bomb. The majority does not want a time-bomb. The majority when disturbed will ignite that time-bomb. The minority wants to create a time-bomb for the majority. The majority is watching and will not join in to [sic] self-destruct. It is all about the majority versus the minority; about whether to allow a time-bomb be assembled and placed on the streets, ready to explode.’
‘Some believe this nation will not last for centuries. Some believe it could be the next Venice. Some want to rock the gondola and hope for the rising tide [to capsize the gondola]. Some hope the majority will jump on the gondola: to make it sink. But it is not the old gondola of the East. That [“the old gondola”] was the West’s.’
‘It was once said Singapore would not make it. Some said we made it only because we were lucky, only because the rest of Asia, with the exception of Japan, was [sic] stupid enough to make serious and unknowing mistakes by allowing Singapore a grace period of 40 years to become prosperous. Now the same things are being said again. Because of the rise of China and India, Singapore will be heading in the direction of another Venice. Singaporeans will have to learn how to row gondolas and sing. The successful “little red dot” will soon be gone. Singapore will return to the 50s: dirty, smelly, with rats running around and unemployed people begging for jobs— any job, some paying $3.50 a day in the hot, humid, labour-intensive and run-down factories. Better quit, they say, better pack up soon and leave.’
‘It will have to depend on how “the little red dot” works with China, India and the world, how it can be useful to them and so get a share in the bigger economic pie. It will depend how you invest in them; ride on their growth from investments made. Invest in them while they are on their way up. But not all investments will reap returns. Some might go up in smoke. Which one? I don’t know.’
‘I do not know how many workers in percentage terms of the total workforce force would be absorbed by the 2 IRs [‘integrated resorts’, or multi-themed casinos]. If we are to rely on the two IRs to solve our workforce problems, we will be in deep trouble in the long term. It would be failing to understand how this “little red dot” should be governed and kept vibrant.’
‘As for stability Singapore should hope those countries not too near us continue to have some [sic] mild internal instability, so that they cannot stay focused to take us head on. But if we join them in having mild instability we would be no better than these countries. If Singapore continues to remain different we will be able to surge ahead.’
‘Invisible earnings must not be discounted for in an economy. These are made when visitors find Singapore safe and clean, a place they can have fun and where they spend their money willingly. Budget airlines, the air-hub, super-efficiency of turnaround will mean more people and invisible earnings. Other countries continue for instance to ask for visa fees thinking this will bring in more direct money for the upkeep of embassies and staff abroad. Singapore has taken a different line of approach. No visa fees; exchange control removed in the 70s; et cetera. Imagine being restricted to $1000 and needing approval before you travel. Singapore should remain different. Singaporeans should take an opposite view on various issues when it comes to earning that growing pile of “invisible dollars”. If we follow those countries Singapore would be like them, ordinary. Be extraordinary. Many will continue to take pot shots at Singapore and yet be envious of it. Good to receive this kind of attention from within and without. As long as it does bring in the invisible dollars up on which Singapore relied 40 years ago, it should continue doing so. Be a better place people can come visit and, for Singaporeans returning home, a place they can make telling comparisons.’
‘Those playing with bullets can die by the bullet. Power comes from the barrel end of a gun. With guns readily available in the States, some there can expect to collect [sic] the body-bags of their children or grandchildren. We are lucky we ban guns in “the little red dot”. We should remain different and not follow the West. Some minority, however, would like to play with guns.’
[Quotes from other forumers in double inverted commas]
“In the US, deaths from bullets are caused by a few crazy people, a few minority gangs and drug dealers.”
‘They shoot children and teachers in the schools.’
“When I was a soldier in Singapore, some idiot on guard duty shot another in the a*s. That is why we do not load our rifles on guard duty.”
‘Born and served in the army at the wrong time.’
“The problem with the Singapore soldier then was the lack of professionalism and a sense of purpose (unlike the Swiss’).”
‘40 years versus Swiss history of a few hundred. Wait until Singapore is 500 years old to see what it will be like.’
“If it is still like the old days then I should say having a rifle in a Singapore home would be a hazard.”
‘They are well-oiled, brand-new and ready in camp any time. No need to have them at home in your closet. Someone crazy might bring it to the schools and shoot a teacher or two. You don’t need arms at home to get a mob going. If you are capable of motivating a mob, [sic] get the guns from camp. [sic] Start a revolution during an exercise. It can be done. But who would be a leader capable? Someone like Chee Soon Juan? He messed it up. He should have followed the examples of Chiam [See Tong] and Low [Thia Kang]. Get into Parliament, quietly, [sic] and then show his true colours. He showed them too soon, outside Parliament, even before he could get a seat. A wise PhD would not have done that. A wise PhD would have gotten the votes, made a killing later. After getting into Parliament. Not before. He messed it up. Lost a pile [of money] and is getting hounded. A wise PhD doesn’t need guns. He needs brains to lead. To lead wisely. To get a seat. If Chiam and Low could, why couldn’t a PhD? Wrong tactics. So different ending. Jeya [Jeyaretnam, JB] messed it up as well by losing too much. Now he has to sell books to make up. Chee is also selling books. Who’s next?’
‘You’ve taken me to mean shooting is common in schools [in the US]. But I was only comparing the two systems: the US versus Singapore, guns and no guns. Persons in the US [sic] love guns, just as it has been since the Wild West, where you [sic] shoot it out if someone gets in your way. I prefer no guns so that I can sleep peacefully knowing a burglar is most likely not to be armed. Not so in the States. You can expect to see guns anywhere, anytime. Sometimes the unfortunate family has to pick up the body bags of their children. If that is comfort of security I must be going nuts. I must be nuts to ask for guns to be available in Singapore for self-protection, rather than rely on the police to nab armed crooks. We’re not the Wild West at the Games. We don’t have games.’
“There is no honour in pouring scorn on PhDs. They take a long time to finish a thesis.”
‘They should have higher IQ and EQ than PhDs. I would expect a PhD to be at least wise even before taking on politicians. I’m commenting on those PhDs, the cream of the crop, messing up their lives. I am disappointed with their abilities, their real abilities, which is why I make comments on what I see as a waste of human intelligence. I hope others won’t fall into the same trap. Who’s next?’
“Political parties oppositional to the PAP [People’s Action Party] should aim to be constructive, but the government has to be fair as well, so that there will be some people who are able to fight for just causes and national progress.”
‘I am for constructive pursuit and that is my line of approach, as my comments have already shown. No guns. Those who play with guns die by the bullet [or, those who “live by the gun die by the gun”]. Be fair in politics? Are you sure you are on planet Earth?’
“Anyway, when guns are banned, it simply means that only the bad guys are carrying them [including the police and armed forces].”
‘Crooks carrying guns [sic] get hanged. Better to have bad guys [carry guns] than mad ones going around shooting innocent people. The Singapore Spiderman did not carry a gun climbing around [although he need not be hung, even if he was mad to do that (while committing theft?)].’
“Have you seen a PAP [sic] kid die or get injured lately? Maybe you’ll be able to get your scholar ministers to recount their stories of shooting in the US.”
‘Singaporeans are lucky. They may not be some day. Rare chance [of a shooting incident], but it could happen. They may have to bring a body bag home some day. Don’t count on your luck too soon. Don’t laugh too soon. You may cry later. Anything can happen to anyone, anytime. Don’t be caught off-guard or take things for granted. Singaporeans [in Singapore] have rarer chances of being shot since guns aren’t around, like [sic] sand flies.’
“Yes, that’s the US, where politicians cannot be sued or jailed for campaigning during elections. There are many others, like Canada, France, Germany or even Italy.”
‘Maybe they should slander one another of corruption, cheating or stealing and then demand [sic] Where’s my money? before chickening out and apologising. Else the slander might just [sic] stick like mud on the other’s face Over there it’s like mudslinging till Death doth them part. That’s the difference between democratic systems in Singapore and the US— it’s slander all you like there. I don’t recall having heard when slander was actually welcomed, unless you care to share one or two instances with me, whether the person said something to the effect of Thank you, slander me still, bury me with it. That might be “fairness” in politics to you, delivering punches below the belt, no concrete evidence to back claims. In such case anyone would be able to slander, and slander would be more important than substantiation. The world is not ready for fairness in politics. What is fairness?’
‘I still prefer to have no guns around, like sand flies. You prefer to live by the gun? Good luck.’
‘Any last count on exactly how many guns are around in the US? But a few? It’s still very much like in the Wild West where a madman can just pick up a gun and go on a rampage. It’s happened before. Has this ever happened in Singapore? No. Do you know why? No guns around for madmen to take out of Dad’s closet to go shooting. Rare, but it’s happened in the West. Maybe only weaklings are easily affected by propaganda and [sic] blind to it. Guns? You’ll be shooting yourself in the foot.’
‘Go ahead, embrace all the Gs [God, guns and gays] as you like. I am nobody’s stooge or beholden to anyone on this earth. Enjoy your guns. I am happy Singapore is free of guns. That is the difference between Singapore and the US. The power of the gun does not bring true democracy. It’s false democracy to gain power from the barrel end of a gun. True democracy has yet to be. But it will not be from the barrel end of a gun.’
“We are fairly selective about those we kill. We would definitely not kill a tourist like you.”
‘I don’t read local propaganda to get news of gun-killings. Check your own news sources to see how many have been killed in the West and in Australia and New Zealand by mad persons shooting at random. Don’t jump to conclusions about who you are and who I am. You might be making a mistake thinking only you and your family are in the States. Shallow thinking is not good for focusing on an issue like gun laws and [you are] bringing in all the non-related stuff to confuse and detract from the issue.’
“I don’t think you will ever understand what true democracy is. For you, Singapore is as true a democracy as it will ever be, a system defined by PAP elders.”
‘I said you do not know what true democracy is— which Singapore doesn’t have— and that it is yet to come. True democracy can come neither from the barrel end of a gun nor from a no-holds-barred election. You said the West has guns and the ability to [sic] shoot their governments in order to get their style of democracy. You do not know what true democracy is. The world has yet to see true democracy. The shallow thinking goes that the best form of democracy is in the West. There is none as yet.’
July 8th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Thanks Singcom/outercomm. You posted the same comment on 4 Jul.