Comments on: Land of milk and money – and the politics of envy http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/ a community of Singaporeans Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:25:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Driving: Microcosm of Society « Winter Is Coming http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1085 Driving: Microcosm of Society « Winter Is Coming Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:33:27 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1085 [...] when driving and correlate them to Singapore society as a whole. Whether this state of affairs is a symptom of a society too engrossed in things material or for whatever reason has not been touched here as it is not the [...] [...] when driving and correlate them to Singapore society as a whole. Whether this state of affairs is a symptom of a society too engrossed in things material or for whatever reason has not been touched here as it is not the [...]

]]> By: Scratcher http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1086 Scratcher Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:51:25 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1086 Politically all Singaporeans, except PAP & "opposition" members, are eunuchs, incapable of standing and/or impregnating an egg naturally. But still as living beings, like pigs for slaughter, we must act responsibly to society and of course to ourselves as a start. The only option freely available to us is economic actions. Do avoid paying to the openly pap established vendors and service providers. This is the only freedom available to us and we must exercise this freedom every hour of the day. If even in day to day, spendings, we must follow the dictate of pap, then we might as well let them keep our CPF as heritage to give to our children instead of taking them out to spend in old age. FYI, I am 62+ Politically all Singaporeans, except PAP & “opposition” members, are eunuchs, incapable of standing and/or impregnating an egg naturally. But still as living beings, like pigs for slaughter, we must act responsibly to society and of course to ourselves as a start. The only option freely available to us is economic actions. Do avoid paying to the openly pap established vendors and service providers. This is the only freedom available to us and we must exercise this freedom every hour of the day. If even in day to day, spendings, we must follow the dictate of pap, then we might as well let them keep our CPF as heritage to give to our children instead of taking them out to spend in old age.
FYI, I am 62+

]]> By: blueadamsingapore http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1088 blueadamsingapore Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:18:39 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1088 Hi everyone, It is easy to fall into frustration and despair. And it is not easy to find a way out. There's also not much point in comparing ourselves with other places like HK, Tokyo, Shanghai and compare and say we are not so bad off .... that may be logical, but it's like the pain is still there. The pain will not go away. If you've read about globalisation, the BRIC nations rise etc, this is the consequence of being so plugged in. My relatives in Penang, Ipoh etc don't really face this. Rural/town Malaysia is insulated for now from rapacious globalisation. I guess, when we decide to stop suffering, we will find a way. We have always found a way, and if we can't, our children can. Let it be. But as I've mentioned in another post, the monster bureaucracy that LKY has put into place is already beyond his control. The civil service is more powerful than the PAP. They are not directly accountable to the public as well. If you need to focus your energies, focus it on the civil service and how to reform it. But truth is, the civil service or our government can do little in this rapacious global environment. We will never retire in our lifetimes, so let us have little retirements all the way in between getting a job. Live simply and invest much in a few children. Give up the delusion of fulfilment in corporate jobs. and so on ... this is the luxury of choice that the middle class still has. For the lower classes, it is bleaker. Aid will have to given. Have a good day, Adam M Hi everyone,

It is easy to fall into frustration and despair. And it is not easy to find a way out. There’s also not much point in comparing ourselves with other places like HK, Tokyo, Shanghai and compare and say we are not so bad off …. that may be logical, but it’s like the pain is still there.

The pain will not go away. If you’ve read about globalisation, the BRIC nations rise etc, this is the consequence of being so plugged in. My relatives in Penang, Ipoh etc don’t really face this. Rural/town Malaysia is insulated for now from rapacious globalisation.

I guess, when we decide to stop suffering, we will find a way. We have always found a way, and if we can’t, our children can. Let it be. But as I’ve mentioned in another post, the monster bureaucracy that LKY has put into place is already beyond his control. The civil service is more powerful than the PAP. They are not directly accountable to the public as well. If you need to focus your energies, focus it on the civil service and how to reform it.

But truth is, the civil service or our government can do little in this rapacious global environment. We will never retire in our lifetimes, so let us have little retirements all the way in between getting a job. Live simply and invest much in a few children. Give up the delusion of fulfilment in corporate jobs. and so on … this is the luxury of choice that the middle class still has. For the lower classes, it is bleaker. Aid will have to given.

Have a good day,

Adam M

]]> By: Kew Kah Fatt http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1087 Kew Kah Fatt Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:13:03 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1087 Lesile, When they used the ISA to clam down on the supposed communists in the 50s and 60s, many Singaporeans were chicken out. Then came JB Jeyaratnam who spoke against many PAP policies and many supported him and he was able to be elected into parliament. But what can he do alone when others are not willing to come forward to join him. They are afraid of been penalised and send to jail. All other political parties are just the same with weak candidates and without any vision for Singapore. I don't have to be in politics now as I am fad up with them. I was in WP and NSP before. I do my duty in my websites and blog in http://kewkahfatt.blogspot.com/index.html . My article of Election1984 was circulated to many people and some people told me I can get sued. But till now I am not yet sued by Lee Kuan Yew. I have the guts to do things, but I don't have supporters. So what I do now is not to participate in election as I don't prefer any of them. Lesile,

When they used the ISA to clam down on the supposed communists in the 50s and 60s, many Singaporeans were chicken out. Then came JB Jeyaratnam who spoke against many PAP policies and many supported him and he was able to be elected into parliament.

But what can he do alone when others are not willing to come forward to join him. They are afraid of been penalised and send to jail. All other political parties are just the same with weak candidates and without any vision for Singapore.

I don’t have to be in politics now as I am fad up with them. I was in WP and NSP before. I do my duty in my websites and blog in http://kewkahfatt.blogspot.com/index.html .

My article of Election1984 was circulated to many people and some people told me I can get sued. But till now I am not yet sued by Lee Kuan Yew. I have the guts to do things, but I don’t have supporters. So what I do now is not to participate in election as I don’t prefer any of them.

]]> By: scb http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1064 scb Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:24:26 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1064 I will appreciate and be thankful to Iahur to come up with any advantages that increased population could bring and and what other suggestions he has to improve the wellbeings of the country and its' people. The progresses that we made in the first twenty or so years of our Independence was satisfactory but our elite leaders went and is going into extremes, particularly in the last fifteen years or so. They are more and more into managing money than managing the Country and the Citizenrys' wellbeings. I will appreciate and be thankful to Iahur to come up with any advantages that increased population could bring and and what other suggestions he has to improve the wellbeings of the country and its’ people. The progresses that we made in the first twenty or so years of our Independence was satisfactory but our elite leaders went and is going into extremes, particularly in the last fifteen years or so. They are more and more into managing money than managing the Country and the Citizenrys’ wellbeings.

]]> By: lesile http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1080 lesile Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:46:04 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1080 Iahur, are we defending Singapore or gov ? Will you defend something you won't even call a home but a parking lot ? Iahur,
are we defending Singapore or gov ?
Will you defend something you won’t even call a home but a parking lot ?

]]> By: lesile http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1079 lesile Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:42:37 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1079 You need to pay millions to gain moral authority. That's the greatest joke I ever hear in life. You need to pay millions to gain moral authority. That’s the greatest joke I ever hear in life.

]]> By: lesile http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1076 lesile Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:39:19 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1076 Iahur, what alternative are you talking about when the gahmen tell us that you need to be politican to discuss politics at all. I don't believe you not aware of that ? Gahmen ask what you talking when you don't know their situation. Sure, I do not know what gahmen is doing because they lack transparency and accountability, and by keeping NO REPLY to so many questions, they are suggesting NO ALTERNATIVE solution because we do not know the true situation of Singapore. If we don't even trust the gahmen and gahmen has no credibility, what the point of talking alternative ? Iahur,
what alternative are you talking about when the gahmen tell us that you need to be politican to discuss politics at all. I don’t believe you not aware of that ? Gahmen ask what you talking when you don’t know their situation. Sure, I do not know what gahmen is doing because they lack transparency and accountability, and by keeping NO REPLY to so many questions, they are suggesting NO ALTERNATIVE solution because we do not know the true situation of Singapore. If we don’t even trust the gahmen and gahmen has no credibility, what the point of talking alternative ?

]]> By: lesile http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1075 lesile Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:32:20 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1075 We can continue to bash the gahmen but as long as the establishment stay in absolute power with LKY remove any threat, I do not see why the society will progress by leap and bound, sure sometimes it did leap but it is leaping backwards not forward. The world has indeed changed a lot but Singaporean and gahmen mindset is very much the same as today and tomorrow. Everything look different, but the mindset is still the same. Majority Singaporean has form but no substance. We are only asset if contribute to economic success to PAP which in turn means more salary and bonus to gahmen. Anything else is just as liability. We can continue to bash the gahmen but as long as the establishment stay in absolute power with LKY remove any threat, I do not see why the society will progress by leap and bound, sure sometimes it did leap but it is leaping backwards not forward. The world has indeed changed a lot but Singaporean and gahmen mindset is very much the same as today and tomorrow. Everything look different, but the mindset is still the same. Majority Singaporean has form but no substance.

We are only asset if contribute to economic success to PAP which in turn means more salary and bonus to gahmen. Anything else is just as liability.

]]> By: lesile http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1074 lesile Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:27:37 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1074 Kew Kah Fatt , since when the PAP will need to answer for their action ? The PAP is above all, and anything that applies to laymen and human rat does not apply to PAP. For decades, the PAP has do what it like often saying it is for good of all Singaporean, and get away each time of its failure of its kind. Why do you think in future, it will fall ? I do not think anything has changed because Singaporean is really really really very chicken capable of whining but not doing anything for the society, and that's include the Chicken Me. Kew Kah Fatt ,
since when the PAP will need to answer for their action ? The PAP is above all, and anything that applies to laymen and human rat does not apply to PAP. For decades, the PAP has do what it like often saying it is for good of all Singaporean, and get away each time of its failure of its kind. Why do you think in future, it will fall ? I do not think anything has changed because Singaporean is really really really very chicken capable of whining but not doing anything for the society, and that’s include the Chicken Me.

]]> By: Kew Kah Fatt http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1067 Kew Kah Fatt Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:01:45 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1067 Changes for the worst is a sign of bad happening in the future. This is always the case when a dynasty was declining. Chaos will be the daily routine. This is to say PAP will collapse in the near future. PAP might be able to control Singaporeans but outside influence will be able to bring their collapse. Temasek and GIC have vast investment overseas. If this investments are caught in political matter and cannot make money instead losing billions, then I think the PAP will have to answer to the people, where has the money gone to and what went wrong. Changes for the worst is a sign of bad happening in the future. This is always the case when a dynasty was declining. Chaos will be the daily routine.

This is to say PAP will collapse in the near future.

PAP might be able to control Singaporeans but outside influence will be able to bring their collapse. Temasek and GIC have vast investment overseas. If this investments are caught in political matter and cannot make money instead losing billions, then I think the PAP will have to answer to the people, where has the money gone to and what went wrong.

]]> By: Y.K. http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1083 Y.K. Fri, 22 Jun 2007 05:35:33 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1083 Some of the points raised are valid and give rise to concern. Policy shift such as from state to families to care for the elderly should not be the case for one or the other. The state has an obligation to look after core care of the elderly such as providing affordable healthcare, the family has a moral obligation to look after their elderly. To expect one or the other to be solely responsible is not realistic. The recent suggestions for probable increase in the retirement age to 65 is something which needs to be very careful about. Our leaders tend to cite other countries as examples but what is cited is often one sided. To the working man and ladies on the street, it appears it is another scheme to delay CPF payout. It appears to be a trend after a few years, something new will be introduced and always for the same reason, "We need to build a nestegg etc". CPF monies are NOT the state's monies as they are trustees of the monies hardearned over the years. CPF funds should not be manipulated under different reasoning which ultimately boils down not allowing you to withdraw your funds but delaying it as long as possible as I believe it is part of our foreign reserves that is reinvested. I am quite certain most Singaporeans (working class) look forward to some comforts in their later years for a few years and am matured enough to decide how to spend their monies with the exception of a few before its time to go. Not many would like to "DIE RICH". Would you??? err: I mean the working class excluding the rich who do not need the CPF. Some of the points raised are valid and give rise to concern. Policy shift such as from state to families to care for the elderly should not be the case for one or the other. The state has an obligation to look after core care of the elderly such as providing affordable healthcare, the family has a moral obligation to look after their elderly. To expect one or the other to be solely responsible is not realistic.

The recent suggestions for probable increase in the retirement age to 65 is something which needs to be very careful about. Our leaders tend to cite other countries as examples but what is cited is often one sided. To the working man and ladies on the street, it appears it is another scheme to delay CPF payout. It appears to be a trend after a few years, something new will be introduced and always for the same reason, “We need to build a nestegg etc”. CPF monies are NOT the state’s monies as they are trustees of the monies hardearned over the years. CPF funds should not be manipulated under different reasoning which ultimately boils down not allowing you to withdraw your funds but delaying it as long as possible as I believe it is part of our foreign reserves that is reinvested.
I am quite certain most Singaporeans (working class) look forward to some comforts in their later years for a few years and am matured enough to decide how to spend their monies with the exception of a few before its time to go.

Not many would like to “DIE RICH”. Would you??? err: I mean the working class excluding the rich who do not need the CPF.

]]> By: Ned Stark http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1068 Ned Stark Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:49:07 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1068 Iahur, That will depend if the person is pedantically whining; if he is not then i see no reason why he should be restrained from highlighting what he feels to be pertinent facts in the hopes of garnering solutions (eg Whistleblower kind of person)Furthermore with regards to solutions, there are those who feel its unworkable and there will be those who find it tenable. http://aaron-ng.info/blog/on-whiners-and-those-who-whine-about-whiners.html Iahur,

That will depend if the person is pedantically whining; if he is not then i see no reason why he should be restrained from highlighting what he feels to be pertinent facts in the hopes of garnering solutions (eg Whistleblower kind of person)Furthermore with regards to solutions, there are those who feel its unworkable and there will be those who find it tenable.

http://aaron-ng.info/blog/on-whiners-and-those-who-whine-about-whiners.html

]]> By: Iahur http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1081 Iahur Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:31:53 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1081 Ned Stark, To question policies seriously, one should be specific and/or suggest some alternatives. As for KTM's article, it is of course true that a much bigger population will bring new problems that must be solved. But we should also be mindful of the advantages of a bigger population. For instance, we are spending almost 40% of our annual budget on defence and security because we don't really have the economies of scale to maintain a large and modern armed forces. It doesn't take twice the number of F15s to defend a Singapore that has twice the number of people. Ned Stark,
To question policies seriously, one should be specific and/or suggest some alternatives.
As for KTM’s article, it is of course true that a much bigger population will bring new problems that must be solved.
But we should also be mindful of the advantages of a bigger population. For instance, we are spending almost 40% of our annual budget on defence and security because we don’t really have the economies of scale to maintain a large and modern armed forces. It doesn’t take twice the number of F15s to defend a Singapore that has twice the number of people.

]]> By: theonlinecitizen http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1066 theonlinecitizen Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:31:49 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1066 Dear everyone, I have deleted/edited some of your comments - comments which are deemed as personal affronts or attacks and which have nothing to do with the issues raised in the article. This is to keep the discussions focused on the issue/s. Regards, Andrew theonlinecitizen Dear everyone,

I have deleted/edited some of your comments – comments which are deemed as personal affronts or attacks and which have nothing to do with the issues raised in the article.

This is to keep the discussions focused on the issue/s.

Regards,
Andrew
theonlinecitizen

]]> By: Ned Stark http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1082 Ned Stark Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:12:39 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1082 Iahur, It is perfectly fine if you want to label everyone who questions policy as whiners who have nothing better to do, in fact its your prerogative in this thing called the democracy. What i would like to advert to you is KTM's post on the plans to bring the population to 6.5 million. http://kwayteowman.blogspot.com/2007/02/understanding-perils-of-large.html Iahur,

It is perfectly fine if you want to label everyone who questions policy as whiners who have nothing better to do, in fact its your prerogative in this thing called the democracy.

What i would like to advert to you is KTM’s post on the plans to bring the population to 6.5 million.

http://kwayteowman.blogspot.com/2007/02/understanding-perils-of-large.html

]]> By: Dead Poet http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1065 Dead Poet Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:10:24 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1065 A well written article putting across the point well. While I welcome what G.C Gwee has suggested and fully agree that freedom of expression and speech is a hallmark of a true democracy, it is exactly the kind of response the people in power would welcome too. It would be the ideal situation for them to use the tried and tested weapon as proven in 1963, 1987 and 1988. It would also help them reinforce the climate of fear, which has always been the correct atmosphere to ensure their success. What would be more effective, at least in my opinion, would be to chronicle and document all that as happened post 1996 election. When the next ballot is due, this information needs to be disseminated to refresh people's minds( we have the shortest memory, easily wiped out by a few hundred dollars)and we know we cannot depend on the MSM. Those who know must educate those within their circle and should engage them in debate. If the 33.3% is able to convince one person each, the results would be reversed. A well written article putting across the point well. While I welcome what G.C Gwee has suggested and fully agree that freedom of expression and speech is a hallmark of a true democracy, it is exactly the kind of response the people in power would welcome too. It would be the ideal situation for them to use the tried and tested weapon as proven in 1963, 1987 and 1988. It would also help them reinforce the climate of fear, which has always been the correct atmosphere to ensure their success. What would be more effective, at least in my opinion, would be to chronicle and document all that as happened post 1996 election. When the next ballot is due, this information needs to be disseminated to refresh people’s minds( we have the shortest memory, easily wiped out by a few hundred dollars)and we know we cannot depend on the MSM. Those who know must educate those within their circle and should engage them in debate. If the 33.3% is able to convince one person each, the results would be reversed.

]]> By: Iahur http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1073 Iahur Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:46:21 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1073 Lifeslikethat, <i>I do not think the writer is saying that it is wrong to ask family members to care for their elderly. What, I believe, the writer is saying is that the govt should be doing more.</i> If that is what the writer really thinks then some indication of how much more, who to benefit, and who to pay for it will be more useful. <i>This is something which many singaporeans are saying - that we are opening the door too wide.</i> Too wide compared to what? Even if the door is 'too wide' now (whatever that means), it still does not detract away from the fact that closing the door (completely or not) goes against trying to keep the cost of living down. Of course, I have to admit it might also push up the wages of SOME workers -- just that everyone else (including retirees and unemployed) will be paying for it. Again, I have to be naive and ask: For those who think that Singapore is on the wrong path, what SPECIFIC things should we do or not do? Thanks. <em>**Remarks deemed to have nothing to do with the issues raised in the article is deleted by the editor. </em> Lifeslikethat,
<i>I do not think the writer is saying that it is wrong to ask family members to care for their elderly. What, I believe, the writer is saying is that the govt should be doing more.</i>
If that is what the writer really thinks then some indication of how much more, who to benefit, and who to pay for it will be more useful.
<i>This is something which many singaporeans are saying – that we are opening the door too wide.</i>
Too wide compared to what? Even if the door is ‘too wide’ now (whatever that means), it still does not detract away from the fact that closing the door (completely or not) goes against trying to keep the cost of living down. Of course, I have to admit it might also push up the wages of SOME workers — just that everyone else (including retirees and unemployed) will be paying for it.

Again, I have to be naive and ask: For those who think that Singapore is on the wrong path, what SPECIFIC things should we do or not do? Thanks.

**Remarks deemed to have nothing to do with the issues raised in the article is deleted by the editor.

]]> By: Scratcher http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1072 Scratcher Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:43:16 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1072 Too many govt controlled companies directly involved in our daily lives. Look at how NTUC renders services and products! Now they even produce house-brands of all sorts of services (funerials) and products (Fairprice potong ice-cream) which of course directly compete with the small, original firms. To make matters more complicating, NTUC is labour union but the largest local employer. I am not happy with the directions this country is going. None of them is going my way. Nor yours. I would like to protest but cannot do it like CSJ. Nor like this blog. So I do it my simple little way. I BUY Royal Umbrella AAA rice instead of Fairprice AAA at NTUC supermart. Royal Umbrella is a bit more expensive but I feel good paying for the opportunity to show my unhappiness with NTUC and the real masters, who are certainly not the working class. Too many govt controlled companies directly involved in our daily lives. Look at how NTUC renders services and products! Now they even produce house-brands of all sorts of services (funerials) and products (Fairprice potong ice-cream) which of course directly compete with the small, original firms. To make matters more complicating, NTUC is labour union but the largest local employer.
I am not happy with the directions this country is going. None of them is going my way. Nor yours. I would like to protest but cannot do it like CSJ. Nor like this blog. So I do it my simple little way.
I BUY Royal Umbrella AAA rice instead of Fairprice AAA at NTUC supermart.
Royal Umbrella is a bit more expensive but I feel good paying for the opportunity to show my unhappiness with NTUC and the real masters, who are certainly not the working class.

]]> By: Numb Already http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/comment-page-1/#comment-1062 Numb Already Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:00:25 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/06/21/land-of-milk-and-money-%e2%80%93-and-the-politics-of-envy/#comment-1062 With these price and cost increases, can't wait to see what the next Consumer Price Index will come out to be. Another single digit number? Ever wonder how come, year after year, this price index is single digit when, as consumers, prices of most things seems to be going up by double digit? Some wise crack said "there three kinds of lie - Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics!" Another tool in the Gahmen's arsenal! With these price and cost increases, can’t wait to see what the next Consumer Price Index will come out to be. Another single digit number? Ever wonder how come, year after year, this price index is single digit when, as consumers, prices of most things seems to be going up by double digit? Some wise crack said “there three kinds of lie – Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics!” Another tool in the Gahmen’s arsenal!

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