I also heard that Poly students are protesting against the expensive public transport cost and this time round at Bugis Junction. This is to be applauded and it shows that our youth are not all politically apathetic.

We have a long way to go to procliam that we have freedom of speech and democratic rights. People who protest elsewhere still get charged in court and there is hardly any freedom of speech here.

I just saw the recent US election and was moved to tears by Mr Obama’s victory speech. More significantly, I felt hopeful that if a black man can win against all ods to be the first black US President, surely our country can change for the better?

Our country needs to be less materialistic and more humanistic. Even the govt knows that if the people are hooked on moeny matters they will not stand in the way of how the govt wants to run the country.

We all can see that during this difficult period, there are already two major groups that stood up tp speak their mind in a most unusual way.

More than 500 investors gathered at HLP for the past few weekends to hear TKL who assisted them to sign a collective petition. Poly students have also openly protest in Poly campus against the steep transport cost.

So far, I did not hear of any official word from the govt on these two incidents meaning that they are agreeable to the public outburst so far. However, how far can we over step the OB markers? CAn we carry on like this? Will there be a backlash from the auhtorities? Your guess is as good as mine.

Andrew Loh said it well when he mentioned that so long as we do it within legal boundaries and from the heart without attacking anyone maliciously in the process, we should be safe.

There is still alot of fear out there as for too long we associated speaking out with arrest and what the authorities have done to the opposition politicians. If the public saw more of what TOC or Poly students have done and nothing untoward have happend to them, I am sure they will step out from their comfort zone and join us.

I foresee that a new dawn has arrived on our political shore. Just as Mr Obama created history as the first black US President, TOC also has created it’s own history by bringing the people’s issues out in the open here and in HLP.

To that, I say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My take on this is very simple. As I have shared above in #1, and, to simplify it further, I believe we are looking at a very diverse category of socio-political bloggers.

We have:
a. those who oppose for the sake of opposing
b. those who blindly criticize the govt for their own reasons
c. those who follow the crowd
d. those who are neutral
c. those who are ‘moderate, reasonable and temperate”
e. those who put down anti-govt commentaries and suggestions
f. those who sit by the side and contribute occassionally without taking any stand
g. those who contribute with ideas, suggestions and action plans.

I am sure there are many more we can add to the list but the point is, how many in the Netizen population falls into category g?

Many would fall into the other categories and this is why we see a lot of comments, remarks even, that does not directly affect the exchanges in a forum.

However, we cannot side-step the fact that these comments do bring about an impact that might be lacking in a ‘civilised’ discourse. We cannot therefore diminish this impact but have to take it along during our discourse. These is the ’soul’ of the discourse.

To really ‘walk the talk’, I would prefer to think that the larger group are those from categories a to f, waiting for direction from an ochestrator – one who is more likely to come from group g, the minority.

There is no such thing as a blanket description for all offline activism that has been taken up by social-political bloggers. In any case, this is just a form of activism, and the success of the activist campaign often depends on the activist himself, his fellow team-mates and public support for the matter.

Activist campaign can be as simple as raising awareness on issues to originating and promoting proposals relating to public policy. One step up from activist campaigning is lobbyist campaigning whereby it gets personal with key decision makers.

Personally, I would give campaigners the benefit of the doubt as each campaign is quite independent from each other, unless they share a common theme and there is centralised coordination of efforts.

I too question whether some commentators oppose for the sake of opposing. I have no doubt that healthy debate about the government and its policies (and its politics) are necessary. However, some commentators seem to only read an idealistic declaration or statement, like the UN Declaration of Human Rights, or similar documents, and simply base every argument on how the government does not provide us with such and such rights. There is nothing wrong with such arguments, but I do believe it is of greater relevance to write about real, specific issues, rather than spout idealistic rhetoric in every post.

And thanks for listing the achievements of the concerned bloggers in your article. I’ve never known about these achievements, besides the latest assistance Mr Tan Kin Lian has provided to the investors. I believe this should be the direction in which socio-political blogging in Singapore should be headed.

What a well-written article,i strongly believe @ this point of time,its easy for anyone of us to play the blame game,the matter of the fact is the true nature of a person will always be revealed when unforseen circumstances or peer pressure can tilt the mentality of an individual,take me for example,i’m vocal,outspoken,confident,forthcoming,relentless,in pursuit for a better life,i strive to improve every day,guess what people will tell me?

“Dude,what is your problem?Have you gone bonkers?Are you out of sync?”

Society will always keep contradicting between right & wrong,what is important is doing the right thing in the presence of fear,with courage & nerves of steel!

My two cents worth of my humble opinion…..

A7X!

Are “we” questioning ourselves? Or do “we” think “we” are above such questioning, that “we” are superior?

The questions are not answered by:
—
Talk the talk or walk the walk?

Very often, socio-political bloggers are seen as armchair critics – in that we criticize but ‘fail to provide any real solutions’. Incidentally, the prevalent mood is that there is no point being socially or politically aware – that ‘there is nothing we can do anyway’.

I beg to differ. Here are some examples which would prove such assumptions wrong:
—
Which only claims that socio-political bloggers are not armchair critics (and armchair critics are not intrinsically bad, and are also useful in some senses as pointed out). It only claims that the criticisms of socio-political bloggers have materialized as real life acts with real life consequences. It does not say whether it is useful or not, justified or not, good or bad.

I think everyone has a part to play. No need for armchair critics (bloggers) to prove that they are otherwise.

agree with you – this is why it is so important to have a central figure, one who can bring our voices into the open – just like HLP.

we need to bring in someone with stature. If we can’t find one, make one – just like TKL. It takes time but what have we to lose?

Could it be that such mindset is propagated top down? It causes the society to be void of human spirit, and people in the society is reduced to and treated as mere statistics. Bad for the society.

I still feel, however, that armchair critics can have their roles to play:

1) highlighting or recognizing problems, even if they do not have any clear solutions in mind.

2) offering ideas and solutions that activists might be able to take up and pursue.

Of course, there are triggers for when armchair critics turn into activists … when the annoyance resulting from a problem becomes greater than the costs of ignoring the effects of a problem. Happens in supercomputing research … happens in life :).

This is one of the biggest hurdle we are facing at the moment.

On the one hand, we are accused of not speaking up and be involve in nation building. We are told that we always have to be nannied, we’re being taught how to behave (no chewing gum, no spitting, be courteous, more babies etc), we’re being fed with ‘what’s good’ for us and the list goes on……….

On the other hand, when we offer alternative solutions or when we cry out, we’re being told off that we are nothing but a nation of whiners.

Do we then stand still and wait for the right things to happen around us? Even our alternative representatives in parliament have gone silent. What else can we do?

We need to try something new. Something never tried before. What have we to lose? My suggestion, as I have been suggesting for some time now, is to amplify the voice of online discussions. We must create a platform for everyone and anyone with a voice to share to come together. We must shout with one voice. We must create a new power.

Just look at the ‘power’ of TOC. So many issues have already been addressed because of the voice that rings out from here . . . minibonds, yishun herb garden, CSS, just to name a few.

We must continue in the same vein and make this voice even more powerful today than yesterday.

They don’t find out gal’s tastes, views before saying anything. S’porean guys, you want to show her you how smart or how much of LKY clone you are, or do you want SEX?

FTs, especially Indian or Ang Moh, want sex. So they focus on what gal is saying and agree. And stupid S’porean gal think that these FT value her for her brains, when all they want is SEX.

Have fun. TGIF.

The rule of PAP to divide and conquer had been around too long. The “heartlander” label, pushing people into pigeon holes and caging them there forever. This is modern feudalism and caste system. Why are we allowing this preposterous perpetration? ))))

You hit the nail on the head.

These are examples of how the PAP govt divide and rule. Typically but not obvious to most Singaporeans, their divide and rule agenda is clothed in some higher ideal of nation-building, social harmony, equality. Nobody can say they haven’t put in their efforts at that. For example, all races are, apparently, “equal” and enjoy gtheir respective spaces. These are all true. But they stop short of really trying the weave the different races into a mix. Being Singaporean means interacting with all the different ethnics in our daily lives — talking, working, eating, even loving (for some). But look the shows on TV. They go to great lengths to force you to pay $110 license fee for every TV and radio set you own in your house, in your car and in your office, for the production of “community programmes”. It would have been a lot easier if our locally-produced Chinese programmes incorporate Ahmad and Samy into their scripts — that would be Singaporean flavour. Same for the Malay dramas, and the Tamil ones too. But no, Chinese dramas are all in Chinese, Indian dramas are all in Tamil and Malays ones the same. Are the Govt REALLY serious about forging a Singaporean identity? Then all these dramas should exude that Singaporean flavour – complete with actors speaking some Malay, some Tamil, some Chinese and English as well, so that all Singaporeans get to watch their dramas complete with our true local multi-racial flavour. The TV has a huge influence on the Singaporeans’ psyche. Yet, as an instrument for community building, the programmes they churn out are doubtful in terms of achieving those aims. If anything, the programmes keep each one in his own box as defined by his race, day in day out.

And that’s good for the PAP. Divide and conquer.

The most encouraging sign is that young Singaporeans, especially students, are at least taking small steps to speak out. (Here’s a preview: In the coming weeks, some students will be speaking out on something related to a national issue which have been in the limelight in the last few years.)

When TOC was set up, there wasn’t any intention to be what we have become. It was only meant as a blog where a few friends would come together to voice our opinions. But as things went, it sort of took on a life of its own. Haha.

The point is this: Do what you can, do what you feel. Don’t be too afraid. Just be honest in your belief and don’t hurt anyone intentionally. Engage the issues and don’t cast aspersions and make personal attacks against anyone – even members of the govt or the PAP. Or for that matter, even opposition members.

I am hopeful that Singapore in say 10 years time will be very different – not just economically but also politically.

There is a deep longing for something better, something which addresses the deeper needs and desires of our people. Yes, economic survival is important – but so are other things.

I do not, for one moment, believe that PAP MPs are crooks or bad people. They simply are not. Perhaps what they do not realise is that their fear of S’pore going down the drain if they were not in charge, is over-exaggerated. And this has given rise to a whole spectrum of policies and laws which are stifling the spirit of our people.

But on the flip side, if the people themselves are afraid and disinterested, then they too should hold part of the blame. It takes two hands to clap.

And so, we need people to speak up, to stand up. To not be so afraid.

I am quite proud of our writers here. They use their real names – which is something quite scary in the past to do. This is a small step but an important one. It is putting part of yourself out there. And this is significant. So, I am proud of the writers.

Each one of us who are so-called “politically-aware” needs to go out and make others politically-aware. The opposition parties can only do so much. Ordinary Singaporeans need to do their part too.

At the end of the day, if you are sincerely and honestly concerned about our country, then it is your responsibility to stand up and speak. No one else will do it for you. Neither can they.

So, yes, there are people like those “wine-drinkers” in this article. But if we think their views are quite atrocious, then doesn’t it mean that we have to work harder so that our children do not end up holding those same views?

Regards,
Andrew Loh

i had a conversation with a fellow Singaporean today (about the public transport system), and inadvertently talked about Tan Kin Lian vs Goliath in the Lehman brothers minibond issue.

I’d wanted to help, but i think my physical location inhibits me from any real contribution. However, I have admiration for Kin Lian, and sympathy for those who are misled.

Being practical Singaporeans, we are used to that mantra, “I look out for myself, you die your business”. That is selfish but practical, which I can’t fault it much.

The problem with Singapore is that we don’t have a real community support network. All that PA or CC community thing is but official organs serve more to “inform and educate” than to really help you further any grassroots participation. The whole idea if “i look out for myself” reminds me of those stories where eventually, you are next to be shot down after those who were shot down before you. The very fact is that people could have grouped together and fought it and had a chance of winning, but since “it doesn’t concern me”, each was taken down individually, and you will be next in line.

I’ve talked to people who helped out in the mccain and obama campaign. It amazes me to what extent they do just to carry out their beliefs and further their cause, with or without hidden agenda.

The rule of PAP to divide and conquer had been around too long. The “heartlander” label, pushing people into pigeon holes and caging them there forever. This is modern feudalism and caste system. Why are we allowing this preposterous perpetration?

I also don’t believe in just talking (esp in the blogosphere or coffee shop). The PAP has precisely allowed such venting channels in hope to pacify the emotions of dissent and hope that the “acceptance” psychology can set in after.

We should not settle, and there is no reason to settle. We need capable opposition, not just opposing just for opposing sakes, but just to serve as a check and balance officer. This person need not be a COE, he/she can just be a secretary like function, just be in the loop and have the authority to demand more transparency to accounting records and other statistics. Bring them all out in the open. With more transparency and information, we can discuss, dissect and analyze situations and issues to come out with real solutions.

The “opposition” has always been chasing air and lack solid data to back their arguments. But that’s a chicken and egg problem. There is no data to chase after, and all claims cannot be sufficiently substantiated. Do we need solid data to know if you fall off a high building you will die? No we don’t, we know it happens, we have seen it. Of course there is a fallacy in that (causation, correlation).

I was really concerned about Singapore but I felt I was pushed into subservience and constantly challenging the oppressive workplace and political culture of Singapore.

I wish I could contribute in my own way, but there wasn’t a real avenue to do so. I’m tired of talking to a wall. At least the walls can produce an empty echo. Talking to any of these PAP related organs is like talking into a vacuum.

事不关己，漠不关心。(not affecting me, why should i care).

i had a conversation with a fellow Singaporean today (about the public transport system), and inadvertently talked about Tan Kin Lian vs Goliath in the Lehman brothers minibond issue.

I’d wanted to help, but i think my physical location inhibits me from any real contribution. However, I have admiration for Kin Lian, and sympathy for those who are misled.

Being practical Singaporeans, we are used to that mantra, “I look out for myself, you die your business”. That is selfish but practical, which I can’t fault it much.

The problem with Singapore is that we don’t have a real community support network. All that PA or CC community thing is but official organs serve more to “inform and educate” than to really help you further any grassroots participation. The whole idea if “i look out for myself” reminds me of those stories where eventually, you are next to be shot down after those who were shot down before you. The very fact is that people could have grouped together and fought it and had a chance of winning, but since “it doesn’t concern me”, each was taken down individually, and you will be next in line.

I’ve talked to people who helped out in the mccain and obama campaign. It amazes me to what extent they do just to carry out their beliefs and further their cause, with or without hidden agenda.

The rule of PAP to divide and conquer had been around too long. The “heartlander” label, pushing people into pigeon holes and caging them there forever. This is modern feudalism and caste system. Why are we allowing this preposterous perpetration?

I also don’t believe in just talking (esp in the blogosphere or coffee shop). The PAP has precisely allowed such venting channels in hope to pacify the emotions of dissent and hope that the “acceptance” psychology can set in after.

We should not settle, and there is no reason to settle. We need capable opposition, not just opposing just for opposing sakes, but just to serve as a check and balance officer. This person need not be a COE, he/she can just be a secretary like function, just be in the loop and have the authority to demand more transparency to accounting records and other statistics. Bring them all out in the open. With more transparency and information, we can discuss, dissect and analyze situations and issues to come out with real solutions.

The “opposition” has always been chasing air and lack solid data to back their arguments. But that’s a chicken and egg problem. There is no data to chase after, and all claims cannot be sufficiently substantiated. Do we need solid data to know if you fall off a high building you will die? No we don’t, we know it happens, we have seen it. Of course there is a fallacy in that (causation, correlation).

I was really concerned about Singapore but I felt I was pushed into subservience and constantly challenging the oppressive workplace and political culture of Singapore.

I wish I could contribute in my own way, but there wasn’t a real avenue to do so. Perhaps Singapore has lost me for good, and I wonder if it’s forever. But hopefully something will lead me back, and that thing had better not be chicken rice.

selamat wong khia soo.

“Does the problem lie in our education system, or in our urban culture that encourages the pursuit of materialism and creature comforts?”

i believe it’s the society, our environment that give raise to materialism.

“I was surprised to learn that the general consensus towards socio-political bloggers was that they are a bunch of government-hating, flag-burning ‘activists’. ”

gemami (#1) has given us overview of the situation. i can understand the pent-up frustrations of some of our citizens.

rachel, other than TKL saga, for i haven’t been following the other events that you’ve mentioned. to counter low rate birth rate, the govt has come up with a new M&P package. i applause the govt action in bringing fro the starting date of the policy. how about the other two events you’ve mentioned? has anything been done or has the authority response to the recipients?

gemami (#1):

“For the rest of us who are still sane, probably because we were fortunate not to have to go through what our forefathers have gone through, we would do well to take hold of the steering wheel and be the coxswain of the ship. A captain has to be found.”

you have said it all. but it’s not easy to find a captain with charisma, who has a vision and who can also empathize with the man-in-the-street.

Engagement at home, society is essential cos “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke), not to say that evil is rampant in our government or society, but there is a propensity in each human to do good or evil.

I am reading Parenting for a Peaceful World by Robin Grille. His book tries to show that parents can help correct the tyranny, war, human right abuses and ecological destruction of this world by bringing up children with care and love instead of triggering off a violent and oppressive side to humankind. He likens as well workaholics to people with substance abuse – both given to soul numbness. I think many Singaporeans are like that – they refuse to think or engage in any political or social discourses, even to discuss controversy in their own professional fields, choosing instead to mindlessly keep doing what they do.

I am terrified of sending our girl to school here, any sort of institutions where she would be “managed” – coerced, forced, blackmailed, subjected to any sort of “learning” she is not ready or want. Thankfully she is only 19 months old but already she has a mind of her own. And I encourage her to be assertive, to make known her wishes.

Often when I look at what’s going around the world, and sometimes in Singapore, I shudder, and writing really helps. For example, I am afraid to see this big gambling den completed. Sometimes I have this horrid vision of Singapore turning into this mega fun city of free prostitution (anyone with a social visit pass can sell themselves here), gambling and mindless computer games. It seems many Singaporeans prefer to live like rats – work in jobs they don’t really care for, to buy things they don’t really need, numbing their brains with all kinds of ‘fun’ which does nothing to improve their intellectual or emotional well being, or those around them.

I would hate to think that it is a planned thing – that the education system first kills all of us by cramming us with knowledge we don’t need, doing endless 10 years series papers to further numb our skulls, and with all that sleep deprivation, we are then driven into careers which are seemingly good for us. Of course when we cannot handle all that life throws at us, we can always take sleeping pills or subject our bodies to alcohol or go for drug testing to further vegetate our bodies and minds.

OK, enough venting…what can we do to encourage people to engage in political discourses and be active citizens? Teach our own children to do so, show them how, stop obsessing with grades and materialistic things in our own lives, join movements like Freecycle, give generously and be unafraid to use hand me downs, encourage others to join in discourses, think deeply and reflect on their actions and words.

Referring to the guy at the wine tasting session, I think compassion, taking stance on social justice and preserving human dignity are qualities people cannot really learn from books, they have to get it by having experienced and felt it keenly in their own lives. For family holidays, sometimes it is a very good thing to go volunteer to spend a day at an orphanage in Cambodia, or a workplace for women and their children in Africa, just to get ourselves out of our comfort zone, and see the effects of war or genocide, so we think clearly and have fresh insight what we want Singapore to be, and how we should create civic society.

> Often, I get interviewed by a new journalist that is not familiar with the subject matter and did not do the homework. I have to spend time to explain the basic of the issue

> They refuse to show me what they intend to write, indicating that this is the Straits Times policy.

I have often been embarrassed by mistakes and sometimes by deliberate attempt to protray a negative aspect. At one time, I refuse to entertain journalists from the Straits Times, due to bad experience. I suspect that Straits Times, being the dominant English language paper, has grown to be arrogant and does not care about the customer (i.e. interviewee).

The journalists from the other papers seem to be more cooperative and understanding. I have good working relationship with the Chinese papers.

I hope that Straits Times editor will review the polcy and allow the journalist to show the script to the interviewee, so that any mistakes could be corrected.