Comments on: “I am good at what I do”

By: Cederwood

Cederwood — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:44:35 +0000

I often go to causeway point and always looked forward to his presence. I liked the way he always smiled so genialy at the passerbys and always thanked us. I admire his spirit and the way he is so cheerful despite these odds in life. it is sad that singaporeans have came to such a state that they no longer feel an obligation to support their parents. This is similar to what happened to my neighbour. Despite having a stable income, he threw his mother to the old folks home, claiming that his wife didn’t like her. He did not stop to think how much love his mother showered on him when he was still a boy. people nowadays don’t have any filial piety

By: Jackson Tan

Jackson Tan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:53:32 +0000

I am rather piqued by his comments regarding his daughter. First of all, he is in his seventies, and his daughter is in university; does this mean his daughter is in her thirties or forties but enrolled for further studies, or is it that there is a huge age gap?

Second, it is quite curious that he said,

“Whatever she earns won’t even be enough for her”

which doesn’t quite ring true for someone with a university degree. It seems to me that there is more than meets the eye over here. Perhaps the father-daughter relationship has not been that steady, or maybe he shows an independence that is somewhat characteristic of his generation.

If it is the latter, it seems to me that they are the “sacrificed” generation. In their youth, it was expected of them to support their parents, but when they are old, it is no longer a custom…

By: Music is part of Life

Music is part of Life — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:12:45 +0000

This story just brings back memories during school days a decade back when I was sitting by the Singapore River with a couple of friends playing some musical instruments and a small crowd turned up to clap along. To our surprise, a few dropped notes on our instrument case. After getting over the shock, we picked the notes and returned them to the audience and explained that we’re simply there to enjoy ourselves.

We had a good laugh after that and went on with a few more songs.I support this form of unstructured way of income generation. It is not an easy feat and I’m sure most of those who donate enjoys the quick break from the hectic routine.

I hope that the government will loosen the regulations and allow the jobless to earn some dollars for shelter and meals. Who knows, with little restrictions, creative ideas might just see light and hopefully restore hope.

By: eric

eric — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:08:35 +0000

Their spirit is commendable.

But why are older Singaporean needed to work till they die?
Why can’t they enjoy their golden year in a more leisurely?

Whenever i see them, i always think will i be one of them when i grow old, when the living cost of living is so high and there is no work i can get.

By: Peiyu

Peiyu — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:59:45 +0000

I must disagree, because I admire his effort and pride in what he does even if it’s “only” a harmonica. In his condition, he could very well just do nothing, sit there and money would come his way. But he performs so anyone who might appreciate would stop and listen to him.

I’ve never had any buskers block the way along Orchard, only slow walking groups of people who insist on walking side by side.

And to 1) no begging, I think the ones you heard were the lousy players Mr Loh mentioned. ;)

By: farnie

farnie — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:36:04 +0000

Yes they tug at our heart strings and people actually give out of pity than anything. But at least he is trying to do something about it, rather than sit at home and ask for $$ from the govt.
I think those that are able bodied and yet not trying to do anything but expect govt assistance deserve less pity than this person.

By: Tua Sian Hokkien Pian

Tua Sian Hokkien Pian — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:53:21 +0000

And the Gahmen boasts and approved of the budget of
$4 billion” to build a tunnel/road under a short stretch of water at Marina Barrage.
A $100 million bridge/flyover would have solve the problem.
A $20 million causeway type embankment with pipes underneath or spillways for the rare occassions when the bay /barrage needs to discharge water, would be another cheap good solution.
Is this another “crooked bridge” type of project?

Where is the priority?
5 bilions dollars can also build another 5 good general hospitals and sustain them for at least 20-30 years.

By: To Lao Uncle

To Lao Uncle — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:07:21 +0000

Where are the millions donated to charities going to?
Most of the millions $$$ go to the salaries of the CEOs and staffs of the charities, only a portion go the less fortunate.

By: Lao Uncle

Lao Uncle — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:37:01 +0000

Very often, I am saddened by the sight of these people.

I agree with 1) Nobegging on April 29th, 2009 11.54 am that this is disguised begging.

They tug at your heart-strings. People give out of pity more than anything else.

The questions to ask are: How can we, as a people, help the less fortunate in our midst? Where are the millions donated to charities going to?

By: Nobegging

Nobegging — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:54:08 +0000

This is a form of begging. Passerby often give money on compassionate ground rather than appreciation of good performance. I find them noisy and get in the way of human traffic as they often position themselves in the middle of busy walkway. I don’t like that so I don’t encourage them with my money.