Tan Kin Lian / Columnist
Are we seeing a modern Animal Farm happening in Singapore, where corruption and propaganda are used to control the populace?
ANIMAL Farm is a novel written by George Orwell in 1945. I studied this book for Literature when I was in Secondary Two.
It is a satire, depicting events in Russia leading up to and during the Stalin era before World War II. The animals of Animal Farm threw out the owner Mr. Jones and took over the farm, depicting the overthrow of the Czar of Russia during the Russian Revolution in 1917.
The animals, representing the people, looked forward to a better life under a new leadership. Their leaders were the Pigs, and Napolean was the supreme leader. He ruled Animal Farm initially with the support of the animals, but later kept his power through all means, including propaganda, lies and the use of terror.
Two memorable parts of the book were the Seven Commandments and how they became distorted and the story of the loyal horse Boxer.
Seven Commandments
The original seven commandments of Animal Farm were written to reflect equality of the animals, ethical behaviour and the search for a better life:
Whatever goes upon two legs enemy
Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend,
No animal shall wear clothes. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
No animal shall drink alcohol.
No animal shall kill any other animal.
All animals are equal.
Corruption
Later Napoleon and the Pigs (elites) were corrupted by the absolute power they held over the farm. To maintain their popularity with the other animals, they secretly painted additions to some commandments to benefit the pigs while keeping them free of accusation of breaking the laws. The Pigs manage to get away with this because only Benjamin the donkey and Muriel the goat can read to any effective degree, but they were not willing to challenge the pigs.
The commandments were changed to accommodate the desire of the leader for a life of luxury and wealth, while ignoring the lot of the other animals.
No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.
No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.
Four legs good, two legs better!
No animal shall kill another animal without cause.
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
Boxer
I felt strongly attached to the horse Boxer. He was the symbol of the working class: loyal, kind, dedicated and respectful. He was physically the strongest animal on the farm, but naïve and slow. His two maxims were “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right”, reflecting his strong and unquestioning loyalty to the leader. He was, to a large extent, taken in by the propaganda of the leaders. His work ethic is often praised by the Pigs, and he is set as a prime example to the other animals.
When Boxer was injured and could no longer work, Napoleon sent him off to the knacker’s yard to be slaughtered and used to make glue and leather. He deceived the other animals, saying that Boxer died peacefully in the hospital and that the ambulance was an old knacker’s van that hadn’t been repainted.
Transformation
Towards the end of the story, the pigs learned to stand on two legs and regarded the four-legged populace as inferiors (i.e. lesser morons). They started to wear Mr. Jones’ clothes, slept in beds and drank alcohol.
They brutally ordered the killings of the confessing animals (who were forced to confess to crimes they did not commit).
The slogan “Four legs good, two legs bad!” was later changed to “Four legs good, two legs better!” as the pigs became more human.
Relevance to Singapore
Although this book was written as a satire to the Russian Revolution, some bloggers have started to compare it with what is happening in Singapore today.
There are grounds for the people of Singapore to be concerned. We have seen the good old values of Singapore being replaced by new values. In the past, Singaporeans were more honest in their dealings and had a stronger sense of caring for each other. In recent years, ethics and honesty are being set aside in the pursuit if wealth. There was less care or concern for the welfare of the weak and the poor.
Even the pursuit of equality was now thrown aside unashamedly. Someone told me that this is now replaced by the expression: “Look at the fingers of your hand – do you find them of equal length?”
I cannot help but think of Boxer as reflecting the workers of Singapore – hard working, dedicated and loyal, but were let down when they grow old. After a lifetime of work, they could not afford to retire and were asked to continue working. They have no security, no pension, no savings for old age (many lost through the credit linked notes) and cannot afford the expensive health care.
I have seen many examples in our society where business and public leaders say one thing but acted in a different way. They declare a concern for the welfare of the customers, but continued to make excessive profit at their expense. They declare a strong belief in corporate governance, but felt it proper to hide information “in the interest of the organisation”. Similar examples can be found in the public realm. If one is used to distorting the truth, in due course, one will believe the distortions to be true!
I like to mention the wise old donkey Benjamin in the story. He could read as well as any pig, but preferred to have a low profile. Benjamin had known about the pigs’ wrongdoing the entire time, but he said nothing to the other animals. He represented the cynics in society or the intellectuals who had the wisdom to stay clear of the purges, but take no action themselves.
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A Petition is only meaningful IF and WHEN near to 100% of the voters are aware of this thingy and given time and information to assess and decide.
Mr TKL could have gotten 100K signatures IF and WHEN there is about 100% awareness. Most still live in a well or a house call Oblivion. They never heard of TKL.
121) KopitiamApek on June 11th, 2009 9.43 pm
“… – successive iterations of Animal Farm.”
That is why I think the most powerful post in a democracy usually have limited terms.
“lack of a “suitable” opposition candidate”
“spirit was not willing”
“folks preferred to stay focused in their own comfort zones.”
the inverted commas on the word “suitable” is apt.
whose spirit are you referring to. just need clarification.
folks preferred ? you made it sound that folks could have any say or any iota of effect in this BS whether it is about the sanctity of either the second key or the election itself. they have practised “castration” to a fine art and have only recently opened up HLG to whom credit is to be given is still debatable. i assume the folks mentioned are the normal folks you are talking about.
148) are you curious enough on June 12th, 2009 2.24 pm
//the inverted commas on the word “suitable” is apt.//
If you can read between the lines why the bellicosity? I didn’t make the rules!
//whose spirit are you referring to. just need clarification.//
Figure it out yourself. Its all there for everyone to see.
//folks preferred ? you made it sound that folks could have any say or any iota of effect in this BS //
If Mr Tan did not believe he has a chance to challenge the incumbent why bother taking the trouble to try to garner 100 k signatures? Do you think he has a propensity to waste his time? Why be cynical? Go and roll over and pretend to play dead then if you think its all over bar the shouting!
//whether it is about the sanctity of either the second key or the election itself. they have practised “castration” to a fine art.//
So all the more try to get out of bed and vote for Mr Tan at the appropriate time.
//and have only recently opened up HLG to whom credit is to be given is still debatable//
The Hong Leong Group? Sorry , I don’t follow the saga.
//i assume the folks mentioned are the normal folks you are talking about.//
Are there any more normal folks around these days, if as you implied, we have been all neutered? Go figure.
Taxpayer #71
How abt giving yr name so that TKL can contact you when he sounds the bugle — you wrote
When you are ready just sound the bugle and many of us will come to help you in your cause. Rest assured.”
148) are you curious enough on June 12th, 2009 2.24 pm
//the inverted commas on the word “suitable” is apt.//
If you can read between the lines why the bellicosity? I didn’t make the rules!
//whose spirit are you referring to. just need clarification.//
Figure it out yourself as you can read between the lines.
//folks preferred ? you made it sound that folks could have any say or any iota of effect in this BS //
Then are you implying that Mr Tan is wasting his time trying to collect 100 k signatures?
//whether it is about the sanctity of either the second key or the election itself. they have practised “castration” to a fine art.//
So lets roll over and pretend to play dead when the election comes around? Is that your advice/
//and have only recently opened up HLG to whom credit is to be given is still debatable. //
I have no idea about the Hong Leong Group Saga if that is what you mean.
//i assume the folks mentioned are the normal folks you are talking about//
Since you implied that we have all been neutered can we still be normal? Go figure.
I always wonder, given TKL’s knowledge of the ‘workings’ and the characters of the people ‘in there’, it would be so exciting IF TKL is voted in as either MP or President. I suspect we can see a lot of interesting things to come, IF he gets mandate.
Also excitement could come IF either TKL or LSH gets to scrutinise the book of ‘excitement’.
May the Truth and Honesty be the guiding light to achieve prosperity, justice and equality for all and a 1st world nation with tip top quality of life.
Yes, we can! —- Obama
regards
Lee FATT Yew
“If you can read between the lines why the bellicosity? I didn’t make the rules!”
that we know. so the inverted commas are still apt.
“Figure it out yourself as you can read between the lines.”
should have pumped you earlier by making some hasty assumption without asking for clarification.
“Then are you implying that Mr Tan is wasting his time trying to collect 100 k signatures?”
now you should read clearly not between the lines. you should master your curiosity better. normal folks I wrote.
“So lets roll over and pretend to play dead when the election comes around? Is that your advice.”
did I say so or you are playing and pretending to be dead or dumb. so many guys who have fought hard fairly have been “neutered”.
“I have no idea about the Hong Leong Group Saga if that is what you mean.”
well, you are sure dumb (not playing dumb).
“Since you implied that we have all been neutered can we still be normal? Go figure.”
I rest my case.
wudang10 @18 wrote: ” So what can be changed?”
Basics:-
1. A democratically elected govt: Bring back the single seat constituencies. Get rid of numbering ballot papers so that voting can be secret.
2. Reform ISA: Cannot have detention without trial. So that it is not abused for ruling party for suppressing opposition.
3. Reform democracy: Free the media.
4. Revise Ministerial positions (eg do we need MM, SM, 2 DPMs etc)
5. Revise Ministerial appointment policies: Eg no son report to father, wife indirectly accountable to husband, ex-military men must compete with other applicants for senior positions, no automatic postings.
5. Revise Ministers salaries
6. Restrict Immigration policy for work
6. Introduce concrete plans for the welfare of disabled and sick elderly people
7. Reform education system: To develope and nurture all skills and abilities instead of providing just the cream for civil service.
8. Privatise (really privatise, no link to Govt) ‘businesses’.
Which country’s govt model can we follow and still be successful?”
Do we need to answer this question as this stage?
152) are you curious enough on June 12th, 2009 3.25 pm
//that we know. so the inverted commas are still apt.//
Your infamous inverted commas is one thing but why the bellicosity? Why act as if you are suffering from a bilious attack every time you post a reply?
//should have pumped you earlier by making some hasty assumption without asking for clarification//
You can pump away till hell freezes over.
//normal folks I wrote.//
So normal folks like you should roll over and pretend to play dead whenever there is an election? Yup, that makes a a lot of cow sense.
//so many guys who have fought hard fairly have been “neutered”.//
So tell me why are LTK, CST, and Sylvia Lim spared?
//well, you are sure dumb (not playing dumb)//
So not knowing what HLG is being dumb. If you don’t know what HIG means can I assume you are intellectually challenged?
//I rest my case//
Who cares.
120) Joel Low
You are a great ‘Tutsitala’ Election is secret, and anyone who wants to challenge the election will have to apply to the courts. It is serialised so that a meaningful check supervised by the court can be carried out.
The opposition use this line to discredit the Govt and found that it backfired because the people began to believe them. So they have clarified that indeed voting is SECRET.
Half-hearted attempts in wanting to represent the anti-establishment populace is not what the people need;;;this is probably the first time i heard of 100,000 signs required before you even join the fray;;;this is absurd;;;we need fiery, brave individuals in the mold of JBJ, CSJ;;;One more thing, a leopard doesn’t change its spots overnight: beware!
Curious,
Nope, no vote for Mr Tan. Not if your brand of non-sequiturs is the selling point. If he espouses your arguments and their mode of delivery, our parliament would be a mess if he gets in.
Cases in point –
1.
Curious: Contradiction is allowed in the real world.
Sure. When contradiction is intentional, it is called lying, and when it is not, it is a sign of idiocy. Pick one.
2.
Question: Why does Mr Tan need 100000 signatures?
Curious: Because Singapore is spelt with a capital S, spine means courage and pls see Mr Tan’s explanation.
3.
Curious: Phua Chu Kang is a contractor by profession, that is to say, politely, cest la vie.
Riiiiiiight…………
Loopy.
Thinktok @161
THE COURTS! You mean where my type dwell? I tell you then its better to do away with the numbers!
163) A&E on June 12th, 2009 6.21 pm
//Sure. When contradiction is intentional, it is called lying, and when it is not, it is a sign of idiocy. Pick one.//
Hello, its you who should pick one because you contradicted yourself and I was just being kind to you.
See “OIC! All that talk about the US election was merely to demonstrate breadth of intellect and scope of understanding, but had nothing to do with singapore as far as is concerned. That is why the SG/US situation could variously be like and unlike, simultaneously. I am so sorry for misunderstanding you. I see now, and do agree. That was impressive.”
Make up your mind. Do you agree with me or you don’t? Why contradict yourself?
But if you wish to see real life contradiction read my 105) Curious and check out No 3,4,5,6 ,7 and 10. Are these not contradictions?
And no thanks for taking my statements in your 2 and 3 out of context. That is the hallmark of an honest debater no less. I was hoping you could do better than that but miracles do take just a little longer.
Curious,
If you want honest debate, make sense. I start out taking a stand against Mr Tan’s need for signatures, uncertainty in his debut. I have not heard or read anything that convincingly justified that need or the pussyfooting, least from you. People who want to serve in the political arena are out there already.
The article itself. Is it meant to highlight the plight of the present workers at the hands of the Singapore corporate world or the government? Or both? It seems the article leans more towards the business world, while commentaters generally read politics in the analogy, as seen in the majority of the posts, your own, no less. If Mr Tan wants to say something political in the piece, a little less ambivalence would go far in letting prospective supporters know his stand. If it is meant to highlight the dirty business in the corporate world, well, practically the entire thread of comment is a detour, no?
To those who say “how sad” or complains. Are you doing anything about it? No, you’re not, because what you care about is gaining wealth and power for yourself too. If you are in a position of power, a boss, a manager, are you doing all you can to strive for personal gains too?
If you are striving for personal gains, why don’t you join PAP in politics too. Oh, you don’t want to give up you $100K salary? I thought you think they stand to gain a lot of wealth? So what, you stand by here and bash the people tryin to serve while everyday you’re looking for profits in your career?
“If Mr Tan wants to say something political in the piece, a little less ambivalence would go far in letting prospective supporters know his stand.”
Mr Tan, I know you are fully capable of it but please don’t or you get sent to IMH! But I also know you are intelligent enough to know this. So getting a first hand idea of how many are on your side is a good move.
166) A&E on June 12th, 2009 8.11 pm
//Curious, If you want honest debate, make sense.//
Hello, that is like the pot calling the kettle black. How can we have an honest debate when one of us is lying and contradicting himself/herself and its not me?
1 If I did not make sense why did you say “I am so sorry for misunderstanding you. I see now, and do agree. That was impressive.” …139) A&E
Was that not an intentional contradiction, that is to say, a lie?
2 Why did you make this absurd allegation “Bottomline is, Curious.., .. what justification can you have to label shame and cowardice upon the non-signers?”
Was that a Freudian slip or was it also another lie of yours?
Here are some of your pearls of wisdom not and contradictions :
3″I start out taking a stand against Mr Tan’s need for signatures, uncertainty in his debut.”.. 166) A&E
“113) A&E I would agree with you that the second way is a more pragmatic approach to things – be sure you have the votes first, don’t risk it.’
4 “109) A&E I suppose your (Mr Tan) convictions are not strong enough on their own to drive you on. ”
“That is a trait you share with me and the vast majority of Singaporeans.” ..A&E
If you and the vast majority of Singaporeans have the same alleged weakness as Mr Tan where is your moral superiority to vilify him when you have not even read his rationale for the petition for signatures? See Link :
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/11/100000-signatures-so-more-people-will-step-forward/
Are you Squealer masquerading as a poster or what?
5 “109) A&E no Singaporean can conscionably fault you (Mr Tan) for this,”
But I see your bleeding-heart lordship can and is generous with your unconscionable fault findings yet you don’t the spine to stand up and be counted. This is called NATO.
6 //163) A&E Curious, Nope, no vote for Mr Tan. Not if your brand of non-sequiturs is the selling point. //
“I am so sorry for misunderstanding you. I see now, and do agree. That was impressive.”… 139) A&E
7//If he espouses your arguments and their mode of delivery, our parliament would be a mess if he gets in. //
Looks like if he takes your pearls of wisdom and contradictions into Parliament they will make him a laughing stock and they might turn back and bite you in the
gluteus maximus.
8/If Mr Tan wants to say something political in the piece, a little less ambivalence would go far in letting prospective supporters know his stand. If it is meant to highlight the dirty business in the corporate world, well, practically the entire thread of comment is a detour, no?//
Enough said. Get a spine first and then come back ready for an honest debate.
166) A&E on June 12th, 2009 8.11 pm
//Curious, If you want honest debate, make sense.//
Hello, that is like the pot calling the kettle black. How can we have an honest debate when one of us is lying and contradicting himself/herself and it’s not me?
If I did not make sense why did you say “I am so sorry for misunderstanding you. I see now, and do agree. That was impressive.” …139) A&E
Was that not an intentional contradiction, that is to say, a lie?
Why did you make this absurd allegation “Bottomline is, Curious.., .. what justification can you have to label shame and cowardice upon the non-signers?”
Was that a Freudian slip or was it also another lie of yours?
Here are some of your pearls of wisdom not and CONTRADICTIONS :
//I start out taking a stand against Mr Tan’s need for signatures, uncertainty in his debut.//
//113) A&E I would agree with you that the second way is a more pragmatic approach to things – be sure you have the votes first, don’t risk it.’//
//109) A&E I suppose your (Mr Tan) convictions are not strong enough on their own to drive you on. “..A&E//
//That is a trait you share with me and the vast majority of Singaporeans.” ..A&E//
If you and the vast majority of Singaporeans have the same alleged weakness as Mr Tan where is your moral superiority to vilify him when you have not even read his rationale for the petition for signatures? See Link :
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/11/100000-signatures-so-more-people-will-step-forward/
You sound like Squealer masquerading as a poster.
//109) A&E no Singaporean can conscionably fault you (Mr Tan) for this,//
But I see your bleeding-heart lordship can and is generous with your unconscionable fault findings yet you don’t the spine to stand up and be counted. This is called NATO.
//163) A&E Curious, Nope, no vote for Mr Tan. Not if your brand of non-sequiturs is the selling point. //
//I am so sorry for misunderstanding you. I see now, and do agree. That was impressive.”… 139) A&E//
//If he espouses your arguments and their mode of delivery, our parliament would be a mess if he gets in. //
Looks like if he takes your pearls of wisdom and contradictions into Parliament they will make him a laughing stock and they might turn back and bite you in the
gluteus maximus.
/If Mr Tan wants to say something political in the piece, a little less ambivalence would go far in letting prospective supporters know his stand. If it is meant to highlight the dirty business in the corporate world, well, practically the entire thread of comment is a detour, no?//
Enough said. Get a spine first and then come back ready for an honest debate.
Sorry TOC Moderator. I thought itemizing of the points was not allowed when my post failed to appear. I removed the numbering and re-posted. Please cancel one. Thank you.
“Towards the end of the story, the pigs learned to stand on two legs and regarded the four-legged populace as inferiors (i.e. lesser morons). ”
=======================
Very applicable to real life.
many singapore chinese who learnt chinese as 2nd language, and even passed with flying colors at O or A level, could tell you that they speak no chinese and only can speak english being a chinese. Actually, they know. Just that for face, they always try to speak or impress people with english. Even to the extent that they will still speak good singlish to their kids maciam like they speaking perfect high class english.
Lets admit it, especially during the 80′s-now, people are very biased towards english and feel that they must speak english and if they speak chinese, they would be like 2nd class human.
this just my observation of chinese in singapore. But not all like that. Many like that. I’m sure some of you have encountered something like that.
sorly, me england unstrengthened.
This was a refreshing post that speaks across Singapore society.
Singapore is ruled by select group of people- the pigs- who has lost touch with things on the ground. They have changed from their revolutionary spirit to one driven by personal gain and profit. The seven commandments most apt would be: All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
Elites are these “some” animals. They are sitting in the most advantageous position but yet I have not seen any come down and help on a personal basis- but rather sit in their ivory towers, tweaking their so called “sanctified” policies.
Many of the old generation whom have built Singapore has been lost and forgotten- just like Boxer- and we should not forget them and not sent them to slaughterhouse or house them in dingy rented one-room flats.
Our intellectuals in Singapore has acquiseced so much that I hardly heard a whimper from them when there are major policy debates- they are like the donkey- which have kept quiet and allowed the status quo to perpetuate itself. The educated and enlightened ones should come up and provide an alternative voice to the ruling elites.
TKL has alluded this to story to the Singapore one and it is a rude wake-up call to one and all of us here. Come on all four legged ones- we should stand up and be counted..
Curious,
You are verging on incoherence.
4 legs good! 2 legs baaaad! :)
160) Curious on June 12th, 2009 5.44 pm
Now more names (initials). you are on the verge of lunacy of the 1st degree.
173) A&E on June 13th, 2009 12.30 am
//Curious, You are verging on incoherence.//
I am glad you notice that those were your contradictions. And at least I don’t lie.
175) are you curious enough on June 13th, 2009 10.05 am
//Now more names (initials).//
These are the initials of those who contested the 2006 GE and they are not neutered :
GMS, JG, MRBY, TWH, ABSBH, GK HSM, LWL, MTKH, YSL,LHD,SCKH, ARBAR, CTL, BSWM, ETHC, PTTK ,CCC, FCL, MAA, STKH, VYBK ,TBS ,SKT, LCW ,PLG ,IBH , LLHH, LBC ,MHA , EOBS, YKK, CSC, MIBAZ ,NG, CNTW, SCG, YCL ,ARBM, ALTH, NSE, TLS, OHS ,YYW.
//you are on the verge of lunacy of the 1st degree.//
Speak for yourself. And now you can roll over and pretend to play dead. As I said before a closed book is like a block of wood, present company not excluded. As the saying goes “small doubts, little wisdom”.
btw, are you related to A&E in anyway, shape or form, like being Squealer No2, perhaps?
“btw, are you related to A&E in anyway, shape or form, like being Squealer No2, perhaps?”
keep guessing. you have finally reached the stage (not on the verge this time) of ……………………..
178) are you curious enough on June 13th, 2009 11.15 am
// keep guessing. you have finally reached the stage (not on the verge this time) of …//
Hey, pal you want more initials I gave them to you. What more do you want? Maybe you should check for tiny hairs on your palm as this is the first sign of Alzheimer.
pal i did not ask for more names. I was saying that you were giving (involving) more names (initials). we can go on and on and there will no ending. you are pretty passionate and have a strong good determination of what you believe which is admirable.
stay here and contribute – and contribute for the good of your country.
180) are you curious enough on June 13th, 2009 11.35 am
// I was saying that you were giving (involving) more names (initials). we can go on and on and there will no ending. you are pretty passionate and have a strong good determination of what you believe which is admirable.//
Why, thank you. I also thank the heavens for little mercies everyday when I wake up.
//stay here and contribute – and contribute for the good of your country.//
Does that mean you will now vote for TKL if he should stand for election? :)
“Does that mean you will now vote for TKL if he should stand for election?”
You can guess my answer pretty easily. I have asked Mr. Tan to proceed ahead in one of my posts above. My beef is on the no contest of the presidency (hence the discourse on the second key is moot).
The discussion just morphed into a tic-for-tac one-upping exchange due to non-clarification (which did not need really matter subsequently bcos of face-saving) and more mis-understanding. I thought it was my duty not to go on like this after your hard work on coming out with such a long string of past contestants.
“Why, thank you. I also thank the heavens for little mercies everyday when I wake up.”
pal, you did a good job for yourself.
182) are you curious enough on June 13th, 2009 12.12 pm
//You can guess my answer pretty easily. I have asked Mr. Tan to proceed ahead in one of my posts above.//
Great. Always glad if fellow Singaporeans can exercise their constitutional rights to vote. A&E eat your heart out.
//I thought it was my duty not to go on like this after your hard work on coming out with such a long string of past contestants.//
You have no contest from me here. A walkover here is an exception to the rule.
//pal, you did a good job for yourself//
I am going to buy 4D today. Thank you, pal.
Curious,
Your arguments are mere smart oneliners. No one can give a sensible reply to
“You are squealer” and crap like that, without following you into a downward spiral of incoherence.
Whatever his true mettle, Mr Tan just got handed a step backward with a supporter like you. People like me are just going to have that much more incentive to not support Mr Tan, if only to put some distance between ourselves and you.
If PAP were to be the opposition today.
I wonder what would they and their supporters feel about the status quo and the policies and the way things are?
Would they support GRC system and the handling of TH and G the way it is being done?
I wonder. I can only wonder as I doubt they will respond here, Directly, and clearly,
for whatever reasons.
Can one of them share their views which are 100% Non-Partisan?
and there you have it folks.
yours,
Lee FATT Yew , really.
George Orwell was wrong about Russia and right about Temasek.
Respected American Christian Theologian, Prof David Ray Griffin, has this to say :
“For many Americans the idea that we are living in country where our own leaders planned and carried the attacks of 9-11 is simply too horrible to entertain. UNFORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THERE IS CONVINCING EVIDENCE FOR THIS VIEW..”
DON’T MISS THIS LECTURE- MUCT WATCH!!!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3538037502590699697
“The true terrorists of our world do not meet at the darks of midnight or scream “Allah Akbar!” before some violent actions. The true terrorists of our world wear USD$5,000 suits and work in the highest positions of finance, government and business. So what do we do? How do we stop a system of greed and corruption that has so much momentum. How do we stop this abhorrent group behaviour which feels no compassion for, say, the millions slaughtered in Iraq and Afghanistan so that the corporatocacy can control energy resources and opium production for Wall Street profit.”
Zeitgeist
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/
Benjamin represents Apathy.
regards
Kang Ah Loo
184) A&E on June 13th, 2009 12.58 pm
//Your arguments are mere smart oneliners//
And yours are contradictions, suppositions and half-truths like “Curious.., .. what justification can you have to label shame and cowardice upon the non-signers?”
Show me where I have said that. If you made a mistake at least, be a gentleman and say you are “sorry”. Keeping silent shows incipient dishonesty.
You claim to have no strong conviction to drive you to be a politician, a trait you said you share with not only the vast majority of Singaporeans but TKL. Why do you make such a stereotype generalization? Are you an expert on the Singapore psyche? Can you judge TKL without meeting him personally? Are you a seer or a Nostradamus?
I like this hilarious statement of yours best “Why does he need votes running for president? (139 A&E).
It shows not only how naive you are, A&E but how out of tune you are with the political realism in Singapore. He needs votes running for president because presidents here are not appointed like NMPs are but elected by the people, that’s why, silly billy.
This is another blooper of yours that I like “People who want to serve in the political arena are out there already. ”
Hello, to be a president in Singapore you DON”T need to be a politician. In fact, if you are a corporate CEO like TKL was for 30 years you are more suited to look after the second key, particularly if you are fluent with corporate accounting. A politician who is an engineer is probably less suited as a custodian of the second key.
Also lest we forget the newbies who sailed into parliament in 2006 were civilians one day and then magically ushered into the world of politics the next when there was a walkover in 7 GRCs. What preparations did they have? Bugger all!
//Whatever his true mettle, Mr Tan just got handed a step backward with a supporter like you.//
Oh, now your lordship has decided that TKL has “true mettle” but did you not proclaim that he has “a trait you share with me and the vast majority of Singaporeans” ie allegedly no conviction to drive him on?
Look, buddy, lets not preempt whether TKL takes a step forward or a step backward by associating with your nemesis or with anyone who don’t agree with your absurd opinions. The truth is that no one can see into the future. If you say you can then that is another lie.
//People like me are just going to have that much more incentive to not support Mr Tan, if only to put some distance between ourselves and you.//
Since I trust you as far as I can throw you which, unfortunately, is not far enough, the greater distance you set yourself drift from me the better. But stop making decisions for other “people” and go get a spine.
Kin Lian , Napoleon has issued 12 more new Commandments
1 We believe in protecting all workers in Singapore but sorry maids don’t count.
2 Our SMEs are good but MNCs are better.
3 We believe in free-trade. The ¾ tank rule going to JB is good for Malaysia.
4 We have a First World economy but sorry our electoral system has still a long way to go to catch up.
5 Our top officials are so poor they need a bailout every time they fly overseas.
6 Workers retire at 62 but MPs can retire when they are over 102.
7 Our Sovereign funds operate on a 6 year investment cycle so losing tens of billions of dollars in one year is not a big deal.
8 About 200,000 cars go to JB each month to enjoy the sights, not to buy cheap petrol or groceries lah.
9 Our officials are 1st Division players. Only our people are lesser mortals.
10 This is Singapore’s Golden Age, never mind about the mild recession.
11 Singapore is not an affluent country but our per capita reserve is the highest in the world, not counting Brunei.
12 The causeway jam is always Malaysia’s fault, never mind if the jam is mostly on our side.
errata :8. About 200,000 car-load of Singaporeans go to JB each month to enjoy the sights, not to buy cheap petrol or groceries lah.
184) A&E on June 13th, 2009 12.58 pm
//Your arguments are mere smart oneliners//
And yours are contradictions, suppositions and half-truths like “Curious.., .. what justification can you have to label shame and cowardice upon the non-signers?”
Show me where I have said that. If you made a mistake at least, be a gentleman and say you are “sorry”. Keeping silent shows incipient dishonesty.
You claim to have no strong conviction to drive you to be a politician, a trait you said you share with not only the vast majority of Singaporeans but TKL. Why do you make such a stereotype generalization? Are you an expert on the Singapore psyche? Can you judge TKL without meeting him personally? Are you a seer or a Nostradamus?
I like this hilarious statement of yours best “Why does he need votes running for president? (139 A&E).
It shows not only how naive you are, A&E but how out of tune you are with the political realism in Singapore. He needs votes running for president because presidents here are not appointed like NMPs are but elected by the people, that’s why.
This is another blooper of yours that I like “People who want to serve in the political arena are out there already. ”
Hello, to be a president in Singapore you DON”T need to be a politician. In fact, if you are a corporate CEO like TKL was for 30 years you are more suited to look after the second key, particularly if you are fluent with corporate accounting. A politician who is an engineer is probably less suited as a custodian of the second key.
Also lest we forget the newbies who sailed into parliament in 2006 were civilians one day and then magically ushered into the world of politics the next when there was a walkover in 7 GRCs. What preparations did they have?
//Whatever his true mettle, Mr Tan just got handed a step backward with a supporter like you.//
Oh, now your lordship has decided that TKL has “true mettle” but did you not proclaim that he has “a trait you share with me and the vast majority of Singaporeans” ie allegedly no conviction to drive him on?
Look, buddy, lets not preempt whether TKL takes a step forward or a step backward by associating with your nemesis or with anyone who don’t agree with your absurd opinions. The truth is that no one can see into the future. If you say you can then that is another lie.
//People like me are just going to have that much more incentive to not support Mr Tan, if only to put some distance between ourselves and you.//
Since I trust you as far as I can throw you which, unfortunately, is not far enough, then the greater distance you set yourself drift away from me the better. But stop making decisions for other “people” and go get a spine.
Not far now, curious.
You are nearing bottom.
192) A&E on June 14th, 2009 12.02 am
//Not far now, curious.You are nearing bottom.//
So long that you hit bottom before me is all that counts. You already hit bottom when you accused me of labeling “shame and cowardice upon the non-signers”, a lie which you have refused to make a simple retraction and to proffer an apology.
A&E, you are a person of contradictions, an enigma wrapped round tightly a riddle in a maze of conundrums.
126) KopitiamApek on June 11th, 2009 10.11 pm
Apek,
You comment to TKL that the supporters sit back behind the safety of anonymity at their keybords, and expect you do the dirty work. If you win , they all appear, if not, they forget you and they back to their keyboard.
That maybe true but people are constantly looking for leaders that will inspire them, TKL being one of them. It is had to find someone who will fight head on with the PAP, and these are brave individuals who are extraordinary people who clearly knows what are they fighting for. Even in the end if he looses, he may have to face the consequences but the inspiration will continue. Look at the man “JESUS” as an example.
The attitude of not knowing the future so we stay put is exactly the type of attitude we must reject. You questioned if we kick this government out and replaced with new government, they will not be able to do the job well. BUT that is only an assumption. you also cannot be sure they won’t be able to do their job better than the present one.
YOU SEE, we will never know if a new government can do as well or even better unless we give them a chance to prove themselves. If without giving them a chance and we judged that they cannot do it or if we are too fearful for changes …. we will always stick with the situation we have and just complainers.
This is precisely what the PAP has always been telling the people…. why choose someone whom you are not sure if they can manage the country well … choose PAP and stick with them. This fear and complacency tactics has been PAP most useful methods.
Singapore is not as unique as the PAP has painted the picture for Singaporean. There are many countries out there who are multi-racial, multi-cultural. The sensitivities issues have been played up by the PAP to put fear into us, so that we will be afraid to move into an era or instability. BUT other countries have had change of government and cabinet ministers and they are doing fine. Why can;t we? Many countries have a good democratic process and the law restraining the ruling the government so that they will not abuse their power …. WHY CAN’T WE?
I think if we give the opposition a chance to prove themselves, they may be able to do the job well and even better.
Kin Lian. 12 more new Commandments from Napoleon.
1 Money won’t buy you happiness but it will buy you a few ultra-luxury condominiums in Singapore.
2 English language is good, Singlish is neutral but dialect is baad, never mind if a dialect is the lingua franca in Hong Kong.
3 We are not a Disneyland with a capital punishment, no matter what William Safire says.
4 Twenty hottest jobs today are for newspaper delivery but strange, there are no takers from Singaporeans.
5 First-past-the-post electoral system is good but walkover is divine inspiration.
6 Singapore is a land for the haves and the have yachts
7 Election is not a matter of who is right but who is left standing.
8 NTUC supermarket is great and so is Sheng Xiong supermarket.
9 Why help the disable elderly when they can obviously help themselves.
10 Your CPF saving is your own money but someone decides when you can use it.
11 Whoever says we are not a nanny state is an imbecile.
12 Wee are a gracious society, provided you “get out of my elite uncaring face”.
does anyone knows what sort of talent, if many, sits on the board of Sheng Xiong supermarket ?
196) Joel Low
Your point of view is valid. We will never know the change until it happens. The point I am driving at is the about if there should be change or iif we should remain status quo, it is about the interesting behaviour of some people posting in TOC.
correction:
196) Joel Low
Your point of view is valid. We will never know the change until it happens. The point I am driving at is not about if there should be change or if we should remain status quo, it is about the interesting behaviour of some people posting in TOC.