My world

2004-01-25 12:26 a.m.

In most other online diaries, you would find people listing their name, birthday and other things about themselves, such as what they like/dislike. What they hope for, their best friends etc, etc. In my case, I believe that exposing such details are firstly, too mundane, and secondly could get you into trouble (especially with individuals who prey on anyone). This entry will reveal what I believe in, what/who I support and what I think in the context of the present day. Many of these beliefs/ideas were accumulated during my days in debate and the countless GP lessons. So without further ado, let’s start:

On local issues (I will have to tread carefully here):

Do you thing there is adequate freedom in Singapore?

Not exactly, especially when you look at the different definitions for freedom available.

Do you support the emphasis on life sciences?

As an Arts student, my answer will be biased. Let’s just say that there is no harm in heading towards the bio-medical area, except that it has been a common policy of the Singapore government to focus on different areas at different times. Surprisingly, this tactic of theirs has worked for the last few decades. It may not succeed this time.

If you were 21 and a General election was to be called which party would you vote for?

There’s really no clear answer here. For one, my constituency may have a walk over. Secondly, it depends on the campaign speeches of the different members.

Would you speak at the Speaker’s corner at all?

Even though I’m a debater, I see no clear reason why I should suddenly make a speech there. They populous, in my frank opinion, are not concerned with avid debate and discussion. This is a sad but true case of Singapore.

Will you ever enter local politics?

No, for the simple reason that other areas are more inviting than that of public service. I will however, voice my opinions on the government.

Would you stay in Singapore forever?

Let’s just say that there are other places to touch than just your own country. I believe that I’m a global citizen

On politics in general:

Which type of political structure do you favour?

Pure political structures, like democracy and communism have rarely existed in countries. Even in the US, which is the major proponent of Democracy, there still are restrictions which are against democratic ideals. Political ideas are formulated with many assumptions in mind and the conditions of countries and the minds of the leaders alter these policies. I’m in favour of a democratic system which holds the main values of democracy while having checks and balances with certain laws. To be more specific, I think the concept of an Asian democracy is appropriate in other third world countries. My view may of course change after I read Government/Political Science.

Which political party of the USA do you support?

The Democratic Party. Even though they are mainly leftist and liberal, they do have a sharper view when it comes to balance foreign and domestic policy. They may not support the Republican view of free trade and tend to focus more on the home front, but at least they are less hawkish than the Republicans. External factors may change their policies; however, the Republicans just are too blunt and narrow in most areas.

Do you think communism will ever succeed?

Democracy seems to be the key political form that countries pursue or are convinced to follow in the post Cold War years. Few countries have pure communist systems now—even Cuba, on of the last Communist countries, has seen the disastrous effects of the system and is changing. Communism is not evil, its ideas are sound, but it’s an ideal that conflicts with human nature. The simple idea of a classless society comes into conflict with our ever common notion of greed. Communism can succeed, if we are will to change with it and not change it.

Should dictatorships be removed?

President Bush would say yes by all means, but tell me which ones I should target first. I would say watch what the country is like before pushing for any change. Burma and North Korea seem to be the indisputable evidence that dictatorships bring nothing but generations of torture and hardship. However, looking at the case of America’s efforts to remove South American dictators in the 1960s and 1970s, we see that the results backfired on them and created more harm than good. Dictatorships should be altered, not forced to change.

On World Affairs in general:

Has the UN become a weak organization leaded by the US?

A question which requires much research and debate. In the present situation, the UN has fallen back to minor roles which are not credited in the world media. When faced with controversial issues like terrorism, globalization and democracy, it finds itself facing the US. It may have 190 plus countries, but that one voice can silence other views. Even so, the US does not lead the UN, in the example of Iraq, it rather ignored that organization altogether. The UN has weaken but is not a lapdog of the US.

Do you believe that the war on terror will end?

War, is a continuation of politics by other means so claims Von Clauswitz. The war on terror is nothing new; we have been engaging terrorists since the time when man learnt to fight. It is just a new term coined by the Bush administration to justify action against the people behind 911. Terror is not a country; terrorists are not individuals like normal soldiers or civilians. The US is targeting a foe that leaders in the past and present have seen and felt. Even as Al Queada is weakened and its other branches are broken up, there will be no end to terror itself. The ex Prime Minister of Malaysia gave a sound advice to the US, to seek the true reasons of terrorist and not just engage them head on. Terror rises from any factors and all lead back to human nature. Peace can not come with swords; it must come with man’s own will.

Are you a proponent of Globalization?

My views on globalization are still limited at this point in time however the idea itself is sound and should be continued despite what you see in WTO conferences. Globalization mainly focuses on free trade and the opening up of markets with the aim of improving all parties involved. However, evidence has shown that the Industrialized nations gather the larger portion of the pie. Just like communism, Globalization leads back to individuals, governments (and international institutions in this case). The concept should not be abandoned but improved upon.

Do you support the spread of democracies to countries like those in the Middle East?

I would firstly refer back to my answer regarding political systems. To cut my answer short, democracy cannot be forced on countries; it has to be altered to suit the individuals and the individuals must change themselves in order for democracy to succeed. Democracy must be chosen by the people, not instructed by any outside force.

Will Iraq and Afghanistan be America’s new puppets in the ME?

I hope not. Although the past was worst off for them, the future should be theirs and not the lead by USA.

On social issues:

Do you support the legalization of Abortion?

Yes, provided the reasons of the woman is not simply to remove a child she initially wanted.

Do support Gun control legislation?

Yes. For common reasons.

Do you think the government should have a say in what the media exhibits to the populous?

The government should not be the only one controlling the media. Censorship should take place at all levels, but not to the extent that it creates a sharp restriction of information.

Should woman be given front line posts in the military?

If they can handle it, by all means.

Are you a proponent of Education beyond the classroom?

Yes, provided that normal academic work is not sacrificed.

On other issues:

Do you think there should be a halt in GM Food Production?

On the contrary, let GM crops grow with more stringent laws to protect both consumers and local farmers.

Should cloning be allowed to proceed?

It depends on what sort of cloning you are talking about. Cloning has its benefits and disadvantages. Let’s just say that human cloning is not entirely unethical,but let it be placed under scrutiny—We don’t want the world like Huxley’s Brave New World.

Do you believe that man’s greatest enemy is man himself?

Again to cut the answer short, Homo sapiens have reached the point where they have the potential to kill themselves in many ways.

Do you support single sex marriages?

If individuals find comfort with each other, they should not be bounded by laws.

Which do you prefer—trial by jury or trial presided by a single judge?

Trial by Jury. A single mind cannot decide on every matter, even though the selected jury has no judicial experience

Would you place human rights over economic development?

On the contrary, both can work together to improve any nation.

On not so GP like issues:

Do you believe the world will end?

Yes, but hopefully not in my time…

Do you believe in life beyond earth?

Yes... we are not alone…

Will we ever reach utopia?

Refer back to my comments on communism. Utopia is an ideal and like every ideal we chase after it but never reach it

Do you wish to live somewhere else other than earth?

The moon. If we can colonize it fast enough.

There are other issues that I wish to put down, but not now. So you’ve just discovered more about me. Cngratulations.

previous - next