from Bush to Lee, things that make me giggle
Yes, yes, I know I said I wouldn't talk about other countries if I read something that made me scratch my head, especially when it is something to do with the leaders and internal workings of the countries. But, come on, there are some things that are said or done that you just have to point out and go "WTF was he thinking?" One great example from the USA was when George 'dooble yuh' Bush asked a reporter "so, you going to ask that question to me with your sun glasses on?" before realizing that the reporter was actually legally blind and then tried to back pedal his way out of that little thing. The other example is this recent one by MM Lee of Singapore who has said that "Singapore has to be as cosmopolitan as other world class cities like New York and London, for its own survival and success."
Ok, now for those that think that cosmopolitan is a magazine (which, wasnt it just recently taken off the banned publication list in Singapore? or was that Woman's World or Vogue?) or a drink served in bars in New York to the characters on Sex In The City, the word actually means:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cosmopolitan
cos·mo·pol·i·tan –adjective
1. free from local, provincial, or national ideas, prejudices, or attachments; at home all over the world.
2. of or characteristic of a cosmopolite.
3. belonging to all the world; not limited to just one part of the world.
4. Botany, Zoology. widely distributed over the globe. –noun
5. a person who is free from local, provincial, or national bias or attachment; citizen of the world; cosmopolite.
Ok, the 4th definition aside cause that is a horse of a different color completely (I mean, what is the sense of having a definition that uses the word in its definition? that is like having "Tall - of relating to tallness"..thanks for clearing that one up for me buddy). Cosmopolitan by my reading of that definition means to be open to new ideas, new trends, accept those around you as being different and still treat them as human beings and with the respect and dignity that you would treat every living thing on the planet in a harmonious world.
So, exactly how is Singapore going to be a cosmopolitan place that will attract all these new 'megabytes' and talents? I mean, homosexuality for the longest time is illegal (though now MM Lee might actually be insinuating that if homosexuality is a genetic thing then it cant be deemed illegal since it is a biological make up...but if it is a nurtured choice then it can be deemed illegal? guess that means, using that argument, since psychopathy might be a genetic problem, then these individuals really can not be held accountable for their actions and shouldn't be executed???), movies are censored and banned if they speak of subjects that are not to the liking of the ruling political party (which seems to be mainly any films that have the theme of political opponents viewed in a respectable light or have the political opponents actually talking about how the main political party has thrown them out of Singapore...of course, all under the guise of 'not in the public interest'), even political organziations are denied enter into the country to talk to the public on behalf of the very small opposition parties. Is MM Lee trying to say "we have to be open to new ideas, new thoughts and new talents from all over the world where we can feel free to roam around the world and mix and mingle. However, just dont feel too free and do as we do, not as we say" Talk about a little bit of mixed messages there huh? Like when a married man asks his wife if it is alright for him to go out to see the strippers with a few of his male buddies. He gets a 'sure...go..have fun', but he knows that when he gets home the couch will be made out for him to sleep on and a cold shoulder will ensue for at least a few weeks.
Now, I realize that there is no real level of 'cosmopolitan' that you can appreciate. I mean, Canada is sort of cosmo in that we have laws that make it free for people to worship whatever they want and we even allow for same sex marriages, but there are some people in the country that are not quick to accept many changes. Little Mosque On The Prairie (while not a documentary but a show) does show a few people that do exist in Canada and their intolerance to other religions (including the Muslim intolerance to the western way of life and ideals).
I find this just so funny to hear. Singapore has to be accepting and accept the world quirks and quarks, Singapore just doesnt have to tolerate it or bring it into their little dot on the world map. About as funny as Bush degrading a blind reporter on national television if you ask me.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/271837/1/.html
Singapore must remain cosmopolitan to survive: MM Lee
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 22 April 2007 1844 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has to be as cosmopolitan as other world class cities like New York and London, for its own survival and success. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew told a gathering of Young PAP members, Singapore society will continue to synthesise, as more immigrants and foreigners settle in the Republic.
During the dialogue, Mr Lee also defended the government's position on increasing the salary of ministers.
It was standing room only - but some did not mind being on their feet for more than two hours, just to hear what Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had to say. Questions centred on Singapore's future as a society in a globalised world. With more foreigners calling Singapore home, what is the impact on politics, community and culture? Mr Lee said Singapore is part of a globalised world and the country is exposed to and inter-connected to other cities. And Singaporeans have to take advantage of that world stage.
"If we are dynamic, we will attract talent, we will grow because we have more talent. When I say talent, it means people who add to the dynamism of that society. Singaporeans, if I can chose an analogy, we are the hard disk of a computer, the foreign talent are the megabytes you add to your storage capacity. So your computer never hangs because you got enormous storage capacity," said Mr Lee.
But Mr Lee said Singapore can also lose its top talent to other countries, and finding good leaders among the best to stay here is another challenge for the government. On the recent debate about the ministerial pay increases, Mr Lee was asked of there should be more scrutiny on the ministers themselves, like how private sector CEOs are accountable to their shareholders. In response, Mr Lee said an MP is closely watched the moment he's elected into office. And he had no qualms about paying ministers a good salary to look after a multi-billion dollar economy.
But more importantly, a bad minister mismanaging Singapore will ruin the lives of four million people. "If you have a dud minister he cannot hold his ground, you know in Singapore, you've got to meet your constituents, you've got to meet the press, you are in Parliament right? You are not just making a speech at a mass rally …and for this generation, if you don't pay them adequately and their families suffer, they will not stay in the job long. They will be forced to pack up and go back to their private life. And you've lost experience and expertise, it's as simple as that," said Mr Lee.
It was also mentioned that Singapore's formula for success has also been well documented by international scholars like Richard Vietor, who praised Singapore as "the best example of government that works."
On censorship Mr Lee said he is not able to predict where the boundaries will be in the years ahead, because of a changing world that is open to all influences. He cited the debate on Crazy Horse as an example, and said there were strong objections from cabinet ministers. But Mr Lee argued Singaporeans are well-travelled and would be exposed to such cabaret shows in other countries.
He said Singapore should be part of a new world, but if it disallowed Crazy Horse, Singapore would be left behind and become a quaint, quixotic, esoteric appendage of the world.
On the taboo subject of homosexuality, he said Singapore needs a practical and pragmatic approach and adjust without upsetting segments of society and their sense of propriety of what is right and wrong.
One example of this forward thinking government Mr Lee said is how it has studied the impact of global warming. To counter the rising sea level from melting polar ice caps, Singapore has approached the Dutch and is learning about building dykes here in the warmer climate of South East Asia.
The dialogue, held in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Young PAP, attracted about 400 members. It is believed to be the organisation's first official event with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew as the main speaker. And to help relate to the younger generation, the event was held at a trendy club at the St James Power Station. - CNA/yy
Ok, now for those that think that cosmopolitan is a magazine (which, wasnt it just recently taken off the banned publication list in Singapore? or was that Woman's World or Vogue?) or a drink served in bars in New York to the characters on Sex In The City, the word actually means:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cosmopolitan
cos·mo·pol·i·tan –adjective
1. free from local, provincial, or national ideas, prejudices, or attachments; at home all over the world.
2. of or characteristic of a cosmopolite.
3. belonging to all the world; not limited to just one part of the world.
4. Botany, Zoology. widely distributed over the globe. –noun
5. a person who is free from local, provincial, or national bias or attachment; citizen of the world; cosmopolite.
Ok, the 4th definition aside cause that is a horse of a different color completely (I mean, what is the sense of having a definition that uses the word in its definition? that is like having "Tall - of relating to tallness"..thanks for clearing that one up for me buddy). Cosmopolitan by my reading of that definition means to be open to new ideas, new trends, accept those around you as being different and still treat them as human beings and with the respect and dignity that you would treat every living thing on the planet in a harmonious world.
So, exactly how is Singapore going to be a cosmopolitan place that will attract all these new 'megabytes' and talents? I mean, homosexuality for the longest time is illegal (though now MM Lee might actually be insinuating that if homosexuality is a genetic thing then it cant be deemed illegal since it is a biological make up...but if it is a nurtured choice then it can be deemed illegal? guess that means, using that argument, since psychopathy might be a genetic problem, then these individuals really can not be held accountable for their actions and shouldn't be executed???), movies are censored and banned if they speak of subjects that are not to the liking of the ruling political party (which seems to be mainly any films that have the theme of political opponents viewed in a respectable light or have the political opponents actually talking about how the main political party has thrown them out of Singapore...of course, all under the guise of 'not in the public interest'), even political organziations are denied enter into the country to talk to the public on behalf of the very small opposition parties. Is MM Lee trying to say "we have to be open to new ideas, new thoughts and new talents from all over the world where we can feel free to roam around the world and mix and mingle. However, just dont feel too free and do as we do, not as we say" Talk about a little bit of mixed messages there huh? Like when a married man asks his wife if it is alright for him to go out to see the strippers with a few of his male buddies. He gets a 'sure...go..have fun', but he knows that when he gets home the couch will be made out for him to sleep on and a cold shoulder will ensue for at least a few weeks.
Now, I realize that there is no real level of 'cosmopolitan' that you can appreciate. I mean, Canada is sort of cosmo in that we have laws that make it free for people to worship whatever they want and we even allow for same sex marriages, but there are some people in the country that are not quick to accept many changes. Little Mosque On The Prairie (while not a documentary but a show) does show a few people that do exist in Canada and their intolerance to other religions (including the Muslim intolerance to the western way of life and ideals).
I find this just so funny to hear. Singapore has to be accepting and accept the world quirks and quarks, Singapore just doesnt have to tolerate it or bring it into their little dot on the world map. About as funny as Bush degrading a blind reporter on national television if you ask me.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/271837/1/.html
Singapore must remain cosmopolitan to survive: MM Lee
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 22 April 2007 1844 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has to be as cosmopolitan as other world class cities like New York and London, for its own survival and success. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew told a gathering of Young PAP members, Singapore society will continue to synthesise, as more immigrants and foreigners settle in the Republic.
During the dialogue, Mr Lee also defended the government's position on increasing the salary of ministers.
It was standing room only - but some did not mind being on their feet for more than two hours, just to hear what Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had to say. Questions centred on Singapore's future as a society in a globalised world. With more foreigners calling Singapore home, what is the impact on politics, community and culture? Mr Lee said Singapore is part of a globalised world and the country is exposed to and inter-connected to other cities. And Singaporeans have to take advantage of that world stage.
"If we are dynamic, we will attract talent, we will grow because we have more talent. When I say talent, it means people who add to the dynamism of that society. Singaporeans, if I can chose an analogy, we are the hard disk of a computer, the foreign talent are the megabytes you add to your storage capacity. So your computer never hangs because you got enormous storage capacity," said Mr Lee.
But Mr Lee said Singapore can also lose its top talent to other countries, and finding good leaders among the best to stay here is another challenge for the government. On the recent debate about the ministerial pay increases, Mr Lee was asked of there should be more scrutiny on the ministers themselves, like how private sector CEOs are accountable to their shareholders. In response, Mr Lee said an MP is closely watched the moment he's elected into office. And he had no qualms about paying ministers a good salary to look after a multi-billion dollar economy.
But more importantly, a bad minister mismanaging Singapore will ruin the lives of four million people. "If you have a dud minister he cannot hold his ground, you know in Singapore, you've got to meet your constituents, you've got to meet the press, you are in Parliament right? You are not just making a speech at a mass rally …and for this generation, if you don't pay them adequately and their families suffer, they will not stay in the job long. They will be forced to pack up and go back to their private life. And you've lost experience and expertise, it's as simple as that," said Mr Lee.
It was also mentioned that Singapore's formula for success has also been well documented by international scholars like Richard Vietor, who praised Singapore as "the best example of government that works."
On censorship Mr Lee said he is not able to predict where the boundaries will be in the years ahead, because of a changing world that is open to all influences. He cited the debate on Crazy Horse as an example, and said there were strong objections from cabinet ministers. But Mr Lee argued Singaporeans are well-travelled and would be exposed to such cabaret shows in other countries.
He said Singapore should be part of a new world, but if it disallowed Crazy Horse, Singapore would be left behind and become a quaint, quixotic, esoteric appendage of the world.
On the taboo subject of homosexuality, he said Singapore needs a practical and pragmatic approach and adjust without upsetting segments of society and their sense of propriety of what is right and wrong.
One example of this forward thinking government Mr Lee said is how it has studied the impact of global warming. To counter the rising sea level from melting polar ice caps, Singapore has approached the Dutch and is learning about building dykes here in the warmer climate of South East Asia.
The dialogue, held in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Young PAP, attracted about 400 members. It is believed to be the organisation's first official event with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew as the main speaker. And to help relate to the younger generation, the event was held at a trendy club at the St James Power Station. - CNA/yy
posted by Capt_Canuck at 7:04 PM
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