It is hard to imagine that people still think this planet can house more human beings than what we have now.
Already we have seen, heard and noticed how our own kind has blatantly destroyed nature, in order to reap profits.. or just for the fun of it. Many species of life-forms and plants have been extinguished because of wanton human plundering.
I see no end to humanity's greed, and if this is left unchecked.. will surely doom our planet, as more and more animals, plants and marine life will be mercilessly dredged and wasted by greed and gluttony.
If someone tells you that they need a certain number of people to maintain a company, or a country, I think you should first ask them, "how did yuo achieve that number, and on what assumptions have you based your research or study on?" We all know this word, "uncertainty", and most research and studies will use assumptions because they CANNOT PREDICT the future.. they can only assume that certain things MIGHT happen, based on certain criterias in their approach to that study.
To say for sure that WE NEED a certain number of "new citizens" to support our ageing population, is one statement that I find hard to swallow.
Firstly, you cannot assume that these "new citizens" will surely look after your ageing population or your old folk. You can hope, and even pray.. but the real truth might be further away from what you expect to happen.
Secondly, if the fundamental issues and problems, as to why there are not enough "new blood" into the population is not tackled and seriously looked at and handled.. then.. you are only looking at a short-term solution at best. And we all know that such solutions can't fix the long-teerm problems or issues, and is also vulnerable to MORE conditions in today's economic situation. The volatility of market trends and other country's happenings can seriously affect this short-term solution to no end.
Thirdly, by putting so much emphasis on the outside, and usually end up not noticing the inside, is a sure route to more chaos and frustration. Not having a balanced approach to solve problems and tackle issues is definitely not a wise move for any organization or government. Look at how the Qing dynasty got belittled by the Eight Nations, when it forbade outside venturing, and eventually led to it's demise simply because it was worried that allowing interaction with the "outsiders" will lead to it's doom
Look at the USA. Candidates for presidency dare not focus too much on either foreign or domestic policies.. and have to really pay attention to the "voices" of it's voters. There is a balance to achieve, for not all voters favour one side.. and most would want a balanced approach.. though it can be argued that more would want a president that looks after American interests at home first. But, candidates cannot forget that there are large corporations that have investments and operations outside of the USA.. and if a less than favourable mention is heard by these corporations.. it might lead to a loss of support from them.
We, in Singapore, have already felt the problems of pusing the current population to a certain number.. and have questioned the viability of having more, as day by day issues in transport and space constraints, job vacancies, and even friction amongst different nationalities and ethnic groups now seem to pop up almost every month (or even day). Do we really want to "force" ourselves to "stuff more thatn we can digest"??
Singapore is not like other countries, it is VERY SMALL. Smaller than Hong Kong, and definitely smaller than Japan and Korea. If we want to compare with Japan, we should first look at how much land Japan, as a country, holds first.. then talk about policies.
Japan has rural coutnryside and big cities. It has been noted that internal (or domestic travelling) can alone, sustain their own country's travel businesses. Imagine if you live in the countryside.. you might travel to the seaside area to get a dip in the ocean. And if you are from the citiss, you could travel to the countryside to enjoy the scenic view and the hot springs (onzens). Each county also has it's own rich culture and history, with Osaka having a different accent from Tokyo residents.
If you feel that you can't make it in Tokyo, you could consider going to other parts in Japan.. take up other jobs.. and you might still be ok.
Can one do so in Singapore? If you can't find a job in the CBD area.. you go to Tampines? Woodlands? Or Mount Faber?
Now, imagine if our population does surpass the 6million mark.. do you think you can shop leisurely in your own neighbourhood or shopping center? Not squeeze in the MRT and busses, whether it be going to work or going out?
Would you be able to have a relaxing time at East Coast beach or any part of Singapore with this new number of population. Or would you be squeezing with people, with less than ample elbow room.. knocking into another person at almost every step of the way?
Why should we squeeze and push and jostle, when we could move without such? Why should we breathe other's perfume.. or worse BO.. when we could have enough room to maneuver away?
I believe the choice should be ours, and not forced upon us, with threats and what-nots. Let's see if the 60+% will remain daft and dumb.
