Singaporeans decide their destiny

[RonRon]

I READ with consternation condescending comments by United States ambassador-designate to Singapore David Adelman on his plan to use 'public diplomacy' to promote political and press freedom ('Envoy-designate to Singapore faces panel', last Thursday).

These are matters for Singaporeans to decide. It is none of Mr Adelman's business to try and propagate the 'ambitions Americans have for democracy'. Singaporeans are accountable for our own destiny and he will be well served minding his country's own business.

The world does not need a United States that goes around teaching people how to live their lives, especially by a representative who has never worked outside his own country. The sky viewed from the bottom of a well looks clear blue.

Johnny Heng

 

[RonRon]

Freedom should come with responsibility
I REFER to incoming United States envoy David Adelman's remarks that he will use public diplomacy to work towards greater freedom in Singapore to strengthen it as a multi-party democracy ('Envoy-designate to Singapore faces panel', last Thursday).

As citizens of Singapore, we know what is good for us. We do not need outsiders to tell us what we need. If we are unhappy, we will use our votes to change the system.

Let us look at US, the country Mr Adelman comes from. No doubt Americans have more freedom but is it better for its citizens? I have my reservations.

Take firearms liberalisation. How many innocent lives could have been saved if the US, like Singapore, had stricter controls?

I do not advocate that there should be no freedom, but freedom should come with responsibility. I, for one, do not find my life here restrictive. This is because I believe in freedom and responsibility.

I have travelled to many countries and observed closely the ways of life there, but I prefer Singapore. No country has a system which is liked by all.

Loke Kong

 

[littlefish]

As citizens of Singapore, we know what is good for us. We do not need outsiders to tell us what we need. If we are unhappy, we will use our votes to change the system.

Loke Kong

Don't know about Mr Loke, but I sure do not need LKY (or any of those ministers) to tell me what is good for me or what I need. As for my vote, I never had the opportunity to make use of it. In case someone says that anyone is free to run in elections, I would like to remind them about the various political hurdles like boundary redrawing, GRCs, election deposit, punitive defamation lawsuits, detention without trial, etc that create huge difficulties for the average person to run against the PAP machinery.

I guess this is the kind of freedom he likes. I just wish he would stop using the "we" word as I don't particularly feel he speaks for me.

 

[tonychat]

Sinkies has decided their destiny already, not? i thought all the while is the ass screwing destiny.