tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424038.post113664322375815337..comments2023-11-16T18:28:45.786+08:00Comments on Rambling Librarian :: Incidental Thoughts of a Singapore Liblogarian: Brave New Singapore?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424038.post-1142012275512176292006-03-11T01:37:00.000+08:002006-03-11T01:37:00.000+08:00Have been living away from S'pore for 11 years now...Have been living away from S'pore for 11 years now (France, USA, Spain, Germany...) and have visited many countries in different continents. I confirm that we DO NOT suffer from a lack of freedom and liberty as so many people from the OUTSIDE have been trying to brainwash us to believe. In France you'd better not be Arab or Black or you'll kena identity checked every 2 days, Germany is more ''police state'' than us, the USA, I shudder whenever I remember my few months there. I was queuing up to buy stamps in a Post Office and 2 women infront turned around to congratulate me on being lucky to have escaped dictatorship in China. I mean how stupid, naive and maladroit can these people be?Beau Lotus 涟https://www.blogger.com/profile/07357356510646043072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424038.post-1136718344004033112006-01-08T19:05:00.000+08:002006-01-08T19:05:00.000+08:00Your should read what This guy's Philippino friend...Your should read what <A HREF="http://badnewsonthedoorstep.blogspot.com/2005/10/good-government.html" REL="nofollow">This guy's</A> Philippino friends say about our county/govt.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I think we are too quick to use the rottan. It should be only for violent crimes like rape or assault. If I am not mistaken, nowadays, even those who employ illegal immigrants can be caned.Lam Chun Seehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01762020157703342970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424038.post-1136687411931262842006-01-08T10:30:00.000+08:002006-01-08T10:30:00.000+08:00I guess impressions from short visits depend on wh...I guess impressions from short visits depend on what the visitor saw, the company kept, and the visitor's attitude. <BR/><BR/>Probably learn more about the writer than the country.Sivasothihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602079103603710402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424038.post-1136658949418064972006-01-08T02:35:00.000+08:002006-01-08T02:35:00.000+08:00Hi Ivan,Wow, Dr. Corben's observations and conclus...Hi Ivan,<BR/><BR/>Wow, Dr. Corben's observations and conclusions that you quote (haven't read the original yet) totally amazed me. Either I am not a very good observer and politically quite naïve or Dr. Corben and I traveled to two different countries. (I visited for about 4 days Nov 05 to attend the NLB Conference.)<BR/><BR/>Here's the harshest criticism I can give (from my blog):<BR/><BR/><I>One Singapore fellow observed that Singapore is a country of NUTS - the No U-Turn Syndrome and the US is not. When nothing is posted, Singapore drivers will assume U-turns are illegal; US drivers assume they are. He thinks "rule-breakers" not "rule-followers" will be more successful in the global economy. I explained the common US belief that is it no harder to ask forgiveness than permission. Is thoughtful "rule-breaking" a knowledge-worker skill? http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2005/11/13/sunday-musing-uploaded-on-monday.html ></I><BR/><BR/>While I don't remember ever delving too deeply into politics with anyone while at the conference, I never sensed any oppression or discontent while talking to Singaporeans - at the conference, at the NL or at-large. I had a long lunch with my guide from the NLB at which we both spoke at length about our homes, families, and aspirations, and only felt that he was a happy man. Our standards of living seemed similar as did our concerns.<BR/><BR/>I also walked extensively while in Singapore. The only oppression I felt was from the heat! Of course, I was tuned in by friends that one does not chew gum, jaywalk, spit, etc - none of which were restrictions I felt difficult to honor. (Well, maybe I jaywalked, but was not caught.)<BR/><BR/>I'll go back and read the complete articles, but I found Singapore a lovely, vibrant country. It may not have the chaotic appeal of Thailand or Malaysia, but that isn't all bad either. If Singaporeans are under the heavy yoke of an authoritarian regime, I didn't find one that seemed to mind.<BR/><BR/>All the best,<BR/><BR/>DougAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com