tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46884035349895673972012-02-16T19:58:31.421-08:00...for posterity.Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.comBlogger571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-76506072541465264272008-05-13T23:52:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:57.437-08:00

"Means Testing" is assessing a person's income to decide whether they are poor enough to receive government benefit programmes. Most welfare programmes are means tested; you can only receive a benefit if your income is below a particular level. Sometimes a banding system is used so that the amount of benefit you receive is more closely related to the level of income you have. Some benefits,

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-17869446814976032112008-05-13T23:36:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:57.602-08:00

Straits Times, 14 Jan 2008Debate on means testing should go beyond costMOST of the arguments concerning means testing have dwelt on cost issues. While not unimportant, perhaps the debate should catalyse a broader rethink on how we conceive the health-care system.Firstly, to all the bargain hunters out there: there is no free lunch. If people regularly expect to pay less for a medical consult than

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-57852074732217284292008-05-13T22:06:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:27:57.987-08:00

Straits Times, 8 Jan 2008.Means Testing: Why the health system needs it and how it can workHow can the state allocate health-care resources to those who need them most? Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan pondered the question yesterday and drew a parallel to public housing.How HDB does itSINGAPOREANS are familiar with means testing through the public housing system.What are the options?From one- and

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-70026217736383380982008-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:58.169-08:00

Melvin Beaunorus Tolson (February 6, 1898–August 29, 1966)Who's the judge?God.Why is it God?Because He decides who wins or loses, not my opponent.Who's your opponent?He doesn't exists.Why doesn't he exists?Because he's a mere dissenting voice to the truth that I speak.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-69721027521620545042008-04-24T23:12:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:58.389-08:00

“Director ISD met me and told me that he accepted responsibility for what has happened and apologized. Having known him for many years, I told him that I have full confidence in him and he must carry on.”- DPM Wong Kan Seng“I am satisfied that the Ministry has taken the correct remedial and disciplinary action, and that the Minister and top management were not to blamed for what has happened. DPM

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-38909341588492330282008-04-21T23:19:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:58.674-08:00

Raised on welfare, the 'Why Bother?' generation that doesn't want to workBy BENEDICT BROGANA "why bother?" economy has been created in Britain which has left thousands with no motivation to work, a report published today concludes.Successive governments have encouraged a welfare culture that has left every family facing a £1,300 bill because the poor stay poor, it claims.The findings by the

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-15501533063546738452008-04-15T23:01:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:58.848-08:00

S'pore March inflation rises 6.7% - 26-yr highSINGAPORE'S inflation accelerated to an expected 6.7 per cent in March from a year ago to a 26-year high, the government said on Wednesday, as higher food, transport and housing costs lifted consumer prices.Consumer prices in March rose 0.3 per cent from February after seasonal adjustments, the Department of Statistics said in a statement. On a

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-16094318289478431152008-04-15T22:16:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:59.018-08:00

PM Lee's comment on the escape of JI member Mas Selamat KastariI do not envy his position right now, but as an "elected" public officer, and a PM at that, he should be more careful with his choice of words towards a scornful public, who has had to bear the aftermath/spillover effects of this now incredulous escape of a "physically challenged" detainee. One word to describe his now infamous "...

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-52618338417504264772008-04-07T19:44:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:59.327-08:00

"Don't let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth -- don't let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency." - AESOPThere is no doubt in my mind that success often lulls one into a false sense of security, and thus into a general malaise of complacency.There is a Chinese idiom which quotes, "失败乃成功之母". Translated, it means failure is

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-37285974924101207972008-03-16T19:35:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:27:59.441-08:00

Part IV – Fundamental Liberties14. Freedom of speech, assembly and association(1) Subject to clauses (2) and (3) —(a) every citizen of Singapore has the right to freedom of speech and expression;(b) all citizens of Singapore have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms; and(c) all citizens of Singapore have the right to form associations. (2) Parliament may by law impose —(a) on the

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-71129574192451917512008-03-16T19:24:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:27:59.499-08:00

Part IV – Fundamental Liberties12. Equal protection(1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.(2) Except as expressly authorised by this Constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens of Singapore on the ground only of religion, race, descent or place of birth in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-22851265213980425062008-03-12T03:15:00.000-07:002008-03-12T03:16:52.213-07:00

Singapore: The Inconvenient Truth from catherinelim.sg on Vimeo.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-17844987977654662872008-03-12T00:36:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:59.704-08:00

Part IV – Fundamental Liberties9. Liberty of the person(1) No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law.(2) Where a complaint is made to the High Court or any Judge thereof that a person is being unlawfully detained, the Court shall inquire into the complaint and, unless satisfied that the detention is lawful, shall order him to be produced before the

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-61424570808400941762008-03-10T07:16:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:27:59.978-08:00

The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore is a system of fundamental laws and principles according to which our nation is governed. It is perhaps the single most important piece of document to any citizen who is interested in the art of politics and government. Reading and understanding the contents of the Constitution, will help you know of your rights (not privileges), and give you a

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-42630498670786998182008-03-09T06:21:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:28:00.243-08:00

by H. Michael Sweeney1) Avoidance. They never actually discuss issues head-on or provide constructive input, generally avoiding citation of references or credentials. Rather, they merely imply this, that, and the other. Virtually everything about their presentation implies their authority and expert knowledge in the matter without any further justification for credibility.2) Selectivity. They

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-67028087802379123512008-03-05T19:41:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:00.519-08:00

Twenty-Five Ways To Suppress Truth: The Rules of Disinformation (Includes The 8 Traits of A Disinformationalist) by H. Michael Sweeney 1. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Regardless of what you know, don't discuss it -- especially if you are a public figure, news anchor, etc. If it's not reported, it didn't happen, and you never have to deal with the issues.2. Become incredulous and

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-10406682412021458322008-03-05T01:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:00.679-08:00

This speckled piece of double speak is targeted not at the intellectuals or the politically enlightened citizens of our society, but rather at the bourgeois who form the majority of it. It is a cryptic piece of journalism, bordering on hubris, which hints of revulsion at our stupidity and inept ability to organize ourselves.The day shall come when such pomposity will be its own demise.-----------

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-2272453874508598872008-03-04T22:46:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:00.830-08:00

Change. The time is near, but not yet. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the voice of Dissension, Discontentment, Disaffection, and Disappointment with our dear leaders, has grown to an unprecedented level. During the last poll, the present government managed a “resounding” 66.6% mandate, not from Heaven but from its people. “Resounding” indeed as it was their poorest showing to date, especially

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-78908145441068604042008-03-02T23:14:00.001-08:002008-12-11T03:28:01.062-08:00

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-53592792535452078752008-02-28T21:47:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:01.153-08:00

I am surprised that we have already engaged in a blame game, despite not knowing all the facts of the case yet, and more importantly with the alleged suspect still at large!Let our leaders and civil servants do what they must. The priority to locate and apprehend the suspect over rides all others for now. In due course, we shall have ALL of the answers (and it is your duty to ask of it), because

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-36753452168291977772008-02-27T21:23:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:01.346-08:00

What would a future Singapore look like, say, fifteen or twenty years from now? I would like to claim the creative licence of a writer to come up with some tantalizing future scenarios!An intriguing starting point would be what I have described elsewhere as the special and unique Lee Kuan Yew model of governance for Singapore. It is so successful that today it can be said to be a major Singapore

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-64200160942860087712008-02-25T18:32:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:01.808-08:00

Before we can run, we must learn to walk, and before that, learn to crawl.We are our own agent of change. We are our own "Obamas" and "Ron Pauls", whose names you have suggested.It is "we", who holds the future in our very own hands. For if "we" can not fathom the profound stake that is ours to have in the nation building process, then I fear that our very own existence as an independent

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-25917986971822928312008-02-25T18:24:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:02.104-08:00

Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. It will not remove the pain of torture inflicted on a prisoner of conscience. It does not comfort those who have lost their loved ones in floods caused by senseless deforestation in a neighboring country. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-43628335765517505002008-02-25T18:21:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:02.341-08:00

“Nor was civil society founded merely to preserve the lives of its members; but that they might live well: for otherwise a state might be composed of slaves, or the animal creation... nor is it an alliance mutually to defend each other from injuries, or for a commercial intercourse. But whosoever endeavors to establish wholesome laws in a state, attends to the virtues and vices of each individual

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-25285552074977962952008-02-18T23:26:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:02.653-08:00

I can only suggest to you, what you already know in your heart to be true.Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely! Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it. That is one very crucial reason why there is a need for people to check the usurpations of government, because governments, being in a privileged position, will always try to preserve their

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-57905999698709450302008-02-14T20:45:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:02.759-08:00

"21st century fascism stands apart from "oppression". Fascism holds that the state is the ultimate entity, rather than the individual, and this is fundamentally true. The state can accomplish things individuals can not dream off. Could you build a rocket to the moon in your backyard? No.The problem inherent is democracy is people. The majority of them are stupid. They vote for whoever celebrities

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-79637156575162648562008-02-12T09:39:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:02.921-08:00

When the original idea of a compulsory annuity scheme was first mooted to Singaporeans, it came as a total surprise that such a scheme could have even emanated from our policy planners. It shocked many people, including myself, and the jolt did not go well with our psyche.Our government has been quoted as saying before that it prides itself as being able to carry out unpopular (but necessary)

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-48564545748841549052008-01-22T04:38:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:27:09.185-08:00

3 miles high into the airwith little room to move arounda whiff so foul for us to bearour bodies wince at a stench surroundA lady in sight with an odour to matchwe sit in fear of the next releasewhose pungent farts we try not to catchbut alas! who would believeThe vents I turn to form a curtainin hopes of a reprieve from the deadly fumesmy lady of fart, in cold that's for certaincontinues to

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-55980345705569197972008-01-15T09:25:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:15:45.306-08:00

Q. "in a nutshell that western free media is not necessarily the panacea that it is made out to be, one size fits all solution for all societies..."?I am reminded of a childhood nursery rhyme "Blow Wind Blow". How aptly titled, if you understand the history behind it. Further, the title itself reflects one of the capricious nature of politics, that there are only "permanent interests". Any

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-56698411407222490172008-01-14T02:09:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:15:50.257-08:00

There's no denying that the only constant is change. Thus today's solution, may be tomorrow's problem. Be that as it may, life still goes on.Make no mistake. Human progress knows no boundaries. We have and will continue to make good our constant search for life's answers, regardless of an individual's beliefs and the geopolitical situation that he/she may be residing in. That's one of the key

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-18167253935929948132008-01-02T20:48:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:16:35.569-08:00

The million dollar question would then be "Can the Media be truly free?". The answer is obvious. An emphatic "No".Why? The media (in all it's various forms) is simply too important a mouth piece and policy tool for the powers that may be, to receive/transmit/shape public opinions, and to further their agenda, regardless of political beliefs, orientation and faction.Ordinary citizens in general

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-74167446434388156662007-12-30T23:17:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:34:24.029-08:00

It will take years before confidence is restored to the general public, who have by now grown wiser and more demanding of the charities that they contribute to.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-2509260746579344132007-12-30T23:13:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:20:55.589-08:00

How true, that the citizens are by now accustomed to reports of rising prices, which suggests that the people who are affected by rising costs, especially the poor, have little choice but to accept the realities.Which begs one to look closer when a comment like "...the government is unlikely to impose controls on food or utility prices in response to rising inflation..." is made, which suggests

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-75625538451979260692007-12-30T23:06:00.000-08:002008-04-21T23:29:47.575-07:00

Many would be tempted or inclined to place the blame of our lack of social graces to the government. However nothing can be further from the truth when we take a step back, and realise that there are in fact numerous issues in life that have little or no direct linkage to the behaviour of the ruling government. One such is courtesy/social graces or the lack of.On this issue, I believe that only a

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-7837272983901333612007-12-30T23:04:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:28:03.406-08:00

To err is human...and so it is for profiling too. We humans have been profiling ourselves for as long as we have existed. I believe profiling gives us a sense of who we are, and how we can interact with others within and outside of communities.Of course on a national level, profiling is of even greater importance to governments and their agencies. It is a necessary tool for policy makers to work

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-41611506434520720772007-12-30T23:02:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:19:11.317-08:00

"Laws alone can not secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population." - Albert Einstein.The politics of hate has no place here or anywhere else. However the sad reality is that it exists. Human prejudices, no matter how they may be formed, are one hell-of-a tough nut to crack. Be that as it may,

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-38399997728028126312007-12-30T23:00:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:16:15.694-08:00

I'm of the opinion that whether information that is broadcast through the various mediums are government controlled or not, news reporting (as it is) can never be absolutely "free". There will always be hidden agendas from the puppet master. After all, "mouth pieces" have always been used as a key policy tool in shaping public perceptions, here and everywhere. It's a matter of perspective. To

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-43607434505421934192007-12-30T22:57:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:16:49.890-08:00

It's just people's repressed feelings letting loose in this parallel cyber world, where it may not have been entirely possible in the real world to do so, for whatever reasons, whether justified or not.Regulating what and how people post, follow a certain regulatory framework as laid down by the law and the land, which in turn is moderated by the forum owners, within the jurisdiction with which

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-27420602048054137632007-12-30T22:52:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:30:00.596-08:00

The Singaporean populace had exchanged their political freedoms for economic and national survival in the 60s. This was born out of necessity. The social contract that was bound between the people and the government was evident. We did not question much the government's initiatives, policies, enacted laws, modes of institutions, and motives. We had in fact allowed, trusting that it was in our

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-7370875331961283502007-12-14T17:20:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:27:09.185-08:00

An ancient curse, a soul-less lairCreatures foul, the dark sages' flairNo man is free, evil surroundsBeware the Karma, of the years unfound.The light of days, as promised in bloodGenerations past, not a streak but a floodof cries from those bound, and those who are lostIn utter despair, all hopes are tossed.The day of Days, the people envisionDeceit of man, creator of diversionWoe to he, who

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-75468646223971005412007-12-09T06:36:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:27:09.186-08:00

Our universe, an awe of an expanse.A parallel world, we do not comprehend.Whispers of angels, a cosmic trance,Twin evil dead, we shall defend.Sweetness of breath, each daylight has.Ponderous past, the night begets.Oh my love, our sorrows alas!Wither with time, thither regrets.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-4846028519278284542007-12-05T18:21:00.000-08:002008-03-07T00:27:09.186-08:00

Silence is golden, my mind resides.Wave upon wave, I feel the beat.Binaural mirage, the sounds beside,Transform my being, as though to treat.Lo and behold, the eyes to see.The conscious aware, the sub-conscious arising.Want not the new, an awakened mind to be?Wave upon wave, a different dawn comprising.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-81612906448960470682007-10-24T19:55:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:27:09.187-08:00

In the abyss of time, we are but the mere passing of shadows.A fleeting moment, a space in time, creatures in these meadows,all abide by the simple continuum, a masterpiece conumdrum.Mona of Lisa, you are forever our light, saviour and redemption.Our spirits are shackled, our souls in dismalness.For whence we shall be free, only our captives are key.In this dual world, an epic battle, an outcome

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-37551703933726018962007-10-24T19:44:00.001-07:002008-03-07T00:27:09.187-08:00

Despite our multitude of transgressions and failings, when we look back at our own lives, we muse in despair the lost opportunities to make good "what it could have been". Life is one hell-of-a roller coaster ride.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-24401938445934498602007-10-16T05:29:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:27:09.187-08:00

War, is a most terrible thing which, should be avoided at all costs. However should the inevitable happen, that it should ever befall upon us, even if it is in our will not to have it, then we are duty bound to fight for our motherland, and fight we will, till the very end, so that we may be remembered as men, through eternity.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-3781092820148510012007-10-14T22:51:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:23:24.604-08:00

Why prove to a man he is wrong? Is that going to make him like you? Why not let him save face? He didn't ask for your opinion. He didn't want it. Why argue with him? You can't win an argument, because if you lose, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it. Why? You will feel fine. But what about him? You have made him feel inferior, you hurt his pride, insult his intelligence, his judgment, and

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-34409814325281080482007-10-13T21:02:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:27:09.188-08:00

Sometimes it amazes me just how much a person is able to keep all that unhappiness with them through eternity. There's simply too much negative energy wasted, not to forget that it also acts like a cancer, slowly eating away the light and life that is in us. When it dims down, you can almost always see it in the eyes. The sadness that trails within, is in stark contrast to the happy facade. As

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-39567452223687239212007-10-10T22:09:00.000-07:002010-03-28T08:39:27.040-07:00

As soon as we abandon our own reason, and are content to rely upon authority, there is no end to our troubles.BERTRAND RUSSELL, An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-16854424704612259202007-10-10T22:05:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:28:03.855-08:00

Good government policies in a democracy are an underprovided public good, because of the rational ignorance of the voters. Each voter is faced with a tiny probability that his vote will change the result of the elections, while gathering the relevant information necessary for a well informed voting decision requires substantial time and effort. Therefore, the rational decision for each voter is

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-47000178873408749302007-10-09T20:31:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:32:42.263-08:00

Go ahead...you know you want to click here.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-70401201270612214222007-10-09T20:18:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:27:09.188-08:00

Life is but a postponement of death. The moment you are born, you begin to die.

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-12303838403745221682007-10-09T00:06:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:28:04.040-08:00

Step 1. Some practice/plan/scheme so offensive that it can scarcely be discussed in public is advocated by a RESPECTED expert in a RESPECTED forum. Step 2. At first, the public is shocked, then outraged. Step 3. But, the VERY FACT that such a thing could be publicly debated becomes the SUBJECT of the debate. Step 4. In the process, sheer repetition of the shocking subject under discussion

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-806103840999732522007-10-08T06:45:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:28:04.469-08:00

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT OR PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL RIGHTby Jean Jacques Rousseau, 1762.Chapter 18 - HOW TO CHECK THE USURPATIONS OF GOVERNMENTThe institution of government is not a contract, but a law; that the depositaries of the executive power are not the people's masters, but its officers; that it can set them up and pull them down when it likes; that for them there is no question of contract,

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-1248568144236401352007-10-08T06:40:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:28:04.644-08:00

Laws are written by man, and presided over by man. So long as that remains, there will always be injustices and inconsistencies, for no man can ever claim to be perfect. However, the legal institutions of the land must manage people's perception that, not only is the law of the land being upheld, it is also seen to be upheld. It is akin to the adage, that : "Justice must, not only be served but,

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-91742936874864385782007-10-08T03:34:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:34:24.030-08:00

President Star Charity – where’s the missing $840,000? Posted by theonlinecitizen on October 8th, 2007 By Leong Sze Hian I refer to media reports that the President’s Star charity show raised a record $5.4 million. According to the Straits Times’ report on Oct 1, 2007: “This year’s musical extravaganza raised a record $5.46 million for 32 charities, out of which viewers donated $567,700

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-27197590148675836122007-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:28:04.796-08:00

Found this article on The Star Online...The Singaporean nudged aside INSIGHT DOWN SOUTHBy SEAH CHIANG NEE For some time now, the island state's Statistics Department has stopped classifying population the way other countries do, i.e. between citizens and foreigners. IN THE face of a foreigner influx, a question that government officials are not rushing to answer is: “Who is a Singaporean?”

Awakeninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517799595196613977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688403534989567397.post-55939164858769702282007-10-07T01:39:00.000-07:002008-03-07T00:27:09.189-08:00

An inspiration that will forever be a moment in time.My thoughts alive, etched deep within the heart and mind.Whispers of a fire, raging wild beneath souls of our kind.From here and yonder we all brethrens of this land.Too long a time we have been shackled to our shadows.In the still of the night we move amongst the dead.Who will be our judge, jury and executioner?Alas my kindred spirit, we all

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