Comments on: MM Lee brags about his “achievements” on the Charlie Rose Show

By: 'Mat

'Mat — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:54:32 +0000

Hello Lawrence,

Tell me which would you prefer:

To be called “Old Arrogant Asshole” and “Sucking PAP Banana”, OR

To be sued until bankrupt and jailed for half your life or more without trial??????

By: fair and square

fair and square — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:08 +0000

@Lawrence@Anonymous
I do agree that it is important to be civil in words
but civility is even more meaningful if expressed in actions?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:38:51 +0000

@ Lawrence on Thu, 29th Oct 2009 2:47 pm

Glad that you agree with my thoughts although we differ in some measure of “intensity” of thought imprisonment in this information age.

I do agree with you that some of the postings have a bit of a “character” or, may I say, a little bit of “temperature” in them in response other “outrageous” trolls. Ha Ha Ha

And yes, enjoy this exchange with you!

By: fair and square

fair and square — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:07:10 +0000

@Lawrence
it’s always easier to “pcik-up” the “rubbish”-like you mentioned-and not the true SUNSTANCE?
Just gently ponder if a few of the bloggers exprressed thmeselves in UNCILVIL maner? probably that’s the way
they try to make themselves heard.Not everyone here is a scholar like most in MSM!But,i must assure you they don’t beat a round the bush or speak in hypocritic high-society eloquence.
So, i sincerely hope that you reserve judgement and continue to surf TR for some truths and sincere revelations!
TR,I BELIEVE,is trying to accomodate the good ,the bad and the ugly without prejudice. I strongly think that this is good as it honestly reflect SINGAPOREANS in their outmost sincerity.
So,welcome once again and be part of the family of common society!

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:47:23 +0000

Dear Anonymous

I am finding the opinion components of the TR site an interesting revelation. Your point is well taken and understood. Am not in full agreement especially from he perspective that each passing day and in fact from the avent of the “information age” and the degree to which Singaporeans travel and we are probably the most globally mobile population in thw world (as a percentage of population). There can be very limited ability to control ones world view or to truely “Imprison” the man or even his tought. I suppose we defer on the degree to which this possible effect is in play. Anyway good exchange.

I am a little less amoured to the tone and even lack of civility in some of the posts with terms like “Old Arrogant Asshole” and “Sucking PAP Banana” being used. Unless the users and Bloggers on the TR site can have constructuve and respectful exchanges all this passion and emotion will be counter productive. I am all for alternate voices but to be heard and taken seriously it has to be done with civility and responsibility.

Not sure if TR will be a regular site for me to drop into as much of the opinion content seems to be fairly hardcore oppositionist and not very open to alternate views hahaha ironic as that may sound. But the way I see it engagement in anyform is better then being not engaged at all.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:52:00 +0000

@Lawrence on Thu, 29th Oct 2009 11:46 am

If you been around, you would know the truth that western societies are VERY TOLERANT of contrary strident views simply because they are very VIBRANT SOCIETIES – the opposite of here where dissenting views are RUTHLESSLY AND BRUTALLY SUPPRESSED.

You need to understand the reality of this imprisonment of thoughts this way – THE MAN IMPRISONED looking out the world through the bars holding him/her in his/her incarceration INSIDE has DIFFERENT VIEWS AND THOUGHTS from THAT IN THE MIND of the one OUTSIDE “looking in” the anguished mind of the prisoner staring from inside through the same bar.

So it is different culture and different tolerance level.

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:46:06 +0000

As a follow up. Sorry I made the assumption this was a US based site. Was surfing and came across this in between several US sites and news stories. Anyway on rereading my own comments. All comments apply except for my wrong assumption. Fact is well regarded leadership the world over and even critical media have provided the platform for MM and also even in the most negative of environments have paid grudging respect. And that says a lot.

Lawrence

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:28:36 +0000

I am quite taken aback by some of the negative comments reflected here. Each view I suppose is dependant on the audience reacting to the article and the interview. And each group will draw from its own value systems and cultral ballast. So I expect many of the comments here are not from the average Singaporean man in the street. The simple fact of the matter here is that the vast majority of Singaporeans are happy with the way things are. Sure there are complaints but isn’t all of life a compromise ? Otherwise the country will fall apart. The parallels drawn on Burma and other autocratic systems cannot but bring disbelief in my reaction. As if one can compare the quality of life there and Singapore. How about the comparison to arguably the most democratic system in the world India ……. is the life of the avearge Indian at the same level as the average Sibgaporean. Yes there are differences in scale and Singapore is but a small “pimple” or less in the world map. But do you think the American leadrship and many well regarded individuals in the world would provide the platform for the “promotion” of a despotic and autocratic leader ? Or would the world press and even Mr Rose accord and audience a REPEATED audeince if there is no merit in the event. I am really dumbfounded by the narrow world view of some if the negative comments posted here. Research a oittle more, come visit Singapore and other places in the world. Walk a little in our shoes before taking such a bias and hurtful stance. And yes there will be Singaporeans or other stake holders that are not as positive as me. But that is human nature is it not. Is the population prevented from migration, sure some leave but in what numbers. If things are as bad as some say. The country wold be an empty shell within a few years of Mr Lee taking office. But it has not. We are into more then 44 years of nationhood and doing well. And since this is an American based site. May I add that some of the greatest lights in American leadership and in fact almost all that have been in leadership (Popularly elected leadership in your democratic country) during the lifetime of Mr Lee are overwhelmingly positive on Mr Lee’s place in the scheme of things. Go figure ……

Lawrence

By: Jack

Jack — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:03:45 +0000

What do you mean when you say MM Lee is lecturing the world?

By: City

City — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:25:29 +0000

YES!! I saw it (http://news.google.com.sg/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn)!! Hurray

Keep up the good work Hope TR can continue to spread far and wide and more people can know the truth about the real Singapore.

Side track: recently I play host to a HK friend, on her 1st trip to Singapore. She commented that HK has become very pack nowadays due to an influx of PRC. She, however, does not feel the strong presence of PRC here too, till I pointed out to her.

A lot of HKers seem to think PAP is doing a good job (if you visit their political forum)!! Hope TR can grow strength to strength and let everyone know how a “good job” the current administration is doing!