What a year for the 11th general elections to be held. Singaporeans seem to have taken up the cry for revolution that was sparked off by protestors in Egypt. I wonder if the fall of the economy in 2010 did not also bring down with it the implicit faith that the masses the world over, had in their governments. But this elections is more complicated than that. It's making me regret not taking a political science module this semester, that's for sure.
The large turnout at the rallies reminded me of the book, Playing the Enemy by John Carlin. In it, Carlin wrote an account of how Nelson Mandela worked for the eradication of apartheid in South Africa, from the time he was incarcerated through his first few years as President. He didn't just enforce policies to work towards that aim, he embodied the message he was bringing by forgiving his jailors and being the bridge between the Afrikaaners and the native Africans.
Mind you, the title doesn't bear any significance in this context. It just gave me an idea of the kind of government I want, and the kind of leader I would follow: one who would appeal to my better side, who would work with the welfare of the people at heart yet challenge the people to live unselfishly, with the country's welfare in mind. Yet, it is often true that the people deserve the kind of government they get. So... it starts with me. With us, the voters.
I hope I will be clearheaded, not emotional or reactive. Though it's hard not to be, with the opinions and experiences of your family and friends at the back of your mind.
Just another opinion in the sea of opinions we're drowning in right now. Just needed to get this out of my head and clear some space for my exams. :) Think it would be too much to push for the cancellation of exams? lol
The large turnout at the rallies reminded me of the book, Playing the Enemy by John Carlin. In it, Carlin wrote an account of how Nelson Mandela worked for the eradication of apartheid in South Africa, from the time he was incarcerated through his first few years as President. He didn't just enforce policies to work towards that aim, he embodied the message he was bringing by forgiving his jailors and being the bridge between the Afrikaaners and the native Africans.
Mind you, the title doesn't bear any significance in this context. It just gave me an idea of the kind of government I want, and the kind of leader I would follow: one who would appeal to my better side, who would work with the welfare of the people at heart yet challenge the people to live unselfishly, with the country's welfare in mind. Yet, it is often true that the people deserve the kind of government they get. So... it starts with me. With us, the voters.
I hope I will be clearheaded, not emotional or reactive. Though it's hard not to be, with the opinions and experiences of your family and friends at the back of your mind.
Just another opinion in the sea of opinions we're drowning in right now. Just needed to get this out of my head and clear some space for my exams. :) Think it would be too much to push for the cancellation of exams? lol
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