GrindGrindGrind

I read with interest this morning yet another article in the Straits Times moaning about how young Singaporeans these days are so neutral and apathetic when it comes to political issues.

Hello? Do "young Singaporeans" look stupid to you? We are apathetic because there is only so little anyone can say about political issues in Singapore before receiving a letter of demand for S$1,000,000 in punitive damages. Same paper this morning also highlighted the plight of all the people who got sued by the PAP, weeping in court, etc. And what about the politicians who have fled the country and now have to live in exile?

We read, you know. The same lesson is reinforced time and time again. It's practically encoded in our DNA. Obey the law. Respect your government. A nail that sticks out will be hammered down. How many politicians do we need to see become bankrupt in order to learn this lesson? If you want to live peacefully in this country and have not been invited to join the PAP, then YOU STAY AWAY FROM POLITICS.

And we do that. We keep our heads down, play by the rules, and then get criticised for being apathetic. Like we're a bunch of yahoos who are just ignorant. Or so completely self-centred we can't be bothered about the greater good.

We're not ignorant. We just want to live our lives peacefully, earn a good living, have a house, car, kids, good savings, etc. And if it means keeping out of political issues, hey, I think I can just about manage that. Pen that into my diary. "Don't criticise the Government. Don't challenge the establishment. Buy baby food. Pay credit card bill." I don't see how the greater good would be served if we're all champing at the bit to go join a political party instead of doing our 9 to 5 jobs and paying income tax, property tax, road tax, ERP, GST, MRT, SBS ...

I don't think this is the best attitude, but really it shouldn't draw the kind of criticism that is raining down, if the last few weeks of ST articles is anything to go by. Just because I don't challenge the establishment doesn't mean I need to kiss up, baby. The message that seems to be filtering through the other mixed messages is that we need to give the Government a ringing endorsement. Rally around to vote FOR. Great job! Thank you! I owe you my everything!

Fine. If that's what the Government wants, then just tell me where to sign. Don't whine and moan around the issue and say oh we're just a bunch of ingrates yadda yadda yadda. It's like my mother moaning and whining at me when she wants me to do something but just won't come out and ask directly.

If it would help, I'll even show up and vote (assuming no walkover which would really spare me the inconvenience). I'll draw them little hearts around the correct political party symbol and write thanks for everything! [Heart] Smootie, and the 'e' will have little curlicues and kisses.

I'll even send a note of apology to my MP. Sorry, I know you came around to my house the other day and probably rang and rang on the doorbell and no one answered. That's because there's nothing attached to the doorbell button as I have not actually installed a doorbell. To make it up to you, I'll flagellate my husband one thousand times until he can recite the PAP mission statement in his sleep.

[The title of this piece derives from the fact that I've been grinding my teeth in frustration since reading the stupid paper this morning. What's all that crap about blogs anyway!? It's such a blatant discredit piece. Why don't they just say, don't read public toilet posters. They always claim that the toilet is clean anyway.]