Singapore Democrats

"Soon Juan...Chee" Shouldn't it be Chee Soon Juan? :D

Anyway, a great way to inform Americans about what's really happening in Singapore, and hopefully they can do something to get President Obama's attention on the human rights situation here.Maybe Campaign or petition?(C'mon, Avaaz)

Together with the blitz in the US press, this is a fantastic counterbalance to Lee Kuan Yew's unending playing to the foreign gallery to disinform the international community about the true state of affairs in Singapore.

Lee Kuan Yew's solicitous relationship with the foreign media reminds me of the 1970s sitcom called coincidentally “Here we go again!” In fact, the convoluted relationships of the sitcom bear some resemblance to the ongoing saga of the PAP government. Go figure!

The purported intent of Lee Kuan Yew's undertaking is to beguile American listeners and to induce the political and business to "[b]collaborate with the Singapore Government on trade at the expense of democracy and human rights[/b]."

We must not forget that America is the embodiment of capitalism and a functioning democrac.

Despite its democratic principles sometimes seeming secondary to its capitalist and and so-called hegemonic aim - the case of Iraq is a weary illustration - this is typically done by nitpickers; we know a resident one, but it includes the likes of Kishore Mahbubani

Anyway, the “main man” himself (Obama) has recently reminded all us that “Singapore has been an outstanding friend and ally of the United States for many, many years... And on behalf of the American people, we want to say thank you to the people of Singapore for being such outstanding friends.”

It's timely that Dr Chee has reminded him about his country's collusion with a fscist regime.

Americans are avid listeners to a serious radio-talk show; talk shows, especially morning talk shows, are in fact something of an enduring tradition there. (Indeed, the morning TV talk shows are a spin off idea.) We just wish there was the same extent of media coverage on Lee Kuan Yew and Kishore Mahbubani when they wax lyrical about Singapore's 'good' governance. But then aren't they just diminutive figures from a faraway and inconsequential land babbling about their political travails.

I think it is better that PAP directs its resources on more fruitful and local ventures, instead of the unschooled opining on world affairs by Lee Kuan Yew on Charlie Rose etc. But, I guess, Singaporeans have stopped listening to that pacemaker-powered old man long ago, hence the greater need these days to prostitute for an overseas audience.

But failing which, the SDP can only keep with the onslaught of disinformation internationally by the PAP by counterbalancing it.

United States has stopped allowing its differences with Myanmar to hold its ties with the rest of Southeast Asia hostage. It has decided that it will not [b]"let the Burmese tail wag the ASEAN dog"[/b].

Similarly, CSJ is trying to use his skewed and constricted views as the "tail" that wags the American "dog" of opinions. The challenge for him is that the American canine is whimpering and convulsion from the throes of a global recession. It is ravenous for the food of capitalism (read trade).

I suggest [b]SDP removes itself from a foreign tail-like function[/b] to one within the sensible and accepted mainstream of opposition politics here.

Dr Chee is right!

[b][/b]OBAMA is MYOPIC!

Way to go Dr Chee! Please lead us and all those who have lost money to Lehman Brothers to demand compensation from Obama and the American citizens! The PAP doesn't dare to offend the Americans, but you Dr Chee, the true defender of democracy, will be our Joan D'Arc! Fight those western tyrants!

I hope Dr Chee is going on more show, and use the show to demand Obama compensate the people of Singapore the money lost in minibonds!

Hi BryanT,

As usual, I remained bemused by your answer. Would you do us a great service and define what exactly is "sensible and accepted mainstream of opposition politics" in Singapore?

[quote=AlphaBravo]Hi BryanT,

As usual, I remained bemused by your answer. Would you do us a great service and define what exactly is "sensible and accepted mainstream of opposition politics" in Singapore?[/quote]

He's probably asking SDP to tow the line set by LKY and PAP. Which essentially means we will not have an effective opposition or democratic change for decades more to come.

Just caught the interview between CSJ and the buffoony Lionel Lipshitz. (He sure sounds like the embodiment of the "form, noise and show" type of American I mentioned in another post. But that is another story.)

Anyway, at least he said surprisingly insightful. On the CSJ's point about linking trade to the freedom and human rights, Lipshitz stated that Obama might theoretical reply that [b]if American only dealt with fair people, or tried to reach economic consensus with countries who treat people fairly, American will be talking to Canada only.[/b] (@5.45min Youtube. Also note. any inaccuracies in the transcription are wholly to to me (and my failing ears))

I suppose Lipshitz is postulating that if Obama receives CSJ's message, he will reply,"Get real!"

Here is the youtube link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Du5Z1tY4mg&feature=player_embedded

why does dr chee say there is hardly any opposition, giving the impression that the opposition can't do much? don't be so downtrodden. i think the opposition should be more positive. you can be a worthy opponent - you are surely smart enough.

of course, there are people who will always cheer for the underdogs. but there is no need to portray yourself as the poor loser, to gain sympathy from the americans. let's show them that singaporeans are to be respected, not pitied. hey, have some fighting spirit!

"why does dr chee say there is hardly any opposition, giving the impression that the opposition can't do much?"

I believe CSJ says so because he believe the other opposition parties are ineffective and that only SDP pursues that type of politics that can change Singapore.

Actually I agree in both counts. The other opposition parties have not been effective in proposing alternative solutions to meet societal challenges. But I think they serve a good enough function currently to point out the possible flaws of the ruling goverment's policies and programmes.

Secondly, SDP's brand of politics, if it takes effect, will indeed lead to a change in Singapore, for the worse, if not its doom.

The main SDP's platforms of fighting for greater freedoms is immanently appealing and would have caught on with many Singaporeans. [b]But the capricious means (and perceived vindictiveness) by which this is pursue has (unfortunately, or rather fortunately) turned most off.[/b]

[quote]But the capricious means (and perceived vindictiveness) by which this is pursue has (unfortunately, or rather fortunately) turned most off.[/quote]
Are you talking about yourself here?