NDR 2009
Another sign of aging has shown. I actually patiently sat in front of the TV for 2 hrs (I think) watching the PM deliver his National Day rally. This is a first for me. Considering I never really had the patience to do that. But alas, I did not sit through the whole speech. Lol!
I guess when we were younger, economics and what happens to the world and to the country seldom affects us. I mean the world can go into recession and small kids still play in the playground like any other days right? Thats freedom. Thats when ignorance is bliss. And thats is also what I feel is the privilege and entitlement of children. Be happy and contented with what you have.
But now as we grow older, we realised such happenings around the world often touches our lives. And its something we cannot ignore – unfortunately.
The PM spoke about marriage, babies and technology. And I believe some other points which I can’t recall now. Sometimes, I can’t help but feel fortunate because Singapore has a PM who looks after Singapore like a father looks after his sons. Yes, prices are increasing, but probably like he say its not something he can control. Giving subsidy is not a long term solution either. Sigh.
This is probably like what we studied in Macro/Micro economics I guess… Demand supply stuff. I guess the root of the problem is that we demand many more things these days. Indulgence is the way of life for us I guess. But supply is limited so price go up. But when price goes up, we realise our purchasing power gets lower. This angers us, I think. Of course, idiots who take advantage of the price rising frenzy and increase prices by a huge percentage for muffins ought to be shot through their ass!
Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.
He touched on getting hitched and havng babies. What great news – 4 months of maternity leave! 6 days child care leave! And 1 week of infant care leave for first 2 years! woohoo! Quite cool huh! 
* Disclaimer: please read his rally transcript for actual figures. This is what I vaguely remember! But its good news nonetheless! So is it gonna be 3 or 4 kids for me? Lol!
When the PM spoke bout singles getting attached, he reminded me of my grandmother who always ask when are we going to get married. Oh boy! When we are single, we always feel thats freedom and its priceless. When we found someone, we think the freedom given up in exchange for a companion by our side is worthwhile. When we ditch singlehood to be married, its a great feeling to have someone with us for the rest of our lives. Such is the circle of life. I was thinking about many people saying that they want to enjoy freedom first, but people always say “sweetness comes after the bitter”.
As we move on, we are shifting into a different culture and changing mindsets. Ideals from long ago seemed to be just ideals – we wish to realise it, but it ain’t easy. Different perspectives, different way of life. However, I suspect everyone is really wishing for the old-fashioned way of life – growing up, fall in love, get married, have kids, grow old, see grandchildren, retire and awaits the day we rest six feet below.
The magical thing about life is that it can be so simple yet so complicated. So boring yet so exciting. Its just so contradicting! Lol!
And the PM touched on a very interesting point. Singapore has 6 million mobile phone users. Its no big deal I know, but Singapore’s population is like 4 million? So 2 million people actually owns 2 mobiles! Haha!
______________________________________
For a official outline of the speech, click here.
my dear…seems like u havent be studying much..haha..time for rally??
Hi PX,
keke! Its all my mums fault la.
she was watching it during dinner then me happily sat there and continue watching together lo! lol!
Sign of aging?! How can?! You are so very young! You may wish to adopt my mentality. I feel one year younger with each birthday celebration
I remember I watched the first Rally by our PM. It was like a 3 hours long speech and he got everyone’s emotion running so high. I felt really proud of his achievement, and that he can finally come out of his dad’s shadow.
Anyway, it is good to be in touch with our current affairs. And to understand on how the mechanism plays out while having the wisdom that there are things that we can’t change (and the courage to change the things that we can!).
Oh … I can easily explain the 2 mobile phones observation. A lot of bankers I know carry a Blackberry as well as their personal wireless phones. That counts for 2. I am not sure if 4 millions population includes the foreigners. I think it only counts the citizens and PRs. And since there are so many foreigners here in Singapore, that may add up the numbers …
… and I give away free handphone to each of my mistresses from China too and I am sure they carry more than one …
KIDDING!
Hi Wilfrid,
Well said! Yes I must say I am proud of him for being able to emerge out of his dad’s shadow. Many might say that its easy for him to be where he is because his dad is LKY. But the fact is that having LKY for his dad has made an extraordinary route even more challenging. And I like this statement though, “wisdom that there are things that we can’t change (and the courage to change the things that we can!)”
LOL!
With the number of handphones in Singapore, I should think we score high in radiation meter too right? haha!
Dun worry bout your mistresses. At least Cynthia (probably) don’t understand chinese. So for the time being you are pretty safe! Unless Cynthia’s chinese language is better than yours! LOL!
Hello!
Hi Priscilla!
Welcome to my humble site!
Prices are increasing, but, that’s something he can’t control.
Can’t agree totally with the Above statement. But he can increase or at least sanction price increases in essentials, foods, goods and services.
Marketing ploys are very much in use in governance; increase(inflate) the prices(recommended consumer price), advertise a discount(subsidy) or throw in a free gift(off-set) and tell the World how much the SingaporC citizenries are being helped. Comparisons will be made between the List Prices(usually higher than the recommended consumer price) and the ‘Discounted Prices’. These ploys work wonders except that they are overused and at times abused.
After been fooled sometimes, the Citizenry sees through the Schemes.
patriot
Hi Patriot,
To a certain extent, I do agree with what you say. Sometimes such ‘marketing ploys’ are very much being used. But I do suspect that its only by doing such that the government can help cushion the impact of rising prices. And sometimes I guess people are happy to see the government do something rather than nothing, though they are often not satisfied enough. lol!
I do like your simple explanation though. It speaks of some truth in the way of governance. However, pardon my simple mind, because I think its truly difficult to find a way balance a long term solution and a short term answer. There are just too many facets to think of for the decision maker.
Thanks for dropping by my site!
~ suety