2nd Insight Series 2010

Democracy in a brave new world

A summary of the event:

I attended the seminar entitled “Democracy in a brave new world” some time ago. It was a seminar about democracy in our world and how different political parties campaign for support to govern a country. Mr Baey, the MP for Tanjong Pagar gave his speech first, followed by Dr Cherian George. Both talked about their views and perspectives about politics and democracy in governing a country. Mr Baey stated that a government should be fair to all citizens and treat everyone equally. Minorities should also be represented in parliament so as for them to have a say in a country. A government should also promote racial harmony in a country so as to avoid social segregation but instead forge unity between peoples of different races. Dr George stated that politics is not as simple as it seems, but rather the government has to do a lot to govern a people well. One of these ways would be to have a revolution. Another would be justice and democracy. The event was interesting and it finally came to a close when the guests of -honors left.

My personal views and reflections:

I feel that democracy is very important in today’s modern and fast-changing world. In order for a nation to progress, change must take place. And in order for change to take place, there must be democracy. In a capitalist and materialistic world today, we constantly seek to improve and progress forward. In order for a country to progress, new people must have new ideas on how to lead it. Democracy is something rather new to the 21^st century. In the past, there were monarchies and dictators who wielded absolute power in a country. Although they were not entirely bad, an autocratic ruler would not let as country progress like a democracy would. For new initiatives to be passed, the ruler must first accept it. This means that the country would only improve if the ruler puts plans into actions. Everyone relies on a single person or a small group of people to make decisions for the country. In contrary, democracy offers an equal chance for all to suggest their ideas to improve a country. The country would not only be ruled by a single person or a royal family, but by a parliament of people elected by the common people. This therefore gives a chance for the common citizens to express their views by supporting a political party. If a particular party is ineffective, it would most probably be out-voted in the next elections and therefore change in a country will occur. In conclusion, democracy is important for change to take place.

I felt that it was a meaningful experience for me to attend the seminar. I have indeed gained a lot more knowledge about politics and the idea of democracy from this experience. This seminar has also broadened by views on politics and the importance of democracy in order for a country to progress. Overall, I feel that it was indeed an eye-opening experience.

Casinos - Boon or bane?

2 casinos, namely Resorts World Sentosa and Las Vegas Sands have recently opened their doors for business in Singapore. This is the first time that Casinos have opened in Singapore. Many were excited by the openings and flocked to the casinos, others were skeptical. Overall, theses casinos have a great impact on Singapore. But the question is - are they boon or bane?

The biggest effect the casinos have on Singapore is undoubtedly its economic effects. The prime reasons for the building of these casinos were intended as a source of income as well as to create more jobs for the economy. However, these effects are not 100% pro, there are its flipsides.

Let me start with the positive factors first. These casinos are going to be a good source of income for the economy. The opening of the casinos here would attract more tourists to Singapore. This would help to boost the tourism industry. The casinos would also be a source of income for Singapore's economy. This could help boost the economy and spur more growth. The creation of jobs would also benefit the population.

Now to the negative factors. Though this would boost the economy, there are certain drawbacks. People could become addicted to gambling and hence incur huge losses from it. This would drive them into debt and perhaps even crime. They would use up their hard-earned savings on gambling. This could lead to problems with their family members and also have a great effect on their jobs.

In conclusion, considering the economic gains and social problems that the casinos would bring, my judgement on the casinos is that they have both pros and cons. I think that the casinos would be a good thing for Singapore if people can control themselves and gamble in moderation. Despite the social problems, these casinos would greatly benefit Singapore economically.

Reflection on Term 1

At last, the first term of year 2010 is drawing to a close. Tests completed. Homework mostly completed. Eventful? Certainly.

Term one started with a bang. The first day of school signalled the end of the nearly-10-week-long year end holidays, as well as the start of the new school year. And of course, the frantic day of school where people were rushing to find their new classrooms, adapting to new timetables, as well as catch up with friends.

And then, basically, the weeks following sped by unknowingly. Lessons attended, homework done, as well as some fun. Right till the test weeks, then time slowed to a halt. Stress mounting, pressure rising. Right till the last test, then everyone took a deep breadth.

Reflecting and looking back, I realise the fun we had, as well as how much we have learnt. How we have benefitted, and how we have grown (intellectually). What lessons we learnt. The mood of term 1 fluctuates, just like the stock market. Rainy days come and go, sunny days don't stay long. But it was all part of term 1, happy or sad, good or bad, the past cannot be changed. The first term was meaningful in its own way- in a way that words cannot describe. The first term of Sec 2 has left its mark, an impression on us all. No term is perfect, but every term is unique. So I believe that we treasued our time, and hopefully made the best use of it.

As for the next term ahead, we hope for the best. Hopefully, it will be a meaningful and enriching term. And I think we'll make thy best of it we can.

E-learning - Task B - Musical

b. Write a poem on the Tom Robinson Trial / life in Maycomb/ any other incident.

Maycomb, Maycomb
The tired old town
Struck by Depression
Stuck with racism
Some people nice
Some people bad
Majority with racism
Few with equallity
Life in Maycomb
is full of discrimination
and inequality
Racial segregation
Racial discrimination
The Blacks with no rights
The Whites who dominate
Follow convention
Be racist
and you are safe
Differ convention
Be the miniority
and get mocked
But the courageous miniority
Are always brave
Stick to their virtues
and moral values
Believe in equality for all
And hence
Maycomb is in this state today
Town torn with racial segregation
Society divided by Whites and Blacks
People seperated by skin colour
Morals ripped apart by discrimination
This must end
Mindsets must change
People must change
Untill this happens
Maycomb will stay the same
The tired old town

E-learning - Task B - Intrapersonal

a. Who would you want to be friends with in the novel?

I would like to be friends with Atticus. I feel that Atticus is a man of virtue and moral and he is also a very capable man. He stands up to defend Tom Robinson despite pressure and criticism. He stands up to what he believes in and does not give in to pressure. Atticus is also righteous. He is not racist and he treats everyone equally regardless of their skin colour. He believes in racial equallity and racial harmony. Atticus is courageous. He took up Tom Robinson's case even though he knew he was bound to lose. Therefore, I feel that Atticus is a man of virtue and moral. He has many good values about him and also a lot of influence. I want to be friends with Atticus as I want to learn from his virtues and values. Also, I know that Atticus would be a good friend as he would help me in a time of need as he is dependable and reliable. Hence, I think that Atticus would be a good friend and therefore i would like to be friends with him.

E-leaning - Multiple Intelligence Test

I feel that the multiple intelligence test is an interesting thing. It can tell the personalities of a person by just asking some questions. However, I also feel that the results are not entirely accurate. For example, a person may rate himself higher in an aspect than he actually is. Also, the test results also rely on a persons mood on the day he takes the test. I feel that my results are unique as it describes my personality. Also, through the results, I now know more about myself and hence can understand myself better. Therefore, I now can choose the right question to do in Task B.

The CNY incident

I am writing to express my feelings over an incident that happened over the CNY weekend. I think that this incident illustrates the attitudes and values of certain people in society.

On the first day of Lunar New Year, my family went to visit relatives in Malaysia. As expected, there was a huge jam at the causeway. We took more than an hour just to cross both customs. However, I also got to see the bad side of human nature.

As we approached the Malaysian checkpoint, the road was split into three lanes. We took right lane - what a mistake that was! We joined a queue behind a custom booth, waiting to have our passports stamped. The cars cleared rather quickly, until disaster struck. The car in front of us was right beside the booth counter. However, after five minutes, it still had not moved an inch, while cars from the lanes beside quickly got pass. Much to our dismay, the people in the car in front did not fill in their white cards before entering the customs. In fact, they they did not even have white cards. Someone was sent to get them. Upon getting their white cards, they did not even bother to hasten to fill them up. To our anger, they took their own sweet time. Some were even laughing and joking while they filled their cards! Their inconsiderate behavior delayed us by 15 mins, and also caused blood to boil in anger.

What inconsiderate and selfish people! At least, they should have known that they needed to submit white cards upon entering the Malaysian customs. They could have stopped their car at the white cards distribution booth along the wider parts of the causeway, instead of getting them from the customs officers! They could also have stopped their car somewhere else to fill up the cards! And above all that, none of them even seemed to bother about other people waiting in the queue. They selfishly held up the whole queue. Time was wasted. Fuel was wasted. And unnessary heat was generated, from the car engines, and from blood boiling with rage.

Not even a word of apology. Not even a guesture. Not even a sign of urgency. No guilt. No remorse. No stress. What selfish people! And just for information, the car was an 'S' plate, Singapore registered car.

What kind of attitude was that? Where are the moral values? What has happended to the sense of urgency? I feel that these road-hoggers should be given a penalty or some form of punishment. Everyone should do their part to contribute to a more gracious society. Or at least, have the initiative to give way.