Elections!

I've never really been into politics (they're too confusing too follow and the reports are never ending). but somehow during this elections, i've been following the news rather religiously. this elections is particularly exciting and significant because it's the first time since 1988 that the government didnt have full power returned to them on nomination day! other than that, a very charismatic and witty sylvia lim, chiam see tong, and having came into contact with very cynical educators in nus (always question what you see!) were other factors that certainly added to my interest.

But it's rather disappointing to note that as elections come to a close, the two most talked-about issues were lift upgrading and james gomez (rolls eyes).. granted, yes the pap did talk about other stuff like how much they've helped the people over the last 5 years, creating more jobs, going into R&D (no comment), having a superb health care system (??) , the disadvantages of having more seats for opposition ("Instead of spending my time thinking what is the right policy for Singapore, I'm going to spend all my time thinking what's the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week's problem and forget about next year's challenges?") etc etc.. but other than all those? True, the policies have indeed benefitted our lives. But what of the points raised by opposition? Time and again, somehow the issue of high minister pays have always been evaded and we usually don't demand for an answer. How about rising costs at one end while providing subsidies at the other? How does it all balance up? Who benefits in the end? We know the Government's job is to take care of the people (in the most ideal situation). No we aren't trying to oust you, but we just wonder about these issues that's all. Give us a good answer and we'll judge for ourselves.

And the $100m upgrading carrot! extremely tempting no doubt. but is this all that it boils down to ultimately? What about bird flu, china & india, education, widening income disparities, ageing population, unequal opportunities to all etc etc? If we're going to be continually sheltered and having our life to be organised and structured by you, perhaps we're the ones who will be disadvantaged eventually. give us answers. set us free. let there be conflict and let's not fear where change will bring us.

i'm dreaming again as usual...