The Anti Neo-Democracy Theorist

Source: Answers.com/A group that promised change in Singapore in the 1960s

Source:  Blogedweek.com/Another group that promises change in America in 2008

Quote of the Day:

How can the outside world, how can reasonable people anywhere, not be impressed with the choices and the seriousness with which millions of Americans have now taken those choices?

- Justin Webb, BBC North American Editor

For Singapore, the primaries election has inspired some bloggers to draw inspiration, especially from the Obama campaign. While the protection of privacies and civil liberties, the opening of the Singapore polity, the closing of the widening income gap, and developing institutions for accountable governance directly from the ordinary people has faced much difficulties since the Lee Hsien Loong regime, Singaporeans rightly are able to draw some inspirations from the American primaries. Particularly, the dazzling campaign of Obama, which has gotten so many young people in America interested in politics again, leaves room for hope for a similar outcome in Singapore among young people. The widespread disdain of political participation in Singapore by young people, out of disgust, fear, ignorance, apathy, materialism and self-interest, has plagued both the governing and opposition parties. Of course, the largest gain for political participation seemed to be in the civil society, where groups not affliated to established political parties are making their voices heard. To some Singaporeans, this could be a fertile ground for an Singapore Obama to rise up and challenge the political establishment.

Another possible rise of an inspiring politician in Singapore could ironically come from its new immigrants, whose own background in countries with higher levels of political awareness would propel them to contribute to the country in a dynamic and uncontrollable (from the establishment’s view) way.

It would be such a waste of good political talent if the Singapore government does not seize the opportunity in a stable and prosperous polity to reform the electoral system, create avenues for independent media and pluralize the proliferation of civil society. If our political talents would to leave the country and later re-emerge in Australia, Taiwan, the Americas and the United Kingdom as their politicians, there will be nothing but anguish for our people.

While Americas is plagued with similar problems as Singapore such as a downturn in economy, rise in credit card debts, an ageing population, and widening income gap, it is refreshing for once to see soaring rates in primary participations. More Americans are voting in their primaries than usual, signaling a strong interest in their elections. My predication is that the next general election will see more than 60% of all Americans voting, which will be a historical high since a few decades ago. More importantly, more Americans have decided that one of the many candidates are able to deliver on their promises of change, which has somewhat restored confidence in the political system in the United States.

In Singapore, the lethargy of our political and bureaucratic establishment in bringing about “change” might signal widespread disillusionment. While Singaporeans have no doubt that the government can deliver on its promises, the people within the system cannot articulate a metaphorical change. Just as Obama and all the other candidates (even Mike Huckabee) has emphasize change (who knows how much they will actually change) in rhetoric and spirit, the political establishment and the parliamentary opposition must also articulate such a vision.

I imagine critics would say, If it ain’t broken, why fix it?

My take, if it ain’t impossible, why not change it?