A reply to a critic

So I received this comment from the Knight of Pentacles. Being a student of history, and having spent alot of time dealing with intellectual history, I think I see what sir Knight is talking about. Frist read it, and then allow me to reply:

I disagree with the article on so many points that I do not even know where to begin.

Apathy. That is why you are not going to get a complete and carefully crafted response from me. Most of my peer group do not care enough (or are not politically aware enough) to get off our candy asses chasing the mighty dollar and buying the newest toys.

In the context of improving our country, even before we look at reformers versus revolutionaries - does Singapore even have a critical mass of people who care enough to go beyond coffeshop mumbling and complaining?

Or maybe those who care (and can leave) - have left. Then we need to ask why. Instead of conveniently dissing them as 'quitters'.

Get your PhD in Public Works. Then perhaps our academic-obsessed rulers may choose to listen to you. Having the right family connections would not hurt either. I sense your desire to contribute to and improve Singapare - and I wish you well in your endeavour. It will be a long hard journey. And be careful of libel lawsuits that could bankrupt you.

As for the rest of us unqualified immobile serfs who are only fit to work the land and heed the edicts of our masters - we will continue to exist until we do not.

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Posted by KnightofPentacles to Vox Leo - A Singaporean Voice at 1/1/2005 11:53:33 PM

I agree with Knight that most people of my generation are apathetic. I have no doubt about that.

I also see Knight's point on the critical mass issue. I suppose there are two schools of thought. One believes in individual exceptionalism and another in movement of the masses. I can argue that both actually work hand in hand. Indian independence was nothing more than an intellectual excercise before Gandhi took it to the next level. I will admit that I have few ideas on how to bring it to the masses with the current socio-political context. My only answer is the Anarchist answer, which is education. Hopefully we can stir the masses through education. And like the Anarchists I would argue that it would take a long time. Don't get me wrong, there are other aspects of the Anarchist creed (like the destruction of specialisation) that I find hard to follow.

I will say that I care enough, and I try my best. Being at a distance makes it difficult for me to do much.

Yes I will concede that our current ruling party is somewhat obsessed with experts. And yes I would argue that a PhD in Public Works is essential for road building and sewage management, but unfortunately my focus is in Public Policy Analysis. Slight difference.

As to the quitters issue, I will say that this is a personal issue with me. Quitting means giving up. If someone was forced into exile due to persecution (I won't name names), that's a different story. Leaving home and turning your back to it shows that you don't really care about "home." I believe in sticking things out. I may hate it, but I would stick it out and try to change it. Quitting is a sign of weakness and lack of committment. I served my NS even though I hated it, but I kept chugging on. I didn't run away or hid behind some other country's citizenship. I have little respect for draft dodgers and similiarly I have little respect for those who quit.

Also thanks to Knight for the warning on libel suits and the advice on family connections. I believe I know them all too well. Thanks for the heads up.

Funny how the Knight uses terms like serf and unqualified. Both the Chinese and Russian revolution built on the backs of unqualified immobile serfs. The American rebellion was fueled by farmers. Do not adopt the ruling party's attitude. In names lie the power. If we take the ruling party's argument that serf means to be weak, then we are bound to their power. Take the word serf and infuse in it "strong", for the people are the strength and lifeblood of the country. Gandhi's peaceful resistance hurt the British because the masses refused to follow British orders. Remember "animal farm" by George Orwell, the few cannot hope to control the many when the many decide to act against the few.

I believe that if we can have more frank discussion like these, the intellectual scene in Singapore can get more mature and exciting.