That...America is only interested in whether we're American
aligned and don't really care what our government is?
Frankly we could turn into an Islamic Fundamentalist state
tomorrow but if we are still American aligned they won't really
give a shit.
The danger with sweeping statements is that it covers too much
with one broad stroke and with so little consideration as
to what is being swept over.
If one looks through the last sixty over years of
history, one will see the changes to the US
foreign and defense policies with the various countries
that were previously allies to the USA for various strategic or
treaty reasons; and you may wish to have a second look at your
statement made in such a casual manner.
Since Chiang Kai Shek lost its fight with Mao and took refuge in
Taiwan, for more then forty years, the USA stood by Taiwan and
supplied high tech weapons for its defense.
The situation changed, when Mainland China presented a new face
with new open door policies encouraged by Deng Xiao Peng; and about
twenty years after China open its doors, a prosperous China
was being economically engaged by the global community at the
expense of Taiwan.
Taiwan was relegated to second tier status even as the USA
had treaty obligations to defend Taiwan, and the reason for this
change was the new political economic reality that developed since
the fall of Communism in the Soviet Union and the Eastern
Communist Bloc.
With more then twenty years of political boycott
and economic sanctions that had no positive results in
changing the attitude of the military junta in Myanmar, the
USA has now embarked on a new course of diplomatic
engagement.
This is also pursued with North Korea, as well as with Iran -
both of which were once dubbed as Axis of Evil with Syria being the
third party in the Axis.
Those who are Allies today, may well be seens as adversary.
Indonesia was once considered a strategic partner to block
the Communist influence from spreading across Southeast Asia.
Now that Communism is defeated - Islamic Fundamentalism is the
new threat and challenge to global stability.
Islamic Fundamentalism is to create a new Islamic Caliphate
that stretch from the Western Coast of Africa, across the
Middle-East, and the entire Southeast Asia.
If Singapore turned into an Islamic Fundamentalist State, are
you certain that the USA will not be concerned and continue to
support Singapore ?
If the USA can find a more stable and less problemsome
government in Malaysia or even in Indonesia, and sacrifice
Singapore for the sake of better relations with the two larger
neighbors - (similar to the manner in which Taiwan was sacrificed
for better relations with Mainland China) - do you seriously think
that Singapore has any value in any new US strategic thinking
that should arise with new developments ?
Singapore had achieved premier status in the relationship with
the USA as the PAP government was able to
package Singapore as a strategic location for the
interest of the USA.
Our success is due partly to the inability
of the political leadership in the neighboring
countries to take a more strategic position even as
they engage in petty politics to squeeze Singapore.
With Malaysia moving forward in opening up its politics towards
more liberalism and public participation, and a 1Malaysia political
ideology - it will not be too long before Malaysia will be
where Singapore had been 20 years ago, and perhaps succeed more
then what MM LKY had falsely pledged to "aspire" for
what Singapore is to be.
I'm actually worried he really thinks the US would help him for
nothing but to spread freedom and democracy.
The retired West German Chancellor Willie Brandt was asked
to help win the release of Chia Thye Poh, and he did so without any
favors in return.
Unlike all other political detainees - such as the accused
Marxist Conspirators from the Singapore Catholic Church in Siglap -
Chia Thye Poh was released without him even being asked to sign any
undertaking.
Why should you worry for CSJ if he thinks that the USA will help
him for nothing but to spread freedom and democracy ?
Or are you worried for yourself that the USA will spread freedom
and democracy at a price that the PAP will not want Singapore to
pay ?
Is the lost of US weapon systems for the SAF too high a price to
be paid for us to have political freedom and democracy ?
If this price is not worth paying for our political freedom and
democracy - can we believe that you will pay the ultimate price for
Singapore when Singapore's political freedom and existence is
actually threatened ?