My view is that a "world city" is only for those states who are
big in territory and population.
States that have small area and small population should not
attempt at a "world city".
It would be a suicide to nationhood.
That is my opinion.
Athens was only a small city state and yet, its civlising
influence still continues to weave into every nation that aspires
towards greatness. Singapore is no different.
Young singaporeans who had been nurtured here will always seek
greener pastures, with absolute disregard to the fact that
our society had nutured them, forgetting often that without
the collective efforts of other citizens, past and present to
provide social spending in all areas, such opportunities to even
contemplate abandoning the country may not be present.
The young of Africa, Philipines, Loas, Vietnam, etc are similiar in
perceptions, but unfortunately, only the rich are capable of doing
so, while the rest whom professed to have Uni degrees, are neither
welcomed nor accepted or even recognised for employment in
many other countries of the world.
Only countries such as Singapore is an exception, an anomaly, where
even children of taxi drivers can aspire and easily move to any
other country, accepted for employment and sink their roots. Thanks
to our forefathers who had invested and made that committment for
better education and opportunities.
And being children, kids and immature youths, it is only natural
for them to seek seemingly greener pastures, much influenced by
western culture freely in our open society, unlike our neighbours
whom use various means to curtail such culture and openess, such as
western movies dubbed in local lingo, to outright ban.
Another reason for the brain drain is the peasant mentality that we
were born with. Attaining wealth and a good life is rapaciously
hungered for, more so by those whom are educated and mobile. Social
responsibility and idealism is treated with contempt, as a
dirty word and a joke.
But what is sad is when these quitters attempt to justify their
abandonment to policies laid by the government, whom were freely
elected by the majority of our society, trying to make themselves
seemed as noble freedom fighters, and attempt to poke their noses
and join in the ignorant disgruntled to stow further discord and
hate within our society over issues such as NS, CPF, foreign
workers, making use of those who cannot or unable to leave the
country due to family or financial reasons.
Sadder still when the disgruntled believes half truths and allow
the hatred to grow. Those overseas who sow such hatred are
untouchable and can freely continue to live with glee, but those
afflicted by their brand of discord will only suffer needlessly, by
going against society rather than working with it.
No governance system is perfect. It takes time to evolve. Even
Plato's Republic did not successfully materialised, or even existed
in its pratical form in Athens. But its ideals were long aspired to
till today. And Singapore is only still a young nation, even though
envied by older societies for our peace and multi-culturalism.
Please do not presume that I tarnish the entire flock of quitters.
No, I only criticise those insidious ones. Those who quit the
country peacefully to pursue their aims, I fully understand, and
bear them no grudge.
We are a free society, and no sense in holding anyone back if
they prefer a better life elsewhere. Those who remain will have to
do the best they can and rebuild, work harder, and assume our
birthright that our forefathers had worked hard for us.
Foreigners who wish to become our citizens will be welcomed. But do
know this fact:-
1. They are educated and would not be easily duped. To assume that
they will vote out of gratitude is..(laughable). They left their
own society, so much for gratitude.
2. Many left their homeland due to their national political
idealogies, which they know failed them, and had willingly adopted
and accepted our freedoms, by pledging to our flag - our society,
whomever rules.
3. There will always be some bag eggs amongst them, similiar with
our quitters, but it is not the entire flock to be blamed. Some
will make use of us and then run away, but not all. This is
humanity, as well as those whom I had the priviledge and honour of
getting to know them.
To those quitters, I wish them well and may they prosper, just as
we will with the new blood of immigrants into our ranks.
I mean no mischief or malice to my ex citizens whom are not sowing
discord or insidously justifying their abandonment. I only
speak with freedom of speech as is my right, as a
contribution to this thread, as others had freely and are welcomed
to do so without curtailing anyone's elses right purely for open
discussion.
Peace.
