LIKE Ms Zhong Heng ('I too know what I am fighting for'; last
Saturday), I have a diverse heritage as well.
I am an 18-year-old Singapore and American citizen, born and
raised in Singapore, with Scottish, English, German, Hokkien,
Cantonese and Hakka ancestry.
Ms Zhong's article was in relation to a Nanyang Technological
University (NTU) student's remarks that he did not know what he was
defending any more with the influx of foreign talent into
Singapore. A point raised by Ms Zhong, who is American-born, was
similar in tone, though about the United States.
She said: 'After my stint in the US, I no longer had any
illusions about the country.'
Her comment perturbed me. Sure, the US is going through tough
times now economically, but for better or for worse, it is my
country.
I did not choose to be American, I just am. And as long as I am
American, I have the obligation to love and serve my country - not
because I expect something in return, but because America is my
country. Similarly, Singapore will always be my country, and I will
never hesitate to defend it. No circumstance could make me consider
disowning my nation.
My ancestors settled here and I was born here. As Singaporeans,
we may have differing opinions about Singapore becoming a global
city, but we must agree on one thing: that this will be our nation,
for better or for worse.
Robert William Straughan
