The Singapore Dilemma: Why freedom of speech is so elusive

Posted by admin on February 6th, 2005 filed in Uncategorized

The freedom of expression is a precious thing. It is as important to humanity as the right to self-ownership, for only through self-expression does life gain meaning. I believe in that liberty . My libertarian heart guarantees it. Lately however, I find myself wondering if free speech is actually workable in practice.

Anyone who reads my writings will know that I’m no tool of the PAP. Nonetheless, we must always remember that when we criticise something, we must be logical, rational, and have an understanding of what we are criticising. Often, those who criticise the government are uncritical of their own positions, unaware of the specious nature of their arguments, and unapologetic of the irrational and/or illogical foundations of their ideas.

Some , while unquestioning of their beliefs, come with good intentions . They may be blind to their own biases, or ignorant of the flaws in their arguments, but nonetheless I believe they state their objections in good faith.

There are others however, who do nothing but engage in rumour-mongering, inciting hatred and anger, and making personal attacks. These people lurk around forums on the internet and perform bizarre rituals where machismo is proven only with spewing vile epithets at the PAP and Lee Kuan Yew . Or they would level all manner of meritless accusations against the government, all the while being abjectly ignorant about the issues that they talk about, such as the legal system and the decisions of judges . Alternatively, conspiracy theories would be concocted just to satisfy some lunatic theory , that would again incite hatred and anger against the PAP government. Worst of all, most disgustingly, personal attacks are launched against not just politicians of the PAP, but also their family members , regardless of whether the family members are involved in politics. Such destructive behaviour is not exclusive to PAP-haters. Just a cursory examination of the tagboard on Steven McDermott’s blog will show you that the ugliness of Singaporeans transcend all political boundaries.
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