The Singapore Dilemma: Why freedom of speech is so elusive
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.
That is not free speech. That is hate speech. And such hate speech is the anti-thesis of what freedom of expression should be. Not only are these people not free, because they are imprisoned by their own hate, the existence of such people lend credence to the PAP mantra that Singaporeans are not ready for greater freedom of expression. Unfortunately the PAP could very well be right. Freedom is to allow people to engage each other with logic and reason, and through robust debate and discussion can the truth be revealed. The sad truth is that the vast majority of ‘opposition’ Singaporeans out there are only content to wallow in their own cesspit of ignorance and hate.
Not only do they discredit themselves through these weaknesses, they also dilute the voices of others who truly wish to make a difference. Those who constructively advocate policy changes to make Singapore a better place find their cause held back by those who criticise for no other reason than to see the PAP fall. This does not bode well for all Singaporeans, and is detrimental to the growth of a healthy and robust civic society. The purpose of an opposition is not to tear down the institutions that already exist in society.
“To those with the constrained vision, it is axiomatic that no individual or council can master this complexity [of social processes], so that systemic processes?market economies, social traditions, constitutional law?are relied on instead.”
Just as we deride the notion that it is possible for bureaucrats in government to gain perfect knowledge of a dynamic and constantly changing society so that they may micromanage every facet of our lives, it logically follows that we must also reject the absurd suggestion that the opposition can destroy the PAP and create a viable government in its place overnight.
In fact, in order to initiate changes that are beneficial to society, those changes must be gradual and incremental. We must have faith in the rule of law, faith in the systemic processes, no matter now much the odds are stacked against us. For only if we play by the rules to win the hearts and minds of the people, will we have the legitimacy to change the system. We must always remember, that the worst of human excesses in history are always perpetrated by those who claim to offer paradise. The history of humanity is littered with the corpses of those who have suffered under the hands of these tyrannical utopians.
So what about the freedom of expression now? I still stand firm in my belief that ultimately the truth will prevail, thus I continue to support ALL free speech, albeit with a heavy heart. I only hope, fervently, that one day when I face either a lunatic mob of PAP-haters, or a cadre of so-called ‘Men-in-White’, I will not be standing alone.
Singabloodypore - Youbloodyfool Responds
Singabloodypore - Yes, I know I (Steven) no longer live in Singapore.
Examples from Sammyboy Alfresco Coffee Shop:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=65467.1
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=65353.1
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=65460.1
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=65050.1
