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Wangja
Joined: 17 May 2004
Location: Seoul, Yongsan
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 Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:16 am Post subject: |
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| Junior wrote: |
BJWD, has it ever occurred to you that being a westerner does not make you right in every situation? You think drug taking is glamorous, a sign of cultural sophistication.
Some cultures dislike degeneracy.
Wherever you're from, I can assure you that Singapore, is probably 10X cleaner, 10X more GDP per person, and 10X more interesting.
Their kick ass no drugs policy is one of the reasons they are the hub of asia. (The real one, -not incheon  ). In any system of law there are casualties. But ultimately the greater good is served!! And long may it be so.
Singapore is one happening, bustling, modern trade hub, a great and proud city. Your backyard crowded with hippies sleeping off their fix don't compare! Your criticisms of singapore is borne out of inferiority. |
Nah, it's 'cos they drive on the left. |
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thepeel
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
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| Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:26 am Post subject: |
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| Junior wrote: |
| BJWD wrote: |
If I were making policy here, I would move towards a "harm reduction" set of policy instead of a "drug prohibition" model. |
Why change what is obviously working?
The successful economies of Asia do not want your western drugs problem. Can you blame them?
Sure, one (1) guy got caught out. woohoo! yes its regrettable, but get some perspective here. How many peple die in drug-related deaths in countries without such laws? or do you prefer thousands dying to just one person dying?
A small price to pay for a system that protects the lives and livelihoods of thousands. |
There is crime in Singapore, and there is drug abuse as well. The crime is lower, but also grossly underreported by the state. In fact, just a few weeks ago (November) I saw a Malay man hacking up a Chinese man with a sword in front of The Fullerton Hotel (across from the Merlion, for those who have been). I have never seen such violence in public. Badass gang violence. Singapore, and her system of crazy punishments for minor crimes, has her flaws.
In addition, last week a white man from Oz was caught with drugs at Changi. His charges were reduced to those that would reflect a possession less than the amount necessary for distribution. Race and nationality play a role in that one. Singapore doesn't need another diplomatic scrap with Oz, but can totally slap Nigeria in the face without consequence.
I like it here, and will stay for a while after I finish my program. But the longer I live here, the more the fuzzy, whizzy veneer of safety and order is dissolved. SIngapore is a good country, and the Singaporeans are good people. The PAP have been effective, prudent leaders. LKY is an amazing man. But this was a gross violation of justice.
I don't want to talk about how good or bad Singapore is. It, like all states has both good and bad elements to her society. But I do feel it necessary to stress that this man was wrongfully hanged. He should not have been killed, and no amount of anybody stressing how safe this city is will justify his death.
For those of you interested in Singapore, and SE Asian issues, check out:
http://singabloodypore.blogspot.com/ . |
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