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mises
Joined: 05 Nov 2007
Location: retired
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Leon
Joined: 31 May 2010
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 Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:27 am Post subject: |
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| As someone who has lived in Singapore, it's government's efficiency, except of course when it comes to issuing visas, always impresses me. Too bad about all the draconian bits though. The censorship is heavy, if you read one of their newspapers there is never any real news, it's all fluff pieces about some one found their cat or about people smuggling cigarettes. All in all one of the nicest places I've lived, clean and safe, but it comes at a pretty heavy price in some ways. Especially the conscription, most of my friends over there are now in the military and not too happy about it. |
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mises
Joined: 05 Nov 2007
Location: retired
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| Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:36 am Post subject: |
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| As someone who has lived in Singapore, it's government's efficiency, except of course when it comes to issuing visas |
My employment passes were always processed efficiently and quickly.
Anyways, back to the casino. Singapore is a serious country. They're trying to mitigate the negative aspects of having a casino. Unfortunately, the buildings are extremely ugly and ruin a nice view. It is also possible for a wife or husband to have her/his spouse banned for life from the facilities. Anyone who has been on or is on the dole is excluded. |
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Leon
Joined: 31 May 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:48 am Post subject: |
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| mises wrote: |
| Quote: |
| As someone who has lived in Singapore, it's government's efficiency, except of course when it comes to issuing visas |
My employment passes were always processed efficiently and quickly.
Anyways, back to the casino. Singapore is a serious country. They're trying to mitigate the negative aspects of having a casino. Unfortunately, the buildings are extremely ugly and ruin a nice view. It is also possible for a wife or husband to have her/his spouse banned for life from the facilities. Anyone who has been on or is on the dole is excluded. |
I had the misfortune of having a trainee do my work visa. My comment wasn't fair, but the frustration of that day sticks with me. They run things very well, but they are also very heavy handed. They attempt to manage most aspects of their citizens lives, obviously with many benefits, but I think it is a bit excessive. One annoying example, besides the censorship, is the sin taxes on alcohol and cigarettes. Most expensive country to drink in I've ever been in, and it's about $8 or $9 USD for a pack of cigarettes, which hasn't reduced consumption. |
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mises
Joined: 05 Nov 2007
Location: retired
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| Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 6:03 am Post subject: |
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| Leon wrote: |
| One annoying example, besides the censorship, is the sin taxes on alcohol and cigarettes. Most expensive country to drink in I've ever been in, and it's about $8 or $9 USD for a pack of cigarettes, which hasn't reduced consumption. |
Yeah booze and ciggys are really expensive. Even at Harry's a pint was 11$ for an import. Though, they keep income taxes low by taxing the hell out of those things that have negative social outcomes. I appreciate that. We want people to work and keep their labour. Their retirement scheme is very well managed and designed too. Despite the pitiful media, Singaporeans have an extremely high standard of living. Perfectly safe, outstanding schools, great links via Changi.. The system of mass transit is surprisingly inefficient though. Their 'garden city' model was a mistake. And the taxi's.. A constant source of problems while I was there. Sometimes it took more than an hour for a cab to come after I called. Due to the varying rates they will rest when rates are low and work when rates are high.
Despite the problems, it is a serious country. Very successful. Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan suggest that over time China has a great chance of becoming a similarly successful society. It's a Chinese world and Occidentals merely borrowed it for a couple century. We don't know how to organize ourselves properly anymore. |
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