Monday 23 July 2007

Kindergarten propaganda

Apparently the State's Times have now hired a new junior executive for their propaganda department. She came up with this: (emphasis mine)
Singapore a beautiful blend of nature and modernity
SINGAPORE, an island so clean and green. It could turn anyone who is lucky to visit it green with envy. No where can one find the splendour of nature so beautifully blended with modernity.

The serenity, calm and composure is a cocktail headier than wine, for only in Singapore can one feel the purity of air we breathe, sounds we hear and the water we drink.

In every other developed country where urbanisation has taken place, it has left a trail of urban chaos, with shattered homes, broken hearts and bruised populations. Human dignity and pride have taken a free fall in the 'developed' nations, whereas in Singapore, human values and dignity have been placed at the top.

No wonder people living here are happy, smiling, eating, drinking, enjoying life and working towards Utopia.

Maybe at times they work longer and harder, but maybe it is because of this that everything works with clockwork precision.

Singapore has the most modern and efficient transport and communication systems. Even a visitor like me is able to use public transport without ever needing to hail a taxi.

The Government has built complexes to provide reasonable housing and schools to provide education. Government officials I have encountered are courteous, smiling and efficient.

On its part, the population has imbibed good civic sense, respect for the law and they cherish values which make them proud citizens of a great country.

In closing, I am reminded of a poem by Thomas Gray:

'Full many a gem of the purest ray serene.

The dark unfathomed caves of the ocean bear

Full many a flower is born to blush, unseen in the desert air'

Singapore is, and will remain, a gem of the purest ray serene.

Amarjeet Singh

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