This Aunty (PAP critique) is Exhausted

Today is nomination day in Singapore and I shall be rambling because I am feeling peeved.

As usual I try to be more self aware of my feelings and probe into my frustrations with the PAP supporters. How can these people allow rampant bullying by the ruling party of any opposition views year after year through prosecution, changing policies that suit them and controlling the one and only press. I philosophize about the polarisation that is present all over the world. When listening to Buddhist podcast out of California and when anti Trump netizens seek advice on managing their anger against Republicans, the teachers often suggest trying to understand the viewpoint of their opponents.

Now I try to list out the rationale of the PAP supporters:

-For the majority, they are happy with the government providing them reasonable housing, means to provide for their family including some luxuries like vacation, opportunity for college education for their children.
-Happy with the government's performance relative to neighbouring countries and the global recognition it has achieved.
-Why risk any change and rock the boat at the expense of say freedom of speech and expression

Now I list out what PAP supporters think of opposition parties' supporters:

- These people are either naive, ungrateful, discontented in nature or dreamers
- Dreamers, these so called intellectuals, often focus on liberal ideals and forget the practical realities (see the filth and the breakdown of infrastructure and healthcare system in the West)

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Now having explored the views of PAP supporters, I find it difficult to fault them.
Yet I am still frustrated. What is it all about?

Let's not deny it. This so called meritocratic society built through years of Group Think and stifling any alternative views have resulted in a section of the community disadvantaged, and with deeply unequal footing for their children. Lee Hsien Yang puts it very succinctly " Many Singaporean feel they are running a rat race in a maze designed by the Government, which decides who to dispense rewards to. The chosen few are given a nice big slice of cake. For those who are not scholars or generals or privileged, there are only crumbs'. But of course many PAP supporters don't fall into this category. For them why bother?

This Group Think arising from towing the party line in itself is the greatest risk and threat which is kicked down the street. No regime no matter how benevolent and resourceful can last forever. Not addressing this risk is like not bothering to install a fire extinguisher now. In fact to have some balance offering an alternative voice sustains the ruling party longer.

A government with complete power and control has complete responsibility. This patriarchal mode of government has bred a society which depends and makes the government responsible for everything in their life. They are like living in a matrix.

Ok Ok my MAIN peeve at the end of the day is all their bullying tactics, GRC, HDB upgrading schedule, gerrymandering, bankrupting and prosecuting opponents and many more.

Phew... this aunty is exhausted.