smashme1984 wrote:Hey KSL, I understand where you come from, and I have some of that sentiments sometimes too, but what I've learnt so far, is that it happens with every generation, are we degenerating to nothingness? If every upper generation can say something about how we've fallen back, are we falling to nothingness? The truth is, we're not, many a time, what we say to diss the youth, we ourselves did it too, we just fail o see the hardships some youngsters go through as well, because it is human nature to be proud of ourselves, our own hardships always outshine others'.
As we get past our hurdles, we also forget and let go of the silly little details, think and reminisce hard and we'll recall the embarrassing moments we each had as well. So, its just change that's happening, we shouldn't put down our youths, there are still good ones out there.
I can agree with most of what you say and i agree we oldies have done much the same, without being financially sound, on the other hand, I believe you are missing the point of NS.
Today many countries around the world follow a typical pattern of anti social behaviour, because Governments don't care or lack the insight to see the long term effects of social neglect, This is prevalent in major Countries like the US, France Germany UK, the deterioration of values is a major problem, and I believe that if the UK had NS, it would solve many of it's social declines, the lack of respect for others and
property, is a major problem.
In stead of hanging around street corners in the hoodie gangs, speculating on who they should mug next. It is the social responsibility of both parents and government to be pro active, and i believe Public service NS is a very good starting point, although over exaggerated with the military blockheaded drill sergeant, it so happens that the majority go through a character change, right or wrong, they get a taste of discipline and either respect or don't respect, my point is, that not all blockheads are idiots, and one should show some respect and learn, that you cannot beat the system. the system owns you whether you like it or not. Even a total anarchist must be wise enough to ride the waves, or spend much time in prison.
Again tread carefully, be polite and respectful to people and you will not get a punch in the mouth, and wonder why it happened, and yes I have nutted a Staff Sergeant Royal Marines, when he placed his hand on my shoulder and said fill your boots! Meaning he wasn't going to pay me, the money he owed me.
If i had punched him, I could have been charged under the queens rules and regulations, but there is no such rule for striking with the head, he was court marshalled, but in general i had respect for him up until that moment. It turned out he was quite a con artist and owed money to many. So maybe many people fall through the system, but one does have a choice to not buck the system, it doesn't matter which Country, the fact is you are owned by a system like it or not.
The money spent on national service and the theories behind NS, need to be revamped so that everyone excepts work experience, rather than a regimental bashing, although a form of regimental discipline is needed for conformity just like in any other educational establishment.
A breakdown in discipline is a very expensive cost for any government in the long run, Singapore is strict and runs the Country with an Iron hand, to stamp out criminality, but their will always be those that take the risks anyway.
A public spirited and caring workforce needs to be educated in many ways, than just academic points and those kids that get a 100$ a week pocket money, won't give a toss, so you are right, that they are only doing what some of us old farts did, but at least we had the respect to call our neighbours by their title, and not shout hey wanker, or push them out of the way.
I believe also that Singaporeans quick rise through the ranks, to a first class country, left something behind, which will eventually catch up for the better, and that is general manners and respect for others, many cannot see the need to be polite, and why is that?
Could it be that the generations have passed nothing on, or the kids totally rebelled against politeness. Kids should be encouraged to serve their Country and show respect for others, and if NS is done correctly, it would be a fine time to install pride and education at the same time.
Our junior soldiers, join at 16 and spend 2 years on education, basically it is a character building exercise, which gives them an advantage over the regulars, also for promotion, one learns, that respect is really earned, and the person doing the blockheaded shouting may well be more qualified and experienced academically, assuming that one is much superior than the other, is bigotry and nothing more, which is more likely to be caused by over indulgience in ones own ego or character defect..
My daughter is 8 years old I am 58, and all her school friends envy her, i said why? She said daddy you do everything with me every day, even home work, others get caned if they fail exams, or don't live up to their parents wishes.
I have in laws that are 10 and 14 years old and not allowed to play in the park, but have to be at the work place doing home work with more being spent on their education, than we earn a month, not allowed pets, and not allowed independancy.
It sure isn't easy to raise kids and i quite often have to checkmate my own daughter and shout respect, or punishment, it's her choice, i give her respect and the ability to be independant, but i will not have bad manners, laziness, or back chatting, she is insistent on telling me she knows everything at the age of 8 and of course guidance is required, not to destroy her own development or character, eitherway, the balance is a fine line that needs to be observed.
But my own main points, are respect, not to be selfish, good table manners, to be polite, hygiene, and to listen, and learn. also not to use Singlish to me, even though it is the local language, i don't care, it is not the correct way, of speaking English and if change is to happen in Singapore, it is up to parents to change it with discipline, and respect for the good of social behaviour.
If NS is as bad, as JP says it is, then it needs to be evaluated more closely, so that imrpovements maybe implemented, there must be a think tank someplace, that discontentment can be listened too, the actual cost of NS, doesn't come cheap, so it is better to implement more value for satisfaction, even if it means studying at the same time as work experience.
I am not a great enthusiast of UK politics because it shows no respect for it's people, the majority, with the structure of the UK being flawed through traditions, rather than peoples mistakes.
I had heard from my uncle that in the war time, half the British wouldn't leave the pubs, and that is why pub opening and closing times where set. someone must be responsible for large scale social decline.
NS is a good thing, even if some do not believe in it, ask those that have done it, and i believe the majority will be in favour.
In terms of security risk of foreigners with passports of other Countries, it's not a big issue, these people would need classification, and wouldn't be subject to sensitive information.
My life as a pro, was also tarnished I believe, because my father was sympathetic to the Irish Catholics cause, because of family in Ireland, although he respected i had a job to do, and it wasn't my choice and that was as a peace keeper and target for both sides. why because we love the Irish, there are more good, than bad that also volunteered to serve the good of Ireland no matter what religion..
Lets not be so naive to believe that 30 years of terrorism goes away, just because of a peace agreement, the main problems need to be solved, so the pacifists of today, will likely see their own children involved in the trouble of the future and take note, terrorism knows no sympathy, anywhere in the world, pacifist or not, you or your relatives may well be the target, although yes, what are the chances!
Let's say the more you drop your guard, the more chance it will happen, whether these NS men survive the attack, will depend on their alertness on the job. You can bet your 2$ that plans are being discussed, to get fame around the world, to be the first to jolt Singaporeans into reality.