Distorted truths?

"First...you attack only those whom your Special Branch can definitely say are communists. They have no proof except that X told Z who told Alpha who told Beta who told the Special Branch. Then you attack those whom your Special Branch say are actively sympathising with and helping the communists, although they are not communists themselves. Then you attack those whom your Special Branch say, although they are not communists or fellow travellers, yet, by their intransigent opposition to any collaboration with colonialism, they encourage the spirit of revolt and weaken constituted authority and thereby, according to the Special Branch, they are aiding the communists. Then finally, since you have gone that far, you attack all those who oppose you...

The first time there may be pangs of conscience, a sense of guilt. But once embarked on this course with constant repetition you get more and more brazen in the attack. All you have to do is to dissolve organizations and societies and banish or detain the key political workers in these societies. Then miraculously everything is tranquil on the surface ..Then an intimidated press and the government-controlled radio together can regularly sing your praises, and slowly and steadily the people are made to forget the evil things that have already been done, or if these things are referrred to again they're conveniently distorted and distorted with impunity, because there will no opposition to contradict."

~~ Lee Kuan Yew, speaking in the Legislative Assembly against the arbitrary executive powers of the colonial state, Oct 4, 1956

I came across a few websites that contain precious little information of what's wrong with our precious little island.

I am smart enough to differentiate between diatribe and constructive criticism, between polemics and analysis. Whatever these mean.

For those who are not smart enough, please avoid reading them.

1. Won't Get Fooled Again by Anon.

2. 9 reasons why Singapore is a Pathetic Place by Hemlock.

3. Pushing for babies by Sara Webb.

The reason why I include the 3rd webby is the mention of relaxing of ethics quota of HDB flats, which interests me.

I hope I can get one soon.

Words that I learnt today:

diatribe
n

Bitter or angry attack in speech or writing.

恶骂, 诽谤

polemics
n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)

1. The art or practice of argumentation or controversy.
2. The practice of theological controversy to refute errors of doctrine.

辩论, 争论