Singapore Government, (how is it different from democracy and communism?) Options

[ReindeerGirl]

For most people in the world, democracy and communism are the two familiar forms of government. How does Singapore operate differently and what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages? Are singaporeans generally happy with their government? Thanks for any info!~

[tangawizi]

Singapore government runs our tiny island state on a patriarchal capitalist system.. It uses facets of control from communist countries to shape national policies and security issues, but models the economy on capitalist system of free market and trickle down economy.

The first leaders of Singapore were very influenced by Fabian socialism.

Now, the latest group of leaders are experimenting with guided Democracy or managed Democracy. A term for a democratic government with increased autocracy.

This post has been edited by tangawizi: May 12 2011, 02:25 AM

[ReindeerGirl]

Singapore government runs our tiny island state on a patriarchal capitalist system.. It uses facets of control from communist countries to shape national policies and security issues, but models the economy on capitalist system of free market and trickle down economy.

The first leaders of Singapore were very influenced by Fabian socialism.

Now, the latest group of leaders are experimenting with guided Democracy or managed Democracy. A term for a democratic government with increased autocracy.

I see! I really like this idea ( at least theoretically as its playing out in my mind..lol) for a united Korea ( as its currently in an extremely bi-polar condition ) it seems to be a reasonable medium between the two forms. Thanks for the help!~

[tangawizi]

Err... we are a tiny island state, so the apparatus of control is easy to implement. But Korean peninsular is huge!!! Also, the koreans may be homogenous but you are so vastly different in mentality after decades of political division.

You can study the German's experience of unification. My uni frens from East Germany are very jealous and resentful against West Germans' affluence and arrogance even though it's like decades since the Berlin wall fell. They are talking about how good the communist days were even though honestly they don't know what it was like for their parents cuz they never lived through the worst.

After so many years of living under a communist totalitarian regime, I think a North Korean university student would be quite happy with a guided democracy, but a South Korean uni student may protest...?

[ReindeerGirl]

I will take that suggestion and look into germany's unification albeit it is a bit different in some aspects! Yes, politically and maybe pop culturally ( NK having none :o ) vastly different but there is an innate 'Koreaness' that ties our two sides together. I think SKoreans should really reign in their pro-american image ( I say image because inside most SKoreans in general harbor anti-american criticisms that run deep) and perhaps seek a more conservative President in the future at the very least to help talks between the North. I'd like to bring some other people into the forum discussion (from over in chinese/korean/japanese chat) or invite you over there as soon as i introduce a new topic thread concerning SK government critiques. Ill keep you posted! Thanks~

[yiming2000]

For most people in the world, democracy and communism are the two familiar forms of government. How does Singapore operate differently and what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages? Are singaporeans generally happy with their government? Thanks for any info!~

Singapore operates like McDonald's. You have the freedom to choose anything you want on the menu.
Service is fast. Toilets are clean, and everything works. There are no disadvantages if you know what
you want on the menu. Singaporeans are generally happy. Those who are not go to Burger King or
Pizza Hut. If they are not happy, won't leave and make trouble, they go to Changi Prison.

[elleX0]

Singapore operates like McDonald's. You have the freedom to choose anything you want on the menu.
Service is fast. Toilets are clean, and everything works. There are no disadvantages if you know what
you want on the menu. Singaporeans are generally happy. Those who are not go to Burger King or
Pizza Hut. If they are not happy, won't leave and make trouble, they go to Changi Prison.

It sounds terribly draconian. Is that what PAP stands for?

[yiming2000]

It sounds terribly draconian. Is that what PAP stands for?

Why do you say it is draconian? People who cause trouble in fast-food joints in the US
are arrested by the police within minutes of a 911 call and taken away. The PAP, like
any highly successful business such as McDonald's, is committed to maintaining a safe
environment for those for whom Singapore is designed. We need to respect that.