Elections Fever

The elections are coming and it'll be my first time voting ever. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I hope that our people will be wise enough to make the right decision and not vote for the wrong people. 

I like that way things are in our country now.  I think our nation would not be where it is today if it's not for the people that brought us to where we are.  Our society has grown more affluent and more educated. So why are there so many anti government people out there? My parents shared with us that during their days, Singapore went through a hard time. Their generation experienced more hardships than ours. Their lives got better over time because of the people who brought them here.   Our generation has been luckier and the younger generation after mine is even luckier. Our nation has grown more developed and we have advanced forward. All because of the efforts put in by the older generation. We shouldn't throw all that away just like that.  I'm afraid of how things will be if the opposition steps in.  Can they really make this an even better place for us to live in?  Can they deliver what they promise?

 

Just to divert a bit, I only learn to really appreciate the study of Economics after I graduated from school. Back in school, we just studied to pass our exams. Now I see it unfolding before me every day as we live our lives.

 

You can't make everyone happy at the same time.  The same economic policies that can help a group of people, can also affect another group at the same time.  Life is like that.  You can't have it both ways. One man's gain is another man's lost. That what my lecturer used to emphasize at each lesson. For example, if you choose to cut cost in housing, there might be some other repercussions in other parts of the economic model. If they do away with GST, would other tax rates be increased?   It's like messing up an ecosystem. 

There is no single perfect economic model. Our government has to play the role of Robin Hood. The rich are taxed and the poor receives.  Each party has its hopes and beliefs in making this country a better place to live in. I can see their passion in their speeches.  Nobody likes to pay more. Everybody wants something cheaper for more and maybe even free stuff.  Who wants higher transport fares or higher tax rates?   None of us,of course. None! But nothing is free in this world. In reality, some will have to feel the pinch and some won't.  Those who  feel the pinch will get angry. Those who receive will be pleased. Politics is not an easy game.  You can't make them all happy.  Someone will go home a loser and someone a winner.  If only there was a single perfect formula for running a country. If only there was computer program to generate the perfect economic model.  If only life was simpler...

I just hope that our younger generation will not do anything stupid and vote for the wrong people. Please think carefully and make a wise choice because we will be stuck with the people you vote for the next 5 years.  May the best group win. God help us.