Singapore


 Singapore is perhaps the most modern, efficient, clean, sleek and beautiful city in the world.  Above is the iconic Marina Bay Sands.  Below is the same building at night.

Public transportation is so efficient that most people don't own cars.and traffic congestion is controlled through dynamic pricing at toll booths.  Fines for littering start at $1000 and range up to $5000.  Citizens are urged to report offenders.  There are cameras in many public places and on highways to control crime and enforce traffic laws.  Public art abounds and there are more trees than people on this small island nation of six million people. Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in the world.  Education, healthcare and housing all benefit from government support.  There are no natural resources on this island so human resources are the primary economy in services and industrial electronics.  The architecture is astounding.  It seems to be the perfect place.  


 



 
However, scratch beneath the surface and discover that Singapore has been dominated by one political party for more than sixty years and capital crimes are punishable by long drop hanging.  These capital crimes include not only murder and kidnapping but also selling drugs, including marijuana.  This idyllic society comes with compromises of personal freedom and human rights.

  • “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustav Flaubert

Comments

  1. plattsflyingdogsApril 17, 2025 at 7:51 PM

    Wow, a well-written and eye-opening post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Randy and Ruth AnnApril 17, 2025 at 8:24 PM

      Thank you, Mrs. Platt. Coming from an English teacher, your statement is meaningful.

      Delete

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