Tax Evasion

In light of the recent media coverage on the Melvin case - the punishment of one Melvin for not duly fulfilling his national service duties - it is an opportune to comment on the big huha.

It was a national outrage and a big public outcry, judging from the large front page publication in the Straits Times by the masses on the issue of evading National Service that the parliment has passed a bill to amend the current law on National Service evasion under the National Enlistment Act.

The angle taken by the masses seems wrong.
The masses were outraged by the apparent light sentence (fine) by the government on the accused.

Under the Singapore law (Enlistment Act) boys or men the age of 16 are legible for enlistment in National Service. They have to complete the patriachal duty for a length of 2 to 2 and a half years.

Anyone, any boy, any man, anyone sane for that matter will have the thinking of...oh no!
I'm gonna be torture for 2 years or more
I'm gonna be paid measly for being tortured for 2 years or more.
I'm gonna waste time for 2 years or more.
I'm gonna lose 2 years of my life or more
I'm gonna lose out to my girl counterparts
I'm gonna lose my girlfriend.

Those are the thoughts. Morbid (maybe) thoughts. Some of them are my thoughts.

So I can certainly understand for big rara or huha by people towards our dear Melvin.

I am not gonna stand here and talk about morals or how heavy or light the punishment is.
Neither am I gonna stand here and preach about nationalism and duty.
Because I for one did not want to be in national service when it came.

However, I took it as it came and go with it. Go with the flow as some may say.
But after going through the process, I began to realise there is much more than national security. I learned a lot more.

I learn to deal with people. Take responsibility. Be discipline (that was my most disciplined time). The fittest time in my life I had ever been. Be a leader. Deal with crap food. (not anymore I've heard) Learn new sports. Build mental strength.

But most of all, I learn to appreciate how lucky I am. What sense?
Luckier than some I have met and made friends with during this 2 or more years.

So when the article came to light on this chap, I wasn't enthralled nor overrawed. Neither was I resentful. I took it in stride. My take was he would have missed out one of the best times in life. Not the training or the screaming or swearing of the instructors, but the camaderie and friendship that was made and learning something worthwhile.

Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for the country. - A famous saying.
Would you fight for protect your nation?
Is it about nationalism or patriotism?
Or much more?

Test of Time

I take this opportunity
to say rest...
Peacefully...
to a great and dear friend.

While time would pass our frienship will not stand the test of time.

Muema.

In any given Sunday...
The hyms would play.

In any given day
The sun would shine
The soul would stay
Run the fields and time

of simplicity
of sanity

of Reason.

In any given day,
The hyms would play

For the one
That believed
The sun is always shinin

And in hiding,
We bask in its warmth

In any Given day
The sun will always shine
And the hyms would play
O joyful day.

Untitled/All Apologies

All apologies;
For what I've and I've not...


"Untitled"
Performed by Simple Plan
Lyrics by Simple Plan
Lyrics from: azlyrics.com

I open my eyes
I try to see but I’m blinded by the white light
I can’t remember how
I can’t remember why
I’m lying here tonight

And I can’t stand the pain
And I can’t make it go away
No I can’t stand the pain

How could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me

Everybody’s screaming
I try to make a sound but no one hears me
I’m slipping off the edge
I’m hanging by a thread
I wanna start this over again
So I try to hold onto a time when nothing mattered

And I can’t explain what happened
And I can’t erase the things that I’ve done
No I can’t

How could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me

I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me

XII

- Search any place...
You won't find thirteen
On my face -

Muahahaha

Excuse me...Any Change?

- Nothing is constant
Except...
Change -

Take it a day at a time.
Embrace change
Come what may.

Resolute New Year '06

First and foremost I would like to wish everyone a happy new year.

It is certainly a time to rejoice and it is evident with the countless number of parties around the island; to countdown the end of the year's last and welcome the new year. The masses certainly spared none for the coming of the new year.

The new year's a fuss... a big fuss I guess... judging from the anticipation and celebrations.

What I do not understand is the big fuss.
It's just another year - just like your birthday; you get a little older.
Is it a big fuss or a great deal to be a little (1 year to be exact) older?
- just like your birthday

Is it a big fuss?
Is it a big thang?

Not for me...
Not anymore at least.

I guess I've grown out of all this.
Or maybe there isn't much to celebrate about.

Don't get me wrong...
Not that I have anything against partying
or getting dissed
or whatever.
By all means ... dudes

Just not for me... anymore.

I look forward to the new year.
I I contemplate on today.
(So) I don't live the past...

What could have been done better? For next year
What can i bring? For the next year.

Forward planning...
but take it a day at a time.

Happy new 2006 people.