My future country, Singapore has built a safety net that doesn't reward laziness and doesn't force the next generation to pay the bills for social transfers today.
In most metrics, from economic freedom to lifespan to medical care to home ownership, Singapore is well ahead of the People's Republic of Canada and the United Socialist States of America. Not to mention Singaporeans don't have the consumer debt levels and taxes Canadians do.
This is an old article, but the facts of it remain true today.
Quote
Part of the reason for Singapore's remarkable climb up the international income ladder is bread and butter capitalism. The Fraser nstitute's Freedom of the World report lists Singapore as the second freest economy in the world -- right behind Hong Kong. As Frasier scholars have demonstrated year after year, economic growth and free markets go hand and hand.
But Singapore has done something even more remarkable than its economic accomplishments. It has built an alternative to the European style welfare state. Think of all the reasons why people turn to government in other developed countries: retirement income, housing, education, medical care etc. In Singapore people are required to save to take care of these needs themselves.
At times the forced saving rate has been as high as 50% of income. Today, employees under 50 years of age must set aside 20% of their wages and employers must contribute another 16%. These funds go into accounts where they grow through time until specific needs arise. For example, one of the uses for these savings is housing.
For many years, the only two scholars in the Western world who paid much attention to Singapore were Washington University economist Michael Sherraden and me. Michael approached the Singapore experience from a left-of-center perspective and I came from the opposite direction. We both ended in the same place: this is an alternative to the welfare state that works.
Lately, quite a number of other scholars have discovered Singapore, especially its health care system – again, with both right and left finding a lot to admire. It's taken almost three decades, but Singapore is now the subject of a book by Brookings Institution, a whole slew of posts by Austin Frakt and Aaron Carroll, and a good overview by Tyler Cowen, with links to other studies and comments.
Sherraden recently summarized some of Singapore's major social policy innovations as follows:
Step by step, the Singapore state created a new social policy system that had asset building as its central structure.... In the world of social policy, it would be hard to overstate the exceptionality and the extent of this innovation.... During the past 25 years, Singapore policy has taken important steps toward lifelong asset building, beginning very early in life. These innovations include EduSave, the Baby Bonus, Child Development Accounts, and related asset-building incentives.
For John Fund, Singapore's most significant accomplishment is the avoidance of the mistakes of other countries:
I believe that the least appreciated part of Lee Kwan Yew's legacy is his method of
For my part, I would summarize the philosophy of Singapore as follows:
Each generation should pay its own way.
Each family should pay its own way.
Each individual should pay his own way.
Only after passing through these three filters should anyone turn to the government for help.
If the United States had adopted a similar approach to public policy, there would be no deficit problem in this country.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoodman/2015/03/31/singapore-a-fascinating-alternative-to-the-welfare-state/?sh=242c362b76c0
Well Goodluck with that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaZyBnsu1wc
I've flown out of Changi Singapore hundreds of times while working in South East Asia and the Indian Ocean. I never stayed in Singapore much more than a week at a time though. It is super modern, but I aint into apartment city living.
Quote from: weebles post_id=494058 time=1676326237 user_id=2191
Well Goodluck with that.
Yeah, thanks for another video. It really adds to the discussion.:001_rolleyes:
Never move to a nation coming out of the throes of authoritarianism in mere decades unless they've had a revolution, war, and new start with clear human rights laws burned into the first few pages of their constitutions or manifestos.
It's just premature and potentially lineage ending.
Quote from: Frood post_id=494102 time=1676360671 user_id=1676
Never move to a nation coming out of the throes of authoritarianism in mere decades unless they've had a revolution, war, and new start with clear human rights laws burned into the first few pages of their constitutions or manifestos.
It's just premature and potentially lineage ending.
That isn't the Asian transition model.
We should cane young hoodlums like they do in Singapore. Maybe a raw ass will get them to wise up.
Quote from: DKG post_id=494117 time=1676390305 user_id=3390
Quote from: Frood post_id=494102 time=1676360671 user_id=1676
Never move to a nation coming out of the throes of authoritarianism in mere decades unless they've had a revolution, war, and new start with clear human rights laws burned into the first few pages of their constitutions or manifestos.
It's just premature and potentially lineage ending.
That isn't the Asian transition model.
The Asian model is the same for all transitions.... insidious creep along with personal inaction.
Quote from: DKG post_id=494117 time=1676390305 user_id=3390
Quote from: Frood post_id=494102 time=1676360671 user_id=1676
Never move to a nation coming out of the throes of authoritarianism in mere decades unless they've had a revolution, war, and new start with clear human rights laws burned into the first few pages of their constitutions or manifestos.
It's just premature and potentially lineage ending.
That isn't the Asian transition model.
Eggs ackly. This thread is about alternatives to failing Western ideas.
Quote from: "Oliver Clotheshoffe" post_id=494128 time=1676403176 user_id=3349
We should cane young hoodlums like they do in Singapore. Maybe a raw ass will get them to wise up.
Caning was introduced under British colonial rule. Today it's pretty much reserved for violent crimes.
Quote from: "Shen Li" post_id=494131 time=1676405427 user_id=3389
Quote from: DKG post_id=494117 time=1676390305 user_id=3390
That isn't the Asian transition model.
Eggs ackly. This thread is about alternatives to failing Western ideas.
There is no alternative for free will loving people but to persevere in Western society and revolt/refuse to allow inferior and dictatorial Asian ideas to spoil whats left of superior Western ideals.
...instead of cutting and running..
Quote from: Frood post_id=494172 time=1676441832 user_id=1676
Quote from: "Shen Li" post_id=494131 time=1676405427 user_id=3389
Eggs ackly. This thread is about alternatives to failing Western ideas.
There is no alternative for free will loving people but to persevere in Western society and revolt/refuse to allow inferior and dictatorial Asian ideas to spoil whats left of superior Western ideals.
I don't know where you get that idea. Countries like Taiwan and Korea use referenda and have a hands off approach to media. Things the West are moving away from. In that respect, the Tiger nations are becoming the home of Western liberty.
Quote from: DKG post_id=494182 time=1676472771 user_id=3390
Quote from: Frood post_id=494172 time=1676441832 user_id=1676
There is no alternative for free will loving people but to persevere in Western society and revolt/refuse to allow inferior and dictatorial Asian ideas to spoil whats left of superior Western ideals.
I don't know where you get that idea. Countries like Taiwan and Korea use referenda and have a hands off approach to media. Things the West are moving away from. In that respect, the Tiger nations are becoming the home of Western liberty.
Referenda as in mob rule.
That's not liberty.
Asian nations ultimately will never change until the first Asians finally revolt in a historical physical struggle for liberty.
I wouldn't hold one's breath on that one either.
Quote from: Frood post_id=494194 time=1676485366 user_id=1676
Quote from: DKG post_id=494182 time=1676472771 user_id=3390
I don't know where you get that idea. Countries like Taiwan and Korea use referenda and have a hands off approach to media. Things the West are moving away from. In that respect, the Tiger nations are becoming the home of Western liberty.
Referenda as in mob rule.
That's not liberty.
Asian nations ultimately will never change until the first Asians finally revolt in a historical physical struggle for liberty.
I wouldn't hold one's breath on that one either.
Referenda as in the Swiss way. You are ignorant of the Tiger nations. There is no point in continuing this with someone so ignorant.
Quote from: DKG post_id=494197 time=1676491657 user_id=3390
Quote from: Frood post_id=494194 time=1676485366 user_id=1676
Referenda as in mob rule.
That's not liberty.
Asian nations ultimately will never change until the first Asians finally revolt in a historical physical struggle for liberty.
I wouldn't hold one's breath on that one either.
Referenda as in the Swiss way. You are ignorant of the Tiger nations. There is no point in continuing this with someone so ignorant.
Freud is typical of what reamains on these forums. They can't speak a second language, but they know everything about foreign countries they've never stepped foot in. :negative:
Yeah, nah...I know that Asian people in Asian nations never change. It's in the DNA.
And I speak a second language plus a smattering of two others fyi.
The developed Asian countries have some shit in common with formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Quote from: Herman post_id=494219 time=1676505015 user_id=3396
The developed Asian countries have some shit in common with formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
They are newly rich and democratic. What took West European colonial countries centuries to achieve, the Tigers and I guess those former East Bloc countries have achieved in a few short decades. Not only is it remarkable, but in both cases people are still alive who remembered authoritarianism and hardships to remind younger generations not to take their new freedoms and prosperity for granted.
Singapore does do a lot of things right.
Quote from: Oerdin post_id=494294 time=1676572291 user_id=3374
Singapore does do a lot of things right.
The West is doing a lot of things dead wrong.
Just don't try to catch a cab out of Tuas between four and seven pm.
Also don't leave your drink unattended at the crazy horse - in fact, maybe just better to avoid it entirely...
And don't go to Batam on a holiday weekend. Or ever.
Quote from: reel post_id=494358 time=1676609452 user_id=196
Also don't leave your drink unattended at the crazy horse - in fact, maybe just better to avoid it entirely...
I heard they water down drinks.
I heard Singapore treats asian women like shit.
Quote from: Guest post_id=494421 time=1676670407
I heard Singapore treats asian women like shit.
You have Singapore confused with Black America. Singapore is the safest place in the world for gals. And they do not throw guys in women's jail cells.
Quote from: Herman post_id=494425 time=1676670928 user_id=3396
Quote from: Guest post_id=494421 time=1676670407
I heard Singapore treats asian women like shit.
You have Singapore confused with Black America.
Nah, the black americans have bigass lips that beat their faces to death whenever they stick their heads out of a car window at speed. They're impossible to confuse with asians.
Quote from: Guest post_id=494430 time=1676671386
Quote from: Herman post_id=494425 time=1676670928 user_id=3396
You have Singapore confused with Black America.
Nah, the black americans have bigass lips that beat their faces to death whenever they stick their heads out of a car window at speed. They're impossible to confuse with asians.
Do they use them bigass lips to beat on Asians. Usually the gals or old Asians.
Quote from: Herman post_id=494431 time=1676671519 user_id=3396
Quote from: Guest post_id=494430 time=1676671386
Nah, the black americans have bigass lips that beat their faces to death whenever they stick their heads out of a car window at speed. They're impossible to confuse with asians.
Do they use them bigass lips to beat on Asians. Usually the gals or old Asians.
Based on the observable driving skills of the average Cabramatta resident, I'm going to have to go with "no". In Cabramatta the asians cannot see over the dashboard when they're working the pedals and so crash into stuff before they can get any real speed up, just ask Breakfart.
Quote from: Guest post_id=494432 time=1676672354
Quote from: Herman post_id=494431 time=1676671519 user_id=3396
Do they use them bigass lips to beat on Asians. Usually the gals or old Asians.
Based on the observable driving skills of the average Cabramatta resident, I'm going to have to go with "no". In Cabramatta the asians cannot see over the dashboard when they're working the pedals and so crash into stuff before they can get any real speed up, just ask Breakfart.
We are going in different directions with this. I will take Asian women driving and on their phones over feral American apes who prey on the gals and old folks.
Quote from: Herman post_id=494433 time=1676672656 user_id=3396
Quote from: Guest post_id=494432 time=1676672354
Based on the observable driving skills of the average Cabramatta resident, I'm going to have to go with "no". In Cabramatta the asians cannot see over the dashboard when they're working the pedals and so crash into stuff before they can get any real speed up, just ask Breakfart.
We are going in different directions with this. I will take Asian women driving and on their phones over feral American apes who prey on the gals and old folks.
Fair enough. Quick question though; do you not think there are examples of asians preying on gals and old folks? Or shitty afro american drivers for that matter?
Quote from: Guest post_id=494434 time=1676673104
Quote from: Herman post_id=494433 time=1676672656 user_id=3396
We are going in different directions with this. I will take Asian women driving and on their phones over feral American apes who prey on the gals and old folks.
Fair enough. Quick question though; do you not think there are examples of asians preying on gals and old folks? Or shitty afro american drivers for that matter?
Hell ya. And there are Whites, Spics, Camel Jockeys, Pakis, and Chugs that do both.
Quote from: Herman post_id=494435 time=1676673672 user_id=3396
Quote from: Guest post_id=494434 time=1676673104
Fair enough. Quick question though; do you not think there are examples of asians preying on gals and old folks? Or shitty afro american drivers for that matter?
Hell ya. And there are Whites, Spics, Camel Jockeys, Pakis, and Chugs that do both.
That they do.
For what it's worth, my comment earlier about asians getting treated like shit in Singapore? It's based on the first hand experience of a chinese friend of an ex girlfriend of mine. Seems her husband left her in the lurch for a younger and better socially placed bride. Divorced and struggling to make ends meet on her own in a country where she is looked down upon as being somewhat less of a human, even by her own mother. Kind of not what I'd call a stellar endorsement of any society, but that's just me.
Maybe Shen Li will have better fortune there.
Quote from: Guest post_id=494447 time=1676676278
Quote from: Herman post_id=494435 time=1676673672 user_id=3396
Hell ya. And there are Whites, Spics, Camel Jockeys, Pakis, and Chugs that do both.
That they do.
For what it's worth, my comment earlier about asians getting treated like shit in Singapore? It's based on the first hand experience of a chinese friend of an ex girlfriend of mine. Seems her husband left her in the lurch for a younger and better socially placed bride. Divorced and struggling to make ends meet on her own in a country where she is looked down upon as being somewhat less of a human, even by her own mother. Kind of not what I'd call a stellar endorsement of any society, but that's just me.
Maybe Shen Li will have better fortune there.
It aint no picnic here either for single gals with kids if they aint got skills to earn a good buck.
I aint spent more than a week at a time in Singapore which made me only a tourist. It looked about fifty years ahead of Canada. And the gals in nice clothes did not look disadvantaged. But, what do I know. All I know is that I could not live there because I hate big cities and I do not do apartment living.
Quote from: Herman post_id=494451 time=1676676962 user_id=3396
Quote from: Guest post_id=494447 time=1676676278
That they do.
For what it's worth, my comment earlier about asians getting treated like shit in Singapore? It's based on the first hand experience of a chinese friend of an ex girlfriend of mine. Seems her husband left her in the lurch for a younger and better socially placed bride. Divorced and struggling to make ends meet on her own in a country where she is looked down upon as being somewhat less of a human, even by her own mother. Kind of not what I'd call a stellar endorsement of any society, but that's just me.
Maybe Shen Li will have better fortune there.
It aint no picnic here either for single gals with kids if they aint got skills to earn a good buck.
I aint spent more than a week at a time in Singapore which made me only a tourist. It looked about fifty years ahead of Canada. And the gals in nice clothes did not look disadvantaged. But, what do I know. All I know is that I could not live there because I hate big cities and I do not do apartment living.
Mmmm. I've lost my love of city life too. I didn't mind it so much in Canada pre-covid, but two years worth of quarantining whenever I went anywhere got old real fast. You could have the nicest room in the kingdom, it's still feels like a prison when I'm trapped in it for weeks at a stretch.
Singapore's internet speeds beat Canada's hands down, that much I do know.
Something for Scouser. Singapore, for it's size has a modern and powerful military. That is thanks to it's secret close relationship with Israel. Singapore is neighbours with 2 Muslim countries.
Quote from: "Shen Li" post_id=494492 time=1676745010 user_id=3389
Something for Scouser. Singapore, for it's size has a modern and powerful military. That is thanks to it's secret close relationship with Israel. Singapore is neighbours with 2 Muslim countries.
I didn't think Singapore had the land to house a lot of military hardware.