Give thanks with a grateful heart

There was recently a lengthy and revealing interview done by The New York Times on Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. I read the replicated copy in The Sunday Times and it left me quiet for awhile. He opened up with much depth in emotions, or maybe we haven't seen this side of him before.

MM or LKY has always been known to be the leader, the head, the Asian giant of politics. But rarely do we see him in the light of pain, stress or discomfort. In this interview, he still is the former and also the latter.

Every time LKY does an article that is not about changing the world but revealing something about his aging self to the people, it draws flak. "Ahh, he's doing it because GE is approching" or "He's playing the race card again". While I am not an expert on drawing votes during the GE, I can only imagine if these same people will keep quiet if the interview was done any other time of year. What would they say if he did it at a random time like say, Christmas? They'd still say, " Aahh, he's doing it cos he wants more presents from Santa". Crap.

It is valid for everyone to have an opinion, and therefore this is mine.

This man has given his LIFE for the country, having lead Singapore from third world status to first and giving all he's got in the early years to steer us in the right direction. I know nothing about politics or being scheming or gaining popularity. But I know one thing.

LKY has given his all to give me a safe haven to live in, a good education to benefit from, a flat when I am getting married and bragging rights to live in a 'First World oasis in a Third World region'. I have drinkable water at the turn of the tap, lights at a flick of a switch. I walk around in the middle of the night and not get robbed and justice duly metted out when it is due. I have a comfortable home and I speak English. I have an equal playing field with my peers and opportunities where I want it.

I think for all that's been given to me, I can only say thank you. And all you nay sayers, I pray that in the quiet of your heart you will someday give thanks. When you drink clean water from the tap, or leave the lights on when you don't need it, you will remember that there we have neighbours that get dysentry from drinking water from their taps and light candles in the middle of the night because electricity does not reach them.

Last week, Shihui found a bird's nest for me. I'll be using it for a very very special purpose. And if you notice the green ball in the background, that's my new pet - a Morimo moss ball. And the plastic bottle? I just like how it looks. :)

And this picture is a fake Lomo. I think its time to take out my Holga for some real Lomo shots.