I was struck by two newspaper articles I read this morning. First from the ST.
The PM correctly observed that many housing problems at their roots in family break ups. It so logical for him to encourage families not to break up. Unfortunately his perspective is so archaic.
Look at the next article from the WSJ.
Unlike now, why were there fewer family break ups before? This story is emblematic of times then. Is the PM suggesting that we turn back the clock? Families were probably as unhappy then as now. The only difference is that they do not pour outside from the home to the streets.
What the PM didnt say are the reasons for these break ups.
ReplyDeleteIs it due to loss of jobs (to FT?) , gambling, PRC woman or other forms of vices that are good escapism for people when city and money stresses become all too great?
Easy for him to say...because that will save them alot of housing hassle. It is what it is today, and instead of telling people to stay together to work it out..far better they have their place (without prejudice by the govt) to live their separate but happier lives.
Lee Hsien Loong states the obvious.
ReplyDeleteWhat help is that? His party has
shaped the kind of attitudes that
people have now. They have played
on human weaknesses for decades,
and now he wants to complain??!!
These days, it takes a lot to stay
married, even more to stay married
happily.
When we jump and report to the police
small inconsequential things involving
neighbours and other pple, when we get
upset over minor inconveniences, when
Money and Me matter more than anything
else, the trials of marriage are hardly
something that most people can weather
or even attempt to sort out.
I am in admiration of older couples
who still talk to each other and hold
hands. It takes so Much work.