Follow the discussion thread here (ignore the blatant trolls).

Been monitoring with extreme interest the debacle surrounding AWARE’s power-grab by supposed Christian conservatives (I refuse to use the word fundamentalists, it’s just too strong).

Most discussion revolves around the as-yet-unknown agenda of the new AWARE exco, (in particular their stance towards GLBTQ issues), along with the way they muscled themselves in.

This mini-putsch has highlighted the severe danger faced by key organizations being similarly grabbed by right-winged Christians. Today it might be AWARE, tomorrow it might be CASE, next month it could very well be SPCA itself.

AWARE is the first battleground, and while some have argued for old AWARE members to give up and go form another group, I am adamant that this must not come to pass. If AWARE falls so easily, it opens up the very real possibility of the hijacking of other groups.

Having worked in 2 Christian companies in my career, I have seen first-hand how it disrupts processes and focus on what should really matter – an organization’s objectives. If AWARE stands up for all women, it should remain a secular organization because not all women are Christians. It should bring a broad range of opinions and perspectives from the leaders who are from all walks of life – not limited to Christian women.

AWARE, because it stands up for all women in Singapore, must not fall into the Christian right-wing camp, exactly because not all women are Christians. And the same goes for any other organizations who champion the causes of groups of people.

And what is particularly infuriating, is the way that Christians who claim to do good, should know better than to just grab power. It’s tactless, and it’s tasteless.

Ms. Josie Lau, the new president for AWARE, will be giving her first TV interview since taking up the president post, 10:30pm tonight 19th April 2009 Talking Point, Channel News Asia.

And the unthinkable happens – manifested discontent with the ruling elite is slowly but surely on the rise in iron-fisted Singapore.

Ever since the economy started taking a downward dive towards a global meltdown, there has been a smattering of actions done by elements of Singapore citizenry that shows simmering resent towards the ruling class.

1. MP gets set on fire.
2. Two protesters stage a demonstration in MOM building.
3. Parliament building gets defaced with the wit “Harry Lee, I love you.”

What are the reasons behind these brazen attempts to undermine the political authorities? And by reasons, might it not be the insanity of disgruntled men who did not get a $200 ang pow, but rather bigger reasons such as uncertainty about the future, or the fact that the bourgeoisie are living still in the lap of luxury while the serfs goes day-by-day, hand-to-mouth? And the real questions : does our prisons have enough space to accommodate all these dissidents, and what is the menu there actually like?

From Channel NewsAsia, “Jail term for 3 S’poreans found guilty of contempt of court“.

Two of them, 19-year-old Muhammad Shafi’ie Syahmi Sariman and 33-year-old Isrizal Mohamed Isa, received seven days’ jail term each, while 47-year-old John Tan Liang Joo was slapped with a 15-day jail term.

WTF? We are a fascist state – total abuse of legal processes by the incumbent rulers.

Relates to previous posting : What constitutes public expression?

From Channel NewsAsia today – “3 Singaporeans to be sentenced for contempt of court”

Three Singaporeans have been held in contempt of court for appearing at the Supreme Court building in May wearing T-shirts showing a kangaroo in a judge’s gown.

comes with UFO escape pod for Singapore leaders to abscond when things get tough.

These three Singaporeans were demonstrating outside the Supreme Court, where a defamation suit hearing involving Dr Chee Soon Juan and his sister was going on.

Appearing before Justice Judith Prakash on Monday, the men were given an opportunity to apologise for their actions, but refused to do so.

This was what got me fired up – they have every right to not apologise for their actions! A country thrives on active citizenry, and every one is entitled to their own views and opinions. In Singapore, where we are famous for our tolerance – watchword : tolerance – of cultures and religions, we are also infamous for our intolerance for criticisms of any form against our executive and legislative systems.

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Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President of the United States, and will be sworn in on the 20th January 2009.

change they need, and change they get.

A lot hinges on Obama’s performance for the next 4 years. Being the first black president, people have high expectations of him. If he were to not deliver on good policies or decisions, it will be a definite blow to the idea that non-whites can govern, and the racial divide will grow even further in the social strata.

There is as well a high risk to his position in the Oval Office, as it is widely rumored that he has been targeted for assassination attempts – which is very plausible. The Secret Service will have a tough job on their hands protecting the next President.

It will be interesting to see what decisions he will make as to the war in Iraq, as well as the many economic policy changes needed. It’s not an enviable job really, being in Commander-in-Chief when international sentiments against the US are unfavorable, there is a huge national debt, and the economy is in turmoil.

He has a tough time ahead, but watching him throughout the whole presidential election campaign, I believe he can do it. So, congratulations, Senator Barack Obama. You deserve this, for the fine campaign you and your team have conducted, and also because you have held yourself up most admirably.

EDIT : There’s an absolutely lovely photo essay on Barack Obama out on the Big Picture site by Boston Globe. Check it out!