Tonight Tonight
Tonight, tonight.
5 May 2006.
Not the time for analysis. But the time for feeling.
In MM Lee's reply to the press on his forum with the "radical" Singaporeans, he made one mistake. One mistake. He dismissed the young Singaporeans as idealistic and who would be co-opted into the system once they grew up and once they matured. Once they have tasted life. Real life.
Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel
But MM's observation is a mistake. Young Singaporeans may indeed change and they may never be the same as they leave their idealism behind. But it does not mean they will change into the mould as described by MM. Co-opted into the system.
Young Singaporeans will indeed change. But they can, and increasingly will, change into more holistic individuals who have a wider appreciation of what life means, what they can do and how they can achieve this. Because the world has changed, it has moved on. No longer are Singaporeans restricted to one parochial viewpoint. But when young Singaporeans experience this type of change, the PAP labels them "quitters". Because they have morphed into individuals who reject the one road offered to them in Singapore, by Singapore Inc. Thats why they are "quitters". Because the PAP sees Singaporeans as employees in Singapore Inc. This is the incumbent regime's mindset. As I have repeated again and again, young Singaporeans leave because they are left with no other choice in Singapore. They exercised their only political right. They left.
Believe, believe in me, believe
Believe that life can change
That you're not stuck in vain
We're not the same, we're different tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight
But not all can leave. Some have roots, some have families, some do not have the means, some are trapped into Singapore Inc. And they wait every four or five years for that 14 days of freedom, to remind themselves what it feels like, what it tastes like to have politics in our lives. Despite the ankle-deep puddles, despite the muddied shoes, despite the rain, despite the barricades. Despite everything. Singaporeans have walked these few nights to Opposition rallies just for that few hours to feel politics. To feel a part of the political process. To be a Singaporean. Because these Opposition rallies are like beacons of light for us all who have been running from the darkness in the night.
And you know you're never sure
But you're sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade in your city by the lake
The place where you were born
For the past nine days or so, many Singaporeans have been touched by the feel of freedom. They hold on so tightly to this breath of free air with the desperate fatalism that it will be lost again. For another four or five years. They know it will be lost, but they hold on tightly. They hold on to a photograph, a photograph cruelly rejected by the media and cast out into cyberspace. A photograph which headlines a foreign newspaper. A photograph that shows I am not alone. That there are so many beside me, there are so many like me, there are so many who feel like me. And for these 14 days of freedom, the loneliness and alienation of four years dissolves, as we feel kinship with the fellow Singaporean beside. They deny you the photograph because they do not want you you to feel kinship during this brief time of freedom.
But tonight, tonight is the last night of freedom. Tonight tonight. We re-enter solitiude and alienation.
5 May 2006.
Not the time for analysis. But the time for feeling.
In MM Lee's reply to the press on his forum with the "radical" Singaporeans, he made one mistake. One mistake. He dismissed the young Singaporeans as idealistic and who would be co-opted into the system once they grew up and once they matured. Once they have tasted life. Real life.
Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel
But MM's observation is a mistake. Young Singaporeans may indeed change and they may never be the same as they leave their idealism behind. But it does not mean they will change into the mould as described by MM. Co-opted into the system.
Young Singaporeans will indeed change. But they can, and increasingly will, change into more holistic individuals who have a wider appreciation of what life means, what they can do and how they can achieve this. Because the world has changed, it has moved on. No longer are Singaporeans restricted to one parochial viewpoint. But when young Singaporeans experience this type of change, the PAP labels them "quitters". Because they have morphed into individuals who reject the one road offered to them in Singapore, by Singapore Inc. Thats why they are "quitters". Because the PAP sees Singaporeans as employees in Singapore Inc. This is the incumbent regime's mindset. As I have repeated again and again, young Singaporeans leave because they are left with no other choice in Singapore. They exercised their only political right. They left.
Believe, believe in me, believe
Believe that life can change
That you're not stuck in vain
We're not the same, we're different tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight
But not all can leave. Some have roots, some have families, some do not have the means, some are trapped into Singapore Inc. And they wait every four or five years for that 14 days of freedom, to remind themselves what it feels like, what it tastes like to have politics in our lives. Despite the ankle-deep puddles, despite the muddied shoes, despite the rain, despite the barricades. Despite everything. Singaporeans have walked these few nights to Opposition rallies just for that few hours to feel politics. To feel a part of the political process. To be a Singaporean. Because these Opposition rallies are like beacons of light for us all who have been running from the darkness in the night.
And you know you're never sure
But you're sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade in your city by the lake
The place where you were born
For the past nine days or so, many Singaporeans have been touched by the feel of freedom. They hold on so tightly to this breath of free air with the desperate fatalism that it will be lost again. For another four or five years. They know it will be lost, but they hold on tightly. They hold on to a photograph, a photograph cruelly rejected by the media and cast out into cyberspace. A photograph which headlines a foreign newspaper. A photograph that shows I am not alone. That there are so many beside me, there are so many like me, there are so many who feel like me. And for these 14 days of freedom, the loneliness and alienation of four years dissolves, as we feel kinship with the fellow Singaporean beside. They deny you the photograph because they do not want you you to feel kinship during this brief time of freedom.
But tonight, tonight is the last night of freedom. Tonight tonight. We re-enter solitiude and alienation.
That intoxicating beacon of light standing atop the muddy field will cease tonight.
The freedom we feel will be lost. Democracy in Singapore will go back into storage tonight, tonight.
Believe, believe in me, believe
Believe in the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there's not a chance tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight
The drug of the dominant media is very strong. Many remain intoxicated by the TV, by the media. They sit in front of these media, not knowing freedom is outside their mirrored boxes. That they need to just step out and listen. To feel freedom. Because "here they have been from their childhood, and have their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, and can only see before them, being prevented by the chains from turning round their heads". The chains are unlocked. But they do not know. Only for 15 days. After this night, the chains lock themselves again.
Potong Pasir, Hougang, Aljunied, Chua Chu Kang, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, East Coast, Tampines, voters, Singaporeans, my dear readers, its time to step out. Believe in me as I believe in you. Tonight tonight. Step out. Just to feel that freedom. Feel democracy. Feel History calling out to you. And remember this feeling. Remember until the next time freedom comes. When democracy is dusted and brought out to Singaporeans. Tonight tonight. We step out.
We'll crucify the insincere tonight
We'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight
We'll find a way to offer up the night tonight
The indescribable moments of your life tonight
The impossible is possible tonight
Believe in me as I believe in you, tonight
Tonight.
And than, you vote.
"Tonight tonight" -- Smashing Pumpkins
Believe, believe in me, believe
Believe in the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there's not a chance tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight
The drug of the dominant media is very strong. Many remain intoxicated by the TV, by the media. They sit in front of these media, not knowing freedom is outside their mirrored boxes. That they need to just step out and listen. To feel freedom. Because "here they have been from their childhood, and have their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, and can only see before them, being prevented by the chains from turning round their heads". The chains are unlocked. But they do not know. Only for 15 days. After this night, the chains lock themselves again.
Potong Pasir, Hougang, Aljunied, Chua Chu Kang, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, East Coast, Tampines, voters, Singaporeans, my dear readers, its time to step out. Believe in me as I believe in you. Tonight tonight. Step out. Just to feel that freedom. Feel democracy. Feel History calling out to you. And remember this feeling. Remember until the next time freedom comes. When democracy is dusted and brought out to Singaporeans. Tonight tonight. We step out.
We'll crucify the insincere tonight
We'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight
We'll find a way to offer up the night tonight
The indescribable moments of your life tonight
The impossible is possible tonight
Believe in me as I believe in you, tonight
Tonight.
And than, you vote.
"Tonight tonight" -- Smashing Pumpkins
posted by xenoboysg at 12:16 AM
30 Comments:
wow .. everyone who listens to radio just call in request for the song! class 95, 98.7 98. whatever
wow
When he mentioned 'radical Engish-educated', he forgotten that our young people now are all educated in English only. He had eradicated the Chinese education long time ago. So, why mentioned 'English-educated' in the first place unless he is still living in his past.
One simple word -- beautiful
Wow, wow, wow,Powerful, brilliant and straight from the heart.
Ditto, Ditto....Like Anon1 said, call up the radio & request the song & play it on your Ipod, whatever. Let Tonight Tonight be the anthem of the 15 days of freedom that Singaporeans will not have for the next 4-5 years. I can only hope that Singaporeans who can vote exercisely it wisely. I know several votes in Aljunied will definitely go to the alternative parties on polling day.
Whether the alternative parties win or lose, I salute them all for having the guts and balls to go against the behemoth inspite of the risks.
George Yeo says that Spore is like a Swiss watch with all the parts working perfectly together. Vote in opposition and the watch will not function.
In one sweep, he insulted all the the other 1st world democracies.
i love your writings.. it's beautiful and poetic. i hope history is made. the silent revolution. done the singapore way. no bloodshed no violence, just quiet but significant political change, one that frees us from our cages and makes this nation a truly free and great one.
I agree, we can do it in our own sg way, if it is the vote it will be the vote. No matter what, this GE has been an awakening for me and I want the freedom I feel to stay. Thank you for ur writing, it has been inspirational.
JC kid
xenoboy : ur series of articles during this GE is clearly the best commentary of all. I salute you.
hi xenoboy:
4 may amk rally already very powerful liao loh!
Imagine last day will be like wat?!?
Xenoboy,
I watch, and read, from the other side of the world, but your words have made tangible for me, and for anyone, anywhere who reads them, the spirit and possibility of Singapore. Thank you.
i also at amk juz now. walan eh.
PEOPLE POWER
tonight tonight indeed!!! Any radio DJ who spin smashin pumpkin 2moro will be one of us!
I agree with hacks. Your blog is the best of all I have read this election. Non-partisan but strikes so many home truths.
We must dare to dream.
A dream beyond material desires.
A dream of social liberation.
A dream when our voice is heard and we retake our society from those that seek to deny us our vote of freedom.
i am so touched by the beauty in this piece, thanks.
all - thank you. This time round, there is real courage in both virtual and physical worlds. It can only mean good for Singapore.
tonight tonight
we crucify the insincere and we'll make things right
oh ohohoh, the tide is turning...
great series of posts XB.
Thanks for writing. The current government is getting too arrogant. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
omg *applauds*
brilliant. absolutely. smashing pumpkins will never be the same again.
i played the song, i read your entry and i cried. thank you for saying what i can't express
Kudos, Xenoboy, for your articulate, precise open-heart surgery.
"It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it." -- Aung San Suu Kyi.
Even Lee Hsien Loong's son attend the WP rally at AMK.
Quote from CNA:
Mr Lee (PM) said: "Coming back from Pasir Ris-Punggol last night, I saw my son at the dinner table and asked him 'where have you been?' 'Ang Mo Kio Workers' Party rally.' 'What were you doing there?' 'Wanted to know, brought friends, 20 of them from school in uniform and went to hear.'
"I asked him 'what did you hear?' Don't know what they were talking about but every time they said something, they cheered - he said that. I said 'why don't you come to the PAP rally?' He said 'so boring and logical'.
Indeed, PAP rallies are boring and predictable.
I have often considered the possibility of leaving Singapore, because the more I find out about how Singapore is governed, about the incalculable losses faced by silent generations, the more I feel myself plunging into a deep, eternal winter of disillusionment and heartache.
You make me want to say. I send my love as a fellow Singaporean.
Alfian (Sa'at)
Implication of a Workers Party victory in Aljunied GRC
Ever thought of the implication of PAP losing a GRC? If WP wins Aljunied GRC, it will be a big problem for PAP in the next election. Why? Supposedly WP team does a fairly good job over the next 5 years, PAP has to send in a team more capable and popular than the George Yeo's team. They have to field a high profile minister and a few other prominent candidates. However, there is no guarantee that they will win. If they lose the next election again, they lose another 5 good men and women. It is a decision not to be taken lightly. It will make the next election even more interesting to watch.
Now, assuming that the above scenario is true, who will PAP deploy in Aljunied? Perhaps they will send SM Goh there to win back the opposition ward, just like what SM Goh is tasked to do in Hougang and Potong Pasir. Why SM Goh? He has the charm to win the hearts of the voters. If he fails to win in Aljunied, he can conveniently “retire” and the impact to PAP is smaller compared to losing a young minister.
Apart from the challenges PAP faces in winning back Aljunied, the success of WP in Aljunied GRC will encourage more young and capable professionals to join the opposition. Instead of competing for 47 seats, we may see a contest for all 84 seats in the Parliament. This will be a big headache for PAP. In addition to the improved quality of the opposition candidates, they are unable to dangle carrots in every constituency. How many $100 million, $80 million upgrading packages can they offer in Singapore? Without these incentives, the playing field will be more level. PAP would not like that.
Finally, we may see major change in the electorial boundary and reduction in size of GRC. The current GRC format favors PAP because one anchor minister can bring in another 4 to 5 candidates with relatively less exposure. It is also difficult for the opposition to form a formidable team of well-qualified GRC candidates. However, if PAP loses George Yeo and his teammates in Aljunied, PAP may be forced to rethink the strategy of GRC that may backfire. Hence, we may see the formation of smaller GRCs. The result - more Singaporeans will get to vote because it is easier to form smaller GRC teams.
If my prediction is accurate, a Aljunied win by Workers Party may work for or against Singapore. It is good to see more capable people to stand out and be involved in politics as a result of a symbolic win in Aljunied. Coupled with the reasons given above, PAP is likely to lose more seats in the parliament. However, in the foreseable future, PAP is still the political party that can bring the country to the next higher level. We do not want to see a 50:50 two- party parliament as this political model is not suitable for Asian countries. A government with majority (not absolute) power is the best for Singapore.
The outcome of the election in Aljunied is a determinant for the shape of political arena in Singapore. Let's observe what will happen if Workers Party is successful in this election.
Thanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again
mobilehome for sale
Hello Everybody,
My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) +918376918351 Thank you.
Hello Everybody,
My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) +918376918351 Thank you.
Hello Everybody,
My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.
BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS
1. Name Of Applicant in Full:……..
2. Telephone Numbers:……….
3. Address and Location:…….
4. Amount in request………..
5. Repayment Period:………..
6. Purpose Of Loan………….
7. country…………………
8. phone…………………..
9. occupation………………
10.age/sex…………………
11.Monthly Income…………..
12.Email……………..
Regards.
Managements
Email Kindly Contact: urgentloan22@gmail.com
Good day everybody my name is Mrs.Irene Query few months back i was financially strained i rushed to my bank to apply for a loan to start up my business but i was denied by my bank because of my credit score and they could not help and due to my desperation i was scammed by several online lenders who promised to help me but at the end i was scam i lost my money and my hope because i was so frustrated, One day when i was going through the internet again i found one lender call Dr Purva Pius i thought to give it a try one more time to my biggest surprise he was able to lend me a secure loan totally the amount of $300,000 for the first time in my life i realize that there are few lender who don't scam people his name is Dr Purva Pius i will advice any body that are in need of loan to contact him with his Email (urgentloan22@gmail.com) he can be able to help you because he was a God sent to me this year and i will never forget him for the help he render to me. contact him via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.
Are you in need of a loan? Do you want to pay off your bills? Do you want to be financially stable? All you have to do is to contact us for more information on how to get started and get the loan you desire. This offer is open to all that will be able to repay back in due time. Note-that repayment time frame is negotiable and at interest rate of 3% just email us creditloan.11@gmail.com
Hello Everybody,
My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:{PurvaPius22@gmail.com} Thank you.
Post a Comment
<< Home