In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, Author Szilagyi’s views on placing more focus on social responsibility should be adopted.

Although freedom of speech is said to be essential to any democracy, however, freedom of speech should be used with care and not be abused. Take for example the cartoonists that mock religious figures. They claim that their publications was justified under freedom of speech principles. Yet, because they insisted that it was right and everyone have the freedom of speech, the cartoons spark off mass demonstrations, diplomatic rows and economic boycotts in the Middle East. Is freedom of speech more important than racial stability and social responsibility? We have seen the effects of what would happen if we stand by freedom of Speech and neglect social responsibility.

In Singapore, it is quite obvious that racial stability is more important. Take the case of the racial riots that we had in Singapore in 1964. It was sparked off by the speech of some Muslim members during a rally. It was freedom of speech, but it resulted in tension among Malays and Chinese, caused unnecessary deaths and curfew had to set in. We lived in harmony and fought together as one during World War II, why the need to set us apart so clearly? Ever since the event was resolved, we had been living in harmony till now. Why upset this harmony just so that we can have freedom of speech? Singapore is a small country, vulnerable to attacks by other countries. It is important for us to stay together as one no matter what. We are a multi racial country, where everyone work together to understand one another’s culture and beliefs, to maintain the racial harmony we have been enjoying since the racial riots in 1964.

Freedom of speech is important but social responsibility is more important.

5:33 PM
* Li Ting *

1. George Orwell's "A hanging" has been described as a powerful condemnation of capital punishmment. What techniques does Orwell use to draw from his readers the desired inference, as his condemnation is delivered indirectly rather than by more explicit means?

Ans:
George Orwell used "I" to narrate the story which paints a vivid picture of the whole procession in the readers mind. This allows his desired message of the condemnation of capital punishment to be brought across to the readers with greater impact as the readers are able to "hear" his thoughts before and after the hanging. Also, George Orwell brought in the character of the "large wholly dog" which was barking at the prisoner and had tried to lick him. The prisoner had also called out for the dog repeatedly before being hanged. This suggests that not only humans, but animals could also feel and think. This is further supported by the paragraph whereby George Owell realised that the act of hanging (capital punishment) was actually destroying "a healthy, conscious man" who was someone of his kind-- could reason, hear, feel and understand. Furthermore, Francis' anecdote where the prisoner was unwilling to be brought to hanged shows that in cases of hanging, unpleasantness is brought as the prisoners are reluctant to receieve the capital punishment.

2. What are some of the arguments for and against capital punishment?

Ans:
For
1) Deters potential criminals from commiting crimes.
2) Prevents criminals from commiting crimes in future.
3) The punished must have done something that makes him deserve death penalty.

Against
1) Unhappiness brought about-- crimininal and family (Utilitarianism)
2) Form of retribution, an eye for an eye.
3) As every human being has the right to live, it is infringing the rights of the human being to live

3. What are your own views on capital punishment? In what circumstances (if any) can the death penalty be justified?

Ans:
I am for capital punishment to a great extent. Many would say that it is wrong or not morally right as it is infringing the rights of the human being to live. But, if there is no capital punishment, what wounld happen to those who commit serious crimes such as being a serial killer? Sentence him to life imprisonment? That may never solve problems. Someone who is so poor may just kill someone he hates and be sentenced to life imprisonment. To him, a shelter for the rest of his life. In what case then can dealth penalty be justified? When one murders another for reasons such as to vent anger or revenge.

3:15 PM
* Li Ting *

In my opinion, terrorism is here to stay despite efforts put in by countries to increase their security against it. From flying bombs to shooting down of aircrafts, terrorist are now back to smuggling explosives on board planes via liquid explosives to escape detection. Recently, like many countries, Singapore now limits the amount of liquid allowed to be brought abroad the plane in hand carriers.

Yet, are these security measures enough to reduce the terrorist threat? I do not think so. Imagination and skills are the only things that limit the terrorist. I agree to the suggestion of de-compartmentalizing and sharing of information. It may seem counter-intuitive to some, as compartmentalizing was meant to prevent the leakage of confidential information. This can be prevented if we share information with care. It is important for everyone to work together to help curb terrorism effectively.

Other issues raised include radical religious ideology believed by some individuals. Should we take security actions against them? There were disputes over this question. Freedom of beliefs, racial and religion harmony has to be taken in to considerations. Singapore’s stand is clear, “any Singaporean who participates in violence whether in Singapore or abroad, or gives support of any form, for any terror-related activities whether local or abroad, is a security threat and will be dealt with.”

We are now facing terrorism on all fronts. In my opinion, we can never wipe out terrorism completely even with new and more advanced technologies. Recently, it was reported that recruits of younger members are now here to replace the lost members, and are not only restricted to males carrying out such acts of terrorism. In order to decrease its threat, we have to stay together as one.

5:02 PM
* Li Ting *

Hi! I am Lim Li Ting from 0107. My hobbies include reading, playing the piano, playing computer games, swimming and best of all, building robots. Actually, I like ‘hands-on’ things.

I like to smile and laugh alot. Being happy really brightens up my day.

I was from North View Primary School and Anderson Secondary School. My CCA in primary school includes choir, creative hands, computer club and Robotics club. In secondary school, it's Cybernetics club. Currently, I am in CXtreme.

Above is a short introduction of myself. You will get to know me better as we get along. If there is anything else that you would like to know about me, feel free to ask. {”,}

12:26 AM
* Li Ting *

Name: Lim Li Ting
Class: 01/07
School: Anderson Junior College
CCA: CXtreme

Happiness Always

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