January 26, 2006

So, what's the big deal? BAH!

I've actually been waiting and keeping my eyes peered at the forum section of Today. So far, nothing. Which is kinda strange.

I was anticipating some feminist or/and intelligent person to write in regarding the Recommendation Paper made sometime last week by this review team... Really can't remember the name of it. Basically, the one that Ng Eng Hen was in and proposed giving bonus shares to our NS men in recognition of the effort they put into defending this country.

The one that, when reported in the news which I saw on TV Mobile, made my jaw drop about 2 cm and prompted my first reaction - 'So, now it's a big deal to go through NS is it?' I didn't even bother lowering my voice. Cos it, is, ridiculous.

And when Eug called the other day, Saturday, I think, we were talking about it. If I didn't manage to convert him to my line of argument, at least I think he couldn't disagree with it.

Lousy disguise for the political reason behind that ridiculous recommendation. I'm just surprised no one has brought it out in the open media yet.

From the papers...31

First, they use the 2 years spent at NS as one of the justifications why the men has a headway of a few hundred bucks in starting pay range. Then, men are given preference when it comes to certain job openings and candidature for job promotions. It sorta paints an anti-thesis to a certain credit card going by 'The men don't get it'. Cos we know now that the truth is 'The women don't get it'. Now, further attempt by the i-dunno-what-review-committee to level it out.

Forgive the pun, but I really don't get it. Men of this country, save for the category of 'local talent', go through NS and then, either become NSFs or reservists. So, like every year, they go back to reservists for 2 weeks (or less) and they take their IPPT - a time to earn extra allowance if you get a gold or silver award. And, it's a big deal. We should, hence, recognise and appreciate their effort - in training for their IPPT 2 weeks before the test as well as effort in making their rounder bums and beer bellies back for reservist, and of course all the slacking and loafing away while they are on reservist. Clearly, an excellent excuse for pulling away from the naggings of the wife and the screamings of the kids at home. What they are saying now is that we should recognise all these. It's essential, you know, to the defence of this country. And what better way to show our appreciation than to give monetary handouts! *applause*

Totally ridiculous. So, are you saying that the women do not contribute as much to the building and defence of this country? Think it's easy to juggle family and work 365 days a year, 24/7? If you think working in the military can be such a drudgery and therefore should be given recogniton, how about the road cleaners? How about so many other workers stuck in so many slave-driving jobs? At least the army is a rich slave-driver, if you were to compare.

I'm not advocating that women should be given this handout too. Honestly, 200 bucks can amount to nothing after an impulsive purchase of just a tiny branded handbag or about 2 weeks of grocery and other small household items if your spending pattern is similar to my mum. It's really not a lot.

So, you see, I'm really not hankering after this measly sum. But, I just have serious difficulties coming to terms with people giving lousy justifications for a decision, or recommendation. In a way, I feel cheated and taken for a myopic fool, blinded to the bigger picture. And it's very, very annoying when it comes from a big brother.

Shit. Hullo!!! "I Not Stupid Too, ok!"

Posted by 杏 cy （Jancy） at 13:17