Singapore can do what we cannot for a number of very good reasons (“The Singapore solution,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 17).

Its port is heavily industrialized. It is located on one of the world’s vital shipping routes. This generates an abundance of wealth.

It is a one-party nation. If you disagree, your child may not be admitted to university, your car insurance could be canceled, you may lose your job.

The homeless are remanded to a home for the indigent. Panhandlers are never seen.

Residents have no First Amendment rights. The press is not free. The newspapers are valentines to the government. Movies are censored.

For young men, the draft is mandatory.

The nation’s founder, the late Lee Kwan Yew, is remembered for saying, “We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think.”

All of the above is why the government of Singapore can do exactly as it pleases — with you.

And you and you and you.

Beverly Kai

Kakaako

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