a brief look at pandemics that afflicted the blue marble throughout the centuries.
and it doesn't help matters when the wee islet's most senior statesman had to make a statement about the flu. it only serves to justify as well as perpetuate em myopic natives' paranoia - see below unlinkable article:
People are getting more selfish because society thrives on materialism
I refer to the letter by name deleted to prevent google twat's from comin ere 'Build up spiritual values to combat destructive forces' (the wee islet daily rag online thingy Nov 5).
I can't agree more with name deleted to prevent google twat's from comin ere 's call for building a society that emphasizes the values that reflect goodness: mercy, forgiveness, compassion, gratitude, friendliness, contentment, humility, generousity, good-heartedness.
The destructive force in developing such a society is the ugliness of increasing selfishness.
I met a teacher at a friend's Hari Raya celebration. She used to bring students to nursing homes to develop such spiritual values. However she was told recently by some students that their parents objected to such trips because of the fear of contracting bird flu.
Did this stem from a misperception of the Health Ministry's call for the elderly to be vaccinated against the flu? Or is this a symptom of pathological over-protectiveness?
Several years ago, I spoke to a friend who was the manager of a childcare centre. I asked if she would like to arrange for the children to visit a nursing home on a periodic basis as I had seen much joy on the faces of residents when they came in contact with children.
Children too could develop spiritual values from such interaction. She frowned and shook her head. She said she had discussed this with the parents and a significant number objected to such a trip for fear of their children contracting diseases.
I also agree with name deleted to prevent google twat's from comin ere that many of our TV shows are often filled with competitive spirit and violence. I want to add that the more horrifying violence that is real is seen in our daily news - the images of ceaseless culling of animals and birds for reasons ranging from fear of viral pandemics to invasion into our habitats.
Culling is becoming a good word that strips our sense of guilt and remorse. Is this the price we want to pay for a society that thrives purely on materialism?
another name deleted to prevent google twat's from comin ere
it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out which particular animal species requires culling. urgently.
innit?
as enscribed by the letter b @ November 8, 2005 01:02 PM | someone's pingedhi there Mandrake - many thanks for dropping by and i hope you are doing fine. i have left a comment on your blog but all the same, ChiefIdler and I haven't been in touch for awhile now as she had mentioned that she'd be busy for her impending departure for the UK.
fret not, i'm sure that before we know it she'll say her goodbyes and such. in the meanwhile i'll try to phone her. thanks once again.
as blahed by the letter b @ November 9, 2005 08:26 AMHi Letter B, not sure whether you remember but I am ChiefIdler's friend that you met at Muddy damn long ago.
I was wondering if you have any knowledge of her whereabout? Haven't heard from her for a bit and her phone is off after her post about the dengue fever.
Can you update me coz a few of her friends are also quite worried.
Thanks!
as blahed by Mandrake @ November 9, 2005 03:33 AM