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Thursday, May 11, 2006
It is both timely and necessary at this point that I make a personal statement on my blog to clarify my stand as its author.
I confess that I did not foresee the amount of interest my writing would generate; almost two thousand visitors have read this page in the last two days alone. Singaporeans and other readers from 39 countries and one ominous-sounding "Anonymous Proxy" have visited my site in the 12 days and 2 hours my site tracker has been ticking for.
This is honestly quite terrifying.
While I have done my utmost to be honest and true in all my reports and opinions, I have also written with much emotion. Sometimes I just can't help this, because I feel for this country. I have been called a 'youthful idealist' countless times over the last few weeks; if it is a name they must confer upon me, it is a name I bear with pride. I shan't apologize for being emotional, and please don't make me.
I've been under a lot of stress recently. Friends, family members, teachers, have all told me to be careful. Many have advised me to 'lie low', to censor my entries, or to stop entirely. It's been alleged to me that the authorities are watching.
In view of this, I'll tell you what I won't do. I won't stop writing. I won't stop talking about the things I see around me. I won't stop believing that I have a right and a duty to speak as a citizen of my country, in vew of the fact that I am not offending public morality, order or security.
I'll also tell you what I will do. I will, from henceforth, temper my posts with rational caution and good sense. I will keep myself from sensationalism, do my best to speak with credibility and responsibility, and despite any personal inclinations to be outraged or saddened by what I see around me, be level-headed and objective in my discourse without indulgent rhetoric and unchecked emotion -- at least for the duration that I am a national debater and hence bound to certain responsibilities that come with that awesome privilege of being a representative of my country.
Being a citizen of any democracy involves exercising that right to expression with discretion and judicious responsibility. That is something that I cherish and wish to uphold with all my heart.
Please be understanding and entrust me with that responsibility.
-- Gayle Goh.
Posted at 11:52 pm by gaylegoh
 | | | Plato
May 30, 2006 09:39 AM PDT
Dear Gayle
Keep up the good work. You talk sense and even if the garmen does not like it you have spoken your mind loud and clear. So long as you speak with a clear conscience you have the support of all your readers. Even if you go to jail you will have a long line of visitors who are concerned about your welfare. It is good to be idealistic when young and when you challenge the authorities you are just taking your rights as a citizen into your own hands. You refuse to be led by the nose and you want to have a say in how the country is run. Bravo. | |
| | | Book'em Danno
May 25, 2006 06:05 PM PDT
I salute you for who you are, what you stand for and especially speaking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Nobody , and I mean nobody , even the P.. can do anything to you, cctvs and all, that's why the P.. are watching you like a hawk! Well, steady lah, at last we have a winner ! | |
| | | THERESA ~ ur neighnour country
May 25, 2006 01:58 PM PDT
Dearest..
Finally I realised that someone within the young generation like you are really dare to speak up. Many of them I knew having a fear and pressure just like you are facing recently. But as Your Country have sign UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT DECLRATION which states have you have all the right to do manythings... especially expressing yourself. Keep on doing it. If anything happened to you, learn the way to defend yourself (I would say) and you will win.
I am sure you will continue to make remarks by many people - 1st reason simply that you being too young and write such words.. but forgive them because they might not aware words from the youth and younger one are more powerful. The youth are the leader in today society. Image if the youth are refuse to respond to anything to the situation, the country will go out of its way of function.
Be confidence and continue... believe in your writing power to inspire others. At the sametime, do the action as you have mentioned being from yourself and with your friends around. The refresh society will be coming along its way. My HOPE always with you and other youngs one cause we are the leaders today and future. Some of them might re-acted, simply because they might not done enough.
Cheer... I act and I do simply because I learn from my faith and believe. If not so, why should I being in this world. ^^ | |
| | | tchan
May 22, 2006 03:24 AM PDT
You're a rare gem. Do not fear, go all the way.
Cheers | |
| | | mb
May 16, 2006 05:25 PM PDT
Ok, firstly: great blog, good writing, refreshing read.
Secondly: please, cast out the fear. Perfect love casts out fear. You love your country, it is obvious. So do not be afraid to speak up and do it bluntly.
Sure there is a place for credibility and responsibility, and for rational caution and good sense. But there is also a place for passion, for unchecked emotion, for outrage, and for rhetoric too.
Your blog IS your own. People come here, they read, or they don't read. That's their call. You should write what you want, and continue to probe, to ask, to question and to express your views.
God knows we don't have enough young people who care about politics and current affairs. So don't start self-censoring. When you get older, you'll have plenty of time to learn that.
-from an ex-debater | |
| | | yaowen
May 14, 2006 02:17 PM PDT
You rock. =) | |
| | | David Lim
May 13, 2006 04:34 PM PDT
Gayle, this is some very high-quality writing that you have in your blog. I'm supposing that you are still a student in JC, yet the depth of thought and analysis completely exceeds those in universities and even beyond that.
I urge you to carry on in the writing. Yes, you will be safe for speaking out. Nope, no one will throw you into jail for seditious comments (that is unless you start writing something awfully off-tangent from your current prose).
And it's certainly very heartening to hear your young folks like you, having benefitted from the system, to be contributing back to it in these any little ways. I guess all that special treatment you got insofar ain't been lost, has it? | |
| | | Oikono
May 13, 2006 01:42 AM PDT
Your article inspired me to look back at my educational past.
http://www.oikono.com/wordpress/?p=160 | |
| | | cindy
May 13, 2006 01:12 AM PDT
anyone who writes a blog has to self-censor, albeit to varying degrees. But as long as you research well, and speak with a clear conscience, i don't think you have anything to worry about. criticism of policies are okay - everyone's entitled to an informed opinion.
you have good brains and good writing skills, bravo. i'd hate to see you handicap yourself by being overly paranoid though, so please, play smart but be brave. | |
| | | inspired
May 12, 2006 10:08 PM PDT
dear gayle - your blog and postings daily have served as inspiration and hope for the future of the nation. i understand your current position. just remember - we are behind you and supporting you. what you have done is to articulate the feelings of many young singaporeans and that's why you have struck a chord with so many of us out here in cyberspace. you go gal - :) | |
| | | gabriel
May 12, 2006 07:16 PM PDT
stay strong, u'll be fine. | |
| | | Name
May 12, 2006 02:17 PM PDT
Dear Gayle,
You are a commentator. But you are first and foremost a writer. Of outstanding fluency and clarity of thought, if I may add.
I don't wish to speak like some battle-scarred survivor, but I have had my own run-ins; with licensing and funding authorities as well as family and friends. But I have come to realise that many of their fears are actually unfounded and a result of many years of internalising self-censorship. Ultimately, despite all odds, common sense does prevail. You have rightly observed that 'the Singapore media' is not a monolithic entity--neither is the MDA or NAC.
I think the dichotomy you have drawn between the 'emotional' and the 'rational' is slightly flawed. And to implicitly admit that adopting a tone in the latter mode gives one added responsibility and perhaps indemnity from attack is to submit to an enforced limitation on the space of discourse.
Choose the words that you think best communicate how you feel, but do not choose them simply because they provide a certain veneer of credibility. Know that the rationalist argument can be every bit as manipulative as the 'emotional' or even sensationalistic one. Ultimately, as a writer, you are accountable, chiefly, to your own conscience. | |
| | | Kelvin
May 12, 2006 01:43 PM PDT
Singaporeans might be interested to find out for ourselves how we fare on the International Index in terms of democracy. We will be shocked.
Check here:
http://www.worldaudit.org/democracy.htm
At another international index, Singapore's state of democracy is at the same level as Angola, Algeria and Cameroon (third world!).
At the same site, Singapore is ranked together with Bosnia, Yemen and Zimbabwe (third world again!) with respect to political and civil rights. Check here: http://www.carleton.ca/cifp/rank.htm#RANK | |
| | | gayle
May 12, 2006 01:05 PM PDT
Royston: The most popular blog server right now is www.blogspot.com, it should be easy to set up and maintain. Starting up is no problem, feel free to go ahead and have a ball :) | |
| | | Morgenthau
May 12, 2006 12:44 PM PDT
Gayle,
I must commend you for the decisions you've made.
It is important to be civil, rational and reasonable in the public space. Not just because it is 'good behaviour', but because it is such behaviour that makes your writing credible.
I'd venture that you have more to fear those who advise you to exercise self-censorship than the government itself. | |
| | | flamster
May 12, 2006 10:15 AM PDT
Damn...just when I thought someone had grown the balls to actually write what he thinks. | |
| | | Royston Yang
May 12, 2006 09:33 AM PDT
For a 17-year old you write extremely well, that's the first impression I got ! My first so-called "political awakening" occurred when I was much older, say around 25, but I am glad for people like yourself who are able to blog your thoughts and show Singaporeans that youths are NOT apolitical or apathetic.
It is refreshing to see that you are blogging with emotion, but it is also good to be cautious and temper it with good logic so as to avoid the authorities' clamp.
I will be keeping track of your blog and leaving comments on your write-ups on the GE. I too have been disillusioned by what happened this GE but am unable to accurately articulate my feelings and thoughts. Being unable to vote (my GRC was a walkover) and not able to freely express my views (my parents caution me to be careful of what I say) has filled me with frustration. I guess your blog would be something of an inspiration to me to pen down some of my own thoughts. Any tips on how to start and maintain a blog and are there any restrictions ?
Please continue to blog on the GE and any Singaporean issues which may arise ! I enjoy reading blogs of a certain standard (i.e. not mindless ramblings in Singlish !) and yours comes across as thought-provoking and sincere.
Keep up the great work !
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| | | Alex
May 12, 2006 07:19 AM PDT
Hey dude, keep writing! You have everyone's support! The short time your blog existed is better than 10 years of, say, Xiaxue's crap.. Can see you becoming Mr Wang II!
I also like that Anonymous Journalist you've been writing about. It'd be great if you can get her to divulge her opinions now and then. I'd click your ads like crazy if you'd put them up! | |
| | | Injenue
May 12, 2006 03:42 AM PDT
you have put into words what i can only conceptualise in my mind. great job! | |
| | | a melburnian
May 12, 2006 02:41 AM PDT
as a singaporean, it's really heartwarming to know that there's stil youngsters like you guys who are not apathetic about politics. keep it up mate! major props, full support. rock on =) | |
| | | Jol
May 12, 2006 01:33 AM PDT
My pom-pom's are out. | |
| | | wc
May 12, 2006 01:32 AM PDT
Your blog is the sounding board for many hearts out there who wish nothing but the best for our country. Sadly the chief concern in our country from governmental leadership right down to the workers are only economic well-being and success. All of us who visit your blog want a nation that has a soul; a nation that cares beyond material comforts and economic successes; a nation that is built on democracy and equality. As citizens we all have a right, a right that cannot be refused us because we are the sons and daughters of this nation that we call home, to have a vision for our nation. Only our vision is not of a nation that is valued in dollars and cents, but of a nation that stands on higher ideals, of compassion, openness, integrity and equality. Gayle, you have a right to hold out your ideals for our nation, to hold it up high like a beacon and move and embolden hearts to think of the best for our country. Keep up the good work! | |
| | | gayle
May 12, 2006 01:20 AM PDT
someone- whoever you are, thank you. and i am not a celebrity. what i say, i hope, is more important than who i am.
zyn- good advice, and done :)
TC: God bless and keep you too. | |
| | | someone you know
May 12, 2006 01:00 AM PDT
If your self-censorship need only last a short period of time, then I'd say it's worth it. Don't become a needless martyr. Just hang in there for a bit. Congrats on becoming such a celebrity :) Your writing truly deserves all the attention it's getting. | |
| | | zyn
May 12, 2006 12:36 AM PDT
if i were you i'd also disclaim responsibility for all comments made on your page that don't have your name on them. remember, no such thing as over-paranoid. :) | |
| | | at82
May 12, 2006 12:33 AM PDT
U know why got so many ppl or not?
Bcos u kenna tomorrowed la!
see for urself http://tomorrow.sg/
so dun worri la.
If Rockson is still alive, u will be fine. | |
| | | TC
May 12, 2006 12:29 AM PDT
Gayle, you are doing great. It is refreshing to hear someone speak from the heart, like you and Xenoboy..... I just came across you 2 blogs over the past one week. I love your blog, and yah...don't stop writing. Sadly, when you start to self censor, you start a process of 'dumbing down'. "growing up'. Yes, you have become our public blog, speaking out eloquently for many of our hearts, and I thank you for allowing me to get into the 'essence of gayle.' God bless you! | |
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the author of this site has based all her personal opinions on what is known to her as fact. any error is made of ignorance, not malice, and is accordingly apologized for. any views and opinions expressed by other persons on this site are not the responsibility of the author, nor does she claim to espouse them.
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