Asia – IWUZ

Singaporeans sacrifice some freedoms for security

We really hope that you are all staying safe, and reasonably sane during this difficult time! We took the car out yesterday because we had something to drop off, on the doorstep, at a client’s home, and then we washed the car. When we got home, we joked that that was our road trip for the week, about 20 km. At our current rate we’re getting about three weeks to the gallon.

On the virus front, some good news is that we’re told that Alberta is, at the moment, testing about 4000 people per day, more per capita than anywhere else in the world. And by the end of May the target is 20,000 people per day! South Korea with 51 million people is currently testing 10,000 people per day, down from 20,000 at the height of their crisis.

But 27 South Korean companies are currently manufacturing 350,000 test kits per day, and that will increase to an eye-popping 1 million test kits per day within the next few weeks. Many of them will come to Alberta, and Canada. One Korean company has developed a testing kit that can check nasal discharge for the presence of the virus within 10 minutes. It is approximately 85% accurate, and the test can be taken at home.

Singapore has had some remarkable success in combating the virus because they have actually been preparing for the last 15 years, while most Western countries have been talking about preparing. In this current pandemic, the Canadian government, and others, went so far as to listen to the WHO which in turn got its information from the Chinese Communist Party, which we now know has lied repeatedly.

Anyway, here’s a video discussion with one of the key people in Singapore’s success. It’s about 30 minutes, but it’s absolutely fascinating, informative, and thought-provoking. One caveat about the video; in passing it implies that the Lee family and their political party have been in power since 1965 because there is no opposition. In fact, there are several opposition parties, but the Lee governments have been so successful in creating a balance between somewhat limited freedom and corruption free, entrepreneurial government, that Singaporeans keep electing them. You might not agree with their approach.

If you have personal protocols that you’ve developed to keep yourself safe from the virus, please share them with us! And if you know of good local sources for masks, we’re looking for some, and we’re sure others on this mailing list are as well.

Stay safe!

Dave and Meritha

DW 1

It’s been just over a year since the “Me Too” movement got it’s start after revelations that Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, was a sexual predator. Since then, dozens of big names in Hollywood and Washington and on the international stage, have been implicated for misogynistic and piggish behavior towards women. Until exposed, Hollywood’s actresses loved these guys, in spite of knowing of their misdeeds.

Has it ever occurred to you that about 90% of those accused have been self-styled “Progressivists”? Democrats?You know, the guys that strut and preen and brag about their feminist bona fides? Even Donald Trump’s most outrageous statements and actions were in his days as a Democrat. Thankfully, he’s gradually becoming a conservative.

Since the days of the Kennedys, John, Bobby and Teddy (Democrats), self styled “Progressivists” have overwhelmingly cornered the market for sexual misconduct in Western politics and entertainment. I blogged about it in more detail a few weeks ago.

The female response has been the Me Too movement. Sadly it includes women like Naomi Judd yelling: “I am a naasty woman!” – I agree wholeheartedly – and some other 3d wave feminists making their statement by wearing pussy hats. It does make a statement, but it’s more along the lines of: “Look; I’m an idiot!”

Many of you know that Meritha and I enjoy international television shows and movies. We’ve traveled the world on Netflix, but for the past couple of years have mostly been Netflixing and net-streaming Korean TV series and movies, and even listening to their music. It’s several levels classier and in our opinion better, than Hollywood.

One of our favourite performers is Ji-eun Lee, better known by her stage name, IU. Just 26, she’s an accomplished actress with an inspiring personal story, but is also a musical superstar across Asia. IU2 Her latest video is called BBI BBI, (think a referee’s Beep Beep), and soccer’s yellow C A R D. Get 2, and you’re out!

BBI BBI is IU’s version of a polemic against creepy guys, and over-intrusive fans and their endless gossip; a creative and classy, but also very cutting way of setting boundaries. She repeatedly sings: “Hello Stu- P I D”, implying that these stupid abusers are probably so stupid, that they need help spelling stupid. Here is an interesting analysis of the lyrics.

Misogyny and backstabbing is a huge problem in Asia, and IU addresses it head on. And you’ll be impressed by the fact that she does it without swearing. Well, to be truthful, one time “mi’gosh” does slip out. The video with English subtitles is available here)

(Here’s she’s quite different, a bit old fashioned, but the Millennials seem to love it.)

By way of contrast, if you want to see what American pop music is providing to your kids, try these lyrics by Nikki Minaj. Language Warning! I learned about this because one of our granddaughters was pressured, by her teacher, to dance to this salacious garbage for a high school production.

Back to real feminism as I understand it. I was raised in a home where, when mom was busy and Dad had time, he helped with the housework. My grandfather, who was born in 1884, did the same for my grandmother. I never heard either my father or grandfather raise their voice to their wives. And neither of them paraded their “feminism”, because they wouldn’t have known what it meant.

To me, what real feminism is all about is recognizing the important fact, that men and women are different – vive la difference! — but must be treated equally in relationships, and before the law. And in any male-female relationship, mutual respect must be the order of the day. I think that sort of feminism will work!

American feminists with their ridiculous antics, and entertainers with their foul lyrics need to be shunned, and alternatives found. Meritha and I have found that it’s a very rewarding task.

I’m Dave Reesor

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