The importance of NS

Was reading TODAY this morning over brekkie.

One article was on the lessons we can learn from the Melvyn Tan saga. Was quite amused by the writer's views.

Firstly, let me point out that no matter how world class a talent MT is, the fact remains that he evaded NS. Allow me to paraphrase WC, who like Jade Falcon, is from armour. He said that many of his platoon mates always joke about the excuses they will give to miss reservist, but every time they get recalled, the whole platoon will show up. This is what I call ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. They say that actions speak louder than words. People like MT tell me in the loudest of voices that should one day we get invaded, they will not stay to fight for our HDB estates, our hawker centres, our Changi airport, and everything else that makes our country Singapore.

Hence, I cannot believe that there are people who will BUY his concert tickets. There are some things in life that money cannot buy. Integrity is one of them. If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you dont, nothing else matters too. How can you support someone who shows so little regard for your country? The writer said we have lost a world class talent via our reactions. Only one question crossed my mind when I read the article. Are we so hard up for world class talent? I would much rather cheer for Jing Junhong in the Olympics semi finals thank you very much.

Remember new water? Up till now, I have refused to drink new water, no thanks to my friends who have tried it and made a face. But you know what? Should the day comes where we have to drink it, the same friends who made a face every time you mention new water, will rather drink new water than drink water from you know where.

The writer went on to add that we should learn from this and try to improve NS. Perhaps those who were gifted in music or poetry could serve in those departments; somewhat like medical students, who could go on to read their medicine degree before serving NS. In this way, he argued, we would not lose our talents to other countries.

I felt he totally missed the rationale behind such a decision, as well as the reason for NS. Medical students who graduate to become doctors will prove useful on a battlefield where casualties are a certainty. Our NS policy is to give us a ready army to protect the country should the need arises. Not pianists nor poets. On the battlefield, there is no place nor need for pianists or poets.

As for those who refuse to stay to do their NS, you are welcome to go.