Social Commentary: Loan Sharks being too Sharp?

Imagine that you are on your way home from work. Drained and exhausted, the thought of going home and lying on the sofa would have been a fantastic idea. But what if you reach home only to find that your main gate has had paint splashed all over it and , your once delicately arranged potted plants at the corridor , now lie in a million pieces about your feet. Worst of all, written on the wall next to the gate is this: “O$P$”.

Well, this is all hypothetical. But in a recent ST article “The trouble with loan sharks”, the number of reports of loan-sharking and harassment has increased to 9395,almost double for the same period last year, here in Singapore. It is so serious that the government has vowed to go all out to eliminate this problem! I strongly agree with the government’s decision for I believe that the loan-shark phenomenon has loomed dangerously large in our society today and will inevitably create some negative repercussions.

Why do I believe such?

Current loan-sharks are not as kind as their predecessors. Not only do they harass and damage the property of debtors, they also threaten the immediate families and neighbours as well. This is a hard fact to swallow.
Associate Prof. Ho said in Parliament, “Harassment tactics have also becoming increasingly dangerous.” Not just simple door vandalisms, loan-sharks have improved their threat tactics by using petroleum bombs and vandalising vehicles with graffiti. Clearly, the loan sharks are becoming more dangerous. On top of being illegal money lenders, they have today become almost equivalent to a terrorist group if we look at their increasingly vicious methods of collecting debt. I will not be surprised when reports of murder starts occurring due to this.

What is even disturbing is that such syndicates now recruit and influence teenage students to do their biddings. Teenagers get easy money just for splashing paint. Such teenagers often fail to understand the repercussions on themselves for undertaking such jobs.

The government initiative to penetrate the multi-layer network of loan-shark syndicates is to be applauded. Not only should it help stop gullible youths from joining and being trapped in such work, it should also discourage people from borrowing from loan-sharks. To the latter’s end, there must be more alternative sources through which people can get short term financing or people must be educated on financial planning. Indeed, the government’s plan may be a promising counter-measure that can help eliminate this social menace.

Loan-shark lending destroys the social fabric in our society. How is this possible? Simple; as previously mentioned, they recruit our youths. Youth are attracted by the easy money, for work that is seen as relatively simple. They are not able to see the long-term effect of their decisions. Rather, they are myopic and accept the bait. Loan-shark lending also destroys family’s ties, especially those whose parents are in debt. This places the burden on the children as well.. The debts are usually of high interest rates. Failure to complete the debt will cause a vicious cycle whereby their children will have to pay back these debts.

It is true that loan-shark lending has its negative implication in our society. However, they still play a rather small but crucial in our society too. It is undeniable that they are able to assist and lend money to small enterprises which require quick cash which established banks are unable to offer. Though their interest rates are high, people still require these loan-shars to borrow the necessary quick cash for whatever reasons.

So indeed, loan-shark harassments are getting more serious, especially in the current economic times. However, we need to minimize the growth of these dangerous syndicates from influencing negatively on our youths and other members of society. Hence, I strongly agree with the government’s counter-measures in eliminating loan-shark syndicates.


(642 words)
____________________________________________________________
Article
Section: Review
Publication: The Straits Times 24/08/2009
Page: A14
No. of words: 461

IT IS dismaying to think that Singapore, an advanced economy with a notable financial industry, is still grappling with Third World problems associated with loan shark lending. The problem has lately been exacerbated by the economic slowdown. In the first half of this year, the number of loan-sharking and harassment cases reported nearly doubled to 9,395 compared with the same period last year. Loan sharks have also been more daring in their collecting techniques, using petrol bombs and harassing innocent neighbours. No wonder – and thankfully – the Government has vowed to engage in a war of "wits and nerves" with these criminal predators.

The various counter-measures discussed in Parliament last week – penetrating the multi-layer networks of syndicates, laws to punish loan-sharking activities and disrupting the flow of money to such networks – are all to the good. Among these, disrupting the flow of funds looks the most promising. It is clear to everybody why shadowy parties would "invest" in these syndicates. The sky-high returns on investment of several hundred per cent will make successful hedge fund managers blush. Desirability, however, does not equate to legality: cracking down on the financial wellsprings of such syndicates will deal them a body blow. It won't be easy work; sound intelligence is required.

Despite loan-shark syndicates resembling a many-headed Hydra, the police have achieved some success in enforcement action. Up to this month, nine syndicates have been crippled, which was the number for the whole of last year. But the operators are getting ever more elusive, employing hard-to-detect methods such as the use of prepaid phone cards and technology as well as money transfers by Internet. A recent report highlighted how some syndicates across the Causeway have adopted "creative advertising", like in conventional banking practice, to lure the ignorant into their trap.

To up the ante, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng suggested in April that the authorities come down hard on debtors who, by borrowing from loan sharks, endanger the safety of whole neighbourhoods and communities. Speaking in Parliament last week, Senior Minister of State (Law and Home Affairs) Ho Peng Kee said the idea could be assessed after the impact of the current raft of measures was known. This deliberate approach is prudent. As a hit movie by the social commentator-filmmaker Jack Neo has emphasised, loan sharks fulfil a function, no matter how pernicious some people's loan dependence and reprehensible the dealers' methods. It just seems that the Shylocks of this world will always be around, simply because their Antonios need them to be. Many of their clients would be people who have fallen into debt through bad habits like gambling, but there are also small business people who need quick cash. Whatever, there can be no let up on enforcement action.

HUH? ERP?

Yeah. ERP...

4. a) Recall a time you witnessed someone being punished and the circumstances of the offence. How did the incident affect you and your understanding of the purpose of punishment?

I still remember clearly. “School rules are to be obeyed. Break any and you will be punished. Be persistent, and you will be punished with much severity. That would only be just.” It was said by my primary school principal.

One particular incident that had occurred when I was eleven years old brings the memory of this warning clearly back to me.

Back then, I was new to my appointment as Junior Head Prefect. With great power comes great responsibility, and so I had to live up to the expectations of such an honour. And among the many things I had to do was to ensure that students abide to the school rules.

One day, during recess break, the school was amok with students running towards the canteen. I was stationed there for my duty to make sure students were not cutting queues. At that moment, Ramzi, the notorious school bully, was in the canteen queuing. Being a rowdy, not surprisingly, he pushed some students out of the snaking long queue and snarled at anyone who opposed him. I was outraged.

I knew I had to do something as a prefect. I approached him and advised him politely to move out of the queue. That was enough to trigger his fury because right after I finished my sentence, he shoved me aside.

“Think you’re so big huh? Junior Head Prefect, think you can threaten me!” he shouted angrily. Then he started throwing punches at me. Instinctively, I dodged them. However, he kept on with his taunts and punches. Just when he was about to give me a hard low-kick, the Discipline Master, Mr. Lee arrived.

“Ramzi! Izhar!” he bellowed. Both of us stopped in our tracks. I quickly adjusted my tie and explained the situation to him. Ramzi was scolded while I was brought to the sick bay because of the bruises I had received. I did not what happened to Ramzi after I left.

The following morning, during assembly, Ramzi was to be given a public caning in the hall. I stood on stage with him. Before us, a sea of faces sat with eyes peeled on what was to unfold. It was quiet. No one made a sound. Mr. Lee cracked his cane, and, in a firm, cold voice, told Ramzi to bend forward. Following the order was a sharp “zap” sound. Ramzi gritted his teeth in pain. Then came another swift crack. Finally, the principal addressed the school on the importance of obeying school rules. Bullying would not be tolerated.

Standing and watching on stage at that time, I felt it was appropriate that Ramzi be caned. Imagine my remorse when after I had graduated, I learnt that Ramzi was from a broken family.He was regularly abused at home. I understood too late the reason behind his rowdy behaviour. Looking back at this incident, I regret that the past cannot be undone. I can only question now whether the punishment had indeed been just?

498 words

Personal Response Task

Drawing from this article and your personal experience, say why you believe human beings are willing to do good to others.

Personally, I believe human beings are willing to do good to others. Doing good to others comes in many forms, including helping others.

Every day in our lives, whether we have noticed it or not, we have at least done something that tie with doing good to others. At school, you might have helped your friends with their work. At home, you might have helped your mother with grocery shopping. These things undeniably, do occur in our lives.

There are possible reasons to why we human are willing to do them.

Firstly, based on the article, it can be said that humans expect reciprocity. That is why most of us believe in the Golden Rule ,"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I helped you, and i expect in some way, a form of help given to me in the future. This can be one of the few reasons that drives us to do good to others.

Another reason, based on the article, is that we do good to others if we find the benefit to be much greater than the cost of the act of goodness. An example can be, I help you with cleaning the house if the benefit that is reaped is that I earn $100 just for it.

In a way, both reasons are very similar to one another, in the sense that both expect something in return. They are the very reasons why humans are willing to do good to others.

Edited Intro :D

$40- million. Imagine the possibilities you can do with that! You can indulge yourselves with the most expensive shoes. Or you can buy a grand, huge and luxurious bungalow? Or you can buy so many cars that even your garage can't possibly fit them all? Or you might be a hero to the eyes of the world and possibly donate all those money to a worthy cause, like to the poor people in Africa? Imagine how many people in Africa that you can possibly save? You'd be contributing to the eradication of world hunger!

Well, that was the amount The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) had used. Well, in a less worthy cause. It was used for the recently completed $40 - million makeover of Orchard Road. The makeover was done in hope to improve aesthetic look and feel of Orchard Road. Though this was done with good intentions, it allowed many to criticise on the government's part on their decision for such a makeover. Personally, I feel that decision made by the government was not the right one.

Commentary ah sieal

Summary of the article
The article describes the menace of “deaf” youngsters who have earphones plugged into their ears. These youngsters are said to face greater risk of accidents on the road. It is not an uncommon sight to see youngsters who have their ears plugged with their earphones or with their cellphones. The National Safety Council of Singapore observed that when your attention is distracted, it increases the chances of accidents. A test was conducted and the results showed that those who have their ears plugged in are in danger to road accidents. Youngsters do know of the risk that they are in, but they do not stop doing it.

Commentary
Ever wondered how you might be in danger every single day?

The overuse of electronic devices in our daily lives has led us to depend too much on them in many aspects, especially when it comes to entertainment. However, the entertainment that is derived from these devices could indirectly cause major harm to ourselves and others if the device is not at the appropriate times. In this day and age, most youngsters can be seen walking around, absorbed in their cellphones or music players. But have they ever thought of the dangers that lie when they do such things? I agree that these people who use such devices when on the road are more prone to accidents on the road because of the lack of attention they would give.

It is undeniable when one is absorbed in doing something, one gives one’s full attention to doing that. However, when one is doing more than just one thing, one’s attention would be divided. When we are walking and conversing with our friends, there is likelihood that we might not be attentive to our surroundings and trip and fall over a small hump. What more when we are engrossed in our mobile phones or music players when we are walking on the road. Doing these things divides our focus. We might not be able to able to notice the difference in our surrounding. A spokesman for the Automobile Association of Singapore mentioned that research has shown that distraction from handheld electronic devices is one of the major causes of road accidents. Listening to music and so on definitely increases the risk of accidents because we would be distracted when we do such things.

I remembered once when I was going home from training. It was around nine in the evening and was really exhausted after training. I was listening to my music player and crossing the road when a car was moving really fast and almost hit me. It was really frightening experience. I, of course, confess that it was partly my fault because I was jaywalking back then. But I was oblivious to my surroundings when I was listening to my music player. Indeed, being absorbed in our cellphones or music players do increase the chances of accidents occurring.

However, it is the car driver’s responsibility to look out for pedestrians if the pedestrian is in front. That was what Seah Jia Hao, a polytechnic student, said when interviewed. It is partly true and cannot be denied that part of the responsibility is the car driver itself. However, I disagree to the point that it is the driver’s responsibility fully. Imagine this. If a driver was driving late at night and there was a pedestrian in front of him. If he was to just avoid that particular pedestrian, what would be the consequence of such a move? There is a high possibility that other road users would be affected. He might swerve, and hit more pedestrians. If he was to apply emergency break, other cars behind him might crash and a bigger road accident? Indeed, the consequences of such a thing seem rather bleak as well.

The point that I am trying to bring out is that it is not only the driver’s responsibility or the pedestrian’s when it comes to road safety. Rather, it is the responsibility of each and every single individual road user’s responsibility. The pedestrians should try their best to avoid being involved in a road accident. Removing their earphones or being glued to their mobile phones while walking or when crossing the road is the very least that they could do in trying to prevent accidents. It is the vehicle user’s responsibility to drive safely, to abide to traffic rules, and to look out for pedestrians. If such every single road user is able to this his or her part in terms of safety when on the road, I have with very much confidence that the occurrence of road accidents would decrease significantly. With all the points given, I would like to reiterate my stand that listening to music or being glued to our mobile phones increases the risk of road accidents occurring.

Commentary on Orchard Road Facelift siealzxzx

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) had recently just completed its $40 - million makeover of Orchard Road. The makeover was done in hope to improve aesthetic look and feel of Orchard Road. Though this was done with good intentions, it allowed many to criticise on the government's part on their decision for such a makeover. Personally, I feel that decision made by the government was not the right one.

Now firstly, like I've mentioned before, the makeover was done in hope to improve the aesthetic features of Orchard Road. The government had done so in hope to attract more visitors to Orchard Road. By attracting more visitors and possible customers, it is hoped that the businesses in Orchard Road would improve. However, in the light of its upgrading activities, it had affected a nmber of businesses in Orchard Road district instead. Many pedestrians and visitors in Orchard Road had already found the pathways to be crowded and congested. The problem was further amplified with the widening works that was being done. There was also the problem of the disruptive and annoying noises made by the construction works. Such things not only destroyed tourists and shopping regulars "shopping mood", but it also annoys them. It also gave a bad impression of Orchard Road. A couple who was holidaying in Singapore thought that Orchard Road would be prettier and nicer, similar to the travel books. They did not expect it be so noisy with so much construction during their visit. Another couple found Orchard Road to be a disappointment. The construction work had indeed affected visitors’ point of view of Orchard Road. It also destroyed Orchard’s Road image of the premiere shopping street in Singapore. Not only that, it had affected businesses. Thus, we can see the decision for construction works to be questionable. After all, it defeats the purpose of decorating the area when instead, it causes unhappiness from customers.

The decision is further questionable. After the revamp had finished recently, not many people had noticed the changes in Orchard Road. A poll was conducted with hundred people, asking if they noticed any different in Orchard Road. Out of the hundred, forty of them did not notice anything different. That is indeed a large amount of people. Not only that, quite a number of people found the revamp to be rather impractical. One of such things was the flower totems that were placed along the pedestrian mall. Some found them to be annoying as they block your view. Others also questioned about the glass panels that were placed at Orchard Road. Some found them to be rather dangerous if it were to be hit and broke. There were even suggestions that more should be spent on cleaning the area of Orchard Road that was rather dirty, with leaves everywhere. However, not everything was seen as a waste of money. The widening of the pathway had given visitors more space to walk, especially during weekends when it tends to get crowded. The glass panels were also seen as complementary objects in portraying the theme of Orchard’s Road lush greenery.

Orchard Road is Singapore’s main shopping district. Improving it is important especially when it comes to attracting more tourists to Singapore. However, before even improving the overall looks and appeal of Orchard Road, the government should instead spend more money on maintaining the area first. What is the purpose of making a place so grand when in a few months or years, it will look as filthy as ever. Upgrading works is of course important. But would it be safe to invest such a great amount of money, especially in such current times when the world is facing economic problems. Almost everyone is cutting back on expenses. Will such a move upgrading appeal attract more tourists and visitors? Or would it simply be just cutting down prices for customers?

Exposition?

Yo sup everyone.

Today's Sunday, last day of the holidays and I just found out that I need to write a blog post about

WHAT IS EXPOSITION?

Really spoils the mood.

Anyway, let's get to the point.

From dictionary.com:

writing or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain; a detailed statement or explanation; explanatory treatise

From Cambridge Dictionary of American English:

a statement that explains something clearly

Well, with all of that in mind, i think what exposition really is is basically just a detailed statement that explains something :D

Ok, Bye ;)