"What is amazing about the dismissal of "mere grumbling" and "complainers" so fashionable in Singapore's political discourse is the inversion it has effected, so that the structures that should be the temporary servants of our will are regarded as the ultimate reality, and the living intentions and sensibility of the people - our vital consciousness - seem to us hollow illusions. The two need not be divorced: it is only violent suppression that has caused their divergence."
"But just for amusement and the general edification of other posters...my favourite section of the Penal Code, s. 509
Word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
509. Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
So guys (what about the transgendered?) can't get insulted? Or are we i.e. males suppose to be so hot-tempered that we get provoked with the slightest insult in which case we plead provocation? =)"
***
And now this hour finds me at a Tanger Factory Outlet cluster in Kittery, Maine, for the 5th shopping trip in 9 days (and 8 full days). (insert familiar refrain). This trip will probably be rounded off with 2 days in factory outlets near New York (for a minimum of 7 shopping trips in 13 days [12 full days]), but - thank god - I will be doing more interesting and less repetitive things in New York itself at that juncture.