Total Defence: What does it mean?
Military and Civil defence are easy to grasp, but what about the more nebulous concepts of Economic, Psychological and Social 'Defence'?
Total Defence Action Pack 2002 - WHAT IS TOTAL DEFENCE? : Talk Script
"Economic Defence
It also means having a system to mobilise and share resources between the private and public sectors. During an emergency, our offices and factories must be able to carry on even when men and equipment are mobilised. [Ed: So women, be patriotic and carry out the task of running our economy if your men are away!]
Two, our economy has to be strong enough to withstand external shocks. This means having sound economic policies, managing our finances wisely, and having a well-trained labour force. [Ed: Moral of the story: Don't complain when your CPF and wages are cut, or when we refuse to disburse our hefty budget surplus. If you lose your job it's your fault and if you refuse to take a menial job that is unsuitable for you or underpays you, you are being treacherous.]
Individual Level
At the individual level, Economic Defence means lifelong learning and continual skills upgrading. In this rapidly changing world, we need to constantly update ourselves with new skills and knowledge. [Ed: Going for BEST, WISE and what-not is your solemn and sacred patriotic duty!]
Social Defence
National Level
Social Defence is about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony. We will be able to do so if we practise racial and religious tolerance, provide opportunities for all regardless of their race, language or religion, and help the less fortunate. On 21 July each year, we commemorate Racial Harmony Day to remind Singaporeans never to take racial and religious harmony for granted. [Ed: Those we decry as racists and bigots will henceforth be pariahs and hounded out of the country. If you do not subscribe to our version of Race and Religion in Singapore, you are not helping Total Defence and jeopardising the safety of our fair country! Meanwhile we practise institutionalised racism in the SAF (and possibly elsewhere), but that's alright.]
Individual Level
Social Defence at the individual level means showing tolerance and respect for other races, cultures, religions and lifestyles. In our daily lives, we could make time to learn about the foods, costumes, cultures and heritage of the different races in Singapore. [Ed: Ditto.]
Psychological Defence
National Level
Some say Psychological Defence is the most important, but also the most difficult to promote. It is about our loyalty and commitment to our country, and our confidence in Singapore’s future. Only when Singaporeans stay united will we have the will to stand up for our rights and defend what is ours. We have to strengthen our “heartware” so that we have a stronger sense of attachment and belonging to our home. [Ed: Crimethink is not allowed. Since we have fused the party, the state and the nation, criticism of one is tantamount to criticism of all, and undermines Psychological Defence. If you leave this country because it's not the best place for you to live your life and bring your kids up in (eg If you're gay and being bashed on all sides), you're traitorous.]
That is why we have National Education in our schools and other nation-building efforts (such as promoting our national symbols, national songs and our National Day celebrations). Through the Singapore 21 vision, we hope to involve Singaporeans in creating the type of society that they would like Singapore to be. [Ed: Our Social Engineering is totally justified. No matter that the Nazis engaged in such jingoism and social engineering as well.]"
When you can't live without bananas
Sunday, March 27, 2005
