Transcript of Opening Remarks at Second Presidential Debate

I couldn't find this anywhere, so I decided to transcribe it myself.



"Good evening, and welcome to Washington University in St Louis.

Long years ago, this nation was founded on the grand promise, later memorialised by President Lincoln. America will create a true government of the people, by the people, for the people.

This great democratic experiment has since spread like wildfire to much of the world, sometimes raging but more often smouldering, including to Singapore, my home.

Today, too many democratic governments are being undermined by those who have a much different vision of the world, of their power, and of their responsibilities to their citizens.

This debate provides a momentous occasion to show that while citizens may disagree on fervently on issues, they agree that it is important to stay engaged in the democratic process if Lincoln's words have any meaning at all.

Come November 8, citizens across this nation will cast their ballots and show the world that democracy is an ideal burnt brightly in the dark.

On behalf of the student body, I am proud of Washington University for hosting this debate and for giving voice to competing ideas at the core of democracy.

Thank You."

--- Singapore student Kenneth Sng, Student Union president of Washington University in St Louis, Missouri


"those who have a much different vision of the world, of their power, and of their responsibilities to their citizens", in contrast to government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Hmm, that sounds really familiar...


Comments on the ST Facebook:

"Wow awesome, now the elephant in the room. Isn't it funny that we celebrate when one of our own gives the speech for the opening remarks for the US presidential debate but at the same time not have any political debates of our own?"

"Eh don't anyhow say later sedition act"

"What happen if a foreign student making a speech for Singapore's political event? I think a lot of netizens will say:huh?why ft ah? They can represent Singapore meh? How come a ft can talk on behalf of Singaporean...blah blah blah. Big country is really different. They can accept foreign talent all over the world"

"Why is a foreigner delivering a speech for something that is not for his own nation? I'd not like a foreigner interfering in our own affairs and vice versa"

"I get a feeling...the Chinese in China are not going to like this..."