as I was walking home moments ago, a scuttering cockroach intercepted my path causing me to hop on an alternate leg, almost losing balance. it is not an uncommon notion, mind you. my mum would always mock me abt how insects can scare the wits out of me when I possess such a fierce charactor. ha irony, isnt it?

well, the incident got me thinking tonight: what if Singapore is personified as the cockroach and I am a larger nation. the world seems more ferocious than the little dot on the map who only practices diplomacy to whom it may recognise. will we scare the living hell of our adversary? we often speak of 'standing up for Singapore' but how well is that propaganda serving us? are the men stepping up out of their own will or taking drastic measures to avoid making the service? these are the issues that pertain to our generation and the future, then I wouldnt think a mere paper advertisment on the bus would do the trick. ok, perhaps a good caption could stir up patriotic spirits in people but when the words in bold and capslock misses the point, it is but a waste of effort and revenue put into it.

nevertheless, other measures taken worked, but can we rely on these things to deter?

(: this is gen. out.