Pseudo-alternative news blog - TOC or TR?

[Perspective]

I feel what Scroobal once described of TOC - with a mission to criticise the PAP govt for the purpose of having Singapore appear liberal in the eyes of outsiders - is perhaps more suitable to describe Temasek Review.

Scro may have his own internal sources, but some are recently observing what I long had, that TR censors the opposition in a large way by just promoting only one opposition party as the only viable one at any one time. It was SDP in the past, now the RP and we don't hear SDP from TR anymore.

At the same time their criticism of PAP is (intentionally?) shallow which can appeal to people like us, but not the undecided voters, unlike TOC which has very good points that have the potential to swing votes away from the PAP.

As much as I have raised certain suspicious points about TR, running them down is secondary. My point to TR readers is this. For those who live in wards contested by RP, please vote RP. Those who live in SDP contested wards, vote SDP (even if you think they are radical). For NSP, SDA, WP, do the same, even if you think they are either too careful, careless or afraid/pander to PAP. Don't buy into TR's trap that only RP is "votable" because your ward may not be contested by RP. If you spoil your vote unless RP comes they are not going to be able to handle the PAP alone because it's the newest and least experienced. The only way to teach PAP a lesson is for them to lose every seat contested.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

The problem with TR is credibility. And I'm not just talking about authors being anonymous. That's fine with me. We are all anon. The problem is what they did in the past to jerk other folks around. And not forgetting lame stunts like Lee Bee Wah petition signing in which the "volunteer" actually fled from the camera.

TR obviously is run by someone or a small group of people whose interests are quite fickle. In the past they supported SDP because they felt they could use SDP supporters as a tool to attack other oppositions. Unfortunately people from both sides fell into their trap (both SDP supporters, as well as those attacked, were fooled -- few actually realized "Shadow" was the one pulling the puppet strings and playing both sides against each other)

Now they appear to be exclusively aligned with RP (though I think people in RP are most likely unaware of their identities as webmasters of TR), and that probably explains their over-advertisement of RP at the expense of other oppositions. I won't be surprised TR's webmaster is actually a current RP CEC member.

TR's only good point is they are very up to date on the news and it serves as a good reference.

I feel what Scroobal once described of TOC - with a mission to criticise the PAP govt for the purpose of having Singapore appear liberal in the eyes of outsiders - is perhaps more suitable to describe Temasek Review.

Scro may have his own internal sources, but some are recently observing what I long had, that TR censors the opposition in a large way by just promoting only one opposition party as the only viable one at any one time. It was SDP in the past, now the RP and we don't hear SDP from TR anymore.

At the same time their criticism of PAP is (intentionally?) shallow which can appeal to people like us, but not the undecided voters, unlike TOC which has very good points that have the potential to swing votes away from the PAP.

As much as I have raised certain suspicious points about TR, running them down is secondary. My point to TR readers is this. For those who live in wards contested by RP, please vote RP. Those who live in SDP contested wards, vote SDP (even if you think they are radical). For NSP, SDA, WP, do the same, even if you think they are either too careful, careless or afraid/pander to PAP. Don't buy into TR's trap that only RP is "votable" because your ward may not be contested by RP. If you spoil your vote unless RP comes they are not going to be able to handle the PAP alone because it's the newest and least experienced. The only way to teach PAP a lesson is for them to lose every seat contested.

 

[Perspective]

In the past they supported SDP because they felt they could use SDP supporters as a tool to attack other oppositions.

If TR is interested in such an activity, it can only mean they are not with the opposition at all. Hence it's now playing a new game and I don't think any RP member is behind it.

Scro once mentioned that a blog had been set up by PAP affiliates, but he probably mistaken it to be TOC. I rather think it was TOC's growing space that led to TR's inspiration. That could explain why at one point they were targetting TOC when it wasn't even an opposition party.

I'm rarely a reader of TR and do so if I follow some link there. Reason is because I think the criticism is rather superficial, harmless and only a show (what it accuses WP of, ironically) to establish that they are not a pro-PAP blog.

To think it promotes RP by differentiating it from WP when there's not a lot of difference compared to SDP, and calls WP names when it has given PAP MPs hampers for no rhyme or reason.

 

[Ramseth]

I think it doesn't have to be one or another. Read everything you have time for, then think for yourself and make up your own opinion as to the issue. The site is just a medium. Control your own mind all the time, never give it to any medium however impressive at any moment.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

To think it promotes RP by differentiating it from WP when there's not a lot of difference compared to SDP, and calls WP names when it has given PAP MPs hampers for no rhyme or reason.

Well, I see plenty of diff between RP and SDP and I think Kenneth J. made it pretty clear he was departing from his father's trodden path, the latter being more aligned to SDP.

Hampers and posters and flyers are all publicity stunts. They worked though, as TR's traffic has exceeded TOC's. Not saying it was right. Just saying they were pretty successful in getting their objective by fair means or foul.

 

[Perspective]

Well, I see plenty of diff between RP and SDP and I think Kenneth J. made it pretty clear he was departing from his father's trodden path, the latter being more aligned to SDP.

I was referring to the difference between RP and WP, compared to the difference between SDP and WP.

It's clear to me from some Facebook exchanges that SDP affiliates respect JBJ but less KJ. Their respect for KJ and RP is markedly closer to what they have thought of WP all along. Hence for a blog to turn from SDP to RP yet keeping its position on WP same throughout says a lot about TR's intentions. There is no clear position on the choice of exclusively they give in terms of approach. Looking at it, the only connection is that the exclusivity is given to the weakest or newest party. SDP has grown a fair bit since TR decided to drop them as their poster opposition.

Why not NSP, which has been raising many issues and catching much attention and publicity? Simple. NSP will be the largest opposition party with the most candidates at the next GE, thereby being a threat to PAP.

 

[giggity_shit]

I was referring to the difference between RP and WP, compared to the difference between SDP and WP.

It's clear to me from some Facebook exchanges that SDP affiliates respect JBJ but less KJ. Their respect for KJ and RP is markedly closer to what they have thought of WP all along. Hence for a blog to turn from SDP to RP yet keeping its position on WP same throughout says a lot about TR's intentions. There is no clear position on the choice of exclusively they give in terms of approach. Looking at it, the only connection is that the exclusivity is given to the weakest or newest party. SDP has grown a fair bit since TR decided to drop them as their poster opposition.
http://tinyurI.com/26esb6r

Why not NSP, which has been raising many issues and catching much attention and publicity? Simple. NSP will be the largest opposition party with the most candidates at the next GE, thereby being a threat to PAP.

It seems to me that your conclusion is that TR 'dropped' SDP because of its hostile stance towards KJ & RP, hence TR is RP operated?

Do you really think TR has any influence in the first place?

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

You have a point there. Though I would say SDP too has lots of leg to go before it can achieve the same level of recognition as the other established parties.

TR's intention appears to keep everyone divided and no single entity strong. We'll have to watch when RP gets stronger. Which musical chair will they play next?

There is no clear position on the choice of exclusively they give in terms of approach. Looking at it, the only connection is that the exclusivity is given to the weakest or newest party. SDP has grown a fair bit since TR decided to drop them as their poster opposition.

Why not NSP, which has been raising many issues and catching much attention and publicity? Simple. NSP will be the largest opposition party with the most candidates at the next GE, thereby being a threat to PAP.

 

[aurvandil]

The way TR went after the YOG makes it highly unlikely that it is controlled by the PAP and out to split the Opposition.

It is however possible that they belong to a splinter PAP group with a post MM Lee agenda.

If you re-examine who spoke up to defend VV during the YOG versus who kept quiet, we can see just who are the likely members of the splinter PAP group.

Another interesting observation from the YOG is that the majority of the PAP Ministers/MPs did not attend the YOG events. As such, their grassroots volunters were conspiciously absent from the stands. Another sign of what is to come?

 

[Char_Azn]

I feel what Scroobal once described of TOC - with a mission to criticise the PAP govt for the purpose of having Singapore appear liberal in the eyes of outsiders - is perhaps more suitable to describe Temasek Review.

Scro may have his own internal sources, but some are recently observing what I long had, that TR censors the opposition in a large way by just promoting only one opposition party as the only viable one at any one time. It was SDP in the past, now the RP and we don't hear SDP from TR anymore.

At the same time their criticism of PAP is (intentionally?) shallow which can appeal to people like us, but not the undecided voters, unlike TOC which has very good points that have the potential to swing votes away from the PAP.

As much as I have raised certain suspicious points about TR, running them down is secondary. My point to TR readers is this. For those who live in wards contested by RP, please vote RP. Those who live in SDP contested wards, vote SDP (even if you think they are radical). For NSP, SDA, WP, do the same, even if you think they are either too careful, careless or afraid/pander to PAP. Don't buy into TR's trap that only RP is "votable" because your ward may not be contested by RP. If you spoil your vote unless RP comes they are not going to be able to handle the PAP alone because it's the newest and least experienced. The only way to teach PAP a lesson is for them to lose every seat contested.

TR is a place where pple post crap and pretend to be other pple who post crap. The only difference between TR and this place is that TR select their crap before posting. Not that it makes too much difference.

Let's not forget TR posting "insightful" letters by "14 year olds" analyzing local politics better then season pro, coming out in full support of the other idiot with a blog when he came out to state that LKY kick the bucket. Creditibility isn't exactly on the top of their list of things to be aware of

To keep it simple, avoid TR at all cause. Go read TOC instead.

 

[Perspective]

It seems to me that your conclusion is that TR 'dropped' SDP because of its hostile stance towards KJ & RP, hence TR is RP operated?

No. I'm saying the switch from SDP to RP doesn't come with anything figurative.

Do you really think TR has any influence in the first place?

Yes and no. It doesn't matter since I would vote any opposition. But the ones who make the difference is not the tens thousands of voters, but the few hundred votes nearest to the 50% border. If TR swings that, it would mean all opposition parties lose by 49%, which is no difference from obtaining 40% or 30% or 15% - still lose.

Ramseth is right, we need to develop a discerning mind of our own.

 

[Perspective]

TR's intention appears to keep everyone divided and no single entity strong. We'll have to watch when RP gets stronger. Which musical chair will they play next?

Bingo. On the bold part.

To be fair the "divided" part isn't the work on TR but the opposition themselves. However even in a multi-party system advocated by Goh MS, some parties are stronger than others, as opposed to presently they are all no different by more than 5 active members. What the PAP fears is the first step of multi-party system is that one of the multi-parties will be as strong as it is, hence keep all the same size so that none can rise to lead and initiation coalition with the rest.

To keep it simple, avoid TR at all cause. Go read TOC instead.

Agree.

 

[Perspective]

The way TR went after the YOG makes it highly unlikely that it is controlled by the PAP and out to split the Opposition.

It is however possible that they belong to a splinter PAP group with a post MM Lee agenda.

If you re-examine who spoke up to defend VV during the YOG versus who kept quiet, we can see just who are the likely members of the splinter PAP group.

Another interesting observation from the YOG is that the majority of the PAP Ministers/MPs did not attend the YOG events. As such, their grassroots volunters were conspiciously absent from the stands. Another sign of what is to come?

YOG has been slammed by nearly everyone, and the Facebook platform has a lot more credibility. TR's touch is lighter and more superficial compared to the others.

It's too early to pinpoint the reason for ministers not attending YOG as some internal feud. Ministers can't be bothered to attend to many things these days. Example is Parliament.

 

[aurvandil]

YOG has been slammed by nearly everyone, and the Facebook platform has a lot more credibility. TR's touch is lighter and more superficial compared to the others.

If I remember correctly, TR was quite active in the I-hate-YOG facebook group. They were actively encouraging posters.A lot of material (e.g. dog food) which surfaced in the I-hate-YOG facebook was recast in TR to reach a wider audience.

It's too early to pinpoint the reason for ministers not attending YOG as some internal feud. Ministers can't be bothered to attend to many things these days. Example is Parliament.

I found it quite odd. Usually the PAP takes great pains to show unity and solidarity. Given the intense attack on the YOG, the expectation was for them to rally together. Instead VV was completely isolated and the only person who openly showed support AFTER all the problems surfaced was PM Lee.