Went down and watched the fireworks. (Couldn't even hear the songs from the parade from where we were.) On way home, had a mix feeling about this year's celebrations because of how many foreigners surrounded us at the Bay, at MBS, in the train station and in the train. Easily, more than half of the people in the train were foreigners. At least those immediately around us.
Singapore will always be my home. I just don't like how it is turning out. The songs, the glitz, the rah-rah will but last a few minutes. What lingers is something deeper, more disconcerting, more discomforting.
Jann and I were talking - in the train - about how the boys will be when they grow up, what life will be like for them, will they have more sense of security than we?
Being a patriot is not just about whether you love your country. It is also about speaking up when you feel your country is moving in the wrong direction. It is, in fact, your responsibility to do so - even and especially if you are ridiculed for doing so.
Because, at the end of the day, you may not be able to change the present for yourself, but you must always try to assure the future for your children. That may not be patriotism but that certainly is being responsible.
Andrew Loh
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/andrewlohhp/posts/652443001447319