America addresses its shortcomings

The American system has its strength - openness, accountability and freedom. However, it has its weaknesses - a political system in gridlock. It is difficult for American to take the actions that are needed to address its shortcomings, due to the obstruction caused by some legislators.

The shortcomings have been acknowledged and some people, including President Obama, are stepping forward to deal with these issues, to find a way to get the country to act and solve its long term problems. The willingness to recognize its problems, to discuss them openly, and to act on them, may well be the strengths of the American system. I hope that they will succeed in this challenge.

I hope that Singapore can adopt some of this new approach, and find new ways to solve problems that have not been solved for several decades, such as the high cost of living, long working hours, poor quality of life and the low birth rate.

Tan Kin LianPublish Post