Heritage Part 1: Preservation and Modernisation

I think that LKY's house should be demolished. His wishes concerning the Oxley Roadhouse should be respected, despite public calls for it to be preserved. The best way to honour someone’s memory is to respect his own wishes on how he wants to be remembered. Mr.Lee said “I’ve told the Cabinet, when I’m dead, demolish it. Demolish my house and change the planning rules …the land value will go up. I don’t think my daughter or my wife or me, who lived in it, or my sons who grew up in it, will bemoan its loss. They have old photos to remind them of the past.” Furthermore, even when buildings are still standing, many bear little resemblance to their past. There are many ways of remembering someone such as photos like what Mr.lee had listed. Mr.Lee has given his life in service to the people of Singapore and I feel this simple wish can be granted for him. Mr.Lee had always put Singapore's interest first, and the fact that the land value would go up when his house is demolished shows that Mr.Lee could contribute another thing to Singapore and that this wish should be granted. Mr.Lee and his wife had also repeatedly requested his son and daughter to ensure that his wish would come true, showing that Mr.Lee had considered the advantages of keeping the house, but had still eventually come to a conclusion that this house must be demolished.

Factory to the world (Economy part 5)

By making things and selling them to foreigners, China has transformed itself—and the world economy with it. In 1990 it produced less than 3% of global manufacturing output by value; its share now is nearly a quarter. China produces about 80% of the world’s air-conditioners, 70% of its mobile phones and 60% of its shoes.China has forged supply chains that reach deep into South-East Asia. This “Factory Asia” now makes almost half the world’s goods. However, China's fast-growing economy has always had its downside. For example, the air pollution in Beijing so impenetrable the U.S. Embassy's air quality measuring station can only call it "beyond index." Industrial towns where rates of cancer are so high they're known as "cancer villages."

Now, let's look at the dilemma between the blind pursuit of higher economic growth and protecting the environment.

Advantages of higher economic growth

1. More value addition in the economy results in a rise in the standard of living of the citizens and due to rise in income, there will be a higher spending on various goods and services like healthcare, education, etc.

2. An increase in the lifestyle of the citizens and there are more individuals going to college.

3. Business is booming, production of commodities is becoming easier and people have plenty of work opportunities which pay enough for them to prosper.

Disadvantages of higher economic growth

1.Can be influenced by policies to manage aggregate demand.

2. Market prices are fairly straightforward to put a value on output.

GDP Includes:

1. Farmers producing & selling crops (even if the crops later rot or spoil–so long as they are sold)

2. Buying a meal at a restaurant (regardless of whether or not you eat it)(excluding ingredient cost)

3. Hiring a babysitter or paying a daycare centre for child care

4. Hiring a contractor or skilled tradesperson to do repairs or improvements on your home(excluding supplies)

5. Buying a new suit (regardless of whether or not you ever wear it)

GDP Does Not Include:

1. People growing food in their own garden, for their own consumption, gifts, or donation to charity

2. Preparing a similar meal at home

3. Caring for your own children or those of a friend or relative free of charge

4. Working on your house yourself, or doing similar work for a friend as a favour

5. Giving a used suit to a friend, or donating it to charity, instead of throwing it out

Advantages of protecting our environment

1. A clean environment is essential for healthy living

- the government need not spend money on poverty people for medical expenses and people who are well generally doing better during work

2. Biodiversity is important.

-many of the basic necessities that we need to survive because of biodiversity. We need food that various species provide to eat, water to drink, air to breathe, and materials to provide shelter and other necessities.

3. Earth is our home.

- our actions cannot be irreversible. For example, the high temperature from global warming we are facing can no longer decrease, but can only be prevented from a further increase in temperature.

Disadvantages of protecting our environment

1. Waste of money for treatment

- polluted with contaminants and toxins that have a harmful impact on our health. Air pollution can cause respiratory diseases and cancer, among other problems and diseases. Water pollution can lead to typhoid, diarrheal diseases, and other waterborne/water-related diseases.

2. More natural disaster leads to chances of damaging of facilities

- small changes in the average temperature can lead to frequent occurrences of dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms