What are you thinking RIGHT NOW?

[Marizzle]

^You'be said it all. That's exactly what goes through my minds, when I hear about these cases.

[HereWeStand]

Ugh, my country also has conscription and it just made me glad I'm a female so I didn't have to waste my time serving an establishment that goes against all my values. If you want to support your country, you should be able to have to choice to join the army, but forcing every able bodied person to serve with no choice in the matter? No thanks, the government shouldn't own you. You should be under no obligation to serve for something so controversial if you pay taxes and follow the law. Thankfully we can also claim conscientious objector status and do alternative services that actually aid society rather than being taught to kill.

Uuuugh I could write entire paragraphs about what I think of conscription.

[Braveheart]

^ I knew someone on a website who was just entering their first two years of the army in Singapore. I was amazed to find such a thing still existed with those drastic consequences attached should you not choose to conform. It still baffles me. How can this be allowed in our modern age? Is it an important thing to the culture of your country, or is it more so for the benefit of the government rather than the people who actually have to be involved in that?

I think it's because we are a small nation under the gaze of other neighbouring countries such as Malaysia & Indonesia. Maybe the government saw its similarities with Israel, surrounded by all Arab states. Some say we serve to protect the way of life that exists in Singapore, that is embodied in Singaporeans. We serve to protect our future and Singaporeans' stake in this country. We serve to protect one another, so as to protect the future of our country and--- and--

Yeah, well because the real reason is people are actually avoiding to end up like this kiwi guy.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/singapore-born-new-zealand-teenager-faces-fine-jail-as-he-seeks-to-avoid-national

As for the modern age, just like in the past, people in power always make decisions for themselves...

@Here we stand:
Where are you from?

***
Next going to be outdoor camping. Horrible horrible horrible. =/ Next 2 days are tolerable for now.

[Carl]

I didn't know my right leg is longer than the left one. How had I never noticed this? That may have something to do with why my right knee gives me so much trouble.

[Rollo]

As for the modern age, just like in the past, people in power always make decisions for themselves...

Ah, too true. That's why it's so important to vote, if you're able to, regardless of whether all of your needs are being met by a candidate. If anything, let's let the least craziest one get into power, the one who will not actively seek out to damage, even if they can't manage to fix what's already broken. Unfortunately in politics it's rare to find someone who can actually do both. But perhaps they can pave the path for another.

A bit off subject there lol. Best of luck with this, btw.

[Braveheart]

Serious? Wow. I knew some countries had those policies, but I had never met someone in that situation. I personally dislike the whole "go to the army" thing, at least ones with such "drastic consequences", if one denies to. We abolished it a few years ago, after our dictatorship fell. I'm pretty sure people would have turned against the government back then, if they had refused to abolish it. But, have you already done those 2 years, then? Good luck, truly.

Done it a few years back at 18 years. (Yeah, that's when you are usually call up after college.) Now I'm being "called up annually" until I can do 6 High Keys (More than 7 days in camp.) & 1 low key. (Less than 7 days, usually about 5.), means another.... 7 years for me if I don't defer...

In a way it is good because it unites the people after dictatorship. (If I wasn't wrong, it was under communism rule?)

Yes, I hope to 'survive' more days. Thank you so much, Marizzle. *hugs*

@Lelizwe
Well... I don't see politics changing Anytime soon even if I vote for Opposition. It's always the old same people in power election after election... It's a lost cause.

Thank you for the support, Lelizwe. *hugs* Unfortunately I might rant here until this is over on the 24th.

[Marizzle]

Done it a few years back at 18 years. (Yeah, that's when you are usually call up after college.) Now I'm being "called up annually" until I can do 6 High Keys (More than 7 days in camp.) & 1 low key. (Less than 7 days, usually about 5.), means another.... 7 years for me if I don't defer...

In a way it is good because it unites the people after dictatorship. (If I wasn't wrong, it was under communism rule?)

Yes, I hope to 'survive' more days. Thank you so much, Marizzle. *hugs*

I see. Oh, man, 7 years? That sucks...I hope everything goes right for you.

In Portuguese dictatorship case, it'd do everything except unite our people. When our dictatorship fell, in 1974, the Portuguese Colonial War, which most of the population was against, also ended. Most people, especially men, wanted to do or be anything, as long as it didn't include taking part in the army. Yet, the period that came after the dictatorship was officially over seemed pretty much like a "lighter dictatorship", and people kept getting unhappier with the law. After this all disappeared, our current political came and, after some social pressure, they finally abolished the "obligatory militarism", although it only happened after 2000. It was pretty complicated.

You're welcome. I'm sure you'll make it through. Also, sorry for the "mini history lesson". I'm sure you've already heard or read about those things.

[it means no worries]

Ugh, my country also has conscription and it just made me glad I'm a female so I didn't have to waste my time serving an establishment that goes against all my values. If you want to support your country, you should be able to have to choice to join the army, but forcing every able bodied person to serve with no choice in the matter? No thanks

If it goes against your values then fair enough-but conscription does have many benefits for society.

--

Finally the summer weather has arrived

[Rollo]

^ Indeed it has! I'm so happy. This is the perfect type of weather for me. Not blisteringly hot (not that Scotland knows what that feels like) or too cold, and no wind. Perfect.

[Shadowfax]

^ I love Scotland <3

My little girl has been so well behaved today. Certainly made dealing with my chest pains alot more bareable.