Singapore Blogger Censored (read: fired)

BoingBoing reports that Singapore's most popular blogger has been fired for daring to criticize the government. (Especially read the government's response - scary scary)

http://www.boingboing.net/2006/07/05/singapore_gov_condem.html

Any Singaporeans here? Is it really that bad? How do you cope with (or circumvent) the government telling you what you can and cannot write?

I was in Singapore for a day (I call that trip the "trailer" - all the plot lines were given away, but I didn't get to experience the full movie). It was stunning, but in a Stepford City kind of way, with every blade of grass (forced?) in place. The impression I got was an iron fist covered by a velvet glove. I was able to access e-mail okay (way better than in Beijing, where I was also followed by security guards for taking notes). I heard that Singapore has a real double standard, though: tourists (especially white tourists) aren't subjected to the same harsh laws as residents, because the city depends so heavily on tourism. Then again, there was that kid a few years ago who was caned...

What struck me (and has nothing to do with this thread, but...) was that we'd gone through Southeast Asia, though the most poverty-stricken countries, where any food was appreciated and where I bristled at all the Pepsi and Coke signs ("Vietnam, brought to you by Coke.") and wondered why I never saw banners for companies that provided genuine and needed nutrition.

The minute we got to Singapore, I saw ads for diet pills, diet drinks, etc. It really disappointed me. Such a Western (and affluent) influence. Only those who can afford to eat freely can afford the luxury (ok, dubious luxury!) of going without food. And selfishly, I'd felt freed by the lack of stick-figure women as icons.

Any-hoo...

Thanks for the context, Inkeeper. I didn't even think about the occupation angle.

The day I was there, all the possible fines converged (though fortunately, I avoided financial penalty): first, I forgot to remove five cigarettes from my Canadian 25-pack (it's illegal, or so we were told, to carry more than 20); then I used a washroom in which the toilet wouldn't flush; out of habit, I popped a piece of gum (took me about 60 seconds - after a couple of funny looks from people - to get rid of it); I got caught in a downpour like no other - while wearing a white dress (I was certain there was a penalty for indecent exposure); and, I forget why, but this was a last-ditch thing, I ran across the street. Plus, I was carrying my emergency migraine meds. All day, I remember thinking, "Could I possibly be doing anything more to get fined?"

The popular tourist t-shirt I saw read, "Singapore is a FINE city" and then went on to list all the fines. I did give in and buy the fridge magnet that there was a $500 (or something) fine for leaving the toilet seat up .