Finally - we'll have some decency in political discourse

 

More than 70 million American voted for Trump. The whole society, and not just the Democrats, have some serious soul-searching to do. Why, and what are the reasons? Is it as simply as what this article claims? Or has social media has a hand in putting ourselves in silos - remember your google search results, Facebook and Instagram feeds, are all tailored to you. You. Do we share a common set of "facts" anymore - apart from Wikipedia. I, for one, have blocked certain newsfeed from individuals on social media. That, in effect, is just creating my own echo chamber.

Spring 2020

2020 is strange, it is a strange brave world everywhere. Trump in America, Xi in China, Johnson in the UK.. just about, the old world as we know it, is no longer. COVID really is just the icing on the cake. Can Trump really get another term? is the fate of America really sealed?

Now, with spring in the air and Melbourne emerging from a deep, sad winter, there is finally something quite tangible to look forward to.

Happy birthday to....

It's my wife's birthday today. Usually I'm the one who spoils all the fun... somehow she always guessed what will be in store for her on the day. Well, I'm joined by my soon-to-be 7 years old this year. He absolutely can't keep a secret and before you know it, nothing is a secret anymore. 

Well... that is until I figured I really can't tell him anymore about what we have planned...

It's a bit rough having a birthday in the middle of Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne. But then, it's really just another first-world problem. 

I pray, and hope, we all get over this soon. It's indeed not just bout lives, but livelihood for many.

COVID 19 - mid 2020

How will 2020 be remembered? Now that we are well past June, the middle of the year, it seems like a valid question to ask. Of course, in these COVID-19 times, even a day seems too long to fathom.

COVID-19 accentuate many things. The way different societies around the globe handled, and continue to handle their public health response is a case in point. 

The root causes of the current "second" wave in many places are complex and it is upsetting to see people trying to generalise it to "failure of the government". Indeed, the government is the punch bag for many. What is quite clear is, if the marginalised members of our societies are looked after, then many of these second waves could probably be avoided. I must stress my view that NZ so far escaped a "second wave" is probably more down to luck than robustness of their systems. The fact that we have a second waves in places range from HK to Melbourne indeed could represent a scathing reflection of how we as a society, failed to look after those who are least able to fend for themselves in crisis. The government clearly had a role to play, but in places where we the public, elect our government, the blame is on us. This is perhaps the biggest argument for the Nordic model of government.

Mid 2020

Learning from home

The world as we know it, was turned upside down by a virus. Not a particularly lethal virus but nevertheless, a pandemic unprecedented in the modern times. 

I wondered what life will be like in 6 months? We are the lucky ones, life is pretty normal apart from home schooling our kids for now and all the social restrictions. And speaking of home schooling, I'm so so proud of my kid, what great story telling!

My heart aches for the thousands, if not millions who have, by absolutely no fault of their own, lost their jobs overnight. For the 3rd time in my 40 odd years of existence, my body is telling me subconsciously I'm stressed. 

Lives versus livelihood. 

Science versus perceptions.

Democracy versus autocracy.

Love versus hate.

In time of crisis things are often being viewed in extreme. 

If everyone follows James 1:19, myself included, the effect on the world will be ten times bigger than COVID-19. : "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"

COVID19

Almost all the conversations these days are related to COVID19 one way or the other. It's a bit depressing, really. From the empty cinemas, cancelled travels, supermarket closing early to restock.. everything is unprecedented. I'm no expert but I have a feeling that COVID19 is unlikely to "die out" - unlike SARS, anytime soon. This thing is highly contagious and just as well it's not as bad as measles. We live with viruses, it's a new one, and hence the fear, irrational fear.

An event like this, exposes the strength and fragility of society, more so the latter. Just what are people thinking when they stock up a whole trolley full of toilet paper or hand sanitiser?  We are so interconnected that we have a responsibility as individuals, to look out for each other. What's the point of you having all the toilet paper, surgical masks, mince, when the guy who maintains your power line doesn't have toilet paper to wipe his bottom thanks to all you hoarders out there? 

2020 will be remembered for many things. Since it's only March, more dramatic things may yet to happen but COVID19 will go down in the history books as something for future generations to reflect on.

Wuhan 2019

It's February 2020 and we are in the middle of the 2019-n-CoV outbreak. I can't help but to reflect how polarised our society has become, or at least the HK pubic at large.

I guess it is easy to point the finger to the person next to you. It's hard to imagine us, ourselves, being the problem. Yet. That might just be the case. 

I'm no saint, in fact some would find I lack empathy. Acknowledging the problem is one thing, actively addressing it is another. 

May be Pope Francis hit it on the nail, again. When he said fear is the core of all this. Fear of the unknown, fear of the other, fear.

“The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization…. We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place.”

“The enemy within” is nothing more than our age-old nemesis: fear. We are afraid. All of us. And that’s good news too, because it means that we all have something else in common and an additional means of relating anew to each other, by the grace of God. To do that we simply need to do what God, through the risen Christ, is always urging us to do anyway: “Be not afraid.” 

Much to reflect on. What a heavy start to 2020! 

Welcome 2020

It's the start of a new decade - after 2.5 weeks in Auckland over the Christmas/New Year break life is slowly and gradually returning to normal. I long for holidays now, may be it is an age thing. I treasure holiday much more than in my younger years. 

I started this blog in 2006, centuries ago by today's measure of things. With kids, you're forced to be grounded, and to have a sense of reality instilled in you, like it or not. By next decade, I'll truely be "middle age", and my kids will be well into high school. The passage of time is real - we must find joy in all that we do, everyday! For nothing in life is given, wealth, health and even the mere ability to be living. Andy Stanley, the American Pastor I have taken a liking to, remains us that ungratefulness is rampant and may well be the root cause of any ills of today's society.

August - September - October

A lot has happened in the last few months since the Lion King Production.. Milestone-wise Elisha can now ride a "proper" bike, and had her first "accident" yesterday - fallen off the bike at the kerb... "I couldn't turn..." she says.. Well, it's better to learn the lessons early! She was a real trooper - biking at 4.5 years old with confidence. Elisha also started her prep orientation program, today. She is so ready for it.

My uncle got himself a bike too, so two of us went biking from Williamstown to Altona beach. A beautiful part of town. I wish I can do it more often. 

Two more months to go till our last trip for the year - it's going to go, real fast!

Oh.. and of course, Jonathan turned 6 over the weekend!