Singapore Works
Singapore is an example of how, culture, size, and a leader’s vision can coalesce and create a society that works for its citizens. It’s just 278 square miles and 5 million people, 85% of which are ethnic Chinese. The foundation of their culture is Confucianism, which stresses the family unit and deference to authority. Their first leader had a vision that still informs and shapes the society. Most important in the structure, is a cadre of well educated, highly paid public servants, a meritocratic government. The result is a landscaped, green city, a clean city, well maintained and embellished with some fine architecture. Home ownership is the rule and the government supports it at every economic level. Crime rates are low. Children score at the top of the world in math and related subjects. Teachers are well paid and are selected for their excellence.
What can we learn from them? In contrast we are economically and culturally diverse. Humans are genetically tribal. Early education could mitigate the negative societal implications. But our governmental functions are dispersed, making it virtually impossible to establish uniform standards. Many of us lack a sense of loyalty and obligation to the commonweal. We resent government’s intrusion on our personal freedom. Maybe cohesive society only works when the demographic unit is both small and homogenous. Despite the obstacles, those of us who care, need to keep trying.

Sheldon Greene is a novelist, an executive in a wind energy development company with a background of high impact public interest litigation
