Dennis wanted to know what immigrants were most thankful for about life in America. The first thought that came to my mind was liberty, the liberty to talk about issues that affect our lives, the liberty to criticize our politicians and government without fearing being arrested for doing it. In Malaysia there is no talk show like Dennis', on the radio or TV.
In Malaysia the air waves are mostly controlled by the government. The few that are private have to self censor themselves in order to keep their licenses.
I am thankful to be living in this country, not perfect, but still plenty to be thankful for. I am thankful for my loving family, for the home that we have, for our health that allows us to make a gainful living. I am indeed thankful for all of God's blessings.
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My Thanksgiving turkey. I used Jamie Oliver's recipe.
The grub at the Thanksgiving meal.The menu: Turkey, roast beef, green beans and asparagus, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, carrots, potato casserole, baked oysters, champagne and pumpkin pie.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! ♥
Hi Kak Puteri,
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you, family and loved ones...The food looks great! Yum yum...;)
Puteri,
ReplyDeleteDuring one of my visit to Malaysia, I heard in a Chinese radio program, where people called in to express their political view. They even invited two politicians, one from MCA and one from DAP. I was very interesting.
Sincerely I didn't feel like not having freedom of speech in Malaysia. Me and my group of friends can discuss politic for hours in mamak store. Maybe we were just too young to care about the possible consequences. The only thing I felt restricted is the Act that prevents University students from participating in any political parties. I kind of change my mind now, seeing how the French students abuse the right they have, by blocking the schools and destroying valuable school assets. Hubby said students should just concentrate on their studies and not wasting the tax payers money in doing strike. Amazing how he agrees with Dr M! Dr M was in my University in Malaysia and telling us students to just do our job:study! :-)
Daphne, thank you! Food was indeed great! :-)
ReplyDeleteBee Ean, the radio program you heard, see who the people were discussing politics? Politicians!! You think the radio station dare (esp if RTM) to put up the ordinary folks taken off the streets? If they do, it'll only those they think are acceptable to viewers and the those in power!
ReplyDeleteAs to talking politics with one another, that is allowed in Malaysia. But you think you can call into a radio program and start ranting there? Or write to the editor of a newspaper and start criticizing every politician? Those who do dare criticize only do it on online forums or independent news site like Malaysia Today. Do you know how many times the government has tried to shut him (Raja Petra of Malaysia Today) down? Taken him in for questioning at the police station?
Not all students are interested in politics. Those that you see in France, and elsewhere are the really radical ones. Those who know the law, usually protest legally and without resorting to breaking property and hurting people.
No, after living in the US and knowing what it means to have the 1st Amendment (freedom of political speech was the intended meaning of that amendment), I find it hard to go back to a country and accept the "paternalistic" style of governing - where corruption is swept under the rug, where dissenters and political foes are locked away in Kamunting, where the judiciary is not totally indenpendent.
Many people don't want to rock the boat, as long as they can continue to make a living, they are happy to leave things be.
So how's the railway strike affecting you? Last I heard the strike is ending. Sarkozy may have his way yet.