Increase productivity!
More productive = More salary!
Don't be lazy or complacent!
Besides telling you common sense that you'd already know about working, what else did he/she tell you?
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Farbird's May Day Message
May Day was just over and what did your Labour Minister tell you besides echoing his superior?
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Battle for Oil
Back in the 1940s, countries go into war to expand their land for their own people.
Mainly because the industrializing countries needed more land for their rising population.
Frowning their brows to the invaders, supporting nations of the oppressed countries form unions to fight against the tyranny of these invaders, whom invented reasons or "excuses" to take back the land that was originally theirs ( aka Germania ).
Fast forward 60 years, border fighting is no longer necessary with taller buildings and skyscrapers expanding vertically for housing people.
Wars are still fought but the excuse of "liberating the oppressed people" casts a long shadow on the hidden agenda of the most important raw material in the world today.
This natural existing mineral does not renew itself unlike other raw materials such as rubber.
And as the world consumption of this natural resource goes up, the available quantity that still exists in our world decreases. This natural existing resource "drives" our world and is responsible for the world's economy and productivity both directly and indirectly.
Yes, whether it's believed or not, "Oil" is the most sought after mineral now. Crude oil to be exact.
Countries that have such oil wells are carefully calculating how much is left. As each of these countries manage their export of oil, they also have to manage the rate of production, in order not to tip the scale of balance in overmining it and causing the price of crude oil to drop.
Unions to protect the benefits of oil producing nations are set up to ensure that prices are tightly maintained to ensure their own survival. It is known that such countries depend heavily on their oil exports and in the event they overproduce, they run the risk of losing their rankings in estimated remaining capacity and at the same time, decreasing their price of export of oil. Such a result might then cause the entire group of countries exporting oil to suffer as it'd force them to decrease their prices to remain competitive as well. [ See Game Theory Explanation ]
So the "Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries" aka OPEC serves to protect the interests of these oil producing nations against mutual competition and price wars and ensure mutual continuity of these nations for as long as possible.
And for natural existing oil wells, it is not going to be magically appearing in a non-OPEC country as they take millions of years to form. It is sad to know at this point that at the current rate of consumption, these wells that took millions of years to form, might just be dried up within a century or two.
So for the non-producing nations, they are at the mercy of OPEC prices. There is no 2 ways about it.
And due to the high costs of hoarding and storing the crude oil, one cannot simply stock up and wait indefinitely for a time to sell.
Luckily for some bigger countries, they have, too, their own unions! And they fight for liberation and modernization. They fight for the fact that everyone should be able to enjoy what they call a perfect world. A perfect world where everyone should be able to enjoy what they are enjoying. That basically summarizes to capitalization and human rights. And they deem anyone whom is unable to enjoy these 2 basic criteria to be the "oppressed".
So to liberate the "oppressed", they must overthrow the current administration of the tyrant leaders and allow the people to set up an elected government. An elected government that is also heavily funded by these big capitalist union countries. With prior good relations established for the newly set up government, it is somewhat guaranteed that it'd be easier to have trades between the capitalists and the newly liberated nations.
So what is the most desired commodity that your liberated country has that the capitalist country does not have?
Kuwait, Iraq, Egypt, Libya.... which oil producing country is next?
On a personal note, a person whom have lived in the desert all his life and had accustomed to the lifestyle that was lived by his ancestors and is able to continue his traditional customs handed down from his ancestors, will not find modernization to be a good thing. To force them down the way of capitalization and modernization might be considered oppression to them instead.
Mainly because the industrializing countries needed more land for their rising population.
Frowning their brows to the invaders, supporting nations of the oppressed countries form unions to fight against the tyranny of these invaders, whom invented reasons or "excuses" to take back the land that was originally theirs ( aka Germania ).
Fast forward 60 years, border fighting is no longer necessary with taller buildings and skyscrapers expanding vertically for housing people.
Wars are still fought but the excuse of "liberating the oppressed people" casts a long shadow on the hidden agenda of the most important raw material in the world today.
This natural existing mineral does not renew itself unlike other raw materials such as rubber.
And as the world consumption of this natural resource goes up, the available quantity that still exists in our world decreases. This natural existing resource "drives" our world and is responsible for the world's economy and productivity both directly and indirectly.
Yes, whether it's believed or not, "Oil" is the most sought after mineral now. Crude oil to be exact.
Countries that have such oil wells are carefully calculating how much is left. As each of these countries manage their export of oil, they also have to manage the rate of production, in order not to tip the scale of balance in overmining it and causing the price of crude oil to drop.
Unions to protect the benefits of oil producing nations are set up to ensure that prices are tightly maintained to ensure their own survival. It is known that such countries depend heavily on their oil exports and in the event they overproduce, they run the risk of losing their rankings in estimated remaining capacity and at the same time, decreasing their price of export of oil. Such a result might then cause the entire group of countries exporting oil to suffer as it'd force them to decrease their prices to remain competitive as well. [ See Game Theory Explanation ]
So the "Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries" aka OPEC serves to protect the interests of these oil producing nations against mutual competition and price wars and ensure mutual continuity of these nations for as long as possible.
And for natural existing oil wells, it is not going to be magically appearing in a non-OPEC country as they take millions of years to form. It is sad to know at this point that at the current rate of consumption, these wells that took millions of years to form, might just be dried up within a century or two.
So for the non-producing nations, they are at the mercy of OPEC prices. There is no 2 ways about it.
And due to the high costs of hoarding and storing the crude oil, one cannot simply stock up and wait indefinitely for a time to sell.
Luckily for some bigger countries, they have, too, their own unions! And they fight for liberation and modernization. They fight for the fact that everyone should be able to enjoy what they call a perfect world. A perfect world where everyone should be able to enjoy what they are enjoying. That basically summarizes to capitalization and human rights. And they deem anyone whom is unable to enjoy these 2 basic criteria to be the "oppressed".
So to liberate the "oppressed", they must overthrow the current administration of the tyrant leaders and allow the people to set up an elected government. An elected government that is also heavily funded by these big capitalist union countries. With prior good relations established for the newly set up government, it is somewhat guaranteed that it'd be easier to have trades between the capitalists and the newly liberated nations.
So what is the most desired commodity that your liberated country has that the capitalist country does not have?
Kuwait, Iraq, Egypt, Libya.... which oil producing country is next?
On a personal note, a person whom have lived in the desert all his life and had accustomed to the lifestyle that was lived by his ancestors and is able to continue his traditional customs handed down from his ancestors, will not find modernization to be a good thing. To force them down the way of capitalization and modernization might be considered oppression to them instead.
So, who are the tyrants and who are the oppressed?
FarBird
21 March 2011
Opinions expressed here are entirely my personal thoughts.
If anyone is unhappy about this,
they should publish their own blog,
instead of ranting against someone else's thoughts
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
Monday, February 21, 2011
My personal opinions on the Budget 2011
As with all previous budgets, all citizens are expecting some free monies.
And the Budget 2011 did not disappoint its citizens.
At the same time, analysts are also looking out for signs of what will be increasing in the coming year.
Previously, GST subsidies will be announced to help all citizens cope with "soon to be raised" Goods and Services Tax. Such subsidies raises eyebrows as it is a sign of increasing GST in the coming year. And it so happens that in 2011, we are expecting an election. So the effect of giving out GST credits will have adverse impact on the election results.
So it was announced before the budget that the public transport fares will not be increased. That might mean that the price of fuel may be kept constant for a while to ensure that the public transport companies continue to be profitable without being affected by increasing fuel prices. If that is true, that will mean that utilities will also be kept constant since utility bills are rated in ratio to the prices of fuel.
So if fuel, utilities and public transport are not going to go north, what will the future be for this country? As we know, the budget gives in advance what it will be taking back within the same year. Much $$$ has been given for improving the birth rate and scrapping the TV and Radio License and this will create a huge debit to the nation.
My conclusion is that GST will rise to 10%. But there will not be any signs of the upcoming increment due to the upcoming General Election. By not revealing the tell-tale signs of an impending GST increment, the public will not go into a mad rush to purchase big-ticket items. As this will result in a sudden spike in the economy, making it difficult to use conventional algorithm to predict and analyze the market. Thus in preparation of preventing this spike, all big ticket items are raised to a new high in the year of 2010, so as to discourage sudden and excess spending and debt accumulation. This will ensures that when the GST is increased to 10%, the economy will not be shaken and there will be an almost seamless transition without much complains from the general public since most of the big ticket items are not affordable by the large portion of the population [ aka most middle class population ].
So if free monies can be given to the needy and this monies can be recovered by increasing tax collection without adverse impact to the economy and zero upheaval from its citizens and ensuring positive wealth accumulation as a nation. Why not?
And best of all, the budget will look nice and give positive ratings to the incumbent administration in time for the upcoming general election.
Read my previous entry on my thoughts on the ever increasing GST here
Last but not least, I'd like to requote my tweet.
The above is my personal opinion. You have to arrive at your own conclusions.
And the Budget 2011 did not disappoint its citizens.
At the same time, analysts are also looking out for signs of what will be increasing in the coming year.
Previously, GST subsidies will be announced to help all citizens cope with "soon to be raised" Goods and Services Tax. Such subsidies raises eyebrows as it is a sign of increasing GST in the coming year. And it so happens that in 2011, we are expecting an election. So the effect of giving out GST credits will have adverse impact on the election results.
So it was announced before the budget that the public transport fares will not be increased. That might mean that the price of fuel may be kept constant for a while to ensure that the public transport companies continue to be profitable without being affected by increasing fuel prices. If that is true, that will mean that utilities will also be kept constant since utility bills are rated in ratio to the prices of fuel.
So if fuel, utilities and public transport are not going to go north, what will the future be for this country? As we know, the budget gives in advance what it will be taking back within the same year. Much $$$ has been given for improving the birth rate and scrapping the TV and Radio License and this will create a huge debit to the nation.
My conclusion is that GST will rise to 10%. But there will not be any signs of the upcoming increment due to the upcoming General Election. By not revealing the tell-tale signs of an impending GST increment, the public will not go into a mad rush to purchase big-ticket items. As this will result in a sudden spike in the economy, making it difficult to use conventional algorithm to predict and analyze the market. Thus in preparation of preventing this spike, all big ticket items are raised to a new high in the year of 2010, so as to discourage sudden and excess spending and debt accumulation. This will ensures that when the GST is increased to 10%, the economy will not be shaken and there will be an almost seamless transition without much complains from the general public since most of the big ticket items are not affordable by the large portion of the population [ aka most middle class population ].
So if free monies can be given to the needy and this monies can be recovered by increasing tax collection without adverse impact to the economy and zero upheaval from its citizens and ensuring positive wealth accumulation as a nation. Why not?
And best of all, the budget will look nice and give positive ratings to the incumbent administration in time for the upcoming general election.
Read my previous entry on my thoughts on the ever increasing GST here
Last but not least, I'd like to requote my tweet.
"The right to vote MUST be exercised with great caution. Not many above the age of 21 know the responsibilities & consequences of their vote."
The above is my personal opinion. You have to arrive at your own conclusions.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Should your money be taxed more than once?
Consider this an open suggestion...
In Singapore, like most other countries, the moment you start earning, you will have to deal with taxes.
First tax that comes about will be the "income tax". The only tax that makes the most sense for any nation or country. This allows the government to take a little cut from the income of any local resident working in its country. This tax, in my opinion, is fair.
So for every dollar earned, there is already a tax imposed by the government.
In my honest opinion, that is the only tax necessary.
But this is not enough, in Singapore, we have a compulsory pension scheme whereby we commit 20% of our salary income which has already been taxed to the government pension board that uses, this 20% and the additional 15% from the employer, to invest, allowing them to reap higher investment returns that the meagre interests that is earned to the working resident.
This 35% is still considered fairly acceptable since it's a form of forced savings and it comes in very handy when it is time to buy a house, regardless government or private property.
Now the resident of this little nation gets only 80% of the money that was taxed 100%. This money earned, that was taxed once already, has to go to expenditure of the working resident, ie commuting to work, groceries, clothes, etc.
Now consider this, whatever $$ that was earned and taxed, now upon spending it for necessities or luxury, this expenditure will be taxed again! What this tax is called is the GST (Goods & Services Tax). Now its at a rate of 7% ( as at Feb 2011 ). And it is increased at a rate of 2% almost every 2 years.
Some will argue the fact that most developed nations have similar taxes of higher percentage than the small amount of GST that our government is imposing of every dollar spent. But have they not seen the difference in the rate of increase of our GST vs the rate of increase of other developed nations?
A good example will be the United Kingdom, where the equivalent VAT(Value Added Tax) was kept stable at 17.5% for the longest time >20 years before it was adjusted to 20% only very recently.
And if one may ask how can one ask of such taxes to be stable and not be increased on a bi-annual basis. Or perhaps the question should be presented in this manner.
In Singapore, like most other countries, the moment you start earning, you will have to deal with taxes.
First tax that comes about will be the "income tax". The only tax that makes the most sense for any nation or country. This allows the government to take a little cut from the income of any local resident working in its country. This tax, in my opinion, is fair.
So for every dollar earned, there is already a tax imposed by the government.
In my honest opinion, that is the only tax necessary.
But this is not enough, in Singapore, we have a compulsory pension scheme whereby we commit 20% of our salary income which has already been taxed to the government pension board that uses, this 20% and the additional 15% from the employer, to invest, allowing them to reap higher investment returns that the meagre interests that is earned to the working resident.
This 35% is still considered fairly acceptable since it's a form of forced savings and it comes in very handy when it is time to buy a house, regardless government or private property.
Now the resident of this little nation gets only 80% of the money that was taxed 100%. This money earned, that was taxed once already, has to go to expenditure of the working resident, ie commuting to work, groceries, clothes, etc.
Now consider this, whatever $$ that was earned and taxed, now upon spending it for necessities or luxury, this expenditure will be taxed again! What this tax is called is the GST (Goods & Services Tax). Now its at a rate of 7% ( as at Feb 2011 ). And it is increased at a rate of 2% almost every 2 years.
Some will argue the fact that most developed nations have similar taxes of higher percentage than the small amount of GST that our government is imposing of every dollar spent. But have they not seen the difference in the rate of increase of our GST vs the rate of increase of other developed nations?
A good example will be the United Kingdom, where the equivalent VAT(Value Added Tax) was kept stable at 17.5% for the longest time >20 years before it was adjusted to 20% only very recently.
And if one may ask how can one ask of such taxes to be stable and not be increased on a bi-annual basis. Or perhaps the question should be presented in this manner.
"What is empowered to the people that can ensure that their government does not increase taxes so often?"
If I may quote the life of a late comedian as an example, Andy Kaufman. No doubt that he was a genius, but if he was not "as popular as he was", he "could not have pulled off that many stunts that was testing the limits" of both his employers, the TV Network, and the viewers whom he had pulled so many stunts and pranked on them.
Though each time before an election, a GST increase offset package is given to the residents, shouldn't this offset package be in ratio with the salary earned? Since the more you earn, the more you spend and more of the salary goes into GST than lower income earners?
Monday, April 26, 2010
FarBird's take on spike of Singapore's COE prices in April 2010
For those whom don't yet already know of Singapore's method of issuing new car registrations, please have a read at Wikipedia's entry on COE.
Ok, now listen to my take on why the COE went up so sharply in early April 2010.
The COE price of the different classes of vehicles are determined by a quota bidding system.
This means that if there are 100 vehicles that got de-registered last month, there will be 100 new COEs up for grabs in the upcoming bid. If 200 potential car owners cast their bid for the COE, the price of the COE will be determined by the 100th decremental bid price casted.
Ok, now listen to my take on why the COE went up so sharply in early April 2010.
The COE price of the different classes of vehicles are determined by a quota bidding system.
This means that if there are 100 vehicles that got de-registered last month, there will be 100 new COEs up for grabs in the upcoming bid. If 200 potential car owners cast their bid for the COE, the price of the COE will be determined by the 100th decremental bid price casted.
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