7 parts good, 3 parts bad

I had some time yesterday night to check out on the history of the People's Republic of China on Wikipedia yesterday. It's really interesting to know about the fact that though Deng Xiaoping had never held any official commanding role of the President or Premier of PRC, he is the key person that contributes to what China is today.

If one would go read up on the history of the various politicians in modern China, you would realise that Deng Xiaoping is never a favourite of Mao Zedong towards the end of Mao's political career. In fact, at several points, he's been stripped off his duty. Yet, how did Deng manage to rebounce back into the political scene of the then very 'closed-door' communist China?

According to Wikipedia, the one statement that probably differentiates him from others like Liu Shaoqi, Zhao Ziyang, is this: He referred to Mao's ideology and ecnomic reforms as "7 parts good, 3 parts bad".

To me, Deng is a wise leader and to me, that's what marks him as a great leader and politician. He's willing to speak the truth, giving due respect to the leaders preceding him, and yet was able to make sound reforms that can improve the lives of the people, in the down-times.

I was reading the discussion board of the group Reach Singapore @ Facebook today. I was really appalled to learn how some people takes it as a platform to bitch about the government. There were complaints after complaints after complaints, with regards to every topic from ERP to Procreation issues, yet, none had come close to give any suggestions at all to how things can be improved.

Looking at the postings on Reach just goes to prove what LKY says is partly correct ("Do not criticize the government if you have not better suggestions") Are we a generation who only knows how to complain?!

Another of Deng's famous quote: "Whether it's a black cat or a white cat, a cat who can catch rats is a good cat". I wonder if these 'cats' on Reach can even catch rats at all, or are they merely window-sill cats, looking at the world go past and not expecting to lift a finger to do anything?

Singaporeans, although our government is not perfect, and probably had lots of room for improvement, am sure it is "7 parts good, 3 parts bad" as well. We are already a fortunate lot. There are other people in the world, even in 1st world country who are a lot worse than us. Quit complaining and start making some sound feedback.

"Whether it's a black cat or a white cat, a cat who can catch rats is a good cat"!