Singapore’s Lessons for an Unequal America ( Joseph Stiglitz )
SINGAPORE
Inequality has been rising in most countries around the world, but it has played out in different ways across countries and regions. The United States, it is increasingly recognized, has the sad distinction of being the most unequal advanced country, though the income gap has also widened to a lesser extent, in Britain, Japan, Canada and Germany. Of course, the situation is even worse in Russia, and some developing countries in Latin America and Africa. But this is a club of which we should not be proud to be a member.
Some big countries Brazil, Indonesia and Argentina have become more equal in recent years, and other countries, like Spain, were on that trajectory until the economic crisis of 2007-8.
Singapore has had the distinction of having prioritized social and economic equity while achieving very high rates of growth over the past 30 years an example par excellence that inequality is not just a matter of social justice but of economic performance. Societies with fewer economic disparities perform better not just for those at the bottom or the middle, but over all.
Its hard to believe how far this city-state has come in the half-century since it attained independence from Britain, in 1963. (A short-lived merger with Malaysia ended in 1965.) Around the time of independence, a quarter of Singapores work force was unemployed or underemployed. Its per-capita income (adjusted for inflation) was less than a tenth of what it is today.
in full: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/singapores-lessons-for-an-unequal-america/
Kolesar
(31,182 posts)You have to be named "Lee" to become President.
Its true that Singapore, a highly centralized state, has been ruled for decades by Mr. Lees Peoples Action Party. Critics say it has authoritarian aspects: limitations on civil liberties; harsh criminal penalties; insufficient multiparty competition; and a judiciary that is not fully independent.
Lee's party sued the Singapore Democratic Party in their kangaroo court and confiscated their entire treasury of $500,000.
The courts judged against several newspapers who published storied critical of the tyrant.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)Kolesar
(31,182 posts)They are always looking for talented people to replace the people who move away.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)Yet you still can't say.
Snark is something perhaps you believe is a response to Stiglitz's OP, unfortunately.
Stiglitz: The United States, it is increasingly recognized, has the sad distinction of being the most unequal advanced country
Singapore has had the distinction of having prioritized social and economic equity while achieving very high rates of growth over the past 30 years...
Have a nice day.
mainer
(12,013 posts)It's true that free speech is suppressed and rules against misbehavior are draconian -- take a sip from a water bottle on the subway, and you'll get arrested. Spit out your chewing gum and you'll get arrested.
But this despot's priorities are different from most. Lee makes social orderliness and education and economic development a priority, which has lifted Singapore to a comfortable living standard.
So this offers a fascinating choice. Loss of freedom for a wealthier, well-educated society? Or complete freedom with terrible wealth disparity?
Kolesar
(31,182 posts)Singapore is what Karl Rove envisaged for America ten years ago.
mainer
(12,013 posts)if they WERE given the choice.
Especially here on DU, where some have demanded draconian measures to address wealth inequality. Some have talked about 90% taxes. Some have talked about wealth confiscation. They advocate despotic means, but in their eyes, it isn't draconian at all.