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Government Doesn't Get It? Don't Be So Fast To Judge

by Heng-Cheong Leong, MyAppleMenu

As a software developer, I've learnt that whenever there is a bug, always assume it's my fault, and start debugging there. If one starts by assuming the fault lies in the operating system or the compiler, one will almost always lose a lot of time and effort chasing down the wrong path.

Similarly, in a debate, whenever you start by assuming that it is the other party that just "doesn't get it", then you're bascially starting to dig a hole to bury yourself. All your arguments, most likely, are simplying attacks on strawmen, and you are, most likely, totally missing out on the other points of views. In other words, your words will simply indicate that it is you, instead, that just doesn't get it.

We see this self-destructing behavior in a lot of pre-internet-crash internet companies, who blamed everyone but themselves of just "didn't get it."

Today, I see this self-destructing behavior in this article, accusing the Singapore government of just "doesn't get it." But read carefully, and you'll discover that it is the anonymous writer who simply didn't get it.