The wife and I do not typically post our thoughts on
non-property related stuff here. But a letter that we came across this morning in
TODAY "Voices" had gotten us pretty riled up.
We are referring to the letter entitled "Unequal
benefits for single unwed mums a matter of deterrence". Some of you may
have also read it in the papers or already seen it and its related comments on
Facebook.
While the writer did not specify his stand on unequal
benefits as a deterrence against single unwed mums, to associate them with
criminals, loan sharks, kidnappers and even terrorists is absurd and way out of
context irrespective of one's view on the subject matter.
And regardless of whether the decision is made by choice
or circumstances, the wife and I believe that single unwed mums, despite their supposed
going against the "acceptable" societal and religious norms and
beliefs, should be accorded with benefits similar to those of dual parents. This
is not only a matter of social equality but the necessary support structure may also
ensue a greater chance for the baby to be born and eventually grow up to become
someone worthy of his/her existence rather than being just another digit in the statistics for unwanted pregnancy.
And if we truly believe in inadequate support for a child
born out of the wedlock as a form of deterrence against single unwed moms, why stop there? Maybe we should also leave those aged destitute who had chosen to squander away
all their monies on gambling or drugs out in the streets to die as a deterrent
against gambling and drugs. So where exactly do we draw the line?
Unequal benefits for single unwed mums is not the correct form of deterrence.
Education is and will remain so.
And by according similar benefits to them may not necessarily mean an
affirmation of their choice and decision, rather the sign of a matured inclusive
society that Singapore
has been striving towards... at least that's our humble opinion anyway.
Click on link to read the letter: Unequal benefits for single unwed mums a matter of deterrence
Click on link to read the letter: Unequal benefits for single unwed mums a matter of deterrence
If a mother made a mistake, her child don't have to pay for it.
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