Manifesto bullshit

I

ironfeak

Member
Feb 14, 2025
87
13
8
Since I don’t have direct access to the **PAP’s 2020 Manifesto** (or any other version), I’ll analyze common political "bullshit" traits based on **general manifesto structures** and **known PAP rhetoric**. If you provide specific quotes from the manifesto, I can give a more precise breakdown.

### **Likely "Bullshit" in the PAP Manifesto (Based on Political Patterns)**

#### **1. Vague, Feel-Good Slogans Without Substance**
Many manifestos use **broad, uplifting statements** that sound good but lack policy depth. Examples from past PAP rhetoric:
- *"A Fair and Just Society"* – What does this mean in practice? How will inequality be measured and addressed?
- *"Opportunities for All"* – Are there specific plans for upward mobility, or is this just aspirational?
- *"Secure Future for Singaporeans"* – How? Through which policies?

**Bullshit Factor:** High (if no concrete plans back these claims).

#### **2. Overpromising on "Listening to the People"**
The PAP often says it **"listens to Singaporeans"**, but critics argue it suppresses dissent (e.g., lawsuits against opposition, restrictive protest laws). If the manifesto says:
- *"We will engage all Singaporeans in shaping our future"* – But does it mean **real participatory democracy** or just controlled feedback sessions?

**Bullshit Factor:** Medium-High (if engagement is selective).

#### **3. Taking Credit for Past Successes While Ignoring Flaws**
The PAP has a strong record in economic growth, but its manifesto likely:
- **Boasts about GDP growth** (while downplaying wealth inequality).
- **Claims credit for housing success** (HDBs are a real achievement, but does it ignore rising costs and lease decay?).
- **Paints itself as the only party that can govern** (a common tactic to marginalize opposition).

**Bullshit Factor:** Medium (facts are true, but framing is selective).

#### **4. Fear-Mongering ("Only the PAP Can Keep Singapore Safe")**
A classic political tactic:
- *"Without the PAP, Singapore will fail"* – Is this backed by evidence, or is it just **fear-based campaigning**?
- *"We need stability"* – Does this imply opposition = chaos, without proof?

**Bullshit Factor:** High (if used to shut down debate).

#### **5. Broad, Unmeasurable Pledges**
- *"We will improve healthcare for all"* – How? Lower costs? Shorter wait times? Or just more hospitals being built?
- *"We will create good jobs"* – What defines "good"? Are wages keeping up with inflation?

**Bullshit Factor:** Medium-High (if no KPIs are given).

### **Conclusion: How Much Bullshit?**
Without the exact text, I can’t pinpoint **all** bullshit, but based on past PAP manifestos:
✅ **Some truths** (e.g., economic growth, infrastructure).
❌ **Likely bullshit**: Overly vague promises, selective framing, fear narratives, and lack of measurable policy details.

**Want me to fact-check specific lines? Paste them here!**
 
Last edited:
Since I don’t have direct access to the **PAP’s 2020 Manifesto** (or any other version), I’ll analyze common political "bullshit" traits based on **general manifesto structures** and **known PAP rhetoric**. If you provide specific quotes from the manifesto, I can give a more precise breakdown.

### **Likely "Bullshit" in the PAP Manifesto (Based on Political Patterns)**

#### **1. Vague, Feel-Good Slogans Without Substance**
Many manifestos use **broad, uplifting statements** that sound good but lack policy depth. Examples from past PAP rhetoric:
- *"A Fair and Just Society"* – What does this mean in practice? How will inequality be measured and addressed?
- *"Opportunities for All"* – Are there specific plans for upward mobility, or is this just aspirational?
- *"Secure Future for Singaporeans"* – How? Through which policies?

**Bullshit Factor:** High (if no concrete plans back these claims).

#### **2. Overpromising on "Listening to the People"**
The PAP often says it **"listens to Singaporeans"**, but critics argue it suppresses dissent (e.g., lawsuits against opposition, restrictive protest laws). If the manifesto says:
- *"We will engage all Singaporeans in shaping our future"* – But does it mean **real participatory democracy** or just controlled feedback sessions?

**Bullshit Factor:** Medium-High (if engagement is selective).

#### **3. Taking Credit for Past Successes While Ignoring Flaws**
The PAP has a strong record in economic growth, but its manifesto likely:
- **Boasts about GDP growth** (while downplaying wealth inequality).
- **Claims credit for housing success** (HDBs are a real achievement, but does it ignore rising costs and lease decay?).
- **Paints itself as the only party that can govern** (a common tactic to marginalize opposition).

**Bullshit Factor:** Medium (facts are true, but framing is selective).

#### **4. Fear-Mongering ("Only the PAP Can Keep Singapore Safe")**
A classic political tactic:
- *"Without the PAP, Singapore will fail"* – Is this backed by evidence, or is it just **fear-based campaigning**?
- *"We need stability"* – Does this imply opposition = chaos, without proof?

**Bullshit Factor:** High (if used to shut down debate).

#### **5. Broad, Unmeasurable Pledges**
- *"We will improve healthcare for all"* – How? Lower costs? Shorter wait times? Or just more hospitals being built?
- *"We will create good jobs"* – What defines "good"? Are wages keeping up with inflation?

**Bullshit Factor:** Medium-High (if no KPIs are given).

### **Conclusion: How Much Bullshit?**
Without the exact text, I can’t pinpoint **all** bullshit, but based on past PAP manifestos:
✅ **Some truths** (e.g., economic growth, infrastructure).
❌ **Likely bullshit**: Overly vague promises, selective framing, fear narratives, and lack of measurable policy details.

**Want me to fact-check specific lines? Paste them here!**