Let my ask how much and what can you say about hugs? How difficult it is to describe something so primal and necessary. - the physical intimacy that it provides is unrivaled.

I recall reading somewhere that the Japanese were producing a inflatable pillow, similar to those you use when on long flights to help you sleep, to simulate the human hug. This goes to show the value and importance of hugs.
The sheer comfort and warm a hug from someone dear invokes or when you're so low in life that even a stranger's hug reminds you of the relevance to society and there are people out there for you.

In an increasingly isolated world, the opportunity for human contact seems hardly existent. How long has it been since you had a hug? True, hugging is still out there. But given the nature of today's world, ranting problems online, sending a sms or even giving a call seems to solve the problem, hugging seems to be something of the past. Regardless, having someone there to talk your problems with and having a hug at the end of the day goes a long way.
One the other hand, i feel there's some stigma to hugging. How often do you see males hugging one another? - unless its in a joyous occasion where one strikes lottery. Well, i guess the stigma arises from either the social intolerance of homosexuals and how people are afraid of being labeled one or the chauvinistic nature of males. I guess we've been groomed in a way such that we believe its 'unmanly' to show that we need comfort or condolence...

"It’s not just happening at schools; many corporations and business now forbid physical contact.
It cuts down on sexual harassment lawsuits. Perhaps with the continued evolution of Smartphones and emails and video conferencing, we’ll find a way to keep people from ever being in the same room together… won’t that be wonderful?

Years ago, they did an experiment with an orphaned baby monkey. They gave it two choices for a surrogate… one which could provide milk, the other a hug. The monkey chose the hug.

I grew up with various social disabilities. I had no friends. I got a job that only required I write memorandums. I lived a life, basically, with no real human contact. My client is an objectiphile. Both of us improved through the kindness, compassion, and yes, physical affection of others.

The human touch cannot be quantified. It cannot be analyzed with statistics. We can’t place a number on it, but it is much, much more than a doorway to sexual molestation.
It’s the best, the most direct, the most lasting way of affirming another person’s humanity. Leigh Swift was trying to comfort a student who was suffering. What policy can possibly justify firing her for that?

Six years ago, isolation had brought me to the point… I considered taking my life. I picked up
the phone and punched out 4-1-1, so desperate was I to hear just the sound of another person’s voice. I got some automated recording that said ‘what city and state please’… and I wept. We are living in such an increasingly isolated world, your Honor. We IM and text message and have virtual relationships online – it gets lonelier and lonelier while teenage and adult depression continues to rise. There are, perhaps, many things we can do about it… banning the hug can’t be one of them." - excerpt from Boston Legal: Roe vs Wade

Anyways on the hot topic of election coming so soon, i haven't been well informed after being overseas for quite some time. Well, as little as i know, i do know that the contesting between the People's Action Party(PAP) and Worker's Party(WP) in Aljunid seems to be pretty hot. From what I've gathered, WP Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang has moved to Aljunid to contest PAP for the Aljunid GRC.
I know that Minister George Yeo resides in the Aljunid GRC and this contest is going to be a rather impactful one should PAP lose. Having been to the opening ceremony for the BETA competition where Minister George Yeo gave a speech, it has left an impression that he is one worthy of his seat and to relinquish him of his post would be unfavourable for Singapore.

Being in the constituency for so long, having such knowledge of the governmental system and his wisdom, losing him or rather relinquishing him from his post would be detrimental for Singapore imo. I understand the need for WP to achieve greater standing in the cabinet, but i don't understand why Aljunid, especially with Mr. Yeo there.
It is in my opinion that the decision lies with the voters and to burden them with such a choice imo is unwarranted. Is there really a need to leave the decision of losing the current Minister Of Foreign Affairs. Yes, it is necessary to prove how worthy you are to contest for a seat. Yes, the choice should ultimately lie with voters and they should have a say in what type of Singapore they want. However, it is also to do what is best for Singapore and feel that you can bring something more than the current party. Personally, i feel this is a real tough decision. Imagine being able to choose between a Ferrari and Lamborghini. Why not have both cars? Similar to the government, why not put both senior and important members into parliament. Wouldn't this be best for Singapore?

I understand that WP has maintained a strong footing of the Aljunid GRC and losing to PAP by a mere 12%. However the burden to me seems unnecessary... Why not move your chess piece to another GRC where you could try and triumph the current party who doesn't have such an important standing in the governmental system (which would also seem to be easier to win since the party there isn't as strong). I see the need for a change in the political atmosphere, but something this sensitive i feel needs to be taken one step at a time...

However, if Mr. Yeo still maintains his seat as the Minister of Foreign Affairs should PAP lose the Aljunid GRC, i doubt it would really be a problem. I'm not too sure on how the whole system works as not much has been taught during my schooling days. These are just my thoughts and opinions on issues.