Fireworks, are they a throw in the bin?

I went to watch fireworks at Marina Bay today and it got me wondering whether fireworks are really necessary in our country.  Is it a waste of money or a good investment by the government?

Foremost, I’m certain that almost everyone loves the excitement and exhilaration they get when they view a spectacular display of fireworks.  The bursting of a dazzling array of stardust… the thrilling explosions that run shivers down your spine…  “The people love it, so the government ought to shoot a few million dollars worth of fireworks if they possess sufficient funds.”  That’s what a portion of our beloved citizens feel, while there is another group of our fellow men with a contrasting opinion, “Fireworks are an absolute waste of the nation’s money!  An event such as a fireworks festival is utter madness.  It’s literally burning money!”  Hmmm… which side are you on?

Fireworks keep the people happy and willing to vote for the government at the next general elections.  It is true to an extent, but isn’t it a common thing in most developed nations?  Afterall, it boasts a country’s economic prowess to be able to afford a breathtaking fireworks display.  Poverty stricken countries are definitely incapable of affording fireworks, whereas Singapore can very well pamper it’s citizens with fireworks a few times a year.  A few million dollars is negligible in our annual pool of billions.  Our total GDP was 141.2 billion dollars last year.  Furthermore, owning a reputation for having such fantastic exhibitions of fireworks might lure more tourists to visit Singapore which would naturally boost our GDP.  Tourism is of extreme importance to us as we have very little of anything else to acquire money from. 

Many argue that this few million dollars can bring the poor another mile forward in their lives.  I agree that this money spent on fireworks could be used for more welfare for the less fortunate.  However, putting this money into fireworks could actually attract more wealth to further help the poor and assist them for more than a meagre mile.  Tourism could bring plenty of money into the country and more investments might be obtained as investors from overseas would be beguiled by Sinagpore’s stability and continual development portrayed in our impressive fireworks display.  This means that the few million could be multiplied and given back to the community.  I dare conclude that fireworks are undoubtly, not valuable paper being burned into ash. 

I think I have covered enough on this topic and most of you are most probably nearly falling asleep reading about this.  There are other benefits of spending money on fireworks but I don’t think I’ll mention them if not I’ll be like a long-winded naggy old woman.  Here are a few pictures of the fireworks below.  I’ll post some more photos when jialing or chingz send them to me.  Try to enjoy the photos taken by my phone.

I’m getting more anxious as the pressure piles upon my shoulders with each fleeting day that narrows the gap between the present and the promotional examinations.  I didn’t do any work or study today and my worries are increasing.  I should force myself to do some work and study tomorrow.  The clock is ticking and I’m not studying…  All I did was went to choir and went out with choir friends, Jialing, XY, Guin, Fred, Danny, Ray Rin and Wayne.

Seconds are fading away as I stay in this amaranthine moment, awaiting for nothing…