My friends and some former colleagues know that - some appreciate it, some didn't. Most likely, it's because the words that I choose to use. Those who appreciate know that it's coming from the desire to see something better, improved. Those who didn't probably see it as ignorance; as "don't question things, it's not your place" or the popular "put yourself in that pair of shoes and try to do it on your own".

That's the thing. If I do it on my own, I'd probably achieve the same results because I'd be in the same place. Things are different when solutions come from those aren't knee deep in it. It's clear to those who are watching, the observers.

If and when I write, it's because I'm on the outside. There are others out there who see things better. Accept it and move on. Listen for the solution.

Okay. Now that the message is clear, let's talk about what's wrong about this country. But before somebody screams, "political blogger, arrest him!" - don't. Listen first to what bloggers have to say - at least some of us - before you authorities act.

I have nothing against fast food. I have it once or twice a month when I'm too tired to busy to go grab a proper meal in the afternoon. No big deal. But here's what eating me up. A recent report at thestar.com tells the story of a certain Minister calling for the banning of fast food ads. Why now? Can you say "election"?

Do some other campaign. How about lobbying about helping the people in Johor who were affected by the massive flood recently or criticizing Astro for not showing enough PSA (Public Service Ads/Announcements) highlighting their cause? Talk about that. It's good for your image and it (let's hope) helps the victims. Win-win situation.

Don't thank me for the idea. It's free of charge. If you want to talk about social responsibility, go help those people. Banning fast food ads isn't going to stop people from enjoying their happy meals or help businesses grow.

Sure you get support from consumer associations and health groups. They want their 15 minutes of fame. Everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame. This is what happens when you talk before you think clearly of the consequences: You're advocating the idea that fast food advertising shouldn't be promoted.

What's going to happen to the people in advertising agencies? McDonald's would pull their account and a bunch of creatives get a pink slip each. What's going to happen to their families while they're out of a job? Bills pile up. Husband and wife gets into unnecessary arguments. Some file for divorce. Then they battle custody rights in court.

Question is: How does that help the country? What if those creatives get their chance to do a great campaign for their client? And in the process, win some international awards? This country gets on the world map for having a few creative hot spot. Creatives happy, agency happy, client happy - businesses grow. When businesses grow, country happy. When the country is happy, Ministers pocket more money from businesses. Ooh don't be shy, it's an open secret that some of you are easily bribed. Here's half a million. Build a white house (sic) in Klang.

What you do with your money or how you get your half a million, is your business. But when you say things that are not considered as intelligent or useful in public, remember, there are repercussions. And these repercussions affect the general public.

p/s

Want me to write your speeches and statements? For RM3000 per day - after taxes, I'll write post-winning speeches and/ statements. Positive results guaranteed. But, I don't work weekends or after 6 p.m and I don't entertain last minute requests or changes. What you see is what you get.


Here's another issue.

Malaysian ISP - clean up your act.

What I want to say has been said by A. Asohan. Read all about it here.

Labels: public service