It shouldn't be a one man revolution. That was clear in the latest forum held by the Institute of Policy Studies at the Kent Ridge Guild House on 8th May'00 entitled "developments in civil society". But some people sure did try to avoid or grudged the discussion of politics.

All the speakers called for the masses to take on a more active role in moving towards the development of a civil society. But only one, Gomez talked about the need for a vibrant political society with a multi party option as also a legitimate concern of civil society.

But from the bunch of people gathered in the room it was plainly obvious that most were afraid of politics. From the floor there were calls to leave politics to the government or to explore it in only cultural terms. Both received sharp rebuttals from Gomez. Others just looked down or were squeamish when the "P" word was used.

Perhaps that's why civil society remains lukewarm because a vital part, the politics, has been kept out for too long. Not by the PAP but by the so-called civil society types themselves. The irony it seems lies in that it is civil society that keeps politics at the political party platform. Thus it was apt that Gomez finished his message on the need for a vibrant political society by singing a refrain from his new song entitled "It shouldn't be a one man revolution"

Refrain:
"We live in a place where most don't talk.
The kind of talk that sets you apart
Where being different is frowned upon.
And the only way to carry on....it to CONFORM"

Politics is a necessary component of civil society, even if you edit it out!

	P21