Cars a necessity?

This is something that is really getting on my nerves.
 
The number of people that complains and complains that COE is too high and that cars are a necessity for them and there family etc etc etc. We are really a city of whiners and disillusioned people, but I think this fellow really takes the cake.

Cars a luxury? Not for us

How about a ballot to replace the bid system?

Letter from Mark Ho 05:55 AM Apr 12, 2010

ARE cars really luxury items that many of us can do without?

I would argue cars are not a "luxury" when one needs to transport young children, elderly folk and bulky goods. One is not guaranteed a seat on public transport when you most need it, and they are poor alternatives when one has to transport big, heavy items.

Besides, the time saved on transport when one owns a car helps families bond - just by virtue of allowing parents to get home faster to spend quality time with their children. Is family bonding time a luxury we should consider doing without?

If the intent of the COE system is to control the number of cars on the road, why do we need a COE bidding system, since it promotes unhealthy speculation? Just controlling the number of COEs (perhaps by ballot system) should suffice - without bringing money into the equation.

Seriously Mark?  One is of course not guaranteed a seat, did you also know that your CPF rate is not guaranteed, your job is not guaranteed, your interest rate and money with the bank is also not guaranteed? The only guaranteed thing right now in this country other than walkovers is that you have been leading a way too sheltered life! Do you know that there are entire families who are homeless and live in tents on beaches? Do you know that there are people in Singapore that can't even afford to take public transport to go for a job interview? Have you ever seen pregnant ladies on the public transport every morning? Elderies and family carrying kids, baggages and disabled people? They too used the public transport on a daily basis. What makes you and your family so fucking special? You are an elite ah?!

Having a car helping a family bond is one of the most ridiculous thing I have heard in recent times. Are you implying that roads are too congested so you end up 'bonding' more in traffic jams? Family bonding times take place at anytime, all the time. I bond with my family by making it a point to have dinner together at least once a week. I bond with my family by calling them and asking about them during my lunch hour. I bond with my family by going on trips together. I certainly do not bond with them in a car cos that would (1) be dangerous if i am not paying a 100% while on the road and (2) if i were stuck in a jam, more often than not, I will be in a irritable mood that is not really conducive for bonding.

Finally, on proposing a ballot system for COE, I would like to ask what happens if someone like you, who considers a car a necessity, does not get one? Or do you simply assume that because you are special and have 'real' needs, you will be guaranteed one?

Wake up dude and be realistic!

Disclaimer: My family own ONE car for nearly 10 years that we share, and while there are undoubtly convenience in owning a car, it still IS a luxury, not a necessity at all! Kids take the school buses, my mum would take the occasional taxi for her medical checkups, and the adults take the public transport daily for work.