I never knew Singapore was such a dangerous place!

I realise now that Singapore is such a a dangerous place after reading this letter to the ST forum.

Bear with a little inconvenience when VIP visitors arrive

I REFER to the letter by Mr Yeong Chan Kong asking why United States President George W. Bush did not consider taking a helicopter during his recent visit to Singapore (ST, Nov 23).

I think the simple reason is safety. When a flying object is hit, it has to come down and if it does, it will crashland. Considering the density of buildings on the ground here, this will be disastrous not only for Mr Bush's survival, but also for those on the ground.

Moreover, security staff on the ground will be helpless to do anything, whereas Mr Bush's motorcade is reputed to be able to withstand a direct missile hit and still rush him to safety.

All said, let us welcome any head of state to Singapore with open arms and bear with a little inconvenience.

Also, the Land Transport Authority could be a little magnanimous to bear with some losses in Electronic Road Pricing collection by waiving charges if traffic has to be diverted.

Thomas Lee Zhi Zhi

I did not realise that there are people with rocket launchers walking around in Singapore. Hey, if it's such a hassle to protect the President of the United States of America, what chance does the PM Lee have? Just kidding.

Anyway I agree a small country like Singapore which is so dependent on "good relations" with bigger countries (read every other country) has to bend over its back sometimes.

Mr Lee's letter would have be good except that he disguised his request to have ERP waived as a "feel-good-praise-government-letter" in order for it to be published. Very smart this Mr Lee. LOL!

Here's the question I'm BURNING to have answered. Did George Bush's entourage pay ERP? *snicker* I suppose everyone already knows the answer to that one so save your crappy answers LTA! LOL!