Why do my eyes hurt?

"If you believe in democracy, you must believe in it unconditionally. If you believe that men should be free, then, they should have the right of free association, of free speech, of free publication. Then, no law should permit those democratic processes to be set at nought, and no excuse, whether of security, should allow a government to be deterred from doing what it knows to be right, and what it must know to be right... "

- Lee Kuan Yew,
Legislative Assembly Debates, April 27, 1955

If we are to survive as a free democracy, then we must be prepared, in principle, to concede to our enemies - even those who do not subscribe to our views - as much constitutional rights as you concede yourself."

- Opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew,
Legislative Assembly Debates, Sept 21, 1955

"If we say that we believe in democracy, if we say that the fabric of a democratic society is one which allows for the free play of idea...then, in the name of all the gods, give that free play a chance to work within the constitutional framework."

- Opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew,
Singapore Legislative Assembly, Oct 4, 1956

"Repression, Sir, is a habit that grows. I am told it is like making love - it is always easier the second time! The first time there may be pangs of conscience, a sense of guilt. But once embarked on this course with constant repetition you get more and more brazen in the attack.

All you have to do is to dissolve organizations and societies and banish and detain the key political workers in these societies. Then miraculously everything is tranquil on the surface. Then an intimidated press and the government-controlled radio together can regularly sing your praises, and slowly and steadily the people are made to forget the evil things that have already been done, or if these things are referred to again they're conveniently distorted and distorted with impunity, because there will be no opposition to contradict."

- Opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew
speaking to David Marshall,
Singapore Legislative Assembly, 4 October, 1956

"Power tends to corrupt;
absolute power corrupts absolutely"

- Lord Acton, British historian (1832-1902)

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but
if you want to test a man's character,
give him power.

- Abraham Lincoln

Neo: Why do my eyes hurt?
Morpheus: You've never used them before.