Dear Neil, First of all, I'd like to thank you for your presentation. I also enjoyed reading from Jason and Eddie D'Sa
Two preliminary comments: a: It is nicely written b: Always a pleasure to read from newer and younger minds. May more flow from your e-pen. Allow me, however, to suggest where I might differ from your presentation and your quasi-defence of Mr. Green: Neil 1: This issue may not be so much of xenophobia or British imperialism but rather of being overwhelmed by potentially culturally incompatible outsiders with another trait - dubious loyalty to their own passport-country Portugal jc1: (a) When one considers the total population of the UK, is the number of the Portuguese Goans overwhelming? (b) How do we know that these Goans have dubious loyalty towards Portugal? (c) Are ALL the British loyal to Britain? Are ALL Indian citizens loyal to India? How does one quantify Loyalty? == Neil 2: Why blame the British. They don’t want any more outsiders; just as much and the way regionalists in different regions within India don’t like outsiders from other states coming in and settling down. jc 2: One can understand the distrust one might have of folks who are different. That is normal human behaviour. However, Britain has a CHOICE if it does not want any more Euro-outsiders to settle in Britain. It has only to walk out of the European Union. Let's remember: Britain is not one of the founder members of the EU-precursor. It joined Europe in 1973 and even had a referendum in 1975 to stay in Europe. BUT, it can still walk out. == Neil 3: Goa is no exception jc 3: Perhaps. But Goa's case is diametrically opposite when compared to Britain's (a) Goa did not sign up to join anybody (like Britain did) (b) The Goans migrating to Britain: Population of Britain ratio is vastly different from the ratio of Migrants entering Goa:Population of Goa. (c) To the best of my knowledge, Goans are NOT squatting and filthifying Britain. Can one say the same about the migrants entering daily into Goa? (d) Britain has the option of walking out of Europe. Does Goa have that option of walking out of India? == Neil 4: If wanting to settle down in the UK or any EU country by using their Portuguese passports is what they want; then the intention is clearly malafide and an abuse. jc 4: You might be confusing nationality with just passports. The fact is that Goans are entitled to their Portuguese citizenship - as a right. And as Portuguese citizens, they have certain rights including Free Movement within Europe and Visa waivers to many countries incl US, Canada and Australia. Where is the 'malafide and abuse'? As I said before: ALL Britain or any other country has to do is Leave Europe or Cancel bilateral agreements. == Neil 5: why on earth do many Goans want a Portuguese passport. Can't they just retain their Indian passports. They don't necessarily have to work in Goa or in India. They can depend upon their own skills and qualifications to further their own interests, wherever in the world, like many of us do.. jc 5: I cannot answer for others. I personally believe that every adult has a right to chart his or her own course. As long as they do not harm another by charting that course, I support their right to exercise their free will. There are many who just might suggest that we should all live at home (in our parental home) and also help the poor in our villages + work in the rice fields instead of working in offices here and there. I remind myself that NOT every one who retains/regains/reaffirms Portuguese nationality, does so for the purpose of benefits or jobs etc. In general: there are many (non-financial) reasons why an individual decides to give up a particular citizenship and opt for another. They are probably similar to the reasons why others decide NOT to give up a particular citizenship Thanks for an interesting post. It certainly helped me say my piece on the matter. jc