--- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], Francisco Colaco <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This is with reference to the RSS reaction vis-�-vis > what the Pope is reported to have said recently, which > Frederick was kind enough to place on the net.............. It is said the Christians are a "soft target" and that's what makes > them so vulnerable. ------------------------------------------------------------------
Francisco, the RSS may think that Christians are soft targets--well this one isnt! Please see my letter to the Navhind times today, which is reproduced below. We must stand up in every forum and condemn such attacks. regards, Gilbert. Dear Editor, (Navhind Times) As an exserviceman who has made great sacrifices for my country, the recent statement of the RSS against the Pope and Christian missionary activity, set my alarm bells ringing, against this organisation which is blatantly attempting to divide communities in our great country. Even 50 years after Independance, certain right wing extremist organisations, instead of devoting their time to vital economic and social issues, are attempting to hijack the majority vote on the basis of religious baggage which has been buried in most liberal democracies a long time ago. The RSS has now stated that the popes statement is a "direct challenge to the sovereignity of the country". In fact it is the other way around. Most of the threats this country faces today are Internal and not external. The huge increase in paramilitary forces, and the deaths caused by internal communal disturbances, bear witness to this fact. For example, the babri mosque demolition directly caused over a 1000 deaths. Who caused all this mayhem, including the one in Gujerat, if not communal forces? The RSS has also condemned the Popes call for evangelisation. Now this is a basic tenet of the Christian faith and permissable in all liberal democracies, including ours, being enshrined in our constitution, as it is a basic human right. It was forbidden in some totalitarian states such as the erstwhile Soviet Union in the past. But this country is not totalitarian. The RSS has also declared that allowing missionary activity is giving them "a licence to infringe on our national ethos". This statement would raise anyones hackles, because it implies that Christians do not possess national ethos? In one sweeping statement, the sacrifices of thousands of people belonging to the minorities, who died for the security of this country, and who helped in its development, is sought to be swept away. It is indeed heartwarming that the majority of people in this country are more concerned about economic issues than caste or religious ones, but as we develop as a country and take our rightful place in the comity of nations, it is time we take stock of such irresponsible declarations from extremist organisations and consign them to the dustbin of history. Unfortunately, with almost 40% of our countrymen illiterate, we have to be on continous guard to protect our constitution and State. Gilbert Menezes. ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
