Goanet next meets in Goa: January 7, 4 pm (meeting point: Kala Academy canteen). Goanet founder Herman Carneiro will be there. See you there! ------------------------------
Dear Ms. Pereira,
Though I agree with your sentiments about the Red Light area in Baina being an eyesore and a nuisance to decent and law abiding citizens of the area, I beg to differ on certain finer points you have raised.
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"Flush them out and they will fend for themselves. I pass this area every day on my way to work and it makes me sad. "
I don't quite get this. Are you sad for the prostitutes who are forced to sell their body to make a living? Or for yourself and the other locals who have to put up with the nuisance? I suspect it is the latter since you want to "flush them out". Do you think this is a humane approach?
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"We watch them in buses/ eating houses/ beauty saloons."
So perhaps they should not be allowed to use public transportation, eat in public restaurants and enter beauty saloons? Reminds me of South Africa. Or was it the medieval 'untouchability' system?
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"A group of them even enter the church and walk up the aisle ,in the middle of the service and begin venerating the images around. "
Surely the local priest can stop this disturbing practice. But I hope you are not suggesting that they now not be allowed in the Church to pray - as long as they do it respectfully and reverently? Turning away the faithful is against the teachings of the Catholic faith - I think.
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"We could help with some monetary assistance but let them go."
This is a positive sign. But I doubt some small monetary assistance will alleviate their loss at losing their right to pursue their livelihood. A more practical solution would perhaps be proper relocation and rehabilitation. They are human beings too. Flushing them away, physically or with money, will mean just putting your dirt into the neighbour's backyard. A bigger perspective of the problem is required.
Cecil
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Message: 6 Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 00:48:59 +0530 From: Wilma Pereira <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet]Re: Baina cutting off victims Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Zarine Chinvala I understand your concern for the inmates of Baina Red-light area But May I offer my views .Being a Goankar of this area I am thoroughly disgusted to have such an area in our locality .It is a temptation not only for Tourists but our growing children and not so young husbands ,The growing number of AIDS cases reported daily is shocking and life threatening to the locals too. As a teacher in a nearby school I hate to state that many of our students have fallen prey . Recently, while on a National seminar in Rasjasthan I was quizzed mainly on this area by my curious colleagues. I realized to my horror that this area has given us Goons a cheap image (although most of the prostitutes are non -Goons ). It's been years we've been hoping and praying for this area to be wiped out. Private is no excuse for ruining our children / homes and threaten our health. I congratulate the Present Government and the Police force .,for taking a tough stand. In the past, corrupt politicians supported them for their votes . Flush them out and they will fend for themselves. I pass this area every day on my way to work and it makes me sad. We watch them in buses /.eating houses/ beauty saloons .A group of them even enter the church and walk up the aisle ,in the middle of the service and begin venerating the images around. We could help with some monetary assistance but let them go. Ms Pereira
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