Frederick wrote: > >I broadly agree with the need to face up to inconvenient aspects of >the past. At the same time, one hsa to be careful not to get caught >up in traps that could be used in a situation where a religious >polarisation is the main basis of fighting electoral battles in >today's Goa. >
Hi Frederick, I think the best way and perhaps the only way to reject the use of religious polarization in Goan and Indian politics is to refuse to play the game of today's politicians. One cannot counter a bogus historical view held on one extreme by propagating an equally bogus view on the other extreme. Apologists and accusers on either side can always find facts to support their preconceived views. So this is fundamentally a dishonest exercise. As far as I am concerned, one must mount a strong opposition to revisionist propaganda, but one can only do this credibly by demonstrating to everybody that that is what it is, by pointing out facts that refute it, and whenever possible, by educating people about settled positions held within the relevant branch of history. Regarding the Catholic Church as opposed to the Hindutva agenda, I am on the side of the Catholic Church in its current form on this issue because of its efforts at moderation. It has evolved to the point of accepting Evolution as an established fact. However, its apologists do not impress me in general. Hindutva on the other hand is a virus that has afflicted modern Indian society. It has to be eliminated using all non-violent and honest means. Cheers, Santosh ########################################################################## # 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 # ##########################################################################
