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Hi Vivian (D'Souza): You misread me once, twice and thrice for the following reasons
(i) I didn't address the post to you, but to Viv(iana) who had earlier commented on my comments; I was responding to her. You of course have a right to your views, but cannot fault me for a post "addressed to me among others, even thought I had not commented so far..."
(ii) My post does not question the generosity or friendliness of "most Americans". My comments came to raise a counterpoint to what seemed a rather gullible (no offence meant!) perspective on what the Marines had come to Goa for, and what they did here. I found it rather odd to argue that the US military men were "welcomed as guests" or that the painting of two classrooms deserved to be so much tom-tommed about.
(iii) My goal isn't to stereotype any race, but simply to say we need to be more critical in swallowing what a powerful PR machinery (the US military in this case) tells us. FN
On Mon, 18 Oct 2004, Vivian D'Souza wrote:
Fred's posting on this subject was addressed to me among others, even though I had not commented so far, probably to elicit a response, so here goes....
Yes, Fred, I am very disappointed at your comment.
Most Americans are very generous and friendly. I feel certain that the Marines did what they did out of a genuine sense of service and helping out where they felt the need. Here in the USA, the Marines have sponsored the "Toys for Tots" program around Christmas time for decades. Get to know a marine on a one-to one basis and you most likely will find a genuine human being who cares about society and his fellow human beings.
Let us separate the view one has of the "Ugly American" and the policies of the American government from the rank and file people of the United States, most of whom are very friendly and caring, and bewildered that many people around the world hate Americans. Let us stop our stereo-typing mentality about people from any country or any race.
Proud to be an American of Goan origin.
Vivian A. D'Souza
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From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sun Oct 17 00:51:23 2004
Gilbert, You're presuming that (i) the US marines were "welcomed" as guests rather than dollar-spenders in Goa (ii) the Goans were great hosts, going by what the PR writer attached to the US Navy put out (iii) the class-room painting act was something more than a public relations exercise by a military force which has earned a lot of criticism and dismay, if not disgust, for its actions around the globe.
You are also assuming that painting of class-rooms is a priority in Goa, and that this is what expat Goans (and "native" Goanetters) are best suited to undertake and coordinate.
Finally, don't forget the First Law of Volunteering and Throwing Up Suggestions: "Suggest something which you yourself can do best; not an idea which everyone else has to implement!"
FN
On Sat, 16 Oct 2004, Gilbert Lawrence wrote:
Gilbert Lawrence responds:
Reading the following story made feel real proud especially in this
election season in USA. I am proud because of:
1. The US sailors (with my tax dollars) visited Goa.
2. The Americans were welcomed as guests.
3. The Goans were great hosts.
4. Thy Americans provided a good example to native Goans and
non-resident Goans by donation and service (painting two class rooms) to a school for poor in Goa.
Now can we gain from all this? Can the Goans concerned about the
perpetuity of caste, do a paint-job in a school which is predominant of
the lower caste? Let's show our disdain for caste in Goa by doing
something about it ..... with our hands. Can international GoaNetters at their next get-together in Goa volunteer to provide two-five days of
service? Can native GoaNetters coordinate this project? Regards.
