------------------------------------------------------------------------ * G * O * A * N * E * T **** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out
Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aristo xaristo at gmail.com Mon Sep 25 22:05:59 PDT 2006 Now that we've stopped with the "Stuffing" of Atheism in front of certain faces, its now time for "Stuffing" homosexualty! Of course, Cecil will soon remind us that this is GoaNet and not GayNet. Dear Aristo, GayNet notwithstanding, many on this list might be wondering why I am such a vocal proponent of gay rights and same-sex marriage on conservative GoaNet. It probably relates to the ability to 'come out' with a revelation which goes againt conventional attitudes and thinking. In my case, it was the realization that atheism was a valid world view and Humanism a morally ethical philosophy which did not rely on any supernatural powers to make it a valid choice. But it was also due to a message (below) that I had heard before but really didn't impress me until I had to make that difficult choice between the comfort of the immediate and extended social structure I had developed and the internal disconnect I felt between my rational knowledge and irrational beliefs. Having grown up in Goa, studying Science in Britto's, Botany and Zoology in Xavier's, the proper teaching of evolution was conveniently glossed over at these Jesuit institutions. Veterinary studies in Bombay were more specific to existing species and although the common anatomical and physiological features were apparent, I continued my belief that humanity was created specifically to hold dominion over the rest. Graduate studies in Canada delved more into the origins of life and the common underpinnings we have with all life in general. That was my first major disconnect with religious notions which I effectively compartmentalised for over 20 years. However, further comparative veterinary studies confirmed the biological nature of our behaviour including homosexuality. That notion was confronted head on by the Church position a few years ago when Canada was going through it's legalization of gay rights and same-sex marriage. The Church lost that battle and me. What I couldn't understand is how, in all good faith, so many teachers and spiritual leaders over the years could mislead their wards to think that the word of God was the last word on social issues which have been refuted by scientific investigation. I decided that I would not stand by idly if there was a valid fight to be won. The message I alluded to earlier was to empower others, specially minorities, that they have a voice and if they use it, others will eventually listen. I think it was about speaking up for others.... They came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came... For the record, I am happily(?) married to a beautiful and intelligent woman and have two teenage children, a 19y old son and a 15y old daughter, who seem well adjusted. My attention is diverted very easily by an attractive woman but not necessarily by a handsome man, unless he is able to engage me with an intelligent conversation. I will swoon over any gender who can engage my mind rather than my hormones. Kevin Saldanha Mississauga, ON. -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list Goanet@lists.goanet.org http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org