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Hi Gabe,
I think what you have written on this thread makes ample sense. Though, I am
not familiar with the individual politicians in Goa to accuse them of nefarious
activities.
I think the solution for better governance is for all to be ACTIVELY involved
in the process - volunteer to work within a party and serve on committees to
look at issues and find solutions. Not long ago, a reputable Goan (similar to
what Bonefacio Lopes suggest) was invited to join "the political process". She
turned the invitation down and was cheered by some prominent Christaum
Goenkars.
So it appears that we often "want to have our cake and eat it too."
When a candidate wins an election in a democracy, does not that signify
majority of the voters accept his / her priorities or the reverse? To accuse
politicians of "vote bank" is outdated. The modern term for this practice is
"Party Base". This is the basis of political parties and democracy all over
the world. Goans, specially Catholics, need to understand that politics and
governance are active and on-going processes. It is not merely a
one-in-five-year duty to turn up at the polls. In Goa this duty sadly is even
more frequent.
In-between elections, we also need to remind ourselves of President John F.
Kennedy's words: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do
for your country."
Regards, GL
