Frederick wrote:
I do not believe in tithes and the buying of indulgences.
Cecil replies:
Neither do I.
--------------
Frederick:
Likewise, I do not subscribe to the view that good goenkarponn (if there is
anything like that!) consists of sending dollar remittances to charities
back home.
Cecil:
Neither do I.
-----------
Frederick:
I disagree with Cecil's berating of Gilbert. Who are we to judge what
others have done "for Goa"?
Cecil:
I did not berate Gilbert. I used him as an example of overseas Goans who
talk the talk but don't walk the walk.
----------
Frederick:
If I were to be judged by the same yardstick, I would probably come across
as the stingiest Uncle Scrooge around. So, is it fair to set criteria for
others?
Cecil:
You are using the wrong, and very narrow, yardstick. In terms of giving
back to your community you, Frederick, have done a lot. Walking the talk
does not necessarily have to be measured in money terms.
Bosco DeMello gives back by utilising his time and energies to moderating
this often productive forum. Gaspar Almeida gives back by promoting Goan
businesses abroad. Savio Figueiredo gives back by moderating Aldona Net
that has been crucial in implementing many community projects. Carmo Santos
gives back by organising visits for Goan cultural troupes, tiatrs, beat
groups etc to Kuwait. George Pinto gives back by raising funds for Goan
causes. Domnic Fernandes gives back by entertaining us and educating us
about the Goa of old.
These people and many more Goans here and abroad give back not just in
terms of money but also valuable time, energy and talents. The crucial
words are 'giving back' and not 'money'. Only dishing out gratuitous advice
in Goan cyberspace does not constitute 'giving back.
----------
Frederick:
When Cecil constrasts Gilbert to other Aldonkars, is he (i) flattering
other Aldonkars into being "more generous"?
Cecil:
Is the Pope Catholic?
-------------
Frederick:
(ii) saying that everyone should support the causes he supports to get a
good word out of him?
Cecil:
Not necessarily. I have said 'good words' about many people who support
causes I am not associated with. Your logic is flawed.
----------
Frederick:
Well, as everyone knows, I believe that investing in reading-rooms and
magazine centres for schools is the best investment anyone can make in a
Goan context, when it comes to building social capital here. Yet, I'm
certainly not going to judge people on the basis of how much they share my
views on this or other points.
Cecil:
Agreed. We all have our own priorities. As long as we are all working for
the common good of the community. And not just blasting our mouths in Goan
cyberspace.
---------
Frederick:
Maybe, I'm more than a bit fundamentalist when it comes to discussing with
people who don't agree with the primacy I give to secularism. Or, the need
to question the infallability of Science. But that is another point.
Cecil:
Indeed it is. I am not a fundamentalist.
I just call a spade a spade.
-----------
Frederick:
Cecil, your earlier disagreements apart, I don't think it's fair to
castigate Gilbert in the manner you have. Peace ani moipas.
Cecil:
Peace be with you too Fred, and with all those wonderful people who give
back in whatever way. The others are worth nothing but contempt.
The annual hullabaloo of Goa Day is approaching. Perhaps whoever decides
the annual theme should consider "Giving Back" as the theme for next year.
Please understand that this is not just about loud mouthed overseas Goans.
I despise successful Goans in Goa too who don't give anything back to their
community.
Cheers!
==========================
