Hi Marshal, When I write a post, I try to define (in my own mind) the information / message I want to share with others. I then concentrate on the optimum way to present that information. In ones attempt to be focused on the message, there is no time or room for "sarcasm, ridicule, thrashing of others post, intimidation, last wordism, nit-picking and hair spitting, abuse, name calling, labeling, insults." It is only one with no message; that tends to wander off in their writings. And their message may be as you describe above. A few try to use the old demagoguery; and for some that is their main tactic. This technique usually is: create a straw man, then tear it down. And then perhaps others respond by chasing "the straw man." On the topics now gripping goanet, like the "Orissa Killings," etc etc! Did Mahatma Gandhi spend time writing / arguing who started each Hindu-Muslim riot? Gandhiji's famous phrase was "Eye for and Eye would leave everybody blind." Goa could be a great example, for the rest of the country, on good Hindu-Christian relations. This would require Hindus and Christians across all ages, castes, economic status and gender-lines to work together on common social issues; and address economic problems of the disadvantaged. This would be a better solution to solve the tensions and violence that involves various ethnic groups across India. When I studied at St. Xavier's College, Bombay, (early 60's) we had multi-denomination groups (Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Parses) of about 30-60 students (boys and girls) spend a two-week stint; twice a year; at a social service camp. We (along with the local population) built roads, wells, water drainage systems to prevent flooding, mini-dams, and run a medical clinic in some remote parts of Maharashtra. I will leave it to your judgment to determine the religion, caste and economic status of the people we served and worked with. Yet, that was the learning experience that enriched us for the rest of our lives. A good motto for such work, is a quote of St. Francis of Assisi: "Start by doing what's necessary; Then do what's possible; And suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Regards, GL ------------- Marshall Mendonza we need to be able to debate all topics which affect or contributes to our well being and development. Many are deterred from posting and entering the debates because they are too sensitive. If we can and are able to keep our debates clean and fair, I am sure this internet forum could be fun for everyone. --------------- Gilbert Lawrence To build on this dialog, I suggest we form subgroups of three devoted to judge the values of various (aspects of) topics posed on Goanet. For example here is a sampling of topics. 1. Current Goa-centric issues. 2. Historical Goa-centric issues. 3. Goan Diaspora issues. 4. Indian national issues. 5. International issues as they affect Goans. 6. Social-cultural issues.
