Hello Roland, the reason I stay away from Goanet is I have a reputation for opening my mouth only to change feet.
But first, I must apologize to Selma. (Perhaps you can please convey this to her, as I am probably permanently blocked from her address book). Dear Selma, I apologize without reservations, if in any way I have caused hurt to you in pointing out what I thought was an error in judgment in the choice of words. The words you used were insensitive and unnecessary. My intention was not to hurt you. I reluctantly got involved in this issue, when I saw the outpouring from the soul by Cyprian in Australia, and his harsh put-down by Eddie. Cyprian was trying to voice the perceived hurt on behalf by many who would not be in a position to publicly respond to your written comments, for whatever reason. I know it could not have been an easy decision for him either. Selma, I have no hidden agenda; no vendetta; nothing against you. I have never met you, but we have spoken over the telephone. I have complimented you in writing on your well-written book, and congratulated you on your initiative in the EA Goan History project. I only commented on that project recently, when I saw grouped among the EA Goans interviewees, a British ex-colonial dishing out all that gooey stuff, that omitted the atrocities committed by the regime in racial segregation of non-white people, the detentions without trial on thousand innocent people (including Pio Gama Pinto) during the Mau Mau, and a host of other evils. Inclusion of that person’s interview, was an error of judgment too, in my opinion. You admitted to never having visited Africa, and Kenya, in particular. I felt I had something to say, that might have helped your perspective. Instead you went into a public tirade against me. Dear Selma, I was warned when I started writing, that I would automatically expose myself to comment and criticism. I do not expect my readers to weigh in their hearts, the sum of my good works to the community over the past 5-7 years, before they send in their two cents worth of comments, on my latest offering. You seem to do so, and you also tend to use highly emotive phrases in responding such as “I am pilloried without redemption,”and then you probably believe it so. Please relax. Take it in your stride. These are not life-threatening issues. Remember what your mother said – “today is a sad day, don’t worry my darling, something better will happen tomorrow.” Who knows, you might even see fit to ‘unblock’ me from your address book. With best wishes. Braz Menezes Just Matata - Sin, Saints and Settlers available as e-book on KOBO, KINDLE... http://www.justmatata.com
