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>From Bella Comelo:
Just my observation and two cents worth. There are lots of things in USA that
our Goan community
take for granted. For example - our good paying jobs, the opportunity for
promotions and equal
employment. Union leaders had to make a lot of sacrifices to go on strike and
picket lines so
that others can enjoy the fruits. Ask any Goan to support labor and you will
find out their
apathy.
>From Anthony Braganza:
BRAVO, yes indeed we Goans do owe Martin Luther King a debt of gratituide and
we should endeavour
to be more open minded about Race Relationship in the USA, specially with the
Afro-American
Community. In some ways we Goans in the USA are reaping the rewards of the
labours and sacrifices
of the Afro-Americans.
>From Tony Carrasco:
Let us not forget Mahatma Gandhi who MLK emulated in his nonviolent strategies.
MLK's voice would
not have been heard as much if not for those ideas.
>From Oswin Martin wrote:
Isn't it true that many Goans have African and/or portugese ancestry? I am not
an authority on
this, but the facial characteristics of many Goans leads me to a mix of Afro
genes? I am sure some
of your readers would be able to shed light on this?
>From Ed:
Very well said!! Many times US Goans are racist towards African-Americans. They
are caught up in
what the media portrays of them, which like all people of color, is in a
negative tone. The
truth of the matter is there are thousands of positive African-Americans that
are not only passed
away, but are living. In order to find the truth one must research on their
own. I know too well
from experience. Keep positive in what you put out so we can all come together
collectively on a
global, economic level.
>From Johnny Fernandes, Kuwait (Colva):
Well writen needless to say. One of my favorite freedom activists. I've had the
opportunity
to befriend african-americans at the university parish and catholic students'
center while in
the States many years ago. They are kind hearted folks, they love music, dance,
party and
sport, and can get even personal when required, a bit like the goans one would
say. I used to
drive down the ghetto (hope that word is still used, if not excuse me) area,
you know that side
of town, and it used to remind me of the poor in Goa, the ones that still live
in palm tree
huts, living hand to mouth. Oh yes and did I mention that they drink a mean
wine (kind of like
our, not mine particularly, love for the fenny). There is this song performed
by Paul McCartney
while on tour in the states in '90; its called 'The Fool on the Hill.' Toward
the end of the
song Paul smoothly blends in the 'I have a dream' speech, and man every time I
hear it, it sends
chills down my spine! The song, if you hear it, talks about a 'fool' (of
course one who's really
not a fool). A person who quote 'sees the sun going down, the eyes in his head
sees the world
spinning round', 'day after day, while alone on a hill.' When you hear the
speech at the end of
the tune, it gives me a sense and a drive to remind me that the sky's the
limit, one's freedom of
expression and the right to be heard and act upon it; nothing's impossible if
one wishes to
follow his/her dream.
