Dear Heta, The following was posted on GoaNet by the Frederick Noronha, the feudal / semi-feudal Lord of GoaNet: "Thanks Heta for doing something that we "Goans" long neglected. Of course, you will get paid mostly in the currency of ingratitude and insult! "
Now, I believe that you have been in Goa long enough to know that the above statement by Frederick is not only boorish and unfortunate but also a misrepresentation of the Goan psyche. Why would Goans be (mostly) ungrateful and insulting to you - if you are good to them, which I believe you are? I personally believe that Goans who are not naive would mostly likely challenge you if you were a controlling or matlabi misrepresenter, which I believe you are not. If I remember correctly, Antonio Salazar was a control freak. He was reportedly efficient and personally honest, but a control freak all the same. He too was often hurt when he was rightfully criticised. But that, I submit, is for another day. I end with gratitude for (what I know of) your work, BTW: Do you not feel that you have lived long enough in Goa to be considered a Goan? If so, I wonder why Frederick has excluded you by referring to the we"Goans". jc ps: Have not yet read your History book. If there is such a book and it is reasonably fair and balanced, please accept my advance congratulations.