Santosh and Carmen are right. History should be only at the back of our minds so that we do not repeat past mistakes. Obvious that politicians would try to divert public attention from governance issues (affecting them) to the sentimental issues (not affecting them). Penny wise pound foolish people immediately latch on to sentimental issues forgetting that they cannot buy onions for their children. Those initiating such issues are playing (inadvertently or by design) as agents of the politicians. Beware! Jage jayat! Tome Muito Cuidado! Rajendra
Santosh's wrote: The problems that Goa faces today have nothing to do with India or the Portuguese. They have nothing to do with invasion, colonialism, liberation, independence, freedom fighters, democracy, religion, intellectuals or lack thereof. The blame lies entirely with the people of Goa. It boils down to basic honesty, integrity, concern for fellow human beings, and respect for our heritage and natural environment, all attributes that reside within the individual. Those who are blaming others and finding excuses of one sort or another are themselves part of the problem in the first place. " Carnen wrote: I think Santosh is right up to a point, because one cannot entirely dismiss the influence of historical events which in turn trigger all kinds of social, economic and political developments which can be overcome if well and intelligently managed with strong leadership with vision. Goa's tragedy is the fact that the quality of leadership and politicians that came to power in Goa after 1961 was bad and became gradually worse. How much lower this leadership will sink, entirely depends on people in Goa.