[Goanet] Nature of Goa's government

[Gilbert Lawrence]

Hi Philip,

I was hoping someone would respond to your interesting comment. But since no 
has done so, let me take your bait.

Goans can stay in their balcao contemplating the three-ring circus in 
government in Goa and India.  Yet in the short span of about 40-60 years, Goa 
and India have made remarkable economic strides (from bullockcart to space 
missions) in spite of the three-ring circus. Can you  imagine what these 
places and people would have done if all were on the same page?  

Let me make a humble suggestion to Goan writers.  Instead of the news-reporters 
giving their opinion and solutions on every aspect of life, why don't they 
interview and quote people in the know?  Hence let's hear from retired Goan 
navy brass about the navy base in Goa. Let's hear from retired airline pilots 
and officials about the maximum utilization of Dabolim, or the need for MOPA, 
and the tourists /film industry about IFFI, etc.  Don't you think that would be 
a better way to educate cyber-Goans?  

I have yet to read pros and con on any Goa related issue from two recognized 
authorities. Thus the rest of us may get the same EXPERT opinions and advice as 
the politicians.  Perhaps you and other journalists have done so. Goans living 
in the north and south pole (i.e. far away from the Goan tropics like me) 
would be better off listening to and reading from some technically qualified 
natives.  Just a suggestion.   
Kind Regards, GL

Philip Thomas:
I would be interested to know especially from our overseas Goan friends in 
supposedly progressive climes what the role should be of a democratic 
government in a republican context in this tragi-comic situation. Cheers.

[Goanet] Nature of Goa's government

[Gilbert Lawrence]

It is not my intent to opine on Goa's Airport issue. This appears to be 
consuming Goans both in the native land and in the Diasporas.  Yet this issue 
and a few others about Goan attitude to Goa's government intrigues me.  

Goans need to remember that Goa and India is a DEMOCRACY. But more important 
GOA AND INDIA is a REPUBLIC.  In this form of government, the populace elects 
representatives.  These representatives make decisions on behalf of the 
populace. So if one does not like the decision (or lack there-off) of the 
politicians, the real time to make your opinion felt is at the polls.  And if 
one feels strongly about the ability of the politician, contest the election 
against him or her. After all, IF the politician is so inept and the critic or 
the news-reporter so smart, then the contest should be an easy win, with the 
politician defeated.  

So individual Goans should take a break.  Stop arguing the same point over and 
over again with name calling. If there are some concerns meet with the elected 
official as a delegation and seek action with a TIME TABLE. We need to get on, 
with all of us doing our respective jobs for which we are hired, appointed or 
elected.  Politicians are not paid to get insulted in the press, in cyberspace 
or in person.  We do not advance the cause of government by everyone being an 
expert on everything in our lives. You get my drift.:=))  

Goan politicians are smart enough to make policy decisions and the people have 
to respect their decisions. Or else every Pedro, Gabru and Forcu in each 
village and in every Diaspora will have fifteen opinions on the airport and 
every issue connected with Goa. Fifteen cooks will ruin the soup - guaranteed.

Goans are questioning why or will the govt. provide transportation to the old 
and new airport.  It would appear these Goans do not have any relatives in the 
taxi business or have no interest in owning a fleet of taxis, mini vans or 
buses. Why does the Government have to do everything with YOUR tax rupees??? 
Kind Regards, GL

Nasci Caldeira 
It is high time that the Civilian Authority make demands on the Navy, from 
today, untill such time they can and be able to get out of Dabolim altogether. 
Why not? Dabolim has been civilian from inception; the Navy has to listen to 
the Civil Power in Goa and in New Delhi; they should stop dictating and trying 
to influence locals etc with sops!