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OPINION
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O HERALD O
Vol No CX No: 145 Welcome the Pope and the Gays
Goa, Saturday 5 June, 2010

portuguese temperament was at its ambivalent best during the recent visit of the pope, says Teotónio r De souza
It’s all about the
money, honey! T he folksy Portuguese tend to voice their
opinions loudly about everything under the
sun, and the more ignorant amongst them
go to the length of describing the move in terms
of 30 silver pieces that proved sufficient to sell
Jesus to his killers, but implied it in many words

I t’s no longer a sport; it’s a business. The Board for Control are generally the loudest. By and large, it is a that questioned the incongruity between personal
of Cricket in India’s (BCCI’s) decision not to send a team people that boil in very little water (ferve em convictions and political gains, usually presented
to the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, later this year pouca água) but bear no malice. As they call it, it by politicians as national needs.
is all “de boca para fora”. This is generally accepted What Portugal is also expectantly looking for-
is in many ways a logical extension of the financial scandals by the Portuguese themselves as their national ward to is the winding up of the 10 year-long
that have engulfed the body that is supposed to be in trait of má lingua (love of gossip), to which could paedophilia scandal that opened the millennium.
charge of India’s most successful sport. Officially, the BCCI’s be added the other trait, of mutual jealousy. The public feeling is that the guilty with high po-
excuse is that the Asian Games clashes with the New Zealand The Portuguese chronicler of Discoveries and litical connections will get away lightly, perhaps
tour of India. It says the tour is vital for India to retain its author of the classic Decades of Asia João de with tough-sounding admonitions not very dif-
No: 1 rank among test-playing nations and that it therefore Barros has recorded his characterisation of the ferent from those one hears these days from Mon-
cannot afford to field a second-string side against the Kiwis. Portuguese, who suffer more with the well-being signor Scicluna, threatening the paedophile priests
According to the BCCI, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) of others than with their own misfortunes. It can with fires of hell. Much depends on who believes
has already made it clear that it will not accept a second be relished better in his original version: “Ao por- in the existence of Hell. Even if all believed, it
string side from India in the Asian Games. Therefore, it tuguês mais dói o bem do outro do que o mal would not justify sending the judges on permanent
says, it has had to choose… próprio.” holidays.
But note the choice. The Asian Games offers honour and On 13 May, like on most of those monthly un- The Vatican has already come under fire from
a medal, but no money. The New Zealand tour, on the other lucky dates, sizeable crowds of Portuguese rushed gay groups for linking homosexuality with pae-
to Our Lady of Fatima to seek solutions for the dophilia. But in Portugal at least, the legalisation
hand, fits perfectly into the BCCI’s ongoing financial arrange-
crises that their politicians generally contribute of gay weddings and soft-pedalling on the pae-
ments. In short, the BCCI has chosen cash over country. There to aggravate the existing ones. So it has been dophilia scandal have coincided in time. But Por-
are other cricket-playing countries in the sub-continent. There ever since the birth of the first Portuguese Re- tugal has a long history of sodomites and
too, cricket is a moneyspinner. However, both Sri Lanka and public, which this year completes 100 years, half ‘fanchonos’ that fills heaps of documentation of
Pakistan will send teams for the Asian Games. So will minnows of these spent under Salazar’s dictatorial regime the Portuguese Inquisition archives. Luiz Mott, a
Bangladesh. India, alone, will not. of doubtful republicanism. renowned anthropologist of Brazil, has published
If recent events are any indication, the BCCI is a giant mon- But even the first Republic, like its ground extensively on this aspect of Portuguese history.
eyspinning machine, and nearly all its top officials seem to
have their hands in the till. After the shenanigans of former
model – the French Revolution and Jacobinism –
proclaimed Liberty, Fraternity and Equality with hisToricAl explorATions But long before, it was the subject of two novels
of Abel Botelho, one of those who designed the
IPL supremo Lalit Modi, yesterday’s newspapers reported a generous dose of high-handed legislative meas- memorate 400 years of the conquest of Goa, with On his arrival, the Pope praised the historic republican flag of Portugal. In his two novels, O
that companies in which BCCI President Sharad Pawar has a ures and use of a variety of pressures, without a solemn and extraordinary exposition of the and glorious role Portugal played in the missionary Barão de Lavos and O Livro de Alda, he pointed
significant stake had bid for the Pune IPL franchise; a clear having to resort to the French expertise of the relics St Francis Xavier in December 1910. expansion worldwide since the 16th century. St to the intensity of male and female homosexuality
conflict of interest. All professional sport bodies do operate guillotine. It is just like saying that Goans were In the last month of May, the Portuguese put John de Britto’s link with India was not forgotten! in Portugal as a national pathology.
like businesses, but most do not lose sight of the fact that converted to Christianity with no use of force. up yet another show of the volatility of their emo- The Pope expressed his desire to see Portugal The evil consequences of the separation of
Admirers of the enlightened despot the Marquis tions and their compulsive desire to cut a figure continuing its mission in Europe and the world males and females in a small population of Portugal
basically, they are running a sport and not a business. de Pombal, the republican free-masons, erected at the time of the Voyages of Discoveries appear
of an advanced and modern people. The Por- today, where he saw God being replaced with al-
Here, the BCCI seems to have comprehensively lost its for him an eye-filling statue in the middle of the tuguese masses are easily carried by their elite ternatives that led people nowhere. Such an en- described in the Autos, the celebrated dramatic
way. It appears as though there is no control over income, capital city of Lisbon. They too resented the gentry in the mimicry of modernism. The Por- comium won over the Portuguese soul during performances of Gil Vicente. But it is in the Autos
expenditure and receipts. No one is accountable. And every- clerical influence upon the popular masses, which tuguese are not unaware of this national trait, the rest of the visit. da Fé and death penalties of the Iberian inquisi-
body makes money. they preferred to see bullied by their own ‘en- for which they have coined the saying: “Para o The pious demeanour of President Cavaco and tions that we see the scale and the tragic fate of
Look at other sports. Football is played by around 150 lightened’ ways. ingles ver!” Which means: “to impress the English”. his wife, who assiduously accompanied the Pope those involved in ‘pecado nefando’ (monstrous
countries, compared to the eight that play cricket. A Football Fatima was a Church response to the republican Following the unfavourable publicity that Pope in all his major engagements, certainly meant sin, sodomy).
high-handedness that sought to delink the state Benedict XVI received throughout Europe, includ- much as a sign of national welcome, even though The secret prisons of the Inquisition were spe-
World Cup is a real global event. In comparison, a Cricket
from the church. The republican free-masons were ing Portugal, alleging that he was responsible for a few days later the same President signed into cially reserved for these. The Inquisition records
World Cup is a small club of just over half a dozen countries not very coherent or consistent in their policies. of the sodomites cover all sections of Portuguese
leniency towards clerical paedophiles, the overall law a bill that legalised gay marriages. The con-
pretending to be ‘the world’. But most countries still make For instance, they did not renounce Portugal’s society, not excluding the religious and clerics of
evaluation of the Pope’s visit to Portugal was un- stitutional procedures left no alternative to his
sure to field a football team for the Olympics. Clubs release Padroado claims overseas, particularly in India. expectedly very positive, without a shade of the approval, but his subdued comments were dictated all ages and hierarchical levels.
players that they pay lakhs of dollars a week to do national The anti-clerical republicans did not want to virulence that was in air before the visit. Several by a political strategy that could guarantee his By way of conclusion, it would be too facile to
duty. That shows honour and patriotism. On the contrary, lose the church links for their political influence factors may have contributed to this ‘miracle’ re-election as President for a second term. attribute the scandal of priestly paedophilia solely
the BCCI wants to see the cash first… overseas. They even confirmed the budget that that transformed the public image of the Pope, The Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon was quick to to the clerical celibacy. The cultural ambiance
Tennis is another huge moneyspinner. Top tennis players was worked out under the monarchy to com- who came as pilgrim to Fatima. react, and voiced his disappointment. He did not certainly has its responsibilities.
make millions of dollars a year. Yet, most take time off to

parents: Your best friends

play for their country in the Davis Cup and Federation Cup. Tongue in cheek
They even play in the Olympics. Let us remember that the
only Olympic singles medal India has won in tennis − a By Adelmo Fernandes
bronze − was by Leander Paes in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

M
He lost to the then top player in the world − Andre Agassi ay God defend me from friends; I can defend myself from been ditched by his friends. Indeed, with friends like these who true friends from trouble makers, because the latter are like wolves
− in the semi-final. my enemies, wrote Voltaire. The other day, I happened to needs enemies? True friends are a joy to behold, more precious in sheep’s clothing. One way to test true friendship is in money
Even those who make much more money than our cricketers come across a poem written by an undertrial who is still than diamonds and pearls. The Bible says: “Greater love has no matters. “The holy passion of friendship is so sweet and steady
have the pride and humility to represent their countries, behind bars. The poem, titled: ‘Parents Love – The Ultimate’ says: man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” (John and loyal and enduring in nature that it will last through a lifetime
even where only honour and a medal are forthcoming. What “Why do children sometimes decide 15:13) But true friends are hard to come by. If you happen to have if not asked to lend money,” wrote Mark Twain.
differentiates the BCCI is its greed! Everything bad that they do, from parents they hide one, see that you do not lose him/her at any cost. How important friendship is over money will determine how
One finds it hard to believe that the likes of Sachin Tendulkar In all these things, they take extreme pride We seldom give much thought to friendship. “A true friend is true a friend really is. Happy are those who have found a true
would be averse to playing for an Asian Games medal. In No rules or regulations they intend to abide the most precious of all possessions and the one we take the least friend. Cherish a loyal friend. See that the friendship is not lost.
fact, former India captain Anil Kumble has said he is disap- Friends and girls sitting by their side thought about acquiring,” wrote La Rochefoucauld. But there is Stick to it with for dear life. You may not find another in your
Careless, high speeding, motorbikes they wish to ride also a dark side to friendship. This is the type of friends one should lifetime.
pointed with the BCCI’s decision not to send teams to the Posing like heroes and dons, they wait by the roadside guard against. They are a blot to the fair name of friendship. They Indeed, your parents are your first friends; your best friends.
Asian Games in China. Obviously, a number of top players do No parents but friends they want as guides are your side when everything is rosy and fine, but when trouble They are the type of friends who will be by your side in good
not share the BCCI’s exclusive obsession with lucre. But does Friends they will always be by their side arrives they desert you like rats on a sinking ship. times, as well as hold your hand when you are in trouble. A true
it care for players’ feelings? Not often do they realise, when down popularity glides Some so-called friends are even worse than deserters. They are and loyal friend is the only one who compares with parents. Even
Let us not forget here, that the Asian Games is a competition Fast friends disappear with the high tide the cause of the trouble you are in. They take sadistic pleasure in if the whole world puts you down, or snubs you, it is your parents
India participates in as a country. If the BCCI will not send Whether blunders like suicide or homicide putting you into deep trouble. These are the types of people one who will always be your true friends. So, the next time your best
teams, it is depriving the country of potential medals. Does Only parents always remain by their side.” should not touch even with a bargepole. friend ditches you, go give your parents a big hug. They will never
it really have that right? By the tone and tenor of the poem, it appears that the chap has It is very difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff – to tell let you down, come what may.

Letters to the Editor

Caranzalem park entrance and at the far end is covered by That explains why national political parties,
Paths of Wisdom
Melwyn Pereira, by email
lawn to around 70% area of the park. It does
make sense as any park would look incom- Letter of the Day IAS officials and migrants boss over us. This
would also imply that since our democracy
With hardly a couple of days to go for plete without the lawn. What really doesn’t is a failure, 'We the People' are absolutely Trust in God
schools to reopen, and with the rains in
the back drop, I decided to complete some
important work in Panjim. I had plans to
make sense is that in the park there reads
a board ‘lawn, do not enter’. Of what use
is this park if the public in general cannot
Contribution of Catholics
Dr Francisco Colaco, Margao
unfit to act independently. What a shame
after all the education, culture and economic
progress we Goans boast of.
spend the entire day out in Panjim with my make use of this lawn? Of what use is this One cannot expect 70 years plus senior
I sorely miss Valmiki Faleiro’s column ‘All and Sundry’ in Herald Mirror. This doyen
family. After completing my work we left park if our children cannot run around? freedom fighters to relaunch a movement
of writers with a deft touch would every week pen a brilliant piece to make my Sunday to rid Goa of the present rot. It should not
for Caranzalem to visit the park, about There is more pleasure in squatting on the complete. No topic was too small or too big for him to broach.
which I had heard a lot. As we entered my ground rather than sit on those benches. be the case that someone should initiate
However, I must confess, I felt amply compensated by Valmiki’s recent series ‘Flying the struggle and we will cheer from the
daughter went straight to the end where Will the concerned authorities take a deeper High’ in Sunday Mirror. Through a painstaking study, Valmiki details the unparalleled
there are rides for the children to play. I look? side lines. Thereafter, one fine day we will
contribution of Goans in India’s armed forces. As I read, the real tales of virtue and also do the disappearing act, leaving the
must thank the authorities concerned for valour by our own Goans, I shed tears of joy and pride. To further learn that among
keeping the park in proper order, which Princess still floats initiators of the movement with the sole
those who laid down their lives for our country there is an overwhelming number of responsibility of nursing their own creation.
otherwise is hardly seen in Goa. I would Cedric da Costa, Margao Catholics, made me feel even more fulfilled.
like to remind the concerned authorities This reminds me of the popular Goan phrase,
June 6, 2010 will mark the 10th anniversary Recently, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, a large crowd gathered to pay homage to the Tum fuddem voch re, ami tuje fattlean
that the park is also a place for relaxation late Carlos da Cruz, a great freedom fighter (who also fought against social oppression
since the River Princess got grounded at asach.
for adults likewise who often come to such of poor adivasis). There I met the evergreen septuagenarian Dr Damodar Bhonsle,
Sinquerim. It is indeed a sad day for Goa
places. The park which has benches at the who graduated from Escola Médica de Goa. He preserves documentary evidence that
and Goans. It is also a day when Goans in Filling the slot Then Jesus said to the disciples, “And
Goa and the world over should sympathise covers many historical issues. My heart was filled with admiration when he showed
100 Years Ago Elvis Sequeira, St. Cruz so, I tell you not to worry about the
with the residents of the Candolim- me lists of freedom fighters – one prepared by the Portuguese before liberation and
The Mahindra United Football team has food you need to stay alive or the
Calangute beach stretch. However, one per- another by the powers-that-be thereafter. In both lists, the truth was glaring: Catholic
been disbanded and will not be seen in ac- clothes you need for your body. Life is
son who will be singing like the proverbial names figured prominently (including a number of Catholic priests).
tion in the I-League from the coming football much more important than food, and
Fiddler will be the damager in chief…Anil It has become a fashion nowadays to denigrate Catholics by calling them ‘pro-Por-
the body much more important than
Salgaonkar as he has managed to make a tuguese’ and ‘anti-national’. The art of Catholic-bashing by vested interests is being season. There are different sets of views
clothes. Look at the crows: they don’t
PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS small fry of all the babus in Goa. After all cultivated with militant zeal. This is abhorrent! Those who, like me, followed the and opinions as to who should occupy the
sow seeds or gather a harvest; they
the efforts in removing the Princess failing, freedom struggle from close are too aware of the historical facts and of ‘turncoats’ vacant slot caused due to Mahindra’s with- don’t have store rooms or barns; God
5 June 1910 the Government must now in fact celebrate (vira-casacas). drawal. Some opine that second last team feeds them. You are worth so much
this day. Digambar Kamat, Mickky Pacheco, It must be re-emphasised, for the knowledge of all, that the contribution by Goan on the league table should be retained in more than birds! Can any of you live
Smallpox epidemic Manohar Parrikar and Mathany Saldanha Catholics for the strength and growth of Mother India, in every field, has been place of Mahindra whilst others opine that a bit longer by worrying about it? If
who have dragged their feet in tackling exemplary. Their sacrifices will always remain carved in letters of gold, no matter the the number of teams in the I-League should
Virulently spreading in the Village of you can’t manage even such a small
this, must be felicitated. The NGOs in Goa concerted attempts by vested interests to the contrary. be increased by retaining both the relegated
Velim is the Smallpox ailment, which is thing, why worry about the other
too also should be honoured. I am sure teams. On the other hand, the AIFF fancies things?
daily claiming some unfortunates. The Remo will oblige by performing and Digam-
free inoculation service, which is being evil hands of our politicians?. These corrupt and safe. This is the time to start… This having an under 19 team tentatively called “Look how the wild flowers grow;
bar Kamat will rush to be the chief guest. ministers should be kicked out of our land is the time to make our presence felt… AIFF-XI which will directly step into the they don’t work or make clothes for
rendered promptly, is a boon for the He can also ensure steady participation and this can happen only when we Goans This is the time to write and shout aloud
public. boots of Mahindra United without going themselves. But I tell you that not even
from the crowd by getting bus loads of his unite and raise our voices. How much free- – Together, we can and will make a dif- into the actual procedure of qualification.
dom are we enjoying in our own land? Can ference… King Solomon with all his wealth had
supporters. This is the sorry state of Goa It is simple logic that the last two teams clothes as beautiful as one of these
Qualifications check and the reality hurts…not just the present we really call ourselves free? I wonder if are relegated to the second division, irre- flowers. It is God who clothes the wild
It is baffling to know that only now generation but also the coming ones. All the CM and his gang of looters and cheaters Time to act spective of their past laurels or the clout
have a heart. For what are they amassing grass – grass that is here today and
the authorities have remembered to for the aam aadmi of Goa!! Soter D'Souza, Socorro they enjoy within the corridors of power. A gone tomorrow, burnt up in the oven.
demand competency certificates from so much wealth and that too, by cheating
common and innocent people? What should The views expressed in the letter 'Goa: Ba- team that performs below par does not de- Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe
school teachers and headmasters, irre- Saving Goa happen to all the wealth when not one of nana Republic' (Herald, June 4) is a demon- serve to be retained. you? How little faith you have!
spective of whether they are working Rina Fernandes, Ponda us is certain about life tomorrow? You may stration that though Goans have been So also, a team cannot be directly given “So, don’t be all upset, always con-
or not. Brilliant job done by Praxy Fernandes in the cheat as long as you like, but mind you, liberated politically they continue to remain entry onto the elite competitions without cerned about what you will eat and
open letter addressed to the CM in the col- there is an all powerful God watching over mentally and emotionally enslaved with a going into any qualifications procedure, drink (for the pagans of this world are
Salary unpaid umn Opinionated dated June 1. The message all our actions. It is time for us, Goans, to colonial mindset. By claiming that Goa was thereby blocking the entry of a deserv- always concerned about all these
It is reported that a Cable Guard and is loud and clear. Digambar Kamat, I hope unite as one big family and save our Goa better under Portuguese occupation, we ing team from the second division that things). Your Father knows that you
his servant of the Telegraph Station of you read newspapers. I strongly agree with from outsiders and evil politicians. Or a are indirectly admitting that as a society meets the required criteria. In all fair- need these things. Instead, be con-
every view mentioned in the letter. It is sad time will come when we will be outsiders we Goans are unable to manage our own ness, the team occupying the third slot cerned with his kingdom, and he will
Quepem are yet to be paid for a period in our own land. Let’s raise our voices. Let’s
of four months. to see outsiders coming to Goa and over- affairs responsibly and independently. We on the second division of the I-League provide you with these things.
powering us. What are we doing seeing take a step towards making Goa, the Goa need someone with a stick and a carrot to should be promoted in the place of (Matt 6, 25-34)
our beautiful Goa getting destroyed in the of our dreams – beautiful, bright, green make us function responsibly and effectively. Mahindra.
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