This refers to Dr Oscar Rebello’s article Building up Hate” (Herald, June 29, 2012), I the article. But his claim that the Germans kept “silent, out of fear...” was “to most historians...World War II’s greatest tragedy”, shows he is misinformed. Which historians? The victors ‘ historians? The victors write history. No mention is made of Stalin who killed 20 million people, because he was the victor. The Dresden Holocaust by Churchill killed civilians and children playing outside during Carnaval in February 1945. Let’s not forget to remember the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Holocausts by Truman in 1945.
As for Auschwitz (which was Polish till 1939), there were six ovens. If each burned daily 12 or 26, then 156 were burned daily. In 10 years 5,61,600 were burned. There are 4 million survivors. Professor Finkelstein in his book ‘The Holocaust-Industry’ asks if there are so many survivors, whom did Hitler kill? Professor Finkelstein is a Jew.
Other books are David Irving’s books and ‘The Leuchter Report’. As for atrocities against the Germans after the war, the book ‘Other Losses’ gives details. I have kept out my views and given only facts, except for ‘4 million survivors’ which may not be the current number.
John Razana, USA
Ethical education
In his article, “Building up Hate” (Herald June 29, 2012), Dr Oscar Rebello has used very strong language against those perpetrating certain crimes against society. I doubt whether such invectives will convince the recidivists of their wrong doing. India is still a backward country where ignorance prevails and where some suffering from severe mental disorders are considered to be normal. India tops the world with the number of mood disorders and suicides. Psychos can be found in every walk of life including group leaders and politicians. Hitler is now thought to have suffered from a mental aberration, but he had the support of many, as the number of psychotic people is sizeable. There is a general tendency of the normal majority to shy away from maniacs, as opposing them puts people at the receiving end. Those who indulge in moral policing are often victims of psychosis, and they get the backing of sadists who derive sexual gratification while thrashing innocent girls who wear bikinis. The need of the hour is a change of mindsets and a revamping of ethical education for both the young and old.
A. John Fernandes, Margao
Presidential pardon
The Congress party’s high command has the habit of getting its seniors leaders with the post of Governor or President so that they can enjoy their retired life at the cost of tax payers. These posts should be held by apolitical people so that they are not biased against any political party. The outgoing president Pratibha Patil a senior Congresswoman, has the rare distinction of commuting the maximum death sentences and this includes a man who raped and killed a six- year-old girl. She also has the distinction of making the maximum foreign trips at the cost of the tax payers. Very soon we will have another Pranab Mukherjee, a Congressman as President of India -a gift by his high command for his dedication towards his party. He too has the rare distinction for recent Indian economic crisis - turning the value of Rupee to its lowest. The Congress party high command seems afraid of an independent personality Dr. Abdul Kalam for the post of President. It appoints Governors of its own choice - the one who bow to the congress high command in order to manipulate matters in favour of the ruling congress party or to harass the opposition party government. Let’s hope that our future president does not succumb to the high command and may god help him to uphold the post of President ship and not just a mere rubber stamp.
Joe Vaz, Fatorda
Alfred Rose
It was the time before ipads and MP3s - when radio used to play a major part in our lives. At the end of the day, it was the time to tune to our favorite konkani songs. Although plenty of artists and tiatrists have entertained us through their lovely songs, there is one who stands tall among all the rest; whose contribution to the Goan music and to the Konkani language in general is immense. His songs were unique and are still being played on the radio. He was the first Goan to start recording songs on cassettes – he is Alfred Rose. Many have come and gone, but it is difficult to replace him. Many have imitated him, but no one has been able to imitate his songs or his voice, God sends such people once in a lifetime. I request the government of Goa to recognise his work and honour him accordingly.
Valent Mascarenhas, Calangute
Stray cattle
What seems to be the most dangerous part of life while driving the vehicles on the highway is the stray cattle suddenly walking in the middle of the road. Roads are slippery due to the monsoons, thus there is an increased chance of the vehicles skidding. The cows and buffaloes are seen sitting on the middle the road, cause traffic jams and accidents.
What is more shocking is that, although so many accidents have taken place in the past due to these cattle, traffic authorities are not taking any action.. . Why are the owners of these cattle are not being fined? Where are our traffic police, who are required to chase the cattle away especially in the evening?
