FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Trump’s futile attempt to cling to power
The reckoning for President Donald Trump's futile attempt to cling to power devolved into scenes of fear and agony that left a prime ritual of American democracy in tatters. The siege of US Capitol by Trump mob is a criminal riotous behaviour. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests. The orderly and peaceful transfer of power should continue. American enemies have taunted Trump.
The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America. Trump must be held accountable for inciting this terrible display and failing to immediately and forcefully condemn it. It was the tragic result of extreme political rhetoric taken too far and a failure to follow time-honored practices that have ensured a peaceful transfer of power for more than two centuries. The Trump era ripped back the veil, to reveal the ugliness within the US itself, one that America can no longer ignore, but has always existed.
The President and his unruly mob have forfeited America’s moral authority in championing the cause of democracy around the world. The leaders must show their ability to honour their oaths of service, stand against a subversive influence at the highest level, and follow the rule of law.
KG Vilop, Chorao
Goa needs humble leaders
A good leadership in any nation helps it to grow. It was during the tenure of PM Jawaharlal Nehru, India established quality institutions like the IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs. It’s saddening to see waning leadership the world over. Recently we saw violence in the US Capitol. In Melauli, we saw protestors being injured. Good leaders must bring hope to the citizens.
In Goa it would be nice if the government focuses on better education, healthcare and employment opportunities. It’s disheartening to see the qualified youth moving abroad. We need to discuss with everyone how to establish employment generating industries, without damaging the environment.
The uncultivated agricultural land must be developed for agri-tourism, which will revive the tourism sector. We must avoid the type of tourism which harms Goans.
The developed nations are working with great pace to reduce carbon footprint. We too need to think about harnessing the energy of the sun, wind and waves. Better public transport would help in reducing carbon emissions. A healthy IT industry would bring much cheer to our youth. Safe roads are so essential. Inclusive and participative governance will help to strengthen our democracy. May Goa be blessed with caring and humble leaders.
Newton Mendonca, Aldona
Hypocrisy of the tallest order
Hon'ble CM Saheb reiterated recently that he is open to confabulations with the Melauli folk over their pushback to the IIT project, in a sudden attack of conscience he mentioned that the villagers were 'our people' (when were they not?) and that they should approach the government to settle their grievances as he had already extended an olive branch by visiting (PR stunt) Melauli.
Over the past few days the Melauli border has been turned into a cantonment with hundreds of police savants being deployed there, ostensibly to check the entry of 'undesirable' (according to the State) elements into the village who would mislead and instigate the citizenry. The Health Minister and the area's local MLA also has of late been making the right and remorseful noises about the use of brute force (this after the lathi charge and use of tear gas on unarmed protestors) for facilitating the project being unacceptable to him and that his 'conscience' (a very elastic thing for politicos) will not allow it, additionally he mentioned that he didn't support this stifling of 'people's voices'.
Now if this is not hypocrisy and shedding of 'crocodile tears' then I don't know what is. The altered stance of the State government is actually linked to the CM's recent visit to Delhi wherein he was instructed to win the municipal elections and the subsequent assembly polls with a 'thumping majority' for the party and that all controversial issues are to be kept on the backburner in the run up to the elections. Vox Populi is the least of the government's concerns, this is a political feint to buy time, and is a chilling parallel to the farmer's agitation in Delhi.
The Melauli villagers would be well advised not to fall for such stunts, they should carry on their just fight for their land, their air, their water...for their very being.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Judiciary and the farm laws
The Supreme Court (SC) has slammed the government for the three farmer laws brought during the pandemic in a hurry without proper consultation and wrong handling of the farmers agitation! But the consequences are borne by the deaths and extreme hardships faced by the agitating farmers? Isn't this unfair where there is absolutely no accountability displayed? The government wants SC to settle the validity of the three laws when SC cannot make policy and all they can say is there is no legal infirmity in the laws! Then like in the Central Vista case, can they claim SC has approved it?
It is reported that the Uttarkhand government has denotified the Shivalik Elephant Reserve ignoring the HC stay! When asked, the Forest Minister reportedly said "We will fight the stay. Elephant Reserve is not a legal entity!"
Firstly the disobedience to the courts order and then executive telling legal authority what is legal? This is certainly not a good type of democracy!
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Dumping garbage in forest area
After dumping garbage by the roadside, in open spaces and in water-bodies by the general public, the latest casualty appears to be the forest area. It is understood that large quantities of garbage is seen dumped at various places in the forest area at Gulem till Canacona outskirts along the national Highway 66.
It is learnt that despite the concerned panchayats taking up cleaning of the waste from time to time, the litter is seen accumulating at the spots in quick time. It must be said that it may be difficult to keep a watch on people dumping waste in the forest area as these are secluded places. Police patrolling could also be difficult. People could be dumping the garbage on forest patches in the darkness of the night. The only way to prevent people from dumping the garbage in the forest area is to have a proper garbage management system in the neighbouring villages.
Forest areas should be kept free from garbage as the waste will destroy the flora and fauna since the place could turn into a garbage dumping site in quick time. The leachate that will percolate in the rainy season, will pollute the ground water thereby sounding the death-knell for the plants and trees.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Smith’s action unsporting
Ace batsman Steve Smith did not distinguish himself by removing Rishabh Pant’s batting guard marks during the third Test in Sydney. Despite Smith's petty act, Pant flayed the Australian attack, scoring a breezy 97. Several former players and Indian fans have flayed the former Aussie skipper's poor gamesmanship.
One may recall that Smith was banned for 12 months for his part in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018 and stripped of the captaincy.
NJ Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
