Theos-Talk Archives (April 2008 Message tt00078)

Dear fellow Theosophist,

I feel compelled to break the long standing prohibition against writing 
political letters during an election. Since Radha Burnier herself has 
now broken that tradition by sending out the letter given below to a 
number of our ranks, I do not have any qualms in feeling justified to 
respond to her blatant electioneering.

I have always held Radha in great esteem and still honor her for her 
tireless and capable work for the Society. However, I have seen with my 
own eyes that her marvellous abilities are compromised to such an extent 
that I consider her not to be the best choice for the president and 
chief administrator of our organization. Her memory and clarity are 
inconsistent, sometimes right on, and sometimes far afield---as is the 
case for all of us
when aging, especially by stroke, takes its toll. Because she has been 
such a wonderfully iron willed woman, she now apparently is mis-
applying that iron will by trying to cling to an administrative roll 
that in my opinion is no longer best for the Society or best for her.

I can see Radha maintaining a roll of leadership in the spiritual or 
inner side of things as a wise counsellor, functioning well without 
undue stress, but I view her continuation as the chief administrative 
officer for the Theosophical Society as counter productive. We need 
sharp clarity, consistency, and creative flexibility as we all work 
together to keep Theosophy alive and vital in the 21st century. We need 
strong leadership such as John Algeo could provide.

As to her letter below, I will let it speak for itself, but I do have to 
say that I think the reference to age is ironic. Furthermore, it is 
presumptuous to indicate that John does not also have the capacity to 
bring in younger workers. And it is presumptuous to define his motives 
or to ascribe to him the intent to diminish the importance of Adyar as 
our international center, an action he has clearly stated he is against. 
If elected, John may not be able to spend all his time at Adyar, but I 
have experienced him as an able administrator and delegator, and feel 
assured that Adyar would flourish under his leadership.

John has set up a web site http://www.jalgeo..com/ that you might want 
to see in order to help you decide for yourself.
The upcoming election of international president of the Theosophical 
Society for the next 7 years is a critical one. Please consider carefully.
With sincerity and all best wishes,

Betty Bland, President
The Theosophical Society in America