Theos-Talk Archives (May 2008 Message tt00265)

When you read Carbonell's letter, it is obvious that it is crafted by some
one with an excellent command of English language as shown by the choice of
words and style.

It would be very interesting to find out, if John Algeo wrote the letter,
and/or edited the letter prior to it being sent. I do not think, it is
writen by Carbonell. Can some one who is in contact with Algeo, ask him and
find out the answers. In addition, anyone who is in contact with Carbonell
can also ask her to confirm the facts.

It would clarify who is/are pulling the strings behind the curtain and
clarify the behind the scenes involvement of John Algeo in the elections
even though it is made to appear that he is not actively campaigning.

mkr

On Wed, May 7, 2008 at 3:45 PM, prmoliveira <prmoliveira@yahoo.com> wrote:

>   Below, I reproduce Elvira Carbonell's letter, which
> was sent out, by email, from Adyar, on 19 December 2007:
>
> "Dear General Council member, Mr Lindemann:
>
> Since there has been uncertainty about the state
> of our President's health and our
> Vice-President's willingness and ability to
> accept nominations for the upcoming Presidential
> election, several of us at Adyar feel the need to
> write to members of the General Council to share
> the following information.
>
> Many of us at Adyar are concerned that our
> President will be putting an unnecessary burden
> on herself and her prospects for continued
> recovery if she runs for another term. Because of
> our deep regard for her and the Society, we would
> like to see her live as long as possible as a
> wise counsel and guide to whoever gets elected as
> the next President of the Theosophical Society.
>
> We have learned that our Vice-President has been
> asked if he will accept nominations, and have
> confirmation from him that although he is not
> eager to run for President, he will do what seems
> to be in the best interest of the Society when
> the time comes, and he will accept nominations.
> We have also received confirmation from him that
> he feels Adyar has to remain the international
> Headquarters of the TS, for both practical and
> symbolical reasons.
>
> We hope that others who are qualified and have
> the best interest of the Society at heart will
> make themselves available as nominees in a
> non-adversarial spirit, as having several
> candidates on the ballot will ensure a wider
> choice of experience and abilities, which can
> only benefit our Society.
>
> Fraternally yours,
>
> Ms Elvira Carbonell
> Theosophical Society, Adyar, India"
>
> The first paragraph of the letter shows that:
>
> a) Mrs Radha Burnier's health was an issue in this election, with Ms
> Carbonell using the word `uncertainty' in relation to it;
>
> b) Dr John Algeo, as Vice-President, was willing and able to accept
> nominations;
>
> c) Carbonell and several others at Adyar decided to write to the
> members of the General Council.
>
> Comment: Carbonell was working as assistant to the International
> Secretary, Mary Anderson, and therefore residing at Adyar. As some of
> her articles had appeared in `The Theosophist', her name was known
> around the world. The Secretary's Office contains the entire
> membership database of the TS (Adyar), including names and addresses
> of GC members. Miss Anderson issued the official nomination papers on
> 18 December 2007 to all GC members by airmail. Several GC members
> while at Adyar for the Convention received theirs hand delivered.
>
> A question that arises here is: what was the impact of Carbonell's
> letter, and the letters of the several others at Adyar mentioned by
> her, on those members of the GC living overseas? What role did it
> play in the number of nominations received by both candidates?
>
> The second paragraph attempts to pre-empt Mrs Burnier's candidacy by
> suggesting to General Council members that she should remain as a
> retired elder in the TS.
>
> The third paragraph includes a confirmation by John Algeo that he
> will accept nominations. As Carbonell's letter was read out by the
> President at the General Council meeting of the TS, held on 25
> December 2007 (the minutes of this meeting are included in the TS
> Annual Report for 2007), and as Dr Algeo's mention in Carbonell's
> letter was not questioned by him at that meeting, the logical
> conclusion is that Carbonell's assertions about him having decided to
> accept nominations are factual.
>
> As Elvira Carbonell and others at Adyar wrote the above communication
> to the members of the General Council of the TS, not only attempting
> to pre-empt Mrs Burnier's candidacy but definitely announcing that Dr
> Algeo had agreed to accept nominations, Mrs Burnier was entitled to
> write to the same GC members and present her views.
>
> It is also interesting to note that the National President of the TS
> in America, Mrs Betty Bland, who attended the GC meeting last
> December, while accusing Radha Burnier of electioneering
> (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theos-talk/message/43531)
> she makes no mention at all of Carbonell's letter which was read out
> at the same General Council meeting mentioned above.
>
> Another interesting point is that Mrs Bland's message mentioned above
> includes only the text of her (Bland's) letter, while the same
> message which was received by email in other places, including New
> Zealand and Australia, included at the bottom the text of Radha
> Burnier's letter to the GC members, which was originally sent by
> airmail.
>
> Pedro Oliveira
>
>  
>


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