Theos-Talk Archives (April 2009 Message tt00342)

March 19, 2009 E-mail/letter from Betty Bland to fellow General Council Members

 

Found on-line in http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theos-talk/message/43532

 

Originally posted in msg. #43531, which was removed.

 

 

 

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


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