Theos-Talk Archives (June 2009 Message tt00369)

Betty Blandâs Comments on elections - Update
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Some two weeks ago, in a cyberspace blog, Betty Bland, President of TSA made
two statements:
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âAlthough no one is contesting the outcome of the 2008 presidential
election, the problem remains that the machinations of the international
elections are unsound.â
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and:
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â... the international presidential contest in 1980, when Radha Burnier won
over Rukmini Devi, was also fraught with differences of opinion.â
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These comments coming from a national elected leader of TS, are of great
interest to all theosophists.
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Not being an English scholar, the word "machinations" sounded strange to me.
Hence, I checked the on-line dictionary. Here is what I found:
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Machination - Noun:
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"a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some
usually evil end"
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I was stunned to read the above definition. I am sure many of the readers as
well. The machination comment needs to be clarified and explained so that
even a newbee can understand what the allegation is.
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On the 1980 election, while I have been a member for a long time, I have not
heard any allegation  from Rukmini Devi or her supporters or anyone inside
or outside TS. So I was very  curious about the details and I am sure many
on this list are also.
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Two weeks ago I sent an inquiry to Betty and we have not seen any response
anywhere clarifying the above two statements. In todayâs Internet age, where
communication travels at the speed of light, two weeks is a veeeeeeeeery
loooooooooooong time.
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Already with the events starting with the last yearâs nomination of the
candidates for the president, and the aftermath of the election, including
now famous ultra secret disenfranchisement effort, many members have a very
low level of trust in the theosophical leaders, especially from the West. In
this environment, silence will not make the issues go away. Explanations are
needed. All silence can do is to erode the trust members have in their
leaders and make them vigilant.
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Usually public memory is short. Someone has to remind them. That is why I am
posting this message. Let us hope we hear from Betty soon.

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MKR
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Visit theosophy.net for interesting discussions on varied theosophical
topics.
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