Theos-Talk Archives (April 2003 Message tt00002)

Wednesday, April 02, 2003

Excellent. Let BLAVATSKY.NET-STUDY roll on.

Thanks Reed.

Dal

==============

-----Original Message-----
From: Reed Carson [mailto:reed3@tellworld.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2003 6:13 AM
To: study@blavatsky.net
Subject: [bn-study] the list will continue

Friends,

That was extraordinary support for the continuance of this list. Of
course
it cannot be ignored and this list must continue.

I have read carefully each letter and appreciate each one.

Some explanation. Approximately half of the participants on this list
are
from the US - if it follows the pattern of the membership list. From
time
to time in the history of this list I have stepped forward to strongly
defend a person that has, in my opinion, been wrongly characterized.
In
this case it was half the list. There was so much more to say but I
did
not have time to say it.

But the problem was worse than that. Let me start from the small and
work
up. I asked what I would do if I were only exploring Theosophy and I
had
just signed onto this list and then discovered such intemperate
hostility. The answer is easy. I would sign off and think less of
Theosophy.

In the book store that Estela and I have opened in our new town, we
have
placed a set of cards for BN on the Theosophy bookcase. One day we
looked
and all the cards were gone! People had not been buying the deep
books but
had been taking the cards. Most of those people who signed up from
that
source would be likely to unsubscribe. The same would hold for
anonymous
subscribers around the world. We were in fact detectably losing
subscribers. In sum, we were injuring our own cause. That I cannot
be a
part of.

This is not meant in any way as a criticism of Larry. He was trying
to be
fair in a difficult situation. We owe him our gratitude.

Certainly, though your outpouring of support for this list requires
that it
continue.

Now it will be moderated by my wife, Estela Carson.

What should we do next?

Should we discuss the war? I know there is much more that should be
said
and others probably feel the same. But I can't do it. Larry has
pointed
out that we are quite attached to the natural views of our nation and
politics. Indeed we are. I don't think we can do it.

Perhaps we can discuss some more detached and philosophical aspects of
this
war. Peter has effectively expressed thoughts on how our philosophy
determines our politics. Certainly true and a worthwhile subject. I
am
uncertain about this one and in doubt that we can do it. Every one
would
know that this or that philosophic point supports some "side" in the
real
world and would chafe or agree accordingly. If a "line" were drawn to
define what was or was not acceptable, then the natural inclination
would
include pushing that line as far as it could be pushed. It is not a
pleasant thought to be moderating such a situation. And our past
discussion seems to me to indicate against a wholly unmoderated
discussion.

Certainly we are caught up in strong emotions - each supporting our
view. Once I blurted out something very strongly worded - and in a
louder
than usual voice - at a Theosophical meeting. As the strangeness of
my
outburst dawned upon those present, the leader said, "If you didn't
care
about it, it wouldn't be worth fighting for." The strength of our
emotions is understandable.

We can look at it this way. The internet provides wonderful access to
widely varying views. Personally I think that freedom of information
is a
great boon for the world. There are many other places we can express
and
exchange our political views. There aren't too many other places to
discuss the teachings of Theosophy. Perhaps we should be focusing on
what
we have in common.

I would like to ask the list - what do you think we should be
discussing? Should we be trying for some higher aspect of war related
issues and do our best? Can we discuss that with a view to Theosophy
and
in a way that respects others on this list? Should we discuss
something
that is more specifically Theosophical? I would like to hear from the
list.

Many people have offered to help in any way they could. This is
genuinely
touching. There is now a simple answer. One of the good things about
the
recent discussion is that many people spoke up. Speaking up is one of
the
best ways to help a list. It really adds substance.

Estela will begin moderating today. In the beginning, in particular
as we
regain our footing, she may moderate a little tightly, always being
concerned to be fair and concerned for the welfare of the list. To
help
the list, please help her.

Guess I have said enough. I would like to hear from you on where we
go next.

Reed