John's posts with tag: math
As I mentioned a few days ago, AllFaith.com has moved to a new server. This is always a pain as it requires so much clean-up. Most of the site is working properly again (though some problems still remain to be fixed). As I was checking for broken links etc. I came across the following post and thought it might be of interest to some of you here.
Hare Krsna,
~Jagannatha dasa adhikari
His Divine Grace Abhay Charan Bhaktivedanta Swami
(September 1, 1896–November 14, 1977)
A Note of Accusation From a "long time friend"
I just received an anonymous snail-mail note today that I thought worth commenting on. It was sent to my previous PO box and just arrived in my new box today. As there is no name and no return address I can't reply via snail mail. Assuming the author regularly reads my blog, I'd like to encourage you to contact me direct so we can discuss this. In the event that the views expressed in the note are shared by others, it seems worthwhile bringing this issue up as well. The unedited note: John...you are very disrespectful of Srila
Prabhupada...it is obvious that you went
astray as your arrogance and huge ego come
through in everything you write. Please stop
trying to do so much damage on behalf of
your self-serving interests. From a long time friend of yours
The postmark says San Jose Ca. and is dated June 7, 2007.
 First, I invite anyone who agrees with this "long time friend" of mine to show a single example of my ever disrespecting our Diksa Guru Maharaja, Srila Prabhupada!
In my opinion our Srila Prabhupada was one of the most spiritually potent religious leaders to appear during this age of kali Yuga! I offer my unworthy dandavats to him a billion times over! For those unfamiliar with Srila Prabhupada:
His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami is known around the world as Srila Prabhupada, a title of endearment bestowed on him by his early disciples. Srila Prabhupada brought the Hindu sect of Bhakti Yoga known as Gaudiya (ie Bengali) Vaisnavism to the western world. Vaisnavism is one of the major branches of Hinduism. Srila Prabhupada established an international religious society known as ISKCON, the International Society for Krsna Consciousness, better known perhaps as the Hare Krishna Movement although this sect is but one of many branches of the Sanatana Dharma (greater Hinduism) to worship Sri Krsna.
I was fortunate to receive first initiation from Srila Prabhupada as I recount in my autobiographical section. Our beloved Guru Maharaja left his body (died) on November 14, 1977 before I was unable to request second initiation. I received second initiation by the mercy of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Maharaja, acarya and spiritual master of the Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math and appointed successor to Srila Prabhupada's most senior godbrother, His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Maharaja.
Prior to Srila Prabhupada's passing he issued clear instructions about how his Movement was to continue after his departure. He also stated very clearly what was not to happen.
What was NOT to happen was ISKCON employing the same structuring system unsuccessfully tried by the Gaudiya Matha following Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's passing (our Srila Prabhupada's guru's organization). That system lead to the collapse of the Gaudiya Matha into rival factions and Srila Prabhupada felt that this system of many diksa (initiating) gurus weakened the Movement's ability to advance the cause of Lord Caintanya's prophesied Golden Age. Despite Prabhupada's clear rejection of this system, this is precisely the structure used by ISKCON today! Srila Prabhupada specifically rejected this system!
Our Srila Prabhupada wanted the Movement to remain one organization under a single acarya. This was his clear instruction to his followers and the ISKCON GBC (Governing Body Committee)
If I am at times harsh it is of this violation of Bhaktivedanta Swami's clear instructions in this matter.
What Srila Prabhupada instructed the implementation of a temporary structure known as the rikvik system.
Srila Prabhupada made it very clear that NONE of his disciples were qualified to lead ISKCON as a diksa guru. NONE of us. History has more than vindicated his opinion! The most senior of his disciples had only been initiated for about 10 years at that time, most not nearly even that long. This was not nearly long enough for any of them develop the skills needed to lead an international spiritual order, let alone to become an uttama adikari (Prabhupada said only such a fully realized master was qualified to lead ISKCON). Srila Prabhupada was a very practical man. Realizing none of us were ready, he instructed the GBC to handle the organizational affairs, as they had been doing for years, and that eleven of his key disciples would continue to do the initiations and teachings ACCORDING to his books, as they had been doing for years. In other words, the same system was to continue. The Eleven, continuing their roles as ritvik gurus, would initiate Srila Prabhupada's disciples in his physical absence. This is why he so often stressed that the Guru never dies and that he would continue to live and teach through his books. Following his departure (a true guru never "dies") these ritvik gurus, these representatives of the Diksa (initiating) Guru (ie Srila Prabhupada) would then be responsible for the decision of who to initiate and when. New disciples would STILL be initiated as disciples of Srila Prabhupada, just as before. Only Srila Prabhupada's physical presence on the earth was changed and most of his disciples never even saw him in the flesh anyway; Srila Prabhupada lived in his books (mainly translations and commentaries of the scriptures).
As I say, this plan was to be temporary. Never had the Gaudiya Vaisnavas used this ritvik system and Srila Prabhupada wanted it used as an interim system only. Unlike Christianity that teaches that Jesus is the eternal initiating guru (although of course not in those words), Gaudiya Vaisnavas have always believed a living physically present guru is best. Srila Prabhupada foresaw that at some point in the future the GBC and the majority of devotees would see in one of the eleven ritvik gurus (or perhaps someone else) the necessary qualities of an uttama adhikari and sole ISKCON acarya. AT THAT TIME the GBC (and it was assumed the rank and file devotees) would accept this person as the new ISKCON guru/acarya. As before, ISKCON would be a unified Religious Movement, managed by the GBC, under the parampara (disciplic succession) of a single fully authorized acarya. This was his system but ISKCON's GBC rejected his orders.
Until such a fully qualified guru appeared, Srila Prabhupada instructed that ISKCON could ask his Gaudiya Matha godbrothers for advise if needed, however his disciples were to remain within ISKCON and abide by his instructions as found in his books (ie not join the other mathas).
Those who argue that Vaisnavism never used the ritvik system (other Hindu groups have and do) and therefore can't miss the point. It was to be temporary, AND more importantly, Srila Prabhupada (both Bhaktivedanta and Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada) did MANY things that Vaisnavas had never done before... including in initiation! Very few of Srila Prabhupada's disciples were personally initiated by him.... that was all but unheard of!
This ritvik system was to be a temporary exception to the norm intended to make sure the devotees were properly lead and ISKCON continued to grow under authorized spiritual guidance.
However even before Srila Prabhupada left his body the Eleven ritvik gurus fell from their noble positions and began fighting one other for power.
After Srila Prabhupada's departure, almost immediately after, these men forged a VERY badly spliced tape supposedly by Prabhupada appointing the Eleven as 'zonal acaryas'. These unworthy disciples divided the world between them and ran their areas as minor fiefdoms. Some, like Hansadutta and Ramasvar, waged literal turf battles! Some went literally insane, some were revealed as chronic, malicious pedophiles, murderers, drug and prostitution runners, confidence men and were jailed and fined... on and on the list goes. Last I heard ISKCON is still paying off millions of dollars in legal fines and fees over these abuses.
Perhaps it will be assumed that I am exaggerating here, I am not. There was for a time a most excellent website that listed many of the offenses carried out by the Eleven. That website is now gone for some reason but an off-line friend who claims to have been associated with it sent me the following synopsis. Some of the following links work, some do not. When I have the time I'll try and clean this up more. It is posted here as I received it. The wording and certain of the, in my opinion, prejudices contained within this piece bothers me, however for those who want to understand what happened to the International Society for Krsna Consciousness the information is worth having in my opinion:
Much of what follows I can personally attest is accurate:
Kirtanananda: (Keit Ham) aka Bhaktipad, a practicing homosexual and pedophile in his self-created Holy Dham, runs prostitution sankritan parties, orders the beating of mother Jadurani, orders the murder of Sulochana das. Kirtanananda, for example, was alleged to have been living on a reputed homosexual "household" in Mott Street in New York City with Umapati and others involved in the 1960s "homosexual liberation" scene. Kirtanananda, finally in Jail, was fined $250,000 and is serving a twenty-year federal prison sentence for racketeering and conspiracy in two murders described in the Book "Monkey on a Stick".
| Satsvarupa: (Steven Guarrino) Angry at Srila Prabhupada for shaming him in Dallas (when Satsvarupa cut down a holy fig tree) and that Srila Prabhupada stated that he "resigned" as His servant, when Srila Prabhupada had ordered him back to his zone. His attitude toward Srila Prabhupada had become venomously offensive. Cow neglect, destruction of the oral histories collected from Srila Prabhupada's disciples, creating the "false biography" called the LILAMRITA - planting the weed, in which all events are carefully "laundered" to protect the guilty and to misrepresent Srila Prabhupada. (The original tapes were destroyed to prevent corrections by future generations), helped, with his rhetoric, in the murder of Sulochana.
| Jayapataka: a self-appointed bogus GBC ISKCON "guru" clone (clown), preaching homosexual pedophile philosophy, one of the biggest supporters of child molester Bhavananada. Jayapataka is a militant enforcer of cult ritualistic worship of homosexual pedophile Iskcon Gurus. He kicked out Kala and others who protested the molester regime, he still works closely with folks like child raper Satadhanya. Srila Prabhupada states that, "he will be responsible for the deaths of all the members of the Calcutta temple because he has hired an abominable sweeper to cook for the devotees and Deities, and that the food thus cooked is poisonous. Jayapataka REFUSES TO FIRE THE SWEEPER-COOK TO SRILA PRABHUPADA'S FACE! (I am the witness). Jayapataka co-supervises the PEDOPHILE run Mayapur Gurukula, and supports his BEST FRIEND Bhavananda, who WAS WITNESSED IN HOMOSEXUAL ACTS LONG BEFORE HE WAS APPOINTED TO BE RITVIK!
| Tamal Krishna: (Thomas Herzig) Refused to accept exile in China, practically destroyed Vrindavan, destroyed relationship with George Harrision and John Lennon, Used Radha Damodar bus party to destroy as many temples as possible, destroyed many small, independent temples such as St. Louis temple, Tried to destroy the Bombay project by selling back the land to Mr. Nair (NNd: Srila Prabhupada (Mahaprabhu's "senapati bhakta", who declared "war against maya") called Bombay his "OFFICE"), Tamal is a key suspect in the MURDER OF SRILA PRABHUPADA. Four years before Srila Prabhupada's MURDER, he states that, "Srila Prabhupada is senile, old, and attached". Not exactly a qualification for a successor guru! Tamal Krishna said that his best friend was the homosexual pedophile and child molester Bhavananada. TKG is well known, all along in the 1970s, to have tried to undermine the "varnasrama" (householder society) effort that Srila Prabhupada envisioned. At one point TKG wanted to send all of the householders to Australia. He was also misbalancing the temples by draining manpower out, and discouraging and discrediting the "housholders" who were in charge of many of these temples, so much so that Srila Prabhupada tried to send TKG to China. Simultaneously, TKG would brag that he had to go and rescue Bhavananda from his (homosexual) jet set lifestyle. In other words, there was a tendency to discredit bona fide housholder life and support deviants in positions of authority. TKG was also sued successfully by Guruvastakam dasi for his role in protecting pedophiles in the gurukula of Texas. TKG is the prime creator of the bogus "appointed guru successor scheme", a hoax whereby he and a few other deviants declared they were "Srila Prabhupada's successors." This is related to the Srila Prabhupada poison conspiracy in that: a butler might poison his master to --declare that he is "the heir successor" to the master, in order to illegally take-over the estate of the master.
| Hridayananda: (Howard Resnick) a self-appointed false GBC ISKCON "guru," wrote in his Eleventh Canto of his bogus "Srimad Bhagavatam" that the two worst pedophile Iskcon gurus are his examples of acharyas. Srila Prabhupad appointed Pradyumna Prabhu to finish translating Cantos 10, 11 and 12 of Srimad Bhagavatam but Hridayananda's unscrupulous usurpation of Pradyumna's sacred service marked only the start of his 20 year treachery GBC-teamwork trend of perverting Srila Prabhupada's books.
| Bhavananda: (Charles Bacis) a practicing homosexual in the Holy Dham molesting Iskcon's Children in the name of God and Guru. Bhavananda was alleged to have been associated with Andy Warhol's homosexual, and apparently pedophile, entourage. Andy Warhol was a prominent leader in the "homosexual revolution." He was seen associating with young men, that is: he appeared to be a potential pedophile. Andy Warhol also applied to the city of New York for a permit to serve (aborted) human fetuses at his restaurant. It was said in ISKCON in the 1970s that Bhavananda was associated with this "jet set" crowd. Andy Warhol also made a very degraded movie about this time, called "Chelsea Girls," where the "girls" are actually homosexual men engaged in abominable activities. Some GBC knew that Bhavananda had a tendency to engage in anal sex with males by at least 1976.
| | Hansadutta: (Hans Kary) had been involved with substance abuse, guns, black market, smuggling, counterfeiting, inherits "prostitution sankirtan" from Rameshwara, kills cow, sex with disciples, drunkard, drug addiction, gun-shooting.
| Rameshwara: (Robert Grant) soon to gift "leather miniskirts" to 15 year old statutory rape girlfriend, Sankritan "prostitution parties", is co-partner in Laguna Beach Drug dealing, helping in the murder of Sulochana
| Hariksesha: (Robert Campagnola) Million dollar blackmailer, three-regulations, condom-pada, with meat-eating "Reincarnation of Srila Prabhupada" stepson (did we mention UFO's and psychotropic drugs and Tantra? ghostly possession, hypnotises disciples, using voodoo-doodoo shit on other devotees. Harikesha has been one of the greatest woman hater and is famous for his ruthless purge tactics.
| | Bhagavan: (William Ehrlichman) soon to run off with another man's wife and to REJECT KRISHNA CONSCIOUS PHILOSOPHY. One of the worst one's, using machiavellian tactics to control, cheat, and exploit Devotees on a large scale. Most vicious crooked calculating criminal.
| | Jayatirtha: (James Immel) Soon to preach that cannabis and LSD are Lord Chaitanya's "TRUE" sacrament. Loses head after stealing "disciples" wife. Jayatirtha, who was taking drugs and engaging in illicit sex with his followers, was later murdered (decapitated) by a disgruntled follower for his proclivity to engage in illicit sex with the wive's of followers. |
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Was Srila Prabhupada correct that none of these men were ready to be the spiritual master of ISKCON? I think that's fair to say, yes! And yet the GBC backed them until the court cases started to threaten ISKCON's very survival:
John...you are very disrespectful of Srila Prabhupada...it is obvious that you went astray as your arrogance and huge ego come through in everything you write. Please stop trying to do so much damage on behalf of your self-serving interests. Who is disrespecting Srila Prabhupada here? Those of us who point out the truth of this betrayal or those who would cover it up?
While there were already wrongs afoot before Srila Prabhupada left his body, after these men conspired to take over Prabhupada's Movement and disobey his direct instructions, many of them literally went mad. This madness is known as Vaishnava aparadha. I have NOT committed this sin.
This disobedience and dishonoring of the Guru Maharaja got so bad that there are even accusations that Srila Prabhupada was murdered by these men! Personally, I'm not convinced he was murdered (nor that he wasn't), but it would answer certain nagging questions! For more on this allegation click here. Those devotees who believe this certainly do make a strong case for their views!
A friend of mine, Solocana dasa, who tried to point out these abuses was murdered for speaking out. His story is the subject of the book Monkey on a Stick (click here).
You can read Solocana's book, The Guru Business on-line for free HERE
Due to these countless abuses the vast majority of Srila Prabhupada's disciples left ISKCON. Some went to other Gaudiya Math groups, many joined other branches of Hinduism, many adopted Buddhism or other religions, while most merely merged back into the dominant culture. In my case, the eclectic nature of my beliefs lead me to many diverse places, including the Gopinath Gaudiya Math.
My interest in spirituality and religion was even more enlivened by my ISKCON experiences and I expanded my spiritual experiences outward into many different Hindu forms. I was initiated by various yogis such as Swami Brahmananda (Dr, Mishra), Swami Muktananda, Sri Ramana Rai and others. I also received second initiation from His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Maharaja as mentioned above. I went into many non-Hindu religions as well. Despite this, part of me was jaded by what happened with ISKCON. Since that time I am more skeptical of those claiming spiritual authority, but perhaps this is a good thing.
Just to be clear, my beliefs and practices remain very eclectic, or what I call "AllFaith Spirituality" and should NOT be taken as those of Srila Bodhayan Maharaja or the Gopinath Gaudiya Matha or any other group. My beliefs and teachings are my own, inspired from many sources. Nonetheless, I do have tremendous respect for Srila Bodhayan Maharaja and were I to devote myself to Gaudiya Vaisnavism again it would absolutely be through his matha.
Srila Narayana Maharaja probably has more of Srila Prabhupada's disciples than ISKCON does today.
To my knowledge, the ISKCON GBC has never apologized, explained or even admitted any their many abuses (out of court) and yet because of them Srila Prabhupada's Movement was severely harmed and the faith of countless thousands of devotees was crushed or wounded.
Of course just to be clear there are ALSO MANY solid and righteous devotees within ISKCON today and I offer them my sincere dandavats (bows of respect). There are also several diksa and siksa gurus within ISKCON who are becoming true masters, some few of them may even have attained enlightenment by now, I don't know. I acknowledge this, even as I wish they would come clean about the past and the unauthorized system of organization ISKCON continues to employ to this day. ISKCON needs to do a major and public historical confession before its too late to matter. Until they do, their hands will remain soiled by Vaishnava aparadha in my humble opinion.
Because I was there (and often on the 'fringes') during much of the abuses that took place within ISKCON and do not shy away from sharing what I saw and know of them, I do have certain ISKCON devotees who do not like me. I can understand this, the truth hurts. Most of Srila Prabhupada's disciples have given up on ISKCON. Frankly, this includes me.
HOWEVER it is NOT accurate to accuse me of Vaishnava aparadha with regards to Srila Prabhupada! It is the GBC and the gurus of ISKCON who dishonor him by not following his clear demands and by attempting to hide ISKCON's true history of Guru betrayal.
To show the type of person our Guru Maharaja was, there is a story I've heard often enough from diverse devotees to believe it true:
Srila Prabhupada, a very deeply honored and elderly teacher in poor health had been driven to Chicago's O'Hare airport to fly out to his next engagement. It was late and night, there was little traffic and it was snowing and raining hard with sever winds. The devotee driver pulled the car into a red zone before the airport entrance for Srila Prabhupada to get out. Another devotee hurried around to open his door and assist him. As the car door opened Srila Prabhupada looked down at the curb and saw that they were in a red zone. He stayed in the car and demanded the driver find a legal space to park! When the devotee tried to explain that it was OK to stop for a just a moment under such conditions, it is said that Srila Prabhupada replied, "If we will not obey man's law how shall we obey God's?"
ISKCON failed to obey God's law by directly and intentionally disregarding Guru Maharaja's instructions and from there proceeded to violate man's laws as well in countless cases. Srila Prabhupada refused to accept this course of action, ISKCON should do the same.
As for the second point in the note, that 'my huge ego comes through in everything I write,' my readers must decide that for themselves. False modesty can be just as egotistic as an inflated ego. I speak the truth as I see it in honesty and frankness. I do have certain beliefs that I have developed over the years, conclusions I have drawn, however I don't consider myself arrogant... perhaps that is true arrogance...
And for the final point, that I have some self-serving interests, you will need to explain to me what those are. I have nothing to sell or gain from anything I do on line. I am pushing forward no set agenda or movement. My point in everything I do teaching-wise is as follows:
THINK FOR YOURSELF
As always, I am ready to discuss this issue. You can contact me.
The Glorious Lord Sri Krsna and Srimati Radharani
Ki JAI!
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 (For those in other countries, this image is spoofing Dana Carvey's fictitious "Church Lady")
(For my comments on the Democratic Debate, Click Here)
First, one thing that struck me was how different the Republican candidates looked than the Democrats. There was something decidedly "presidential" in the image the Republicans presented in my opinion. The lack of this sense struck me with the Democratic debates, but I didn't mention it there. The Democratic candidates looked like a collection of dolled-up politicians (other than Gravel). This was especially the case with Edwards (who I may support). It looked as though, should he fall, his make-up would break and he would shatter like a glass! Just an observation.
With the exception of Giuliani , the Republican candidates all looked "presidential" to me. Giuliani looked more like a local politico who was in over his head to me. I can't understand why on earth he is the Republican front runner. My guess is this will change after the debate.
If there was a winner, I'd say it was McCain.
I liked much of what Tancredo had to say, although he will need a speech coach. One thing I especially liked was that he aid that if Israel and Iran goes to war the Us must side with Israel.
In my opinion, what the Republicans need to do, and based on the debate, I believe they are, is making it clear that George Jr. is neither a conservative nor a traditional Republican. In order for the Republicans to win, they need to show their intention to return to traditional Conservatism. With Hilary and Obama being the leading Democratic candidates, I believe they can win with this strategy.
A few early thoughts:
There are a few major issues for me. No one issue carries my vote, but frankly, the Republicans are looking more in harmony with my beliefs, assuming they return to Conservative principles. These are as follows:
Outlawing infanticide: The Republicans have best reflected my beliefs here for years. I want to see infanticide (abortion) outlawed in all cases, other than when the life of the mother is in clear jeopardy. In such cases, the decision should be the woman's in consult with her doctor and, if applicable, the father.
Ending the Wars: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I believe the wars will be escalated no matter which party wins. I want an immediate return of all US forces. Once Iraq establishes a stable government, the U.S. should give carefully defined reparations for the rebuilding.
Civil Rights: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. Neither party has proposed repealing the Patriot Act nor the Military Commissions Act. I support freedom.
Support of Israel: The Republicans are way ahead on this one. The Democrats are moving farther and farther away from my views on Israel. I want the US to support Israel in any way needed.
Health Care: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I want a universal government-based health care program.
Car Insurance: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I would do away with private auto insurance by adding a gas tax sufficient to cover all drivers. The more you drive, the more you pay for insurance.Gay Rights: The Democrats are more likely to support full equality, but neither supports it in all areas: including gay marriage and gays in the military, which I support.
Illegal immigration: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I believe the borders must be defended, national sovereignty must be assured, at the same time, this situation exists in large part due to U.S. abuses. In my opinion, it is absolutely essential that the borders be sealed. I support a guest worker program but not asylum. People here illegally should be deported. If this requires a wall, then I would support this. I oppose attempts to create an American Union, but support US companies helping Mexico and other American countries, as they request. I would wave the import taxes described below.
Media: I would outlaw media monopolies. The details would need to be worked out, but local, independent media is essential for the nation.
Corporations: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I want to see corporations stripped of their legal personhood. I also want to see new anti-monopoly laws passed and strictly enforced.
Outsourcing: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I want to see companies that outsource jobs heavily taxed so that there are no financial benefits for outsourcing US jobs.
Importing: Neither party seems to agree with my views here. I want to see incoming products taxed heavily so they cost a bit more than domestically produced goods. The US should protect the best interests of our country when trading with other countries.
These are just a few of my thoughts. The election is still a long way off and I'm not sure who I will vote for, assuming of course that Jr. leaves office... something I am not at all certain will happen as I discuss elsewhere.
For now, I can't support any of the candidates from either party. All I can say for sure is that if Hillary is elected I will be voting Republican for president for the first time in my life.
Official Candidates [Source Click here]
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Senator Sam Brownback | Sam Brownback, born September 12, 1956 in Kansas, senior Senator from that state. In April 2005, the Associated Press reported that Brownback, who is little known outside his home state, "is using a network of social conservatives and Christian activists to raise his profile" in such battleground states as Iowa and New Hampshire. On December 4, 2006, Brownback announced that he would form an exploratory committee.[1] On January 20, 2007 Brownback officially announced his candidacy.[2]
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John Cox | John Cox, a Chicago CPA, investor, and past president of the local Republican Party in Cook County, announced in March, 2006, that he is pursuing the Republican nomination for President in 2008.[3] He ran unsuccessfully in Republican primaries in Illinois, for the House in 2000 and for the Senate in 2002. Cox's platform consists of implementing "FairTax" and requiring Iraq to pay for expenses relating to the Iraq War from oil profits.[4] Cox has filed with the FEC and has sent in several reports since April of 2006.[5] |
Jim Gilmore, former Governor of Virginia | A Draft Jim Gilmore for President group was formed in August of 2006, encouraging former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore to run for president after he was seen traveling to the presidential primary states. In November 2006, Gilmore told ABC News that a 2008 presidential run is one of several possibilities he is considering.[6] On December 19, 2006, Gilmore announced he is forming an exploratory committee for a presidential candidacy.[7] Gilmore announced on December 20, 2006, that he would launch his exploratory committee on January 2, 2007.[8] Perhaps hoping to mirror the surprising 2004 campaign of Democrat Howard Dean, another former governor with little national recognition when he entered the race, Gilmore has declared that he represents "the Republican wing of the Republican Party" echoing the popular Dean quotation. Gilmore declared his candidacy from the Des Moines, Iowa GOP headquarters on April 26, 2007. |
Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City | -
Rudy Giuliani, born May 28, 1944 in New York, former mayor of New York City. Giuliani said on October 2, 2005, that he would look at the possibility of running for President. On November 13, 2006, he announced that he was forming an exploratory committee. He has led several state and nationwide polls for the Republican nomination and the general election, and has been mentioned by many media sources as a possible candidate since the 9/11 attacks and a speech to the 2004 Republican Convention.[9] (See polls below) Giuliani is pro-choice, and supports that marriage be between a man and a woman, but agrees for legal and medical reasons that same sex relationships should get the same rights under the law. He also believes in strong restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms and agrees with harsh punishment for illegal weapons or non permitted weapons. While opinions differ, some think that these positions could help him, should he secure the nomination, in the general election; others question whether the Republican base would support a nominee with Giuliani's social positions. On February 5, 2007, Giuliani un-officially entered the race for the 2008 US presidential election by filing a "statement of candidacy" with the Federal Election Commission, but legally keeping him at the same level as he was while running an exploratory committee.[10] On February 15, Giuliani officially announced that he was running on CNN's Larry King Live show.[11] If elected, Giuliani would be the first Italian-American to hold the office of president and the second Roman Catholic, following JFK. |
Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas | Mike Huckabee, born August 24, 1955 in Hope, Arkansas, Former Governor of Arkansas. Huckabee has announced he will seek the Presidency in 2008.[1] He has made several trips to important primary states, including a four-day trip to New Hampshire in August, 2006. He announced that he would be running in 2008 on NBC's Meet the Press Television show with Tim Russert and has since made an appearance on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, a popular satirical news show geared towards a younger audience (late teens to late thirties).[12] |
Representative Duncan Hunter | Duncan Hunter, born May 31, 1948 in Riverside, California, U.S. Representative from that state and former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Hunter formally announced his presidential candidacy in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on January 25, 2007. He is known for his strong stance against illegal immigration, support for the U.S. military, and opposition to free trade agreements like North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization.[13] He introduced H.R. 552, The Right to Life Act, "to implement equal protection... for the right to life of each born and preborn human person"; it has over 100 cosponsors. |
Senator John McCain | -
John McCain, born August 29, 1936 in the US-controlled Panama Canal Zone, Senator from Arizona. Often characterized as a Republican maverick in the Senate, he is a well-known political figure in the United States. In 2000, he failed in his attempt to deny George W. Bush the Republican nomination: McCain continued his ultimately unsuccessful campaign long after the other Republican candidates had united behind Bush. McCain's bipartisan compromise on judicial nominations and his strong support of campaign finance reform have drawn the ire of many groups,[14] many of which have vowed to work against any McCain campaigns for the Republican nomination in 2008. However, he has a strong stance on many issues and economically falls more along the lines of traditional "fiscal conservatism." These factors, along with his commitment to the War on Terror (including Iraq) have boosted his popularity amongst conservatives since 2004, when he emphasized these traits while stumping for Republican candidates. If elected, he would become the oldest person in history elected president, surpassing Ronald Reagan, and if elected to two terms, McCain would be the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. On November 15th, 2006, McCain announced that he would form an exploratory committee. On "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Feb 28, 2007 Sen. John McCain announced he will seek the GOP presidential nomination, and made a formal announcement on April 25, 2007. |
Representative Ron Paul, M.D. | -
- See also: Political positions of Ron Paul
Ron Paul, born August 20, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, long-time U.S. Representative from Texas with a strong constitutionalist and libertarian voting record. Paul has been nicknamed "Dr. No" for his opposition to tax increases and spending bills. He has chastened his fellow Republicans for abandoning the party's ideals, and for helping to create an unsustainable national debt now in the trillions of dollars.[15] Dr. Paul seeks to "reinstate the Constitution and restore the Republic."[16] On 11 January 2007, Representative Ron Paul filed papers to form an exploratory committee for the 2008 presidential race.[17][18] He formally declared his candidacy 12 March 2007 as a guest on Washington Journal on C-SPAN.[19][20] He is not running as a Libertarian like he did nearly two decades ago. Paul has the distinction of being opposed to the Iraq War and the interventionist nature of US foreign policy. He is one of 7 Republican congressman who voted against Iraq War authorization in October 2002. He has also opposed George W. Bush and the majority of Republican congressmen on many other issues, including the PATRIOT Act. His maverick record on these issues means he may draw support from some surprising circles, including antiwar activists and paleoconservatives. On 20 February 2007 Paul's exploratory committee posted a formal video of him explaining his reason for running on YouTube.[2] |
Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts | -
Mitt Romney, born March 12, 1947 in Michigan is the former Governor of Massachusetts; he did not seek a second term in November 2006. Romney has made numerous trips to primary states such as South Carolina, Michigan, and New Hampshire during recent years. Romney is running on his record as co-founder of Bain Capital, the CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and his record as Governor of Massachusetts. Although he ran as a moderate for the office of Governor of Massachusetts and during his failed Senate bid in 1994, he supported more conservative positions as his term progressed. He is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a "Mormon"). Romney filed paperwork forming an exploratory committee on January 3, 2007, the day he left the governor's office.[21] On January 9, Romney raised $6.5 million in his first fundraiser, beating both Giuliani and McCain's fundraising efforts ($1 and $2 million respectively). Romney has already received major endorsements, including that of former Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert. Romney officially announced his candidacy on February 13 at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.[22][23] |
Representative Tom Tancredo | Tom Tancredo, born December 20, 1945 in Colorado, U.S. Representative from that state and leading advocate for more restrictive immigration policies. On April 2nd, 2007, Rep. Tancredo announced his official candidacy on Iowa talk radio station 1040 WHO. Tancredo is considered to be a long shot by many observers but has a dedicated grassroots following among paleoconservatives. He has visited early Presidential primary states such as new New Hampshire, Michigan and Iowa to begin building popular support and has polled favorably amongst grassroots Republicans. Tancredo announced on January 16, 2007 that he was forming an exploratory committee.[24] |
Tommy Thompson, former Governor of Wisconsin | Tommy Thompson, born November 19, 1941 in Elroy, Wisconsin, is the former Governor of that state and was Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He recently announced interest in the 2008 nomination and, on December 15th 2006, announced that he had formed an |
| Potential candidates without exploratory committees |
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Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House | Newt Gingrich, born June 17, 1943 in Pennsylvania, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and former U.S. Representative from Georgia. According to the Associated Press, "The former House speaker who led Republicans to power a decade ago said he soon will visit Iowa and New Hampshire to promote his book, try to influence public policy and keep his political options alive." The AP reported him as saying "Anything seems possible," including a White House race. Gingrich first explicitly suggested he may run in 2008 on October 13, 2005, saying "There are circumstances where I will run", elaborating that such circumstances would be if no other candidate champions the major platform ideas that Gingrich advocates.[27] |
Senator Chuck Hagel | Chuck Hagel, born October 4, 1946 in Nebraska, US Senator from that state. According to NPR Hagel is considering a Presidential campaign in 2008[3]. There are a number of Draft Hagel blogs online [4] [5] [6] in addition to multiple groups [7] [8] [9]. On March 12, 2007, Hagel made a statement on his political future, in which he kept open the possibility to enter the presidential race later in the year.[28] Despite being a fairly conservative Republican, he will face challenges from some elements of the party faithful due to his criticism of President Bush over the war in Iraq. It is widely thought that Senator Hagel will have trouble emerging from the shadow of John McCain, as they are both outspoken Vietnam veterans. The two friends differ on many issue positions, though, with Hagel being more traditionally conservative. He is the former CEO of the USO and Election Systems & Software, a leading manufacturer of electronic voting machines. |
George Pataki, former Governor of New York | George Pataki, New York's former governor did not seek a fourth term as Governor in 2006. Pataki has held meetings with his advisors and has quietly indicated to Republican leaders that he's very interested in the Republican nomination.[29] Pataki's unfavorability rating was slightly higher than his favorable rating when he decided not to seek reelection, leading some to speculate that his decision was to avoid being defeated by Democratic Nominee and his successor Eliot Spitzer. Because Pataki is not as well known nationally as former New York Mayor and current presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, and due to his liberal views on some social issues, he may have conflicts winning the nomination. |
Fred Dalton Thompson, former Senator | Fred Dalton Thompson, born August 19, 1942, former Senator from Tennessee and actor, best known for playing D.A. Arthur Branch on Law & Order. There was speculation that Thompson would run for Governor of Tennessee in 2006, but he declined to run against the popular Governor Phil Bredesen. There has recently been a movement to encourage Thompson to run for President in 2008. He has not announced a run, but has yet to deny it. On March 11, 2007, Thompson said "I'm giving some thought to it. Going to leave the door open. A lot of people think it's late already. I don't really think it is, although the rules of the game have changed somewhat. ... I think people are somewhat disillusioned. I think a lot of people are cynical out there. I think they're looking for something different." [10] |
 Sivaratri for Vaisnavas
All Glories to Sri Sri Mahadev Siva and Srimati Parvati!
Following is a post from my Guru Maharaja, His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Maharaja, acarya and spiritual master of the Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math on this holy day. As I've explained elsewhere on this blog, the Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) accepts all religions. It itself consists of different religions. For instance, Sivaratri is the appearance day of Lord Siva. His devotees (known as Sivaites) refer to Lord Siva as Mahadev, "the the greatest or highest God." As Vaisnavas (devotees of Lord Visnu), we worship Lord Visnu (or Krsna/Narayan) as the Supreme Personality of Godhead... Still, we also worship Lord Siva. Here my Guru Maharaja explains how it is that Vaisnavas also honor Lord Siva on this important day: -------- His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Maharaja: All Glories to Sri Guru, Sri Gauranga & Sri Sarasvata Gaudiya Vaishnavas Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Dear Devotees, Today the 16th of February 2007 is Lord Shiva's appearance day, Shiva Chatrudasi. As per instruction of different scriptures we know, Lord Shiva is greatest Vaisnava amongst all Vaisnava's community - "Vaisnavam Yatha Sambhu". Srila Gurudeva use to perform/practice this day the ritual as like Ekadasi fasting. If it is possible, try to practice this ritual/ vow. We know that Srimad Bhagwatam [one of our holiest scriptures] appeared us by the mercy of Srila Sukadeva Goswami, son of Vyasadeva. But if we look back to Srila Sukadeva Goswami's history, how he intened to the Bhagwatam from the Lord Shiva, we can come to the point that Lord Shiva was also teacher of Sukadeva. Once Parvati Devi and Lord Shiva in Kailash (Omar-Tirtha, eternal pilgrimage) was talking to each other, at that time Parvati Devi was requesting her husband, "O"Lord Shiva, please let me know - what is the benefit to listen to Srimad Bhagwatam. At that time, Lord Shiva replied that if anyone listens to Srimad Bhagwatam attentively, he/she will attain eternal (his/her life should be eternal). Naturally, Parvati Devi repeatedly requested Lord Shiva for giving Srimad Bhagawatam lessons to her. Lord Shiva said that she may sleep at that moment of his lectures/class due to her present condition. But she insisted to listen the Bhagwata lectures from Lord Shiva to keep her life also eternal, as like Lord Shiva. Anyway, out of Lord Shiva's affection for her wife Parvati Devi, Lord Shiva agreed to give lessons, under one condition that she should respond to his lessons attentively" .There should be a norm of her being attentive and she should not be sleeping. But due to influence of MAYA ( illusion) Parvati Devi murged into deep sleep. Fortunately one parrot known as SUKA-PAKSHI was listening attentively Srimad Bhagwatam from Lord Shiva and instead of Parvati Devi that parrot (SUKA-PAKSHI) responded to the lessons from top of a tree. After the class Lord Shiva realized that Parvati Devi was sleeping simultaneously some person was responding to his lessons and he was astonished. Lord Shiva however was trying to locate the person, who was listening to his lessons without permission. Then Lord Shiva saw a parrot sitting on top of a tree and listened the Bhagwatam attentively. So, Lord Shiva became sure that this parrot gave the signal, instead of his wife, Parvati Devi. As soon as Shiva recognized that the parrot listen the class. At that time Lord Shiva wanted to kill the parrot with his trident (TRISUL) when the parrot flew away to save life. Finally the parrot saw the wife of Vyasadeva trying to dry her hair in sun with her mouth open So, the parrot entered the womb of Vyasadeva's wife and at that time Lord Shiva was also shouting due to the of failure. Due to the unwanted noise, Vyasadeva appeared to the site and wanted to know the reason of Lord Shiva's shouting. Lord Shiva replied the whole incident and intelligently stopped Lord Shiva from shouting. Vyasadeva gave a logic to Lord Shiva Oh! Lord Shiva, can you please explain me what is the benefit to listen Srimad Bagawatam. Natuarally, Lord Shiva replied, if any one listen the Bhagwatam he/she should be eternal. Then immediately Vyasadeva replied back the logic to Shiva that if it is the benenfit of being eternal then how can you kill the parrot. Now, Shiva understood His endeavor to kill the parrot realised his mistake and he should leave the parrot to the womb of Vaysadeva's wife. That parrot after thirteen year staying in the womb, appeared with the form of Srila Sukadeva Goswami. So, we can come to the points that Sukadeva Goswami also listen Srimad Bhagwatam from Lord Shiva and anyone listening to the Bhagwatam will attain eternal life. So, if possible please perform the rituals today and worship Lord Shiva, chanting of four mantras as follows : 1. Om Sada-Shivaya Namah. 2. Om Sankaraya Namah. 3 Om Mahesaraya Namah. 4. Om Rudraya Namah. B.B.Bodhayan. May you have a most Blessed Sivaratri!
 The Srimad Bhagavad-Gita Translated by Jagannatha Prakasa (John of AllFaith é 1993) Moksa-Sannyasa Yoga:
The Yoga of Liberation Through Renunciation18:34: But, O Arjuna, that resoluteness which sustains Dharma, Kama and Artha out of a desire for their fruitive results, is in the quality of passion O child of Partha.
18:35: That resoluteness by which a fool does not abandon sleep, fear, lamentation, despondency and intoxication, O child of Partha, is in the quality of ignorance. 18:36: Now hear from Me of the three kinds of happiness, O best of the Bharatas, in which, by regular practice, one is delighted and attains an end to suffering. 18:37: That happiness which is like poison in the beginning but which is like nectar in the end, and which is born of one's intellectual composure, is said to be in the quality of goodness. 18:38: That happiness which is yoked to the senses and their objects, which in the beginning is like nectar but in the end is like poison, is considered to be in the quality of passion. 18:39: That self-delusory happiness which arises from sleep, sloth and negligence in the beginning and as a consequence of, is said to be in the quality of ignorance. 18:40: Neither on the earth, in the heavens, nor again among the devas, is any living entity free from the three qualities which are born of material nature. 18:41: The activities of the brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaishyas and shudras are apportioned in accordance with the gunas and are born of their own natures, O Parantapa. 18:42: Born of his own nature, the divine services of a brahmana are tranquility, self restraint, austerity, purity, tolerance, uprightness, knowledge, realization and belief in God. 18:43: Born of one's own nature, the divine services of a ksatriya are heroism, vigor, fortitude, skillfulness in battle, refusal to retreat, generosity and natural leadership ability. 18:44: Born of his own nature, the divine services of a vaishya are agriculture, cow herding and trade while the divine services of a shudra, also born of one's own nature, consists of serving others. 18:45: Devoted each to one's own proper activities, one obtains perfection. Hear how, engaged in one's own divine service, perfection is attained.
More to Come
Verse 34: Dharma: That which is right, correct. Kama: That which is desired in passions and lust
Artha: that which is valued materially Those who act according to external desires in order to achieve fruitive results and rewards are bound by their actions. Likewise in verse 35, those who are lazy, who attempt nothing but are slothful and lazy, these people, also are bound by their lack of actions. Throughout the material realms desire is present. Desire to attain, desire not to attain, desires for happiness... and yet none of these desires lead to liberation. It is impossible to avoid action! Sri Krsna's advise therefore is that we perform our duties as duties without regard for the results of those actions. It is our attachment to the results of actions that bind us to material existence and hence to continued suffering. Here the Lord speaks in terms of the varnas or traditional divisions of Indian society but the same principle apply. The path to liberation consists of breaking these bonds to fruitive results and performing selfless acts. Through the grace and guidance of an authentic spiritual master such as His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Maharaja, acarya and spiritual master of the Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math pictured above, one can learn to develop a spiritual consciousness and find freedom from material entanglement.
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