© 1999 VNN
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EDITORIAL April 15, 1999 VNN3603 This Is The Solution BY PAPAHARINI DEVI DASI EDITORIAL, Apr 15 (VNN) — The recent report concerning ISKCON's non profit/tax exempt religious status, contains the very key to solving the congregation's 21 year dilemma for participation in the current ISKCON institution. First the quote below: "In an unrelated letter obtained by VNN, the Baltimore U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently stated: "The organization appears to be set up to benefit the Board of Directors. This is not consistent with with exemption 501(c)(3). Control should rest with the congregation, either through their votes, or those individuals they elect to represent them. Power and control should not rest in an individual, or related individuals. Explain why you limit voting to the governing board and do not extend control of the organization to the entire congregation." (end quote) THE SOLUTION TO AVOID HAVING TO SUE ISKCON Here it is. In straightforward terminology. As international congregational members, representing the largest community of vaisnavas with all ashrams and varnas represented on the outside of the ISKCON institution, WE MUST VOTE THE CURRENT SITTING GBC BODY DOWN and OUT. While we are not Vedically interested in democracy as defined in politics (as democracy rises out of chaos), we must consider that the current sitting GBC has run ISKCON within the parameters of the RICO (Raqueteering, Influenced corrupt organization) criteria for more than 20 years now. It has become an established habit to behave corruptly. This is entirely and absolutely unacceptable. RECLAIM AND SAVE ISKCON FOR OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN Setting the issues of child abuse, poison allegations, Ritvik/Diksa issues, book changing, Will changing and other symptoms of corruption aside- just focus on the above IRS comments and see the solution to "re-forming" the ISKCON institution by demanding new corporate boards through our vote. Those newly formed clean boards may choose who they want to be GBC, by nominating desired devotees. All new people. Petitions can be signed and each local chapter's government authority for that corporation's entity may be contacted for full support and specific instructions on how to submit the overthrow. This mass request will certainly save the loss of such important status (501c3) for our children's children, and cleanse the criminal element out the door. Those retiring GBC may be welcomed to participate as congregational members with no special previleges offered, other than has ever been offered to any other congregational member. No more bank account signing, no trust funds, slush funds, no lack of corporate minutes/accounting or private funds/salaries available without explicit following of the RULES to maintain the 501c3 status. NO LAWSUITS AND COSTLY LAWYERS ARE NECESSARY- TRUTHFULLY. This is our blessing from Prabhupada and Supersoul in the heart of that IRS representative. That office should be contacted and all other chapters nationally, for correct legal procedure and guidance. No wasted Laxmi on costly litigation and destruction of the institutional gift Prabhupada left for all of us. OUR INHERITED GIFT PRABHUPADA LEFT FOR US ALL We are all deeply indebted to His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada for his tireless effort to establish HIS ISKCON institution so we may come together for the chanting of Hare Krsna maha-mantra, dancing and feasting on prasadam. If those of us on the "outside" are to increase our daily participation in terms of association within the frame work and bylaws of the mission statement- contained within the corporation of ISKCON's 501c3 status, then we will need to force the resignation of the current GBC body. WE DON'T HAVE TO ACCEPT THEM ANY LONGER- ACT NOW If we are to retire from the worldly duties anytime in the future, to focus on vanaprastha duties, while our children carry on their grihasta duties- such as management of the temple preaching, we will need to establish our ISKCON's original intentions: of functioning to serve the public interest for advancing our Krsna Consciousness. As stated in the IRS query above: power NEED NOT rest with Directors WE DON'T WANT in place. One may say this would seem overly simplified or wishful thinking. Not so. It's more than just "a start"; I believe it is the key to reclaimation of the transcendental mission of His Divine Grace, in practical nuts and bolts terminology. I pray this necessary option is taken seriously by all vaisnavas and wellwishers on the edge and outside of ISKCON immediately. Yesterday. I pray for this because I want to bring my son back to the temple lifestyle of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truth that Prabhupada gave us, and I wish so much to participate as a fully functioning member for an institution I can be sure has established legal and civic functioning to their credit. What wonderful grants are awaiting such a transcendental social welfare organization, to serve the public while purifying? What wonderful devotees are awaiting this turn of events, so as to be inspired to rededicate themselves to a missionary preaching establishment? So many hundreds of thousands, I cannot begin to count. ONE STEP AT A TIME- PLEASE, MAKE PETITIONS UNDER AUTHORITATIVE GUIDANCE AND VOTE THE GBC OUT OF OFFICE. RIGHT AWAY. ITS AS EASY AS YOUR SIGNATURE. THEN, PERHAPS ESTABLISH 24 HOUR KIRTAN IN ALL CENTERS FOR SOME TIME. Papaharini devi dasi About the Author | Other Stories by this Author Comment on this Story | Contact VNN regarding this Story
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