Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 21:23:33 -0500
From: lizzy <lizzy-AT-fkol.com>
Subject: Re: Collective Letter for Accountability of Self-Promotional Organizers


> Stopping bride-burning and dowry that are in the hands of the very
> perpetrators now in power, and representing the very women they abuse
> at
> this Havard/VHP rendezvous...that's like the rooster guarding the hen
> house, only worse...we're talking out-and-out murder and abuse of
> women.
> 
> As for arguments, I happen to think they're vital to forming
> collective opinion.  There's no getting around it unless you're
> suggesting we scrap democracy.
No...consensus is fine.
> 
> My letter to Witzel would be mostly questions...if other women on this
> list such as you have statements to add, please do:
> 
> Dear Dr. Witzel,
> 
> Please provide a clear account of the reasons for having this
> conference
> that is heavily populated by VHP/BJP presenters.  Do you yourself know
> the history, rise, and known oppressive actions of the RSS/BJP/VHP in
> India (the state of Rajasthan is a BJP stronghold, for example, where
> bride-burning is accepted practice)?  What is the political make up of
> the Sanskrit and Indian Studies department faculty at Harvard
> University? Does Harvard support fundamentalist views, which this
> conference seems to suggest?  What is Harvard's investment in women's
> issues other than purely academic research based on observing
> oppressed
> populations of women?
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Manjusree Sen
> iview-AT-technologist.com

Very good-
I have almost 200 emails still waiting to be read forwarded after the
move and new server set-up. In scanning them, I noticed what I think
tells me more in depth about the RSS/BJP/VHP. I will read asap. Thanks.
Lizzy