Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement discussed at CSIS

[Fethullah Gulen | Gulen Movement | CSIS, Center for Strategic and International Studies]

Members of the Center for Strategic and International Studies gather in Washington... The topics discussed include: Gulen Movement and Fethullah Gulen.

The group's director Dr. Bulent Aliriza hosted the discussion... and says that the movement has grown rapidly... reaching out to the world for more than 40 years.

Aliriza added that the movement, led by Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen, provides the basic philosophy of serving people in order to serve God.

Dr. Alp Aslandogan, who is a member of the board, says that the movement is especially important to the youth because they find that faith, spirituality and science can work together.

The Gulen Movement makes political choices by subject, values and attitudes rather than by political parties.

Members of the movement say they would like to see values such as being against corruption, democracy, and not abusing political power.

Dr. Alp Aslandogan added it was impossible to pronounce an exact number for the institutions of the movement because they are prevalent in the society and the donations are made locally depending on the amount of the need.

When asked why the Army was against such a movement, Dr. Alp Aslandogan explained that this was a simple case of over generalization rather than speaking in terms of the Turkish Army, we need to single out individuals within the institutions, as some high rank officers after their retirement speak about the positive effects of the Gulen Movement.

Source: http://gulen4worldpeace.blogspot.com/2012/08/fethullah-gulen-and-gulen-movement.html
Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nravVNEe484

More videos on Fethullah Gulen & Gulen Movement:
http://www.youtube.com/gulenmovement
http://www.youtube.com/gulen4worldpeace

Latest news, academic excerpts, commentary, book reviews and interviews on Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement:
http://www.gulenmovement.com
http://www.gulenmovement.us
http://www.hizmetnews.com

Followers of Fethullah Gulen seek to build up the human community

Prof. Leo Lefebure

Prof. Leo Lefebure of Georgetown University speaks at Annual Intercultural Shared Iftar (fast-breaking Dinner) held by Rumi Forum of Washington D.C.

According to him, we all can get so used to routines, and fasting exerts a call to attention for not only Muslims, but followers of other religious paths as well. He shares how Islamic faith calls him to stop and think "what do I worship functionally in my life?"
"In fasting, Muslims both give honor to God, they recall the events that led to the Qur'an, celebrate the Night of Power which took place during some evening in this month; and they also extend concern for others.

The Second Vatican Council, the leaders of the Catholic Church, expressed their respect for the Islamic tradition, and they singled out three practices of Muslims that resonate very deeply with the Catholic tradition: Prayer, fasting and almsgiving. And I like to think of those three together. We pray towards God -both Muslims, Catholics, followers of many other traditions as well-, we fast both in relationship to God and also in relationship to the needs of those who do not have enough to eat and drink -another theme that unites Muslims and Catholics.

In the opening of the document Church's Relation to the Other Religions, fathers of the Second Vatican Council said something that seems rather shocking, that seems completely counter-factual, they say 'There is one community among nations, among peoples.'... And on the one hand that is a deep theological affirmation that we share with Muslims and again with many other traditions as well. We have a common origin in God and a common final destination in God. But it is also a challenge: If we are this community in relationship to God, then we should live that way.

So the leaders of the Council pleaded with Muslims and Christians alike to forget the animosities of the past, and work together. This is what I've seen in practice with the members of Hizmet, followers of Fethullah Gulen, around the world in various places where I've been welcomed and hosted. In one situation after another, they are reaching out, looking for what values we share which are so much important than the areas which we differ, seeking to build up the human community."

Prof. Leo Lefebure concluded his remarks sharing how witnessing Muslim community around the world is a "profound challenge to him as a Catholic to reflect upon [his] own faith, and to work in shaping this one community in which we all share."

Source: http://www.gulenmovement.com/latest-news/145-followers-of-fethullah-gulen-seek-to-build-up-the-human-community

Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ENQC1IdPU

Basic Characteristics of the Gulen Movement

Hizmet (Gulen movement) is a transnational civil society movement calling up everyone to collaborate around a common ideal of good work for humanity. The movement aims to facilitate an environment in which all can work together in a pluralist, peaceful, all-embracing spirit and voluntary altruism, regardless of subscription to a certain faith.

As a civil-based movement, it is not directed by any domestic or international organization, government, state, or political system or ideology thereof. It engages independently, legitimately, and non-politically.

Hizmet acts upon tolerance and love from a religious and cultural perspective; dialogue and accord (reconciliation) from a social perspective; aims to elevate individuals to higher personal development and education from a behavioral and (positive) action perspective. It’s a proactive and peaceful movement that promotes positive thinking and positive action, with no room for conflict and reactions.

Even though the movement has its origins in a framework of reference based on Islamic values, it is not a movement that espouses superiority through nationalistic or religious identities. It’s not Pan-Turkish or Pan-Islamist. It is not a religious sect, fraternity, or cult; nor is it an extension or a branch of any of the above. The movement celebrates the universal moral dynamics and values that were exemplified by the Sufis of the early Islamic history and continue to be universally appreciated today; nonetheless, the movement is by no means a Sufi order, either in its classical or modern definition. The movement encapsulates a faith-inspired peace-invoking service. It promotes universal values, superiority of the law and human rights along with freedom of belief, freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

The movement and those who are morally supportive of its services are respectful towards religious beliefs, values, and the universal ethical convictions. The common objective of the majority of the devoted volunteers is to serve humanity and thus seek God’s pleasure. The pivotal motivation of those volunteers who are not within the fold of this objective is to spread the universal morality and values so much so that they’re deeply rooted in societies with the hope they will pave the way for global peace.

The Hizmet movement comprises of volunteers, who with their profound sense of responsibility feel they need to contribute in solving the problems of their own societies and of the entire world. The ultimate objective in their contributions to the society is to attain God’s good pleasure based on the conviction that ‘service to humanity is service to God.’ However this generic principle will not remove the possibility of having individuals who are seeking to satisfy their senses and their desires and who are looking to financially capitalize on this social network, rather than seek God’s pleasure.

Source: http://www.gulenmovement.us/basic-characteristics-of-gulen-movement.html

Australian Catholic University, Fethullah Gulen International Scholarship

Funded by the International Student Scholarship funds, the Fethullah Gulen International Scholarship was established in 2012 to support international students undertaking postgraduate research in the broad area of Muslim-Christian relations within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy.

1. The Scholarship has a value of between 50-100% of the recipient’s tuition fees for the minimum duration of the course, or pro rata if the recipient has partially completed their course.
2. The Scholarship is open to international students undertaking a postgraduate research program in the broad area of Muslim-Christian relationsin the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at any campus of Australian Catholic University.
3. Applications must include:
• a written statement of approximately 500 words outlining how the applicant’s studies will foster dialogue, understanding and collaboration between Islam and Christianity; and
• evidence of acceptance into, or current enrolment in, a postgraduate research program within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy.
4. Recipients are required to:
• submit an annual report on the progress of their studies (approximately 300 words) together with a supporting statement (approximately 300 words), indicating satisfactory progress, from their principal project supervisor to the Faculty Executive Dean;
• complete their studies in the minimum course duration; and
• remain enrolled in the program for which they were granted the scholarship. Withdrawal or an interruption to studies may result in the award being terminated.
5. The Scholarship will be awarded on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of the Executive Dean, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Theology and Philosophy and Director of Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue.

Notes:
The Selection Committee will not include a staff member who is supervising any applicants for the Scholarship. In the event that a Selection Committee member is the supervisor of an applicant, a substitute Committee member will be nominated by the Executive Dean.

The overall percentage value of the payment amount will be determined by the selection committee based on academic merit and strength of the application.

The Scholarship may not be awarded every year. Only one scholarship will be on issue at any time.

In the event that a student exceeds minimum course duration, an extension of the scholarship may be considered.

Source:  http://gulenmovement.com/latest-news/144-australian-catholic-university-fethullah-gulen-international-scholarship

Fethullah Gulen schools or Gulen-inspired schools?

First of all there no such definition as “Fethullah Gulen schools”. None of the schools have an official affiliation with Fethullah Gulen himself. There is no wayFethullah Gulen himself to involve in the establishment of such large number of schools which are scattered all over the world. And, it is humanly impossible to one person who lives in an isolated, remote region to manage the schools which are in different countries.

The missing part in this ordeal is not recognizing the influence of Fethullah Gulen in the world fast developing county, Turkey.

As the Turkish Secretary of State Davutoglu has mentioned, the biggest potential of Turkey is human capital. Turkey is not known for its everlasting natural resources. Turkey do not possess capital saving that was obtained through exploiting other nations. Turkey has not been known for its resources such as natural gas and oil as well. Nevertheless only one thing – the biggest resource of Turkey is the human capital – well-educated, young, and energetic but the most significantly human resource that is powerful belonging to their country, history and nation.

Fethullah Gulen has been extensively emphasising the importance of working hard to bring the society on to the higher levels of prosperity. In this bookPearls of Wisdom;

“Laziness and attachment to ease are among the major reasons for deprivation and humiliation. Inactive people who have abandoned themselves to (indolent) comfort one day will fall so low that they will expect even their basic necessities to be supplied by others.

For a human being, change and decay are usually slow and silent. Sometimes even a little heedlessness, a slight straying from the “caravan,” can cause a complete collapse and a total loss. However, because those who have fallen see themselves as still on the same line and in the same situation, they do not realize that they have plunged to the bottom of a deep well from a minaret-like peak.

Some people who leave the line of exertion and struggle with a feeling of guilt, which every fugitive and truant is bound to feel, are likely to defend themselves and criticize their friends who continue to serve. It is almost impossible for such people to escape their deviation and return to their original line.”[2]

People who were inspired by Fethullah Gulen have achieved autonomy from state power and has been able to play a significant role in society, the main characteristics of civil society organizations. Turkey is also a country which has undergone an economic transformation in recent years. And, the influence ofFethullah Gulen cannot be underestimated on this aspect of the Turkey’s economic growth.

In his book, Fethullah Gulen writes: “Those who want to reform the world must first reform themselves. If they want to lead others to a better world, they must purify their inner worlds of hatred and jealousy, and adorn their outer worlds with virtue. The words of those who cannot control and discipline themselves, and who have not refined their feelings, may seem attractive and insightful at first. However, even if they somehow manage to inspire others, which they sometimes do, the sentiments they arouse will soon wither.” [2]

In addition, thanks to the Turkey-EU Customs Union which came into force in 1996, Turkey has enjoyed customs-free exports to a market of over 500 million people. Apart from EU integration, Turkey is playing a leading role in several international bodies, such as the World Trade Organization, OECD, and Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Turkey has been promoting peace, stability, democracy and economic welfare in its region and beyond. Turkey is one of the three standalone countries, which was declared by the African Union as a strategic partner, after China and India, in January 2008. So far, development projects in 37 African countries have already been conducted. [3]. Turkey is a success story when the majority of the developed countries suffering from the economic turmoil. Today, Turkey is a secular state with no Islamic reference. It offers an open political space that allows for all political ideologies to compete free. [1]

Fethullah Gulen has been trying to encourage generations to come to improve themselves to better people to make their positive impact to the world around themselves... Fethullah Gulen wrote “ the generation who aim to give a better shape to the world should be equipped with mathematical thought. Mathematical thought implies a comprehension of the enigmatic connection between creation and the ‘laws’ of mathematics, and a discovery of the mysterious world of numbers. Without mathematics, it is not possible to perceive the mutual relations between man and things; it is mathematics which, like a source of light, illuminates our way along the line from the universe to life and shows us the depths of the world of possibilities beyond human imagination, thus enabling us to attain our ideals” [4]

Source:  http://gulenmovement.com/latest-news/143-fethullah-gulen-schools-or-gulen-inspired-schools

[1] http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Turkey-a-success-story-of-tripartite-coexistence-30181222.html

[2] http://en.fgulen.com/

[3] Mr Zafer Çağlayan, State Minister for Foreign Trade. http://www.biz-works.net/index.php5?&;;fl=y&pgid=ar&art=1001_08

[4] Towards the lost paradise

There is so much to write about the Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement

Dr. Karen Fontenot* speaking at the dinner reception of the conference Mapping the Gülen Movement: A Multidimensional Approach in Amsterdam:

"This was one of the most informative and provocative and useful conferences on the issue I have been to up to date. I've been involved in the movement since 2005, and I'm fortunate to live with my coauthor, my husband Dr. Michael Fontenot, and we were asked to present a paper at that conference in 2005 at Rice University. After we were finished, I told Mike: 'This was such an interesting topic, it's a shame there is nothing more to write about.' Well five years ago, we were just finding out we just hit the surface.

There is so much to write about the [Gulen] Hizmet Movement; and in part I think it's because it's such a dynamic movement. It's a movement that is not static, it doesn't stay still, and as the panelists discussed today, it is a movement that is composed of individuals.

I think that Dr. Ebaugh had a very good point, and I will follow up on that, when she said that members of the Hizmet Movement (which I consider myself one as Fr. Tomas Michel -I agree with him; I am not a Muslim and I am not a Turk, but I believe I am a member of the Hizmet Movement, she said all the members seem to share something in common, you cold recognize them. I think we have to tribute that to Fethullah Gulen, because he is the one saw need, who communicated the vision, who has done it so eloquently, and also who has provided a place for every single member. He is also the one who has allowed the individuals to feel appreciated in every single effort, no matter what you do. Fr. Tomas Michel points out often that the people who greet us at the airport are serving a very important function, the people who contribute money are serving a very important function, and the women who provide the food for iftar dinners are often times unseen and unrecognized, they are providing a very important Hizmet. Although it is a vertical communication, certainly there is no one person that is a leader; there is somebody who has the vision and who has been able to inspire and transform the movement, we need to say that.

To conclude, I'll give a personal account: A few weeks ago, somebody that I work with on the [Gulen] schools, he looked me and said 'you'd make a very good Muslim wife', and I was immensely flattered; I came home and told my husband. But so flattered because I know these women, I worked with these women and they are among the most accomplished, intelligent, educated, hard-working women, I admire them so much. I don't know how they find those hours in a day and I asked one 'you're a professor, you're writing, you take care of the family, how do you do it?' and she said "Well, Fethullah Gulen is writing books and he doesn't sleep very much, so why should I?" So I conclude on that note. Thank you very much."

* Dr. Karen Fontenot is Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University and professor of communication. Before entering academia she worked as a newspaper reporter and magazine writer and editor. She received her Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Louisiana State University and her master's degree in journalism from the Manship School of Journalism at LSU. Her areas of expertise are cross-cultural communication, organizational communication, and interpersonal communication. She has published widely in these areas, and is the author or co-author of more than sixty articles and conference papers. She is particularly interested in the impact and influence that culture and religion have on human behavior.

Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lSMf_s6zBE

Businessmen, politicians, religious leaders come together at GYV iftar

Many prominent figures sat around an iftar table together on Wednesday night at an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation. (Photo: Today's Zaman)

Many distinguished figures, including Turkey's spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, diplomats, businessmen and journalists came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table in İstanbul's Conrad Hotel on Wednesday night at an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).

GYV Honorary President Fethullah Gülen greeted the guests with a message he had written especially for the evening. Fethullah Gülen expressed his regret at not being able to attend the event and said he hoped the holy month of Ramadan would bring prosperity to the whole of humanity. “Regardless of our beliefs, we are the descendants of those who maintained their own distinctive lives and had respect and compassion for others and knew to share their happiness. However, it is with regret that we can observe that the arbitrary flow of events at such a high speed makes it difficult to correctly understand others and has led to an erosion of the ethical and moral values I mentioned above.

I think that national and international peace can be attained by reviving these manners and values,” Fethullah Gülen said in his message.

He went on to say that those who adopt these ethical values and good manners love and embrace everybody, ignore the mistakes of others in a magnanimous manner, forgive others even when they lose their tempers, get on well with even the most bad-tempered people and smile at everyone, including those who bear a grudge against them.

“They are not egocentric, arrogant. They are humble and magnanimous even when they have achieved great success,” Fethullah Gülen said and further stated that he believes in a better future with loving, caring, humane and compassionate human beings.

Among the guests at the foundation’s 18th annual iftar event were İstanbul Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş, Chief Rabbi of Turkish Jews İsak Haleva, Armenian Deputy Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Yusuf Çetin, Deputy Patriarch of the Turkey’s Syriac Catholic Church Yusuf Sağ, Editor-in-Chief of the Zaman daily Ekrem Dumanlı, Today’s Zaman Editor-in-Chief Bülent Keneş, journalists Fatih Altaylı and Eser Karakaş, businessmen Süreyya Ciliv, Ethem Sancak, Ayhan Bermek, Ahmet Çalık and Nihat Özdemir, actress Açelya Akkoyun and singer Burak Kut.

Delivering the opening speech at the event, GYV Chairman Mustafa Yeşil said the iftar table of the GYV gathered people from different segments of Turkish society.

“Is there any platform other than this iftar table that has brought so many different people together? I do not think so. I hope these iftars, which have been held for 18 years by our foundation, will make history by bringing different people together and this will happen thanks to your efforts and contributions,” Yeşil further stated in his address to the guests.

Also speaking at the event, Dumanlı said GYV’s iftar dinners are reconciliation platforms where people from different parts of Turkey with different beliefs and ethnic identities come together and added that they have contributed a lot to the social peace.

“Nothing can exist without love and this foundation is striving to spread love among people. Union makes strength and I hope this union will prevail everywhere in the world,” Governor Mutlu said in his address to guests at the iftar.

Limak Holding Chairman and former Fenerbahçe Vice President Özdemir also praised the GYV’s event and expressed his happiness at being together with people from various quarters, adding that it was the third time he had attended GYV’s iftar.

Columnist Ali Bulaç who was also in attendance at the event, said he had come from Ankara to attend the iftar. GYV’s iftar is significant as it promotes tolerance, dialogue and mutual understanding, Bulaç noted.

Highlighting the tolerant nature of Turkish people towards others, Topbaş said that Turkish people with different ethnic and religious backgrounds are able to come together at the same table.

Also speaking at the event, journalist Mete Çubukçu said GYV’s iftar brought together people from different segments of society. “GYV gathers fasting and non-fasting people, who have the opportunity to eat and converse at the same time in a peaceful atmosphere,” Çubukçu went on to say.

Turkey has drifted apart over the past five months and there has been a change, polarization and disintegration of society, said columnist Emre Uslu during the event. “There was a need for something to say ‘stop’ to this fragmentation and it was ultimately the GYV that took on the task,” Uslu added.

The GYV was founded in 1994, and the mission and work of the foundation are inspired by GYV Honorary President Fethullah Gülen, known for his teachings of hizmet (service), tolerance and dialogue. The Turkish nongovernmental organization shapes its vision of national and global unity through its five independent platforms and research center. These independent platforms each specialize in a different field, contributing to both the GYV’s and Turkey’s intellectual wealth.

Source: http://www.gulenmovement.com/latest-news/142-businessmen-politicians-religious-leaders-come-together-at-gyv-iftar

What is Fethullah Gülen’s understanding of democracy?

Fethullah Gülen directly criticizes Islamist political thought in his many books and articles and argues in favor of democracy and the modernization and consolidation of democratic institutions in order to build a society where individual rights are respected and protected. He carefully makes clear his position that some forms of democracy are preferable to others and is cautiously optimistic about its development:

“Democracy has developed over time. Just as it has gone through many different stages, it will continue to evolve and improve in the future. Along the way, it will be shaped into a more humane and just system, one based on righteousness and reality. If human beings are considered as a whole, without disregarding the spiritual dimension of their existence and their spiritual needs, and without forgetting that human life is not limited to this mortal life and that all people have a great craving for eternity, democracy could reach the peak of perfection and bring even more happiness to humanity. Islamic principles of equality, tolerance, and justice can help it do just this."

Is Fethullah Gülen in favor of the principles of liberal democracy?

Fethullah Gülen has always been in favor of democratic institutions, free elections and other principles at the core of liberal democracy today. He maintains that the Qur’an addresses the whole community and assigns to it almost all the duties entrusted to modern democratic systems; he says that people ought to co-operate by sharing these duties and establishing the essential foundations necessary to discharge them, and that government is composed of all of these basic elements. He says, “Islam recommends a government based on a social contract. People elect the administrators and establish a council to debate common issues. Also, the society as a whole participates in auditing the administration.”

What is Fethullah Gülen’s attitude to the democratic initiatives in Turkey since 2000?

Rather than leave Turkey to remain a closed society, Fethullah Gülen has long supported initiatives for a democratic, pluralistic and free society. He states that the role of individual morality is pivotal in this perspective to build, strengthen, and preserve a just political order. In the same vein, he has supported ties to the West – on the basis that Turkish society has much to gain from the achievements of rational knowledge there – whereas many from both the religious circles and the dominant secularist elite have been opposed to such rapprochement. Fethullah Gülen was among the first and strongest supporters of full European membership and integration, although some Islamist political groups criticized his remarks and opposed such membership. To them, the European Union is a Christian club and a threat to Turkish national and Muslim identity.

Fethullah Gülen was gradually able to bring about changes in the public mentality and attitude in Turkey. He supports democracy and tolerance as the best way to govern and supports membership in the European Union as the best way of achieving economic prosperity. In addition, he has highlighted the need for peace, tolerance, and dialogue with ethno-religious minorities within the Turkish community and between nations as an integral part of Islam and Turkish

Source: http://www.gulenmovement.com/latest-news/141-fethullah-guelens-understanding-of-democracy
Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_GBTbKQOnc

US Congressman Charlie Dent: Many Americans think Turkey’s leadership in Middle East will be constructive

When Congressman Charlie Dent was offered an opportunity to visit Turkey, he thought this could be a great opportunity to assess the country’s influence in a tempestuous region.

He had a chance to see Turkey over the span of a week with his wife, Pamela. Although they had different reasons to be excited about the trip, they both found many more during their stay. Since 2005, Congressman Dent has represented Pennsylvania’s 15th district in the US House of Representatives. Although a member of the Republican Party, the congressman has been elected four times in an area that generally favors Democratic candidates. Congressman Dent is a member of the US House Committee on Appropriations and serves on several of its subcommittees, including Homeland Security; State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. He has visited different parts of the Middle East at various times, but had not been to Turkey until October. The trip gave this distinguished couple a chance to meet people from different walks of life in Turkey. Upon his return, Congressman Dent spoke with Sunday’s Zaman on topics ranging from politics to culture and from history to current affairs. What was your perception of Turkey before this trip? Did your thoughts change after it? I wasn’t sure if Turkey was going to be a more European or Middle Eastern country before the trip. I wasn’t quite sure. I always sensed that İstanbul was much more European and other parts of Turkey in Anatolia might have been more Middle Eastern. That was my perception walking in, but the more I visited Turkey, the more it struck me as frankly more European than Middle Eastern. The country is much more modern and more secular than I [had] anticipated. Particularly İstanbul is much more secular.

Vanessa the Loyal Goose Network Member

Breaking News!

I think this might be the "News of the Year" in charter school business. Simple is that. The piece below on Goose Network website has revealed the secret identity of a person who operates behind very funny pictures and attacks the top performing charter schools in America.

Now, I am suspecting that the person running this Goose Network website could be a famous journalist at the "New York Times" or "Washington Post", because what he (or she) has accomplished is something worthy of a Pulitzer Prize :)

With his/her permission, I would like to publish the entire article (or should I say masterpiece?). Enjoy the long reading.

I am very proud to announce the new addition to Goose Network gang. This newest addition will probably complete the final missing part of the big puzzle, the Goose Network, who has been eagerly busy with hatching their eggs everywhere in the Cyber World. Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the final missing piece of the Goose Network puzzle: Vanessa Kachadurian.

(I am not going to put her picture here for privacy reasons. As for her full name, I think it is a fair treatment for her considering that she has by far published a number of people’s full names in her numerous blogs. Besides, I do not have the intention to make her a target in the eyes of other people. This shameless tactic belongs to Goose Network members, not me.)

When I first launched this blog more than a year ago, I published a list of Goose Network members. That list included Vanessa’s name as well. Yet since that time, her name has totally slipped out of my mind. Recently, I have decided to make a quick search after seeing her name on that list again. To my astonishment, the things I found out were really huge. I soon realized that I was encountering arguably the most enthusiastic member of the Goose Network. So much so that, many of my claims have proved me wrong on some issues. Now, I am both hoping to clarify my previous claims and add new stuff here. But one thing is clear: Vanessa Kachadurian is one of the most active members of the Goose Network and she is definitely on someone else’s payroll, because as you will see below, thanks to countless evidence, nobody would allocate such amount of time for something that is irrelevant (or not directly relevant) to one’s life.

Initially I took searching her name very lightly, but as I found new things, I got the motivation to continue and decipher more, because new information was in rapid succession.