Does the WTS really own stock in an weapons co?

by Leander 6 Replies latest jw friends

  • Leander
    Leander

    I found this post at this link - http://www.messagefriends.com/cgi-bin/rcidxmsgb.cgi?pid=4552-8075-4552-4552

    Smartie on 8-10-2001 - 8:15PM
    Subject: JW's please answer my question

    If the Watchtower Society is so peace loving then why do they own stock in a bomb factory?

    According to the annual report, Rand Cam Engine Corporation is 50% owned by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Rand makes parts for "smart" bombs.

    I found this information on watchtower.observer.org under the heading JW's and money. To confirm this article, I checked with the Securities Commission and Rand's own annual report. There is no denying that the WT owns stock in this company.

    Can anyone confirm this? If this is true then it appears that there might be a divine source that is causing these things to come to light.

  • Patriot
    Patriot

    Amazing can explain this point pretty well try and write to him.

  • Leander
    Leander

    Do you happen to know his email address

  • TheOldHippie
    TheOldHippie

    This is what Amazing said, raving about in fact nothing but the fact that someone got a gift ...................

    Posted by Amazing [Anointed] on September 15, 2000 at 15:58:37 {ytkgB1hrLU0hi4VK0MIQASIIcexUto}:

    Hello Everyone:

    Many may recall down the Board that it was reported that the Watchtower Society owned an interest in a corporation that made or designed components for military use that was used in the Persian Gulf War "Smart Bombs." (Correct me if I have erred here.)

    So far I have not confirmed whether such military applications or contracts have been involved, then or now. However, after checking SEC filings in 1995 and 1992, (after the Gulf War in Feb-Mar 1992), I did not find any statement showing Watchtower ownership at that time.

    Further, the "Company" was originally organized under the laws of the State of Oregon on July 27, 1992 as Sky Technologies, Inc. (After the Persian Gulf War ended.) This does not mean that the Society owned or did not own these shares prior to that date, or that their current ownership precludes that REGI now makes components or designs systems for the Military. All this means is that my information is inconclusive on that aspect.

    Rand Cam Engine Corp. is a privately held company whose stock is reportedly owned 50% by The Watchtower Society, a religious organization where beneficial ownership of the 5,371,900 shares registered in the name of Rand Energy Group Inc. has been attributed to The Watchtower Society and Mr. (*) who retains voting proxy. Evidently Mr. (*) donated the shares to the Society who now owns them. While not confirmed, Mr. (*) may likely be a JW. [* I deleted the personal name of this individual because it is not essential to this discussion.]

    Here are the latest figures I have confirmed:

    While the corporation is 'private' it uses the NASD symbol "RGUS" for REGI US INC.
    Exchange: OTCBB (Over-The-Counter)
    Previous Close: 0.437 on 9/13
    Volume: 0
    Currency Units: US Dollar

    This US Corporation is majority owned by a British Columbia Corporation based in Canada. Of the US stock, the Watchtower Society is 50% owner as of the date of the filing I read which is addressed to the Securities Exchange Commission in Sept. 1999. I am a little confused how the parent corporation could be a 'majority' owner, yet the Watchtower Society still own 50%. But that is the data as shown on the filings.

    I would think that if the Society only owned a small share that was donated, it would seem inconsequential to its standing as a nonprofit religious organization. People give assets such as this all the time to religions.

    HOWEVER, the Watchtower Society seems unique in that it denounces investments in the old system and its journal Awake! for many years claimed that it was 'free' to publish 'truth' because of being "unfettered" by commercial interests. In times past, the Society has even forced branches to divest interests in various profit making investments. After which, they even held Conventions where they read a resolution apologizing to Jehovah for their 'sin' and publicly repented of this 'unclean' act before all onlookers.

    Now lets think about this for a minute: 5,371,000 shares valued at $0.437 per share equals $2,347,127 in stock ownership. This is just one company we know about. But, the interesting situation is that the Watchtower Society owns 50% in the US corporation as reported, even if not a 'majority' interest. Is this not a clear powerful position to influence company policy? Even if the British Columbia company holds the major role, would not a powerful voting block such as this at least help 'influence' the actions of what the company builds and sells? And even though the voting is by proxy, it is done by the person who donated the stock to the Society. Therefore, would not his votes reflect sympathy and loyalty to the Watchtower Society teachings, policies, and beliefs unique to Jehovah's Witnesses?

    Interesting. What do you think? - Simply Amazing

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  • Leander
    Leander

    It seems like every other week I'm learning new things about the Society. Not too long ago some brothers from my congregation were talking about what to do if someone gave you a lottery ticket. One of the brothers mentioned that according to the Society's publications if a person was given a lottery ticket that he should throw it away or else it would be a violation of bible principles.

    So in light of that information it seems to me that accepting a gift of stock interest in a weapons manafacturing company would be a gross sin. Particuarly when the news gets out they could be responsible for stumbling many individuals.

    Its just amazing what goes on that the average member of this organization has no clue about.

    Does any know if there are links to websites that detail this information?

  • Patriot
    Patriot

    Yeah your supposed to throw it away (lottery ticket) unless you plan to give the winnings to the WTBTS.

    Then they'll make the exception. Go into WT observer and go into the money section and see if you can get a hold of the "Planned Giving" brochure or at least quotes from it. It will make for some interesting reading.

  • Kent
    Kent

    There is no doubt about it at all. You can check up this company online, and the Watchtower holds a 50% of the shares.

    Rand company is a vital US defence company, and the fact the Watchtower holds shares in on of their companies, is a gross hypocricy!

    I have many links to the search engine for that stuff in the artickles you mentioned.

    Yakki Da

    Kent

    I need more BOE letters, KMs and other material. Those who can send it to me - please do! The new section will be interesting!!

    Daily News On The Watchtower and the Jehovah's Witnesses:
    http://watchtower.observer.org

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