by kpax 150 Replies latest watchtower scandals
Mad,
It is plain to see from CoC that if RF had had his way he would still be a member of the Borg GB, and probably the elite one at that.If he was, maybe the WTS would be a "kinder, gentler" religion.
I always wonder which number is greater, the number of people he helped suck into the Cult over the years, or the number that he has helped out of the Cult since he left?All xdubs can ask the same question of themselves.
TR
I'm gonna make mince meat outta that Osama!
Saint Satan,
You wrote:
He [Ray Franz] was paid $10,000 as a severance.I had never heard that until now (not that I begrudge him a severance package). What is your source, please? Did I miss that in CofC or ISOCF?
Thanks,
outnfree
When the truth is found to be lies
and all the joy within you dies ... -- Darby Slick, Somebody to Love
My long and dear friend (and a friend of Alan's) Mike Castro has visited and met with RF on several occasions. From conversations we have had about the two books, his so-called retirement and his possible future, I have discerned some interesting things.
First, if anyone has ever published a book, you know that it takes thousands of hours of research, phone calls, letter and meetings with publishers while trying to live your life and support everyone who counts on it.
Now, add all the correspondence from grateful fans and media people, add the stress of needing to make a living at age 60+. You can see that the UN thing might not be his top priority. I believe he or his wife also had medical needs too.
Plus, if you remember in the books, he was very conservative and not a flamboyant, aggressive or vitriolic in any of his approaches to exposing the WTBS. He's just no the type (from what I can see and read) to engage in personal attacks or mud slinging campaigns about former associates/enemies.
He probably does remember events or details that would be considered very scandalous and controversial about GB members, but his expository and journalistic focus prevented his efforts from being nothing more than a "disgruntled" excommunicated complainer.
To be an effective whistleblower, you need facts, hard evidence and have to document and prove wrongdoing. You don't achieve that by focusing on individual's secret fetishes, quirks, eccentricities.
So, in my limited scope, I think he is probably just trying to relax and not have the WTBS become and remain his entire life. I say let the man live in peace and let a newer generation continue this work.
What he started is amazing and monumental. Now, with technology and more freedom, another generation can really make strides using his examples. Just my nickel's worth.
P.S. I don't think he is interested in becoming anyone's icon. If he were interested in the spotlight, he would have started his own movement, ministry, church or whatever. He has been very quiet.
As a researcher and scientist, your comments are excellent UR and thanks.
This makes sense to me now but like I said I was a "little" surprised at the lack of interest seeing he went out of his way with Malawi and the military issue. When I read the book I thought these issues gave him a lot of cognitive dissonance and were, in his mind, a big issue while being part of the GB.
hawk
Wasn't Ray already out of the religion when the WT joined the UN as an NGO? If so I doubt he would know to much. I'm sure it doesn't surprise him in the least though.
If anyone is in contact with him. Please let him know I appreciate his writing C of C and In Search Of Christian Freedom.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
Eleanor Roosevelt
THX HAWK!
Hi Lilacs
Your comment make sense and thanks. Oh one thing (sorry to be picky)
Wasn't Ray already out of the religion when the WT joined the UN as an NGO? If so I doubt he would know to much. I'm sure it doesn't surprise him in the least though.The Watchtower has always been a "non-governmental organization". Basically a NGO is a "not-for-proift" corporation. Thus as an "existing" non-governmental organization, the WTS applied (in 1991) and received "accreditation" (in 1992) to become an "associated" non-governmental organization with the United Nations' Department of Public Information.
After the October 9, 2001 "disassociation", the Watchtower is no longer an "associated" non-governmental organization with the Department of Public Information but still continues as a "non-governmental organization".
hawk
Hawkaw,
Your surprised? I'm not. When you are 85, I wonder if you will want to take on another battle. By the way, are you going to write a book about the UN-WT thing? If not, why not?
Lilacs,
Ray had been out for ten years when the WT became an NGO. Therefore, he would not have any more information on this than a member of the general public.
Larc,
No offence, but don't go there.
I said I was a "little" surprised and I gave you my basis for my "little" surprise. Do wish me to BOLD and COLOUR the word "little".
I also said, if you have been reading, that I agreed with "UR's" comments and how they made sense to me and why I shouldn't be a "little" surprised.
So maybe you better back off.
hawk
Hawk,
What is the difference between, surprised and a little surprised?
