JT,
I don't think I have ever read such a powerful "visual' illustration of people that have spent their whole lives being JWs. How tightly they cling to the "shopping cart" of tenious JW doctrine. In my own family,for example, they cling so tightly, that they sacrafice the emotional well-being of their children by ignoring signs of serious mental illness.
"Wait on Jehovah to fix it" or "Pray it away" or just plain ignore it. The world's happiest people cannot possibly be troubled, or unhappy, for that matter. To come to the realization that they have been hood-winked, is just too much of an emotional burden to bear.
Even my own Father, who has a long, "colorful" history being a JW, and engages in many behaviors that, if known, would surely get him DF'd (again),yet,he still clings to the core teachings with tight fists and white knuckles. Especially, if it justifies his behavior towards other family members.
Thanks, you helped me understand things just a little bit better.
Andee
Edited to add: Sacrafice the emotional well-being of their children! Duh! Of course, they would! They are willing to sacrafice their very lives by refusing blood. No matter, they will all be together in the new order. (sigh)