by Ultimate Reality 16 Replies latest jw friends
The "package" for Americans to attend the Paris convention this year was $2600 per person including airfare ($2000 w/o airfare). The optional dinner vouchers were an additional $160 per person. All this for 5 days. There were 3500 Americans at the convention. This works out to a minimum of $7,000,000 for just the Americans at this 1 convention.
Does the Society get a cut of this from the tour companies?
This, to me, is a complete waste of money. You go to a foreign country, and you have to waste the time sitting at one of these wastefests. And I bet not one penny spent exploring the city itself.
You are better off just going to your local Grand Boasting Session, if you must go at all. At least that way, you are only wasting the time and gas to drive a few hundred miles and hundreds, not thousands, of dollars.
My personal opinion is that the Society does get a cut, if not secretly owning a tour company. For sure the 'big shots' probably go free. Is the Paris convention in English?
I know what I would do. I'd be at the top of the Eiffel Tower seeing if I could spot the convention sight up there or possibly from a cruise ship on the Siene River near Notre Dame Cathedral. Ha.
Outaservice
I doubt they get "a cut".
What they do get is free travel and accomodations for the Bethel bigwigs who go to these conventions. Just like any other person who organizes a large "group package" for a travel agency.
Organizing a group of 3500 people, they probably got several dozen rooms for free, and/or first class travel for the bigshots, and/or who knows what other perks.
This, to me, is a complete waste of money. You go to a foreign country, and you have to waste the time sitting at one of these wastefests. And I bet not one penny spent exploring the city itself.
As a veteran of 2 of these things, I have to agree. Dress code is strictly enforced, and much of the travel time outside the convention is spent visiting the local Bethel branches.
Yes sir, in the city of light, home to Notre Dame, Monmartre, the Left Bank, the Louvre, the Champs Elysee, the Eiffel Tower, etc., you get to spend your time wandering around a warehouse on the outskirts of town, looking at stacks of magazines and giant washing machines. Fun!
I was at Paris over the weekend...Steve Lett was the GB guy there..Looking at the American witnesses they all seemed to use this company
Wegiel Convention Tours out of the USA.
Anyone know Mike Joria, he was Convention Chairman and led everyone in a stupid 7 song conclusion...Jeeez!!
They shouldn't even be allowed to attend these conventions. If they are sincere with their religion they shouldn't be able apply for a passport since they have to swear their loyalty to the US.
Can someone show me online where it says you must say an oath to get a US passport, what the oath is, and when you say it. I thought it was a statement you make to the official just before you sign the application that all the information on the form is valid.
I have a close relative who's paying $3,000 to go to Hawaii for the convention--from the West Coast of the US. She's paying $150/night to share a hotel room with another sister who's also (I assume) paying $150/night for accom. And that's not the Deluxe class, that's for the next one down. SOMEBODY's making off like a bandit on this scam. Any former Bethelites on board who can shed light on the exorbitant prices to attend int'l conventions?
DO NOT SIGN APPLICATION UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO BY PERSON ADMINISTERING OATH.
I declare under penalty of perjury all of the following: 1)I am a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States and have not, since acquiring U.S. citizenship or nationality, performed any of the acts listed under “Acts or Conditions” on the reverse side of this application (unless explanatory statement is attached); 2)the statements made on the application are true and correct; 3)I have not knowingly and willfully made false statements or included false documents in support of this application; 4)the photograph submitted with this application is a genuine, current, photograph of me; and 5)I have read and understood the warning on page two of the instructions to the application form.
ACTS OR CONDITIONS
If any of the below–mentioned acts or conditions have been performed by or apply to the applicant, the portion which applies should be
lined out, and a supplementary explanatory statement under oath (or affirmation) by the applicant should be attached and made a part of this application.) I have not, since acquiring United States citizenship/nationality, been naturalized as a citizen of a foreign state; taken an oath or made an affirmation or other formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state; entered or served in the armed forces of a foreign state; accepted or performed the duties of any office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or political subdivision thereof; made a formal renunciation of nationality either in the United States, or before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state; or been convicted by a court or court martial of competent jurisdiction of committing any act of treason against, or attempting by force to overthrow, or bearing arms against, the United States, or conspiring to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force, the Government of the United States.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79955.pdf
Note that an "explanatory" statement can be attached.
Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
"I declare under penalty of perjury all of the following: 1) I am a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States and have not, since acquiring U.S. citizenship or nationality,
performed any of the acts listed under “Acts or Conditions” on the reverse side of this application (unless explanatory statement is attached); 2) the statements made on the
application are true and correct; 3) I have not knowingly and willfully made false statements or included false documents in support of this application; 4) the photograph
submitted with this application is a genuine, current, photograph of me; and 5) I have read and understood the warning on page two of the instructions to the application form.
*
Passport Office FAQ
Why do I need to appear in person at a US Passport Office?
You must appear before the acceptance agent to pledge an oath that you have faithfully and truthfully completed the application for a new passport. You'll be asked to sign the application after making the oath. Your signature will attest to your having done so. The official at the US passport office will check your state issued ID to verify your signature and physical description.
