He would make the ultimate mic handler!
Phil Donahue at kingdom hall
by loosie 25 Replies latest jw experiences
-
-
DesirousOfChange
If only they would allow free speech inside kingdom halls..
If only the would allow free speech among DF/DA famly members and friends.
DOC
-
Bella15
@ DesirousOfChange ....
"If only the would allow free speech among DF/DA famly members and friends."
We need to send Phil copy of the literature where Watchtower BANS free speech among family members.
The only reason WTC fights the goverment on these issues ("branding") is so they can exist and clear the way to sell their books and magazines ... they are NOT really interested in the human, soul saving factor, it is only busine$$.
-
PSacramento
So awesome to see people exercising the rights that OTHERS have fought and died for them to have.
-
-
Band on the Run
I have strong feelings about the freedom of religion cases. My uncles were imprisoned in Danbury and my wonderful mom, who dreamed of teaching or fashion design, was expelled at fourteen b/c of the flag salute. The Supreme Court never upheld the right of students to not salute the flag. Since it does not give advisory opinions, it confined itself to the facts of the case before the court. A state passed a law fining and possibly imprisoning PARENTS if their children refused to salute. Commentators say it is a technicality and that the Court would rule that students also could not be punished. The case was not retroactive. Needless to say, being expelled traumatized my mom for life. She was so young. It was right around WWII. Everyone in town knew she wasn't a real American at a time of national peril. She stopped looking people in the eyes. Her self-esteem plummeted. I felt a tremendous burden to be super bright and go far to atone for what happened to her.
Black Muslims raised similar issues so there may have been an alternate white knight on the scene. My parents were utterly fascinated with Muhammad Ali's Supreme Court battle. The Amish and other groups have also brought claims. I believe that the Witness cases receive such scrutiny and accliam b/c most people see the Witnesses as a tiresome sect. David vs. Goliath storyline still sells. Also, the time frame was crucial. Right wing know nothings and isolationists were on the accession. The McCarthy era was poised to start. Only undercover FBI agents were attending communist meetings. A black list existed. Wars are never good for civil liberties. The Patriot Act gave me shivers even though I lived in downtown Manhattan and worked near the WTC. Freedom was in short supply. I think it was much worse than today. Today technology is an issue. J. Edgar Hoover was the devil among the Witnesses. Given this context, I do believe the Witnesses should be celebrated.
I also note that when I first started posting here I saw the Witness cases as wonderful. They were the main motivation for my becoming a civil rights lawyer. Yet I would explain my reasons to admissions committees and poli. sci, profs and they would yes, but the Court rarely stands up for freedom. Property interests are generally upheld. I was young and saw freedom or no freedom. The European Witnesses who post about Witness battles in France, Russia, and elsewhere have affected me greatly. America does not have the monopoly on religious freedom. I am not a tea party member. It is very vigorous in France and iffy in Russia. Organized religion can abuse and drain freedom from its members. My American background says to fight with a public ad campaign about cults rather than legal remedies.
I was very wrong to forget about the millions of Soviets who fought on the worst front.
-
stillin
I remember Donahue having a married couple as guests on his show once. Newly escaped and getting thier college. (paul blizzard, i think) Lots of warm applause encourged for these young apostates.
-
MrMonroe
I think it was Jim Penton who made the observation that the WTS has fought so hard in courts for legal freedoms of the religion, yet cares so little about the individual freedom of its members.
Rank and file members are forced to adhere to the official beliefs and practices, denied the right to act on conscience on things such as some medical treatments or choice of job, or even minor, piddling things like celebrating birthdays and buying lottery tickets. They are threatened with expulsion, naming and shunning if they deviate from the official line or challenge teachings.
-
baltar447
omg stillin, I think I know Paul's brother. major asshole.
-
Quarterback
This is interesting about Donahue...I had no idea about his interest in JW's. No doubt he doesn't know the whole story about JW's.
I remember his shows in the 70's. People really were scared to express their minds in those days...eventually we exploded in acquiring knowledge about rights.