Those Wonderful French

by metatron 6 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  metatron

  In the past, I'll admit, I haven't always thought too well
  of the French (OK, I owned a Renault with persistant clutch
  problems) - but I gotta say this taxation deal sounds truly
  wonderful!

  A tax exemption means that other people are paying your tab,
  so to speak. It is truly wonderful to finally see a government
  standing up to odious religious organizations and asking:

  "What benefit do you bring to our society, and why is it
  worth less taxes to us?"

  If a religion is deceptive, wrecks families, mistreats former
  members, and promotes a death dealing fraud like the blood
  issue, why should any government support it?

  I really hope this issue spreads across Europe and the rest
  of the developed nations - it may force the Watchtower Society
  to plainly confront its moral failures

  in a way that appeals to reason or common decency
  never could.

  metatron (vive la France!)
• 

  metatron

  Another thought:

  Maybe the Society will try to appeal their 39 million
  dollar tax bill to European authorities.

  Wouldn't it be fantastic if someone reminded that supranational
  European agency about the Watchtower's deception on blood
  in Bulgaria, when they lied to the European human rights officials? -
  especially if the French government objects to deaths
  from the transfusion issue?

  now, that would be something!

  metatron
• 

  Fredhall

  Metatron,

  Like you, the French is always on their monthy cycle. We don't know what mood they will be in unless you be around them.
• 

  Simon

  The trouble with religions though is whatever you do plays into their hands:

  Tax exemption? Look our mightly god blesses us ... it proves we're the truth!
  Tax bill due? Look, we're being persecuted ... it proves we're the truth!

  I think on balance though I'd rather they paid their taxes like other businesses have to because then at least society gets something back and they don't get to cream off quite so much for themselves.
• 

  RunningMan

  I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I'm not sure how else to get ahold of Fred. I can't believe I actually said that.

  Anyway, Fred, did you by any chance ever live in Winnipeg around 1980?
• 

  Celia

  Aren't the French just wonderful folks ?
  Cough, Cough....
• 

  metatron

  I understand your objection - I believe the French are showing us
  something very important - how the Watchtower can be defeated
  and reduced in power and numbers.

  Expose them and keep draining them until they run out of zeal,
  cash and publishers.

  I think the tax issues aren't clear cut enough to create
  a reaction to perceived persecution. Add to that an existing
  malaise - and they may have found the magic formula to successfully
  ending the soul draining power of the WTS.

  Too bad the Watchtower hates charity and reform,
  it might save them

  metatron