This issue has been discussed many times since Spet. 2000. The original issues was that it was reported that the Watchtower Society owned an interest in a corporation that made or designed components for military use that was used in the Persian Gulf War "Smart Bombs."
After checking SEC filings in 1995 and 1992, (after the Gulf War in Feb-Mar 1992), I did not find any statement showing Watchtower ownership at that time. [Note: As of 1/17/01, I have confirmed that Rand Cam ""does"" make military war components.
HISTORY: The "Company" was originally organized under the laws of the State of Oregon on July 27, 1992 as Sky Technologies, Inc. (After the Persian Gulf War ended.) This does not mean that the Society owned or did not own these shares prior to that date, or that their current ownership precludes that REGI now makes components or designs systems for the Military. All this means is that my information is inconclusive on that aspect.
SEC FILING: Rand Cam Engine Corp. is a privately held company whose stock is reportedly owned 50% by The Watchtower Society, a religious organization where beneficial ownership of the 5,371,900 shares registered in the name of Rand Energy Group Inc. has been attributed to The Watchtower Society and Mr. McCann who retains voting proxy. Evidently Mr. McCann donated the shares to the Society who now owns them. While not confirmed, Mr. McCann may likely be a JW.
FINANCIALS CONFIRMED: While the corporation is 'private' it uses the NASD symbol "RGUS" for REGI US INC.
Exchange: OTCBB (Over-The-Counter)
Previous Close: 0.437 on 9/13
Volume: 0
Currency Units: US Dollar
This US Corporation is majority owned by a British Columbia Corporation based in Canada. Of the US stock, the Watchtower Society is 50% owner as of the date of the filing I read which is addressed to the Securities Exchange Commission in Sept. 1999. I am a little confused how the parent corporation could be a 'majority' owner, yet the Watchtower Society still own 50%. But that is the data as shown on the filings.
I would think that if the Society only owned a small share that was donated, it would seem inconsequential to its standing as a nonprofit religious organization. People give assets such as this all the time to religions.
HOWEVER, the Watchtower Society seems unique in that it denounces investments in the old system and its journal Awake! for many years claimed that it was 'free' to publish 'truth' because of being "unfettered" by commercial interests. In times past, the Society has even forced branches to divest interests in various profit making investments. After which, they even held Conventions where they read a resolution apologizing to Jehovah for their 'sin' and publicly repented of this 'unclean' act before all onlookers.
Now lets think about this for a minute: 5,371,000 shares valued at $0.437 per share equals $2,347,127 in stock ownership. This is just one company we know about. But, the interesting situation is that the Watchtower Society owns 50% in the US corporation as reported, even if not a 'majority' interest. Is this not a clear powerful position to influence company policy? Even if the British Columbia company holds the major role, would not a powerful voting block such as this at least help 'influence' the actions of what the company builds and sells?
And even though the voting is by proxy, it is done by the person who donated the stock to the Society. Therefore, would not his votes reflect sympathy and loyalty to the Watchtower Society teachings, policies, and beliefs unique to Jehovah's Witnesses?
The ISSUE: So what if the original owner retains viting Proxy! The real issue is that the Society gets the DIVIDENDS from the activities of this company:
EXAMPLE: My brother owns a Whorehouse in Nevada. he gives me half the shares, but he retains the voting proxy. My Brother then sells his interest in the Whorehouse to a cloths manufacturer, but they keep the Whorehouse Division in operation, and I get the DIVIDENDS from all those HOOKERS selliung their bodies ... but somehow I am absolved because my brother retains voting rights? Come on!!!
RAND CAM (formerly Sky Tech, does make equipment for military use, in addition to the engines mentioned above. The Watchtower is guilty as hell.
Following Bible principles, we will avoid trying to live - or demand others to live - by an extensive and rigid set of dos and don'ts that go beyond the teachings of the Bible. The Watchtower, 4-15-02, pg 22, pp 15