Writing campaign to Washington DC papers in view of International Convention

by Londo111 57 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  KiddingMe

  This may be a stretch...

  Is it somewhat hypocritical to use this popular NFL stadium to host a religious convention when American football is "frowned" upon, practically banned by the organization? Why is it so important to use FedEx/Redskins Stadium and it's location?

  is the stadium owner aware of the type of organization they've leased their stadium to? no matter how orderly they file into and out of the area, no matter how well behaved, how little security needed...it's all part of a calculated goal (unbeknowkst to the majority of the members)..partly to impress the local authorities, governments etc. and to say they have done something special, that no one has never been done.

  This same organization has another side. Do the owner of the stadium and others, know their stance on shunning, the LGBT community (and the other great points made earlier in this thread) etc. Do they know this organization's view on the very people they they hope to give a fine "witness" to? that they are pretty much dead in their eyes, for being or believing differently. How they feel superior?

  Maybe somethings like this could be highlighted or touched on along with the 100 year anniversary and other points made in this thread.

  Oh, and how timely the daily text for that Friday, the 1st day of the convention:

  Friday, August 1 Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended, for the taking of offense is what rests in the bosom of the stupid ones.​—Eccl. 7:9. Many situations in life provoke negative reactions. While you are driving your automobile, for instance, suppose another car nearly collides with your vehicle. How will you react? You have read about episodes of road rage in which an individual became so angry that he attacked the other driver. As a Christian, however, you certainly would not want to do such a thing. How much better it would be to take a moment to analyze matters. Perhaps you were partly to blame for what took place because you were distracted in some way. Or the other driver may have had a mechanical problem with his car. The point of this scenario is that we can lessen anger, disappointment, and other negative emotions with understanding, open-mindedness, and a willingness to forgive. Do not take things so personally. w1211/15 5:9, 10 Examining the Scriptures—2014
• 

  ABibleStudent

  Hi Band on the Run, I like your thought about writing an Op-Ed to the NY Times about dangerous cults in general (and the WTBTS in specific). Since this thread is about writing a letter to the editor of the Washington Post, have you thought about starting a new thread about writing Op-Ed's to major newspapers? I would comment to such a thread.

  Since the NY Times Op-Ed limits opinions from 400 to 1200 words and becomes the property of the NY Times, I feel the following simple template would have a high probablility of being published when written by exJWs.

  [Edit paragraph as needed] I was a member of a dangerous cult. I didn't believe it when I was in. The Watchtower/JW.org even explained why I wasn't in a cult and I believed them! Based on my experience anyone can be "unduly inluenced" to join a dangerous cult when they stop critically thinking for themselves and blindly follow their leaders. There are lots of dangerous cults to choose from today!

  [Insert brief paragraph to describe the Watchtower/JW.org and how you were recruited/born into the Watchtower.]

  [Insert brief paragraph how long you were a JW, what you did in the organization, and how you were treated.]

  [Insert brief paragraph telling how/why you awoke and what it cost you personally because of the Watchtower's/JW.org's doctrines.]

  [Edit paragraph as needed to express your feelings based on your experiences] As the Watchtower rebrands itself as JW.org and celebrates its 100 year anniversary of “Kingdom Rule”, I sadly remember Witness victims of sexual abuse and molestation, those who died refusing whole-blood transfusions, and those who have been victimized by the Organization’s shunning doctrine and hope for more merciful changes for the Organization.

  [Edit paragraph as needed] Beware of any organization, whose members say that only they have the "Truth" and promote ostracizing (e.g., shunning) members for leaving! To paraphrase Walter C. Langer, “People will believe a big lie sooner than a little one, and if a dangerous cult repeats it frequently enough, people will sooner or later believe it.”

  [Edit paragraph as needed] Before accepting invitations to participate in religious or marketing organizations, please independently research and critically think for yourself about their history and doctrines and about dangerous cults by visiting reputable websites like www.freedomofmind.com or research the organization through the internet. Before accepting a bible study from Witnesses, please visit reputable websites like www.jwfacts.com , www. and watchtowerdocuments.com and search the internet for additional information . Confront your doubts and fears, so that you don't waste your life being a victim.

  The following are links to HOW-TO submit opinions to the NY Times:

  Submit an Op-Ed

  Submit an Opinion Video

  Submit a Letter

  I wish that ApostateChick would create an opinion video for the NY Times like her following video:

  www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DbfC4RcLAY&NR=1&feature=endscreen

  Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,

  Robert
• 

  Londo111

  KiddingMe: Personally, I’m not interested in American football or sports.

  However, football isn't close to even being practically banned in the US, even though a GB member personally disapproves of it as “violent”. If the Org ever came out against it, perhaps making it just a matter of “privileges”, then they would have a serious problem on their hands with the brothers in the US. Football and beer is practically the only thing they have left to let off a little steam.
• 

  ABibleStudent

  BTTT

  Even though Barbara Anderson was very busy preparing for a trip, she was able to write a letter to the editor of the Washington Post. I hope that the Washington Post will print her letter.

  Has anyone thought about writing an Op-Ed to the NY Times to celebrate the WTBTS's 1914 prediction?

  Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,

  Robert
• 

  Band on the Run

  Is it too late now? I like the one hundred year anniversary idea. Guess who threw out a book of templates? I like the diversity in this thread. My journalism career ended in high school. The Board of Ed. sent out trucks to confiscate the student papers b/c we need a parody issue. The editors fix the formating and grammatical problems. Public officials give much more credence to short personal letters.

  The letters to the editor can be done anytime. Sticking to one issue is best. People rarely know much about the Witnesses with the exception of door knocking. The issues that make us upset would not upset a general audience. I would recommend writing from the heart and trying to curb the rage.

  I've been thinking of a NYT piece myself. People want to do petitions or leave business cards at Bethel. The NYT, Washington Post, WSJ, and a few others can reach millions of readers on basically your own terms. The few Witnesses who can read and write are busy at wikipedia. Also, when a good piece is in the NYT, the authors are often invited on shows such as Charlie Rose or Jon Stewart. It is a lot of work, though, with no promise of publication.

  I am thinking of writing about my quest for higher education and critical thinking skills. European concepts of freedom from religion and American freedom of religion would be interesting. Should parents choose a religion/cult for their children when it is harmful? Children should not have to wait to be of a majority age to go to school. I doubt if the religious exemption for federal taxes would be enacted today. Are we stuck in a Pilgrim culture?
• 

  Londo111

  Eric/RayPublisher/JJ/JWStruggle has been trying to call TV stations and newspapers in the DC area, but it is not an easy endeavor. If anyone knows a way to get through to the right people, that would be great.
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  ABibleStudent

  I don't know how to effectively contact news organizations other than using their contact information from their webpages. Being well-known or, when submitting videos, being attractive and articulate like ApostateChick, would probably increase chances of being accepted by news organizations.

  I would recommend writing in a concise, focused, and neutral tone while relating personal experiences that are heart-wrenching. According to Barbara Anderson, news editors do not like terms like "dangerous cults" when referring to well-known religions. If you do not like referring to the WTBTS as a religion (like I feel), it is probably best to refer to it as JW.org, Watchtower, organization, or corporation instead of "dangerous cult" or "high-control group" when writing to news organizations. Let readers form their own opinion after reading a letter to the editor and Op-Eds.

  Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,

  Robert
• 

  Londo111

  That make sense.

  Well, tomorrow is the "big day", kicking off the International in Landover, Maryland. I know two JWN forum members from my area that are making the trek up to DC with their families. Needless to say, they are not looking forward to it.
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  DATA-DOG

  There is a great quote from the 02/22/1961 AWAKE. I had never seen it before until 2 days ago. I was snooping through a JWs collection of bound volumes. When I found an article on "procrastination."

  Here is the quote: [additions are mine]. " What day was Jesus speaking of? [ Luke 21:28-35] The beginning of World War III? No. Zephaniah 2:3 identifies it as, "the day of Jehovah's anger." Revelation 16:16 calls it," the war of the great day of God the almighty," Armageddon. THIS WAR WILL COME IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. It will come right on schedule..... This generation [ 1960's "understanding"] will see it's fulfillment.

  I did not know that quote existed. I can take a pic with my smarty-phone if the CD Library has been sanitized.

  DD
• 

  LostGeneration

  Just checked the DC weather forecast.

  Fortunately there won't be blistering heat.

  Unfortunately its 40% chance of rain Friday, 70% Saturday, and 40% Sunday.

  How many will simply say f-it and go home Sunday morning if they get poured on tomorrow and Saturday?