Once upon a time, three ex-circuit overseers were called
upon to investigate why brothers weren't volunteering for
Bethel service. They accumulated a pile of evidence that
conditions in Bethel were horrible (1970's, not the country
club atmosphere of today)and that word was getting out.
Of course, the theocrats acted predictably and blasted the
whole study as rebellion. However, they 'shafted' (demoted)
the three brothers who led the study - very carefully
because:
"The Society doesn't like to create martyrs".
I'd say with the cruel handling of the child molestation
scandal, they've forgotten their own history - and given birth
to a whole CROWD of martyrs!
Worse, the Watchtower has never faced an organized, international
easy- to- use, easy - to- contribute- to form of opposition
like the internet. In fact, there has never been anything in
their history that even comes close to the form of underground
exposure that they now face.
The beauty here is the truth of the proverb, "you reap what
you sow". They've been dictatorial and secretive for so long,
they are now threatened by the ability of any Witness with
a computer to damage them. They've denigated the whole concept
of individual conscience so badly, that it's now humorous
to see them enraged by 'loyal Witnesses' clandestine postings!
When you look at years of Rutherford and Knorr initiated
cruelty, I guess you can't expect much more than the vicious
and unrepentant response they're making.
Rehoboam rules the Watchtower!
The people look for mercy and get whipped with scorpions.
And these guys are 'saints'?
metatron
