Asking For Evidence=Scorn & Ridicule?

by Valis 14 Replies latest jw friends

  • Valis
    Valis

    dearest waiting, I come from an extended family that has many survivors of physical and mental abuse for many years, so from my perspective I am usually more than willing to believe reports or claims of abuse, as I know how easily it can go undetected. Having said that, I will also tell you that I am no one's judge, jury or otherwise. I do care about the people here though and yes I was speaking for a larger group as I think most here would agree that it helps to be as forthright, honest, and open here as possible, so as to not only foster a better sense of community, but to also add credence to the many messages we have for the WTBTS and their apollogists. . Surely, everything that is posted here is worth a bit of scrutiny as to its reliability, as you stated we might indeed have rapists, pedophiles, murderer, stalkers, etc in our midst, even among those who claim abuse. Yeah that sentence might sound bad, but by your own admission it is a possibility. .. As well, I'm not asking for any justification from the abused, but only as I stated before that we think about how it is we form our opinions on the subject. Did you understand what I said about Dakota at all? Well, I tried to find the middle ground and all it does is come back to the same thing that's been going on all day in numerous other threads....I guess you have to be on one side or another of this debate and Dog help the poor sould who suggests something else to think about. BTW...my hair says thanks for the compliment...man I really need to wash it now..*LOL*

    Sincerely,

    District Overbeer

  • teenyuck
    teenyuck

    I feel the need to post my story from JWOnline. Here is the link:

    www.jehovahswitnessonline.com/viewtopic.php?t=533

    http://www.jehovahswitnessonline.com/viewtopic.php?t=533

    I really doubt my mother's stories. That makes me feel very bad. Her molestation supposedly happened over 50 years ago. Her story has changed many times. Her sister's deny all.

    This has caused an ENORMOUS rift between family members. I now have no relatives. If I question my mother, I get put into the middle of the "did he or didn't he" arguement.

    I just don't know what to believe.

    Edited by - teenyuck on 2 October 2002 8:35:27

  • DakotaRed
    DakotaRed

    Since I am the one who said scorn and ridicule, I am going to add my two cents.

    No, asking for evidence or corroboration itself is not scorn and ridicule. However, saying you can't believe it, that it's bullshit, that she is wacky, I consider that scorn and ridicule. None of us knows for a fact what went on, but something very traumatic obviously happened long ago. Add to that, another did corroborate events as these in her life.

    Neither the accused nor the accuser in this deserves any condemantion as of yet, Yet, both have received much. Yes, it's a fantastic accusation. A very serious accusation. Witnesses were said to be there and have been asked to come forward. However, telling or insinuating that someone is full of shit is not a good way to encourage those with firsthand knowledge to come forward.

    Two nights ago, I asked for level headedness on this and for encouragement of a proper investigation. It was largely ignored and demands for evidence to be posted on the board were made. This forum is not the place for evidence to be presented, but should be sent to the authorites and handled appropriately. I still hope if any have evidence, they present it to the proper authorities. But, in the mean time, Pat does not deserve to be looked upon as a wacked out crazy person for bringing her accusation out to the public.

    You don't have to believe her, but you don't have to castigate her either!

    That's all I have to say about this. Do whatever floats your boat!

    Lew W

  • amac
    amac
    However, saying you can't believe it, that it's bullshit, that she is wacky,

    I think it is reasonable to say you can't believe it, because this forum does not allow someone to verify the stories of other people. And anyone posting their experience or story should realize that. They should not expect people to believe them simply because they say it happened. You are right, though, about coming to the judgement that she is full of bullshit or wacky or any other similar conclusion. I didn't realize this has happened.

    In addition to all of this, not only was an experience of victimization made, but a serious public accusation. This is inappropriate unless you are prepared to take the accusation to the proper authorities who CAN hear both parties, investigate and verify the facts. Otherwise it is slander.

  • Yerusalyim
    Yerusalyim

    I say, question everyone and everything. If someone or some organization is afraid to be looked at critically, it's probably got something to hide. SL is not above reproach on this issue. SL DOES, however, provide a valuable service.

Share this

Google+
Pinterest
Reddit