Hey Ravyn,
I just wanted to add that I understand what you're going through--even though I don't share your feelings. Both me and my brother have left, and he has a similar reaction to yours. He is ANGRY!
I think different people have different ways of dealing with things. Let's face it--this is not just something that happens all the time--having your entire belief system blown out of the water!
I had the reaction of being TERRIFIED. I was almost immobilized by my fear. I felt lost, alone, depressed, and self-destructive.
Thankfully, we are both getting ourselves to a better place.
Anyway--you are right--you absolutely have to talk things out. Outrageous statements WILL be made! My brother used to swear at God and talk about how much he hated JW's and my dad, and all that. If you say "I wish they'd all just die of anthrax", well, let's face it--that is not going to happen--and you know its not--its sort of a fantastic statement that lets you voice your anger in a big, dramatic way, without making an actual threat. At least, that's my take on it.
As far as that sword-weilding thread goes--well, come on. That would have been funny even if it was a hall full of Catholics. Or Mary Kay representatives. Its one of those 'stupid criminals' stories that deserved a laugh. It was almost cartoonish in its 'violence'.
What is important, IMHO, is that we are all free to express ourselves. I guess it is just years of being a JW, because many of us still insist that it is our job to tell other people what they should think/feel/believe. A healthy debate is one thing--but telling something they suck because of their beliefs is just self-righteousness.
Q.