I'm not sure if anyone is keeping track, but as of today, the WTBTS has spent $40,000.00 USD to avoid releasing sensitive documents to the Superior Authorities. That's $40,000.00 USD of "dedicated funds."
Are you a born-in JW? We're you forbidden to pursue "higher education?" If so, you probably fall into the "Lower Middle Class" income bracket. That's just about $40,000.00 USD. The WTBTS just spent your yearly income. How does that make you feel?
How much overtime did you work to pay the bills? How often did you, or you're spouse ( if you're married ), stress about money? How many arguments did you have that centered around income, or "simplifying" your life, or "making sacrifices to Jehovah?"
How often were you "reminded" about your "privilige" to "honor Jehovah with your valuable things?" How often did you hear "loving reminders" about "local expenses", or "the needs of the Circuit" and other such "reminders?"
What about your "Christian duty" to pay taxes? How's that going? Are you like me, paying back taxes because you tried to have a business and got screwed? All the while trying to balance your "privileges" with secular work, worrying about whether or not you were "doing your utmost?"
Tomorrow, the number rises to $44,000.00 USD. What could you do with that money? Could you pay off your debts? Could you start fresh? Would that incessant knot in your stomach disappear? Would you sleep easier, knowing that you could work a bit less next week?
Do you have medical bills? Perhaps monthly prescriptions to fill? Could you, or a less fortunate family member use $40,000.00 USD?
As the number continues to rise, just think about it. When you're still working your ass off next year, still in debt, just think about it. When you get that monthly call or text, asking for your service time, think about it. When you see the next WT mag that deals with greedy religions, or you watch a JW broadcast that "reminds" you to donate, just think about it.
If the Elders want to have a "shepherding call" becuase you work too much and miss "sacred meetings", think about the money the WTBTS is willing to spend, all to keep some letters from the hands of the Courts.
Oh yeah! Just think about $40,000.00 USD +, when you see the GB with their suits and shiny jewelry on JWTV, and when you watch their new flashy propaganda films too. I wonder how much that cost?
DD