That was a GREAT READ! Thanks for posting.
I did like the comment regarding how the writer sees it as Cogs all the way to "the top". I also think that is generally true (mostly). Just like most of us who were elders and esp those who worked in organizational things like assemblies and conventions, saw the "little things" that bugged you.
Things like free hotel rooms that prominent brothers got for a "contribution". If they were well off, they probably gave generously. They could deduct the contribution on taxes but enjoy a high end hotel "free". The ones who got them for free or almost free were the "spiritual giants" (former COs, etc) who were "deserving". I saw assembly expenditures for high end booze & beer and expensive cut steaks for when prominent guests (Bethel speakers) were in town. But, "didn't they deserve it once in while"?
While in convention auditing, I knew a financially well off brother who always needed to cash a personal check so he could supposedly give some "green handshakes" or take "so-and-so" out for dinner. If you don't think that wasn't a tax write-off as a donation, you're blind. And I saw donated funds wasted ridiculously (like the TP purchase) because those in charge were dumb as shit and taken as suckers in their negotiations. But it was always just "no problem, just ask the brothers to give more and they will".
