I believe WTBS has plenty of $$, and I'm sure Tylinbrando's figures are right on. In fact, I recall one year where they actually suggested each family allot a minimum of $5 per family member per day to cover the circuit assembly. It adds up. I know my relatives give plenty. But they plead poverty partly for legal reasons (as has been pointed out) but also to perpetuate the myth that they are different from other religions, i.e. "we do not tithe or pass the collection plate." They use more subtle means to get the $$. Plus, as Flipper points out, they believe the laws do not apply to them.
Cedars has admitted he's not a lawyer on this topic. I've seen him always willing to learn and adjust when inaccuracies are pointed out. If anything, he maybe is too passionate for his subject. Wishful thinking can colour our opinions at times. I greatly appreciate his articles, his research, the time and effort he is wiling to expend to enlighten the rest of us. Cedars makes us think, and he sparks extremely helpful discussions on here.
KS - I have no personal issues with you and I appreciate the thoughtful information you often contribute. But I'm personally getting tired of your attacks on Cedars and a few others here. I really get the feeling that you believe that since you did not choose to pioneer and instead had the opportunity for higher education and a doctorate that you consider yourself much more intelligent and educated than the rest of us here. You seem to believe you know far more about JWs in your short years of association than those of us who have spent a lifetime in the cult. Maybe you don't really feel that way, but that's how your posts come across to me. I wish you would tone it down because I would like to hear your opinion and thoughts without the condescension attached. I don't understand why you feel you have to do it, because it does not enhance your contribution in any way. I mean that very sincerely.
I greatly appreciate threads like this because I'm interested in the topic and I need to stay abreast of things because it is important to my personal healing and for me to be able to help my daughters continue to stay free of the cult (hopefully enlighten other family members as well). But I don't have the time or the energy to do the kind of research and work Cedars and others do on our behalf - so thank you. I also appreciate the expertise and insight others bring to the topic to help our understanding.
