blacksheep

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Posts by blacksheep

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  110

  The Dixie Chicks

  by Stan Conroy in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  i don't understand the logic of boycotting the dixie chicks because of the comments the singer made about being ashamed that bush is from texas.

  it doesn't make sense to me.

  keep in mind that i'm just a canadian, so maybe i'm just not tuned in to the american way of thinking.

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  blacksheep

  "I take it then, from your reactions, that were people to organise say ... a boycott of American goods, that you sould see nothing wrong with that and would not complain about it at all?"

  Yes, these people DO have the right to organize a boycott if they want. And anyone who feels they want to participate in the boycott is welcome to do so. Personally, I've seen a few wacko websites from people who have an entire list of Hollywood "traitors." I assume the massive list is composed of entertainers who at any time during the current war or past wars dared to express their views against it, the administration, the government, etc. Personally, I think that's hogwash, and most reasonable people will see this.

  For most American consumers, boycotting and/or expressing our views are pretty much limited to individual purchase choices we make, airing our opinions on the internet and informally with friends. Maybe calling in on a radio or tv talk show....

  The problem with the Dixie Chicks, the Sarrandons, and a FEW others is that they exploit totally non-political forums to air their personal political views. Whats worse, as in the case of the Dixie Chicks, they haven't even an *intelligent* word to say that people can even respect. Their vapid comments were simply stupid. They are paying the price for it. And now are trying to lamely defend themselves.
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  110

  The Dixie Chicks

  by Stan Conroy in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  i don't understand the logic of boycotting the dixie chicks because of the comments the singer made about being ashamed that bush is from texas.

  it doesn't make sense to me.

  keep in mind that i'm just a canadian, so maybe i'm just not tuned in to the american way of thinking.

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  blacksheep

  Poor, poor Chicks. Say something incredibly stupid and have to pay for it too?????

  Anyone catch their interview with Diane Sawyer last night. Pathetic to say the least. They had absolutely NO credible, cogent, legitmate reason for saying what they did. But they were obviously trying to "apologize."

  Like BUSH said, the Chicks can say what they want. This IS America, after all. But just don't get their feelings hurt (esp their materialistic feelings, I might add) because people who ALSO have the freedom of speech, belief, and action stop buying their records.

  Ah, riding the crest of fame. Hubris. Some think that means you can say anything you want. And not pay for it.'

  FTR, I never bought their stuff before, and I certainly won't now. Bimbos.
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  28

  Laci Peterson's "Fetus" -- topic of abortion debate -- please comment

  by bluesapphire in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i am interested in hearing everyone's comments on this.

  my own personal "jury" is still out on this and i would like to hear different perspectives.

  http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?article_id=32157

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  blacksheep

  I cannot believe NOW's stance. Talk about an opportunistic move. The woman was 8 months pregnant. No woman in this state could have ever had an abortion. That is ludicrous. Connor was a legitimate human indivdiual in his own right. Had he been born when Laci was killed, the odds of his surviving would be excellent. He, along with this mother, was brutally murdered and deprived of life.

  What, oh what, justifies ANYONE to claim he wasn't an individual. As a mother, I have nightmares about Connor. He should have been being cuddled and embraced by his adoring mother. Not washed up on shore dead. I'm heartbroken. For him and for Laci.

  Like someone else said, NOW can kiss MY ass.
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  110

  The Dixie Chicks

  by Stan Conroy in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  i don't understand the logic of boycotting the dixie chicks because of the comments the singer made about being ashamed that bush is from texas.

  it doesn't make sense to me.

  keep in mind that i'm just a canadian, so maybe i'm just not tuned in to the american way of thinking.

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  blacksheep

  "Doesn't the whole "Freedom of Speech" thing give her the right to express her views? I will agree that just because you can say something doesn't mean you should. And perhaps her comment should have been kept to herself. But she felt the need to say it, so why are they being punished?"

  Sure, she has the right to express her views. Otherwise she would have been arrested. But OTHERS also have the right to express THEIR views. If that means boycotting records, movies, concerts, whatever, so be it. You cannot have it both ways. You're a superstar and exploit that to express your views. But then you cannot handle it when people boycott you. Freedom on speech and action works both ways. (And interestingly, they DID apologize for their stupid comments--stupid because it was hardly intellectually sound: "I am ashamed to be from Texas cuz GWB is from Texas," right. Really laudable.) They saw sales hurting so they took it back.

  To those of you from other countries: get this. You CANNOT legislate behavior. You cannot slam people for not buying the records, attending the concerts of people who've publicly spoken out against something you believe in. Bizarre, I guess. You may feel your "freedom of speech" works better in Canda. Whatever. But trying to claim others have no RIGHT to boycott well-known people for their anti-war, anti-govt, anti-president views makes absolutely no sense.
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  107

  US Patriotism VS the Rest of the World

  by Xena in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  abaddon and i were having a discussion in another thread regarding the differences between us patriotism and european patriotism.

  apparently some people consider the us to be peopled with rabid flag waving, my country right or wrong, ugly americans.

  i am wondering what the general concensus of this board would be?.

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  blacksheep

  Esp to "Prisca"---FTR i have lived in other european countries. I found them all to thing they were superior to everybody. They criticized other countries, and were more intent upon proving how they were superior to the other countries than I have ever seen over here. At least we make some effort to be politically correct.

  I high-tailed it back to the US as soon as I could. You cannot beat the lifestyle here. And a lot of Europeans know it. And also people from other countries. That's why they are clamoring to live over here.

  We ARE world leaders. We take risks. People like to criticize us for everything we do. I believe it's in part because they are jealous. They can sit back and criticize, but they ARE just sitting back on their butts and criticizing.

  Bottom line, I've seen far more "patriotism" in other parts of the world. Because we are a melting pot, we attract lots of people from other countries. And we welcome criticisms. Hard for some people to process.
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  16

  Did You Ever Believe This?

  by RAYZORBLADE in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  with all these 'apostates' receiving visits from the jws out in their field ministry, did you, or do you remember anything vaguely reminiscent of this statement i am going to post.

  more or less, that because said-jehovah's witnesses are inspired or have jehovah's blessing, that they can avoid harmful situations, or have some sort of divine guidance, thus they should be able to know or sense we are: a p o s t a t e s ?

  i seem to recall something like this.

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  blacksheep

  leddfoot, How funny. I was just thinking of *exactly* that JW urban legend, of the 2 angels flanking the sister, so she was protected.

  The other comment (I think this came from a CO), was if you were speeding in a car, then angel protecting you (why not just say guardian angel), was only going the speed limit, so you've left him behind. I remember my mother, who loves rules/regulations constantly quoting that one. I remember thinking even at that time that was so incredibly stupid. What, all JW's who obey all the traffic laws never get in accidents???

  JWs pick and chose their paranormal experiences.
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  112

  Back from the Memorial

  by ScoobySnax in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  well like i say, just got back from the memorial, have been going most years, but this year i went by chance (knew it was roughly at 7pm at the nearest kh) to my old congregation that i grew up in.

  i didn't find the "evil" people spoke of here on this forum, or those too stupid to see.

  all i did see was people i hadn't seen in years, and let me tell you, what lovely people they were.

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  blacksheep

  "They looked a pretty good bunch to me, and I'm not easily fooled by crap."

  Sounds like a very, very superficial observation. They were polite and said it was lovely to see you. And that's what you base your opinion of them on?

  FTR, I also occasionally run into a few JWs I knew in the past due to some of my relatives still being in. I can honestly say that for most of them, I genuine like them, and they seem "okay." However, I'm very well able to separate the superficial "good christian/nice person" persona they put forth from the teachings they espouse: shunning, hatred of the world, promoting deaths due to primitive beliefs on blood, their rigid control, scandals, etc. I don't care how "nice" these folks appear, they are part of a cult.

  Glad you enjoyed the superficial pleasantry. A few of us have deeper feelings/observations.
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  82

  Daughter counselled on dating a wordly guy

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  my daughter recieved this email from one of her witness "friends".

  she is counseling my daughter (indirectly) about her choice to date a "worldly" guy.. hey, so, we had a talk recently that was about love & respect in your marriage.

  the brother brought out that this was more for us witnesses rather than worldly people, because it seems that even in the truth now marriage has lost it's correct place.

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  blacksheep

  Sorry, just backed up to read you daughter's original reply, and then her friends reply to her. Your daughter's post was perfect, thoughtful, not antagonist. I cannot believe her friend's reply to her. LOL, SHE'S getting confused with the third person suddenly. Even when you daughter gave her an opportunity to take a look at herself and what crap she's heaping on her so-called "friend," she fails to do so. Goes right back to the guilt trip, even more directly so. Typical JW.

  I forgot to mention that years ago when I wrote a similar letter to a friend of mine, she replied back in the "appropriate" way. She said something like: "I read your message as I cried. I know you are right." Ugh!! (she ended up marrying the guy).

  I think your daughter, if she chooses to re-reply, needs to get to the point. SHE sees no reason why she should lose her friend's friendship or love. Her FRIEND is choosing to do that based on unreasonable conditions. She can only hope that the relationship she is developing with her boyfriend and with others will not be so easily lost for no reason. However, she will always be there for her friend, even if her friend cannot be there for her. (I'd personally leave it on a positive note, but that might not be for everyone).

  I think Richard needs to post another GREAT response.
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  82

  Daughter counselled on dating a wordly guy

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  my daughter recieved this email from one of her witness "friends".

  she is counseling my daughter (indirectly) about her choice to date a "worldly" guy.. hey, so, we had a talk recently that was about love & respect in your marriage.

  the brother brought out that this was more for us witnesses rather than worldly people, because it seems that even in the truth now marriage has lost it's correct place.

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  blacksheep

  "You're cheating your friends, family and yourself out of what should be one of the best parts of your life." How exactly is she cheating herself? Developing a great, normal relationship which as lead to love(I'm assuming based on what's written this is what has happened). Is the guy married to someone else? Is he a psychopathic killer? Only the JW's can make a normal relationship sound so friggin' warped. " Not to mention how Jehovah feels about the whole thing." Ah, yes, wonder how Jehovah feels? Girl meets boy. Girl likes boy. Girl dates boy. They fall in love. I cannot imagine anything more horrific in Jehovah's eyes. I'm ashamed to say in my JW uppity teenage days, I wrote one of my friends a similar letter. In my defense (there's not much of one), at least it was more direct. I swear, I'm convinced that my uppity JW judgment reflected a bit of envy, denial, and repression. I think on some level I wanted to be free enough to do what she was doing. There were guys I wanted to date in h/s, and guys who wanted to date me. Couldn't happen of course. Not until much later. My friend that I wrote to would be interested to know that I've dated plenty of "worldy guys" since then. Sounds like your daughter has her head on straight. Sounds like her friend has hers somewhere else.
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  167

  Was There Ever A Circuit Overseer That You Couldn't Stand?

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i know this has been discussed before but i think a fresh thread on this will be enjoyable.

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  blacksheep

  I didn't have much exposure to them, not being a "brother" and all. I think a few of them were full of themselves. I think I had a general thing against them because my mom was such a CO groupie. They were "dignitaries" to her. She couldn't wait to have them over for a meal, go out in service with them, do their laundry, take them to a restaurant, etc. It ticked me off that she even gave one CO's wife a coat of mine simply because the wife admired it (without ever asking me.)

  Whenever they came into town, my moms eyes glazed over, and she quoted them like they were god's agents themselves. What I noticed was that a lot of their wives were sickly, and didn't seem really too happy. I would imagine that homeless, rootless lifestyle where she's just supporting her husband with little identity of her own would take a toll on a lot of women.