Posts by BlackSwan of Memphis

23

my profile

by BlackSwan of Memphis in

jw
friends

i live in mi and was raised a jw.

i left officially in 05, but my thinking had evolved before then.. if you're at this board, you're probably asking questions, or have asked questions and realized that the answers are not what you had thought they were.. if you're looking at this profile, you probably read one of my posts.. i suppose there is only one thing i would want anyone to know:.

it won't replace the years you believe you lost to the organization.. live your life that you have now and enjoy it.. often this means making a new life.

BlackSwan of Memphis

Thank you for the encouragement you guys, I really,really appreciate it.

I will go over and check out that thread Dawn plus too, you'll have a pm shortly.

23

my profile

by BlackSwan of Memphis in

jw
friends

i live in mi and was raised a jw.

i left officially in 05, but my thinking had evolved before then.. if you're at this board, you're probably asking questions, or have asked questions and realized that the answers are not what you had thought they were.. if you're looking at this profile, you probably read one of my posts.. i suppose there is only one thing i would want anyone to know:.

it won't replace the years you believe you lost to the organization.. live your life that you have now and enjoy it.. often this means making a new life.

BlackSwan of Memphis

I live in MI and was raised a JW. I left officially in 05, but my thinking had evolved before then.
If you're at this board, you're probably asking questions, or have asked questions and realized that the answers are not what you had thought they were.
If you're looking at this profile, you probably read one of my posts.
I suppose there is only ONE thing I would want anyone to know:
Heal.
This place can help, but it can also drag you down and keep you from going forward.
Sitting around and bitching about the JW's for the rest of your life is NOT going to bring anyone you have lost BACK into your life. It won't replace the years you believe you lost to the Organization.
Live your life that you have now and enjoy it.
Often this means making a new life. And making a new life is not that easy.
But unless you plan on going back, the only other option is to go forward.
I got tired of posting here.
I got tired of people complaining and bitching back and forth. I got tired of the lack of objectivity.
Don't let your JW past define your future.
YOU DEFINE WHO YOU ARE.
Blessed Be and Peace Be Unto You
May your path be filled with all that is good and pure.

Apparently this has pissed a few people off. I'm not one to explain things anymore as it seems an enormous waste of time.

But let me clarify:

Quite frankly, I got so sick and tired of watching believers got dogged on by non believers. I got tired of watching people who still cling to some belief get treated like they are nothing more then fools.

Opinion is great. I learned that. Everybody is open for their own opinion.

I have mine. You have yours.

But for all that this place has helped me heal, it has also kept me in a state of anger at times watching the arguments between people. And after awhile I found that for me, I was no longer healing I was staying in the mindset of a JW more then what I wanted to.

And I have found through conversations with people who used to post here that they had the same experience.

I finally had to pull away. I didn't mean to offend people. But I can't take back my words and say I don't mean them, I do.

Sometimes healing needs to come by pushing yourself to move forward. This is a choice an individual must make for themself and I don't disrespect those who have chosen to stay for various reasons, this was my reason and it was the last piece of advice I felt like giving.

My apologies for hurt feelings. That was sincerely not my intention.

I hope you take care of yourselves and find healing. For those of you that wish to keep in contact with me, you for the most part know where to find me.

peace out

40

Home Schooling - Yes or No?

by winnie in

jw
friends

what are your opinions?.

it seems that alot of jw's are into this.. i think there is a time and place for this, ie if you don't have access to a public/private school.. it doesn't seem regulated to me.

my mother home schooled my sister because she couldn't be bothered taking and picking her up from school.

BlackSwan of Memphis

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/Famous.htm

Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon, is listed as being homeschooled.

40

Home Schooling - Yes or No?

by winnie in

jw
friends

what are your opinions?.

it seems that alot of jw's are into this.. i think there is a time and place for this, ie if you don't have access to a public/private school.. it doesn't seem regulated to me.

my mother home schooled my sister because she couldn't be bothered taking and picking her up from school.

BlackSwan of Memphis

jgnat: I believe you are the poster that has provided links to a website regarding critical thinking. I was wondering if you might be able to provide that here?

sixofnine: If you read this, I was wondering if you would be open to sharing a bit more about how you have gone about homeschooling her.

I see that there are a lot of negative experiences with homeschooling.

I am wondering if the opinions would change if there were some positive experiences that others have had to be shared.

29

Attorney EXJW SUES K-HALL for HER OWN RAPE

by DannyHaszard in

suit claims years of abuse by father vote and add comment.

victorville daily press, ca - 8 minutes ago.

there was no corroborative witness to the sexual abuse, so the crimes against children unit could not recommend to the district attorneys office to press .... suit claims years of abuse by fatherryan orr2007-04-28 00:02:00apple valley a former apple valley resident has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse against the apple valley cheyenne kingdom hall of jehovahs witnesses, which is named in the complaint as roe, and her biological father, a church minister.

BlackSwan of Memphis

Perhaps her aim is not so much to 'win'--knowing full well that, legally, requirements cannot be 'satisfied.' Perhaps she wants simply to bring EXPOSURE to the matter--to that #$(&^#* father of hers...and to the ($@^* Watchtower Society that turns its back so frequently while allowing these things to proliferate. Sometimes EXPOSURE is the only way to fight back...especially where actual legal justice can never be expected to prevail. The same would be true in the case of my ex-husband as well. I could never expect to successfully sue or convict...but I am sometimes so tempted to e-x-p-o-s-e him...!! Sometimes I seriously wonder why I don't...and whether this also makes me accomplice to any future acts he does....

You make a good point and I had not thought of that. This is what I was thinking: There Are some seriously solid cases out there (like Yours!!!) that can really help. When a case is Not solid and has little basis, it can do more harm then good. I have a question for you, and if you are too uncomfortable answering it, I understand: Have you thought of contacting Ms Norris?

It sounds like she should sue the Apple Valley Police Department instead. If I'm reading this correctly it states that a police report was filled with the police department, but since there was no corroborative witness the District Attorney's office couldn't press charges.
Once again while sad, this is just a case taken out of context. Funny how almost everyone here is saying they hope she wins. I hope she wins also but first she has to start by suing the police department who wanted a corroborative witness to the abuse, after the police report was filled.

See this is what I'm wondering. Especially in light of the fact that she personally witnessed her sister being abused. But this is an Awesome Example of why it is SO IMPORTANT for a victim of a sexual crime especially to go to the proper authorities first and foremost. Go to a hospital, go to the police dpt...Get the Evidence. Without it, a case is often lost. The smalles corrobative evidence, dna from semen, hair, skin etc can solidify the case. I don't think people realize how often a victim of a sexual crime do not go to the police or to a hospital. In short, they don't get help. Very, very sad and very scary.

29

Attorney EXJW SUES K-HALL for HER OWN RAPE

by DannyHaszard in

suit claims years of abuse by father vote and add comment.

victorville daily press, ca - 8 minutes ago.

there was no corroborative witness to the sexual abuse, so the crimes against children unit could not recommend to the district attorneys office to press .... suit claims years of abuse by fatherryan orr2007-04-28 00:02:00apple valley a former apple valley resident has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse against the apple valley cheyenne kingdom hall of jehovahs witnesses, which is named in the complaint as roe, and her biological father, a church minister.

BlackSwan of Memphis

jex, my point is this:

IF she went to the JW's for help and they turned her away, she has a case.

If she DID NOT GO TO THE JW'S for help, then how does she have a case?

Child abuse, sexual abuse, rape...Happens.

I am All For holding the Organization responsible where they Are responsible.

In this case, the question is, Are They Responsible?

If this person, her father, has No Prior case of child abuse on his record in the Organization, in what way are they responsible for the abuse in this instance?

29

Attorney EXJW SUES K-HALL for HER OWN RAPE

by DannyHaszard in

suit claims years of abuse by father vote and add comment.

victorville daily press, ca - 8 minutes ago.

there was no corroborative witness to the sexual abuse, so the crimes against children unit could not recommend to the district attorneys office to press .... suit claims years of abuse by fatherryan orr2007-04-28 00:02:00apple valley a former apple valley resident has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse against the apple valley cheyenne kingdom hall of jehovahs witnesses, which is named in the complaint as roe, and her biological father, a church minister.

BlackSwan of Memphis

Popper filed a police report with the Apple Valley Police Department and San Bernardino County Crimes Against Children Unit in November 2005. There was no corroborative witness to the sexual abuse, so the crimes against children unit could not recommend to the District Attorney’s office to press charges.

In the police report, Popper wrote that she also witnessed the rape of her twin sister.

In May 2004, Popper sent her letter of dissociation to the congregation. She said that she sent them a demand letter and that they have had two investigations but believe that they are not liable.
“If it wasn’t for the very cult-like nature of the church,” Popper said, “I would have had somewhere to turn.”

Ok, I'm all for holding people accountable, WTS included.

In this instance, how does she have a case?

She says if it weren't for the cult like nature of the church she would have had somewhere to turn. Ok. The question though is:

Did She turn to the Church and they responded with the two witness rule?

Think about it like this:

A school teacher molests a child. The school teacher has no prior record.

The child comes back years later to sue the school and hold Them responsible for what her attacker did.

Had she and her parents gone to the school in the first place and they responded by telling them to keep it quiet and further kept the teacher on the payroll, then she would have a case against the school.

If she Didn't go to the Society when it happened or at least soon after or at all for that matter, how can she hold them accountable for anything?

5

nacho cheese

by BlackSwan of Memphis in

1. how do you catch a unique rabbit?.

>unique up on it.. >.

how do you catch a tame rabbit?.

BlackSwan of Memphis

1. How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit?
>Unique Up On It.
>
>2. How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?
>Tame Way.
>
>3. How Do Crazy People Go Through The Forest?
>They Take The Psycho Path
>
>4. How Do You Get Holy Water?
>You Boil The Hell Out Of It.
>
>5. What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall?
>Dam!
>
>6. What do Eskimos get from sitting on the ice too long?
>Polaroid's
>
>7. What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work?
>A Stick
>
>8.. What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?
>Nacho Cheese.
>
>9.. What Do You Call Santa's Helpers?
>Subordinate Clauses.
>
>10. What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand?
>Quattro Sinko..
>
>11. What Do You Get From a Pampered Cow?
>Spoiled Milk.
>
>12. What Do You Get When You Cross a Snowman With a Vampire?
>Frostbite.
>
>13. What Lies At The Bottom Of The Ocean And Twitches?
>A Nervous Wreck.
>
>14. What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup?
>Anyone Can Roast Beef.
>
>15. Where Do You Find a Dog With No Legs?
>Right Where You Left Him.
>
>16. Why Do Gorillas Have Big Nostrils?
>Because They Have Big Fingers .
>
>17. Why Don't Blind People Like To Sky Dive?
>Because It Scares The Dog.
>
>18. What Kind Of Coffee Was Served On The Titanic?
>Sanka.
>
>19. What Is The Difference Between a Harley And a Hoover?!
>The Location Of The Dirt Bag.
>
>20. Why Did Pilgrims' Pants Always Fall Down?
>Because They Wore Their Belt Buckle On Their Hat.
>
>21. What's The Difference Between a Bad Golfer And a Bad Skydiver?
>A Bad Golfer Goes, Whack, Dang!
>A Bad Skydiver Goes Dang! Whack .
>
>22 How Are a Texas Tornado And a Tennessee Divorce The Same? !
>Somebody's Gonna Lose A Trailer
>
>Now, admit it. At least one of these made you smile huh?

40

Home Schooling - Yes or No?

by winnie in

jw
friends

what are your opinions?.

it seems that alot of jw's are into this.. i think there is a time and place for this, ie if you don't have access to a public/private school.. it doesn't seem regulated to me.

my mother home schooled my sister because she couldn't be bothered taking and picking her up from school.

BlackSwan of Memphis

Homeschooling would have to be structured- school hours, assignments, homework, very few personal
interruptions. Many parents form a group for homeschooling. It's really a tiny private school. That works,
that's great, but not pretend-homeschooling.

Bingo.

No - the biggest education in life is being around and interacting with other people and cultures

Many homeschooled children interact with people of All age groups and diverse cultures.

40

Home Schooling - Yes or No?

by winnie in

jw
friends

what are your opinions?.

it seems that alot of jw's are into this.. i think there is a time and place for this, ie if you don't have access to a public/private school.. it doesn't seem regulated to me.

my mother home schooled my sister because she couldn't be bothered taking and picking her up from school.

BlackSwan of Memphis

I understand your rebuttal points, Black Swan, which is why I did not answer "yes" or "no" to this question. The schools in your area do sound awful. I was one of those children who suffered in the public system. Thank God I learned to read from the British West Indies reader before I returned to Canada in the second grade. But I would have suffered far more at home alone with my mother. I chose a private school for my own children. I wonder now if I overreacted. There are some very good public schools here as well. My daughter joined the public system in High School, and she adjusted quite quickly. She had her moments early on. I remember her coming home from one of her English classes, disgusted. The student had asked, "What does comprehend mean?"

I thought your viewpoint was very well balanced actually. I am trying to go about this discussion from the perspective of those reading but not partcipating who have similar concerns that you and others have posted. I hope I have not come across harsh, that is certainly not my intent!!

I can definitely see why people are concerned! I was concerned myself. But when we looked at the situation practically, we decided this would be best.

"What does comprehend mean?"

I don't believe you overreacted. I think you took your childrens education seriously. Which is more than I see many parents do.

Separating children from their school peers for religious reasons does seem unhealthy. There are immigrant and religious associations here who have supplementary Saturday schools to educate the children on their cultural heritage, without separating them from the public system.

See I too understand this point. It can be quite unhealthy. I have to say, I do see the point of people who do not want their children spending all this time with children who are coming from homes where their parents have poor ethics and morals. Take a 10 year old boy whose parents are trying so hard to train up to be a good kid and stick him with 3 or 4 others students who are not getting the same training and it's a bad recipe. Kids at these ages want so badly to be "in", to be "cool". Each child has a different personality that must be taken into consideration and a certain level trust has to play a part at some point. It's just that, everything a parent will try to do to teach their child to be "good" can be so easily undermined during the school week.