for those with strong political views, is it impossible to be really good friends with someone on the other side?
my very best friends either tend to think like me on the political continuum or have no care whatsoever for politics.
those with exceptionally strong leaning toward the other party tend to get mean and nasty in political discussions which invariably deteriorate hopes for a deeper friendship.. what has been your experience?.
Wanna try?
I can deal with someone coming to a different conclusion than I with the same set of facts. It's folks who spout rhetoric or wild conspiracy theories without attempting to reason I have little time for.
It all comes down to personal chemistry in the end, I either gel with someone, or I don't. If we differ politically, discussion is possible. I'm open to being wrong if you are.
Roller (of the 'reasonable discussion welcome' sheep class)
in the first issue of the zion's watch tower it had this to say:.
"what is truth".
this question is one which every sincere christian should ask and seek to answer.
Ironic, isn't it?
A so-called faith that refers to itself as 'the truth' defines 'truth' as whatever the GB says. If the GB isn't involved, then truth is the utterance of the one perceived as being more loyal to the GB.
Don't get me started on their mis-definition of 'lie'
Once a predatory organization like this manages to redefine "truth" and "lie" to suit their purposes, they have the 'faithful' where they want them.
Roller (of the 'let your yes, mean yes' sheep class)
they say that our spiritual food is sooo refreshing!
it's "just what we needed"!.
how did you feel after going out in the ministry or after a meeting?.
Never, Not once.
And getting ready, out the door, and there on time was like rubbing raw nerved with a 3M scratchy pad.
Hated it.
Glad I had that tooth pulled.
Roller
i have just spent the last 3 or 4 hours reading everyone's posts and i am so thrilled and relieved that sites like this exist which allow us ex jw's to express ourselves.
i feel compelled to share my story, even though it is probably quite unremarkable.
i have this feeling that finally being able to express my thoughts albeit on the web, will finally allow me some freedom!.
Welcome PDB!
That is a heck of a name! Shows character.
Reminds me of Princess Caraboo, with the ever-so-yummy Phoebe Cates.
But, in any case, WELCOME!
Now I gotta go watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High....
Roller
yes it's past midnight and i'm getting melancholy and starting to rehash my life of late.
melancholy yes, but i haven't hit the bottle yet so its not alcoholly.
seriously though, i thought i'd offer an apology.
Lani, you are fine.
No worries.
It CAN be hard to find the line between responding to a post with just enough of your own story to identify, and hijacking, but I haven't been offended by your posts.
And if you needed an ear, what of it?
You got nothing to apologise for,
Roller
Vyla!
Welcome!
This is a fun place, enjoy.
Roller
the q-drum, a low cost rollable water container for developing countries.. the burden of fetching water, invariably over long distances by cumbersome and far too often, unhygienic means, is all too evident in rural africa.. the idea of the q-drum originated in response to the needs of rural people for clean and potable water, as well as easing the burden of conveying it.
the solution had to be simple, water in adequate quantities is by far too heavy to carry, by rolling the water in a cylindrical container and not carrying it seemed to be the only solution.
the container had to be durable, and breakable handles & other attachments would simply not do - in many parts of africa even a hammer & a nail are scarce commodities.. the q-drum addresses these needs by providing a simplistic, cost effective and durable solution: the uniqueness of the q-drum lies in the idea and design of the longitudinal shaft or doughnut hole, and is acknowledged by the fact that worldwide patents have been granted for the concept, thus confirming the novelty & inventiveness of the design.
DAMN!
That is an awesome idea!
I have nothing but respect for good design that solves real problems in as simple a way as possible.
This is nothing short of GENIUS.
Roller
jgnat's statement here reminded me of the needs pyramid, and my placement on it as a jw potential convert, as well as where i am now.
jgnat: "besides the failure to love their vocation, i think a big problem is that with the witnesses there is only one cause and only one activity.
there is no accommodation for various talents or abilities.
Bah!
I've seen that thing before.
Russell and Rutherford were at the level of need where they needed control, and to set phony dates... oh, that was a different pyramid.
I'm at the top, where all I need is to be the best Rollerdave I can be. Oh, and a cup of coffe.
I need coffee.
Rollerdave
i'm shocked by how many people i know who live in larger towns that do not lock their doors or windows.....do you?
Sassy: I'm in the Highwood area south of Battle Creek.
Not a 'bad neighborhood' but they don't invade many homes in their own area, they go where there's a nice big house on a bunch of land with some nice cars out front to score.
Black Pearl: A machete? Damn that's hardcore! I sleep with my .40, a Remington 870 shotgun, and me girlfriend who sleeps with her .38 in our locked room. After she gets up for work, I sleep with the .40 in my hand. There's a rack nearby where I can lay my hands on an SKS or two, or more scatterguns.
Nathan Natas: You aren't kidding. I have seen firsthand how brutal and savage the badguys are, and how they lust for blood and terror, I don't intend to give them any except their own. Never Again, to me or mine.
So, I lock it all down, stay armed and vigilent, and have armed my GF and daughter.
We do what we can,
Roller
It turns out I am attracted to very very tall girls, I never knew this until I met my Beck.
I like looking at all the willowy little blondes sashaying about, but can't see myself with one, just like looking. For a gal to actually be with I need a more... substantial gal. one that won't blow away or break.
I find I have two standards, one for looking at, and one for keepers.
I like looking at just about all women, the more scantily clad or bouncy the better. I tend towards Whites, Asian, and Latinas, in that order.
Redheads are nice, women wearing a particularly eye-catching color, or especially well formed. Oh, and boobs. Gotta have em!
I find myself liking 'odd looking' women, you know the one's with some distinctive feature that's out of the ordinary, but gives them unique character.
You could say I have a bit of a wandering eye, I girl-watch a LOT!.
Lucky me, my Beck thinks its 'cute' and nudges me if I miss one. Of course she gets to dig me in the ribs once I've looked. It's all in fun.
My standards for a keeper are completely disconnected from most physical descriptors. You can't take the measure of a soul-mate from the outside.
I have loads to say one THAT but it's beyond the scope of this thread.
Roller
