Well, rats. Don't know what I did wrong.
LoneWolf
he is a "babe magnet" .
yes, those that met me over the weekend at the silentlambs vigil know that in person i am a shy and reserved type.
when it came to picture taking time..who could resist.
Well, rats. Don't know what I did wrong.
LoneWolf
he is a "babe magnet" .
yes, those that met me over the weekend at the silentlambs vigil know that in person i am a shy and reserved type.
when it came to picture taking time..who could resist.
Here's his baby picture. Maybe. I'll see if this works.
http://64.4.36.250/cgi-bin/saferd?_lang=EN&hm___tg=http%3a%2f%2f64%2e4%2e36%
he is a "babe magnet" .
yes, those that met me over the weekend at the silentlambs vigil know that in person i am a shy and reserved type.
when it came to picture taking time..who could resist.
Dang! I've got one of his baby pictures, but I don't know how to post it.
LoneWolf
after watching dateline i am left with many emotions.
firt, sincere empathy for erica.
what a beautiful brave young women.
Barbara ---
May I email you? Mine is open.
LoneWolf
i initially had reservations about how this would impact the r&f, thinking that most of the effects would be felt at the door.
the morning after i have a little different perspective.
based on my observations from last night's meeting, this may be only the tip of the iceberg.
I wouldn't limit it to the women. These pedophiles are hated by most men too, as can be seen by the treatment that these "short eyes" get in prison. Men are all too aware that the conduct of these males (I don't call them men) blacken the reputation of all men in the eyes of all women. Speaking for myself, I resent that deeply.
As to the congregations, again I would tend to disagree. There are hundreds of thousands of people who have "gone along in order to get along" and are sick of it. Many are just waiting for someone to take the lead. They will not leave the organization as has been the only option in the past, but will eat that batch of fools alive back there in Brooklyn, and will force changes.
As to the witnesses I've seen so far, the program hit them like a punch in the belly, but they were glad nonetheless as they want change and hope this will be the necessary catalyst.
LoneWolf
i've only just been told of a case of suspected child abuse at the local hall.. the child (aged 4) was alone with the abuser.
she told her mother, who told the elders.
the elders and mother immediately informed the police, despite the fact that there was only one witness - the child.. then the elders proceeded to inform families in the congregation so that they can be on their guard.
Dungbeetle, I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I've had some experience in this field myself. I've gone to some of those "TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED persons" myself on this very subject only to find that they were so full of personal prejudices and psychological blather that they were worse than the original problem. This includes both the medical and law enforcement fields.
As Beautiful Garbage points out about the McMartin Preschool case and numerous others, the so-called "professionals" are no panacea. There is NO substitute for common sense and calm rational reason. It matters little where it is found, just as long as it is utilized. It is difficult, especially in cases like this, to keep strong emotion out of it. However if it is allowed to enter, the resulting injustice will be every bit as big as that which they are trying to cure, if not bigger.
Keep in mind here that my words are not in any way a supporting of pedophiles. I would have far less mercy towards them than you would. However, ANYTHING done should be done with careful deliberation.
The bottom line in my opinion would include this:
1. The "good-old-boy" network in the congregations stinks and needs destroyed.
2. The "shepherds" are there for the "sheep", not the other way around.
3. Anyone who rapes and molests children should be castrated first, then hung. (Sadly, that's illegal, so just turn them over to the police and let them face the music alone.)
LoneWolf
i was raised a witness and spent 15 years of my life trying to make my parents proud of me.
i was baptised at 11, aux pioneered, was on assemblies etc etc and i succeeded in being the spiritual daughter they wanted.
i left at 15 and this meant leaving home too.
No, Kat, I didn't need to wake up.
It's okay to be who you are. The problem is that throughout most of your life you've been trying to be the person that others think that you should be, and as a result you have never discovered what the real you is underneith. It is not wrong to be different. Did not Jehovah create a vast variety of things? That alone should convince you that he does not want all people to be clones of one another.
What is there around you that is interesting? Learn more about it and become expert enough in it that other people will come to you for advice concerning that subject.
Go back to school and allow your mind to open up like a flower to the sunshine of knowledge. Don't be afraid to examine the unknown.
You deserve to be loved. But don't make the mistake that many do and confuse love with sex. Sex can be a part of love, yes, but then again it can have nothing whatsoever to do with it. Don't look for good looks and prestige. Look for someone who loves and tenderly cares for his mother and sisters. How he treats them is how he will treat you.
He should not look for your faults, but neither should he be blind to them. Rather, he should gently fill in the discrepancies, sometimes without you even knowing. In this manner trust can be built, which is one of the most critical ingredients of true love. Remember, this has to go both ways.
Don't look for a 50/50 arrangement. Rather, make it a 60/60 one. The atmosphere is completely different, and wonderful. Sex under these conditions can be exquisite, totally refreshing, and fulfilling in ways that cannot be described.
Don't spend your whole life being a disappointment to everyone who knows you. Don't waste time with judgemental ones. Find those who care enough to give you the room to inquire and grow.
Herein is an irony though. Sometimes when you finally get fed up, look your criticizers square in the eye and tell them to bug off, they will then cease viewing you with disappointment. They may be very mad at first, but when tempers cool, they will have respect for the courage you've shown. No one likes or respects a coward. Even if this doesn't happen though, you will have gained respect for yourself. That is a huge start in the right direction.
Perhaps biggest of all though --- you are NOT stupid. Give yourself a chance to prove that to yourself. Stupidity has nothing to do with failing at something, but usually has something to do with refusing to try again.
Keep your chin up, kid. (But not your nose. ) And keep in touch.
LoneWolf
this was prepared and presented far better than i could have ever imagined.. to all you individuals that stood up to goliath.
i am so proud to be in assoication with such strong people.. thank you bill for your efforts and willingness to put a name and face in front of the cameras spearheading this effort.. thank you dateline.
is it too early to look for a sequel?
I must add my heartfelt congratulations to all involved. I felt that an exceptional job was done. The effect will be devastating. I too am hoping for follow-ups.
Kismet, I must admit that the thought of thanking the sponsors never crossed my mind, and it is an excellent, excellent thought. Unfortunately, I can't remember who they are. Could you post a list of them?
I watched the program with my family, ALL of whom are Witnesses in good standing. There were 8 of us watching at the same time. In fact, every Witness I know of in this area made it a point to tune in. It was very, very quiet afterwards, and they looked like they'd been kicked in the belly.
Folks, I'm an old, old hand at political warfare and infighting. NOW is the time to drive the spear home.
LoneWolf
this is a very long story that i will try to condense.
it will still probably be too long.
life is good for us now that we know the real truth.
Thank you, Laurie.
I'm a father of five daughters (and one son) and there aren't too many things we haven't seen as a family in the Organization. I was raised in it myself and I first started in the door-to-door work in 1946 at the age of six.
Your story is a compelling one and there is no excuse whatsoever for the inaction on the part of the elders and Society. They have been too arrogant for too long, and the Dateline program and following fall-out couldn't happen to a more deserving outfit.
I can only imagine the relief and sense of freedom that you must feel now that the Dateline program has aired and you've posted the above. My heart rejoices for you.
Please be assured of our love for you and your husband. Should you ever need to talk, my email is always open.
LoneWolf
dateline is just 24 hours (give or take) away.
i really do expect to see a great deal of online activity as people search for more information.
jwd is likely going to be one of the most visited due to the large amount of information posted here on the subject, much by silentlambs themselves.. i also expect to see people visiting randy's excellent site as well as watchtower observer for copies of documentation,news articles, etc.
I've been especially interested in how many are aware of this Dateline program here in my area, and it has definitely hit the "grapevine" here within the congregations. So far, every witness I've heard of is making it a point to get home from meeting in time to see it.
I get the feeling that many are hoping that this will be the beginning of change.
Simon --- rats! I thought it was "dingbat".
LoneWolf