Did you realise that Joe Ratherflawed spoke in a "fatherly tone"? You didn't? Well, that's what the July 15 issue of The Watchtower says.

In a section obviously intended to boost the reputation of JFR in the minds of modern-day Witnesses, the skilful use of adjectives conjures up a picture of kind benevolence.

In just 4 paragraphs, expressions used are "largest convention", "listened intently", "fatherly tone", "children rose as one body", "burst of applause", "prolonged applause", "moving talk", "long line", "gift copy", "moved the audience to tears", "memorable assembly".

Now try reading these four paragraphs without the adjectives. They weren't essential to the story but they sure help to tug at the heartstrings.

It reminds me of the adulation of despots like Mao Tse Tung and Stalin who were written about during their regimes in similar language to this article.

Note this quote in this section from an "eyewitness": "Only a heart of stone would not be moved at the spectacle of youth [showing] complete trust and faith in their God, Jehovah". Yet this section was about Rutherford giving a talk! So the writers intend for their readers to esteem JFR who basks in the glory of Jehovah!

Cheers,
Ozzie

"A lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies"
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON, The Grandmother

Now Fred, you've laid yourself wide open there, old son!

So, I can't resist taking advantage!!

No, I certainly DO NOT wish that my father was Joe Rutherford. (I notice you like to give him a 'title'.) I know that if he had been my father, then I would never have been blessed with a father who raised me. Heard of Malcolm Rutherford, Fred?

I'm thankful to my parents that they raised me together. That's not what Malcolm could say, poor guy.

Cheers,
Ozzie

"A lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies"
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON, The Grandmother

So Fred, if you've heard of Malcolm, how could you suggest that anyone wish to be his brother?
Do you think it would be appropriate for a 'brother' to bear a title within the congregation?

Cheers,
Ozzie

"A lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies"
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON, The Grandmother

Fred, sorry, but I'm not going to post my titles at present. When I'm ready, you'll be the first to know, I'm sure!

Now, don't side-step the point about Joe Ratherflawed being an abysmal father figure. Dare you deny the facts?

Cheers,
Ozzie

"A lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies"
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON, The Grandmother

I once had a leisurely Saturday afternoon conversation with an elderly man at Bethel who was there with Rutherford and the picture he painted of Rutherford was quite the contrary of "fatherly". It seems Rutherford was quite the drinker and often frequented Manhattan drinking establishments, returning to Bethel hammered. He also had quite a temper and showed little mercy for those who made the mistake of crossing him. I know that some unfortunates have had fathers like that, but not me.

Fredhall:

You are an amusing little weasal. Someday I look forward to welcoming you into the "new world" of intellectual freedom. Until then, HAVE A NICE DAY!

Rutherford and his wife, Mary, lived separate lives, his in NYC and at Beth Sarim in California, and she with her son, Malcolm, in California....even when JFR was in California, Rutherford and his wife did not live together. Mary and Malcolm are now deceased. As far as I know, Mary and JFRutherford were never divorced although separated...she died a faithful witness per the Proclaimers book. It is amazing that nothing of this was even mentioned in the publications (that I know of) until the Proclaimers book which surprised me. I have contacts back to the 1920's as far as the history of JWs. The elders are so strict about marital separations now for the ordinary folk at the KH. JFR's place was with his wife as her spiritual head...God could have found someone else to run the WTS, but only he, as her husband, could be her spiritual head....sounds like he fell down in the husband and father responsibilities.

There is definitly no such thing as the perfect couple, but ol' Joe really dropped the ball on this one. Maybe Joe never heard of marital counceling.

"Hand me that whiskey, I need to consult the spirit."-J.F. Rutherford

Folks,

Back to the subject of Rutherford's talk. This is probably the talk where he told the children that when they grow up they should not get married and have children of their own, because the end was so near and they should devote all their time to the preaching work. That talk was given nearly 60 years ago. So much for a sense of urgency.

I bet the WT article left that part out.

Hey Ozzie,

When Stalin says "dance" - a wise man dances. Kruschev (sp?)

It does sound like Rutherford and Stilin were somewhat alike in personality.

Fred Hall

Before you start, just hush.

waiting