by done4good 14 Replies latest jw friends
The recent thread on Veterans made me think of this. For me, I can now say I am proudly patriotic, hell, I even think being "proud" is a good thing. These are things that would have seen reprehensible to me as a witness, and even a short while after I left. There are many other things for me, but these are some of the more profound ones. How 'bout you?
j
GWB kind of sucked out any ounce of patriotic blood left that the jw's didn't. My understanding of those who join the military is back, though. That was once something I was working towards while a senior in high school.
I LOVE birthdays once again, and appreciate people that are different from me.
My understanding of politics is like night (dub) and day (now) compared to when I was a dub.
My respect for Veterans is like night (dub) and day (now) compared to when I was a dub.
My love for humanity is like night (dub) and day (now) compared to when I was a dub.
My willingness to help the needy is like night (dub) and day (now) compared to when I was a dub.
BA- USN Veteran
I didn't see the thread about Veterans, but I am mildly patriotic as opposed to daze in Dub dom. I'm even turning away from my more liberal attitudes towards a more conservative viewpoint. I wouldn't consider myself democratic or republican, but staunchly independent. I don't have a problem voting for someone who has an R attached to his resume, nor will I any longer, automatically vote for one just because they are Black. The Philadelphia story here, during the last Mayoral Campaign really had many a black turn a blind eye to the race card, in reverse.
I consider it a privilege to be an American, not necessairilly an honour, as many of us here in America have some owning up to do. It's better for me to struggle with the government and all its shady deals than to have to overtly concern myself with the crooked capitalist individuals in several of your religious factions, that includes Kingdom Halls, Catholic Churches, Babtist, Presbytarians, etc.etc.etc. At least I know the politicians are crooks. I can't waste time trying to figure out who the real guys with the white hats are in our religious institutions.
about four feet...but that was a one off...didn't know the guinness book of records was updating the ejaculating record
Patriotisme / Religion ... hum doesn't it lead to the same things somehow? = subjective attachement; which often leads to many kinds of wars nor divisions related to frontlines, cultures and races ... Seems very close to me again.
love to vote, think politics is a great game for grownups, wasn't especially patriotic until 9/11 which affected me profoundly. Now I figure, if they don't like us, we shouldn't spend any money in their countries (and you know which countries I'm talking about.) Still think extreme nationalism is dangerous, divides us from one another, and I don't worship the flag. I like to do my duty as a citizen, vote, jury duty, obey laws, can't say I like paying taxes, but I do it and I don't cheat. I have come to see the JW isolationist stance as selfish and greedy - they don't mind using services but don't want to be responsible and participate in the community and help pay some of the costs. I really really wish that the government would tax religions like they tax people.
Here are my DREAMS. Here are my DREAMS on watchtower.
I vote (independent - can't join a party), give blood regularly, play Powerball regularly , rarely gone to casinos(don't like it that much) - , do birthdays ( my kids gave me the best birthday when I turned 60 this year - had a 1920's theme,,we all dressed for it to the hilt and did "swing" dancing), I do all the holidays to some degree, watch many "R" movies with no guilt for sure, pledge of allegiance, stand & sing to patriotic songs, one of my sons went in the Marines for 4 yrs so I support our boys/men in the military. I raised 5 kids, free of WT. I was in JWs for almost 30 yrs (pioneered 5 yrs, Bethel 5 yrs) but I have truly moved on and I am proud to be proud!
Someone mentioned in one of my other threads that they cant see how anyone could leave the JW's and then pursue politics and run for office. I can see it, and I know who, and it's not me.
I vote, I stand for the national anthem, salute our veterans and our flag. I even have to choke back tears when the veterans march in the parades, because I know what bondage was, and now Im free, and since Im free, I cherish my country, my flag, and my servicemen and women.
