Debator,
let me apologise if you feel I have put words in your mouth. But it was you who wrote that:
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"we also have a worldwide sign language program for the deaf" and "Thankfully countries and people that see them helping in disasters, teaching people to read and write and do sign language,", and as I have written above at length, implied that this applies to deaf people.
Why not simply say "we preach to deaf people"? Perhaps because even that would show that you consider deaf people, and others, as possibly "special"? "Need our help"? Debator, for one second, look at what you are actually saying - if you really viewed deaf people, or others as truly "equal", you would not have drawn attention to them as an example of the "charitable work" the organisation does. I fear you are not up to date with the Society.
Secondly, you accuse me of not reading your links. Debator, let me assist you here. On my reply to your links I said this:
"also, read the news pieces carefully" And then I proceeded to discuss them.
If I had not read them.......how would I have been able to use them in my reply? Take a second to think about it.
Debator, I think the facts are simple. I know a lot more than you do about the Society's view of the deaf and other language groups worldwide, their translation and teaching requirements, and the progams for them, because I was heavily involved in it. I am fully aware that JW's are taught to view deaf people as "equals" - because I was involved in that. I know about the SL Assemblies - because I was heavily involved in program provision, formulation, development, and delivery.
It's not hard to understand, Debator - I know much more about the Society's translation and writing work in many languages than you do, including the views, methods, procedures, issues, problems and so forth - because I was there.
Debator, let me just make a point here. This isn't really an issue. You see, you made a mistake. And that's ok. Just admit it, and move on. For goodness sake, you got something wrong in a field you are not qualified to talk about, and I am a comparative "expert". Accept it, acknowledge it, get over it, and move on. Is it me, or is that "wrong"? Fellow posters, help me out here - is there something I am not being told? Is this indicative of a wider problem - is Debator unable to openly acknowledge he gets things wrong? Dear me, I didn't know he was Jesus!
And for the record, yes I do respect the work that many JW's do in terms of charitable giving. It is frankly ridiculous for you to insinuate that I do not appreciate the fact that many poor JW's have given in "blood and treasure" for the cause, and to help others. I am probably more aware than you are of what the Watchtower Organisation has done in various countries, both at a Branch level, and an individual level, particularly the UK. The Society still operates the principle of "do not let your left hand know what your right is doing"when it comes to informing general publishers. And that is fine.
You know Debator, you could learn a lesson from this in general. As the old proverb goes: "Those who know much speak little; those who speak much know little." Why not try to read things people post to you properly, and think about them, before you fire off an instant self-defense? It would help you make your points (of which you occasionally put forth truly excellent ones), and would help you to grow as a person. Perhaps these words from Proverbs 29:20 will give you something to mull over - "Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
With the greatest respect, my friend, you were wrong, and that's that. Why not take your cue from Proverbs 17:28 - "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." and consider the matter closed.
PP
