JW.Com Woman of the Year 2002

by Gopher 19 Replies latest watchtower scandals

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  Gopher

  Following in the footsteps of Time Magazine's "Persons of the Year 2002", I hereby nominate BARBARA ANDERSON the JW.COM "Woman of the Year". She was the former Bethelite who risked, and eventually received disfellowshippment from her Tennessee (USA) congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses for speaking out on the SERIOUSNESS and the EXTENT of the Watchtower Society's coverup of the child molestation problem that affects thousands of innocent children trapped in the J.W. organization. Working hand-in-hand with former JW elder Bill Bowen (who was also disfellowshipped for his advocacy on behalf of child JW victims), she was able to help publicize this scandal to the point where it eventually was covered in national TV newsmagazine shows in America, England, Australia and other places too. Now other victims are finding the courage to step forward and expose many molestors within the organization, because they know that their accounts now have precedents and have been believed and acted on.

  For the details on Barbara Anderson's case, consult the thread here by "Undisfellowshipped": http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=43191&site=3

  Time Magazine had named 3 American women "Persons of the Year" for whistleblowing on their male superiors: Colleen Rowley of the Minneapolis, Minnesota FBI division, Cynthia Cooper of WorldCom, and Sherron Watkins of Enron. Time magazine states that by risking everything to blow the whistle where they were employed, these 3 women reminded us of what American courage and American values are all about. I would not hesitate to add that their courage and values should not merely be referred to as "American" but as "superior" courage and values (no nationality attached).

  For details on the cases of Colleen Rowley, Cynthia Cooper and Sherron Watkins, see: http://www.time.com/time/personoftheyear/2002/poyintro.html

  If you happen to read this Barbara, you have my utmost respect and thanks!!

  Edited by - Gopher on 25 December 2002 21:37:31
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  SixofNine

  As it turns out, Barbara is just another fake ID created by Bill Bowen. Sad really. *sigh*
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  Gopher

  No really. I'm serious.
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  UnDisfellowshipped

  I wholeheartedly agree with Gopher's nomination!

  Barbara Anderson is JW.com WOMAN OF THE YEAR with Barbara Pandelo and Erica Rodriguez tied for second!
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  Joyzabel

  I agree with UD along with Heather and Holly! Those girls are awesome.

  I nonimate all the survivors! How brave of survivors to come forward and comment on SL and march against an organization that allowed their abuse to take place.

  j2bf
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  waiting

  I agree with Joy - who agrees with the rest....making us unanimous except for six.

  Uh.........six? You're not a woman (from what I could see) and you're not gay (from what you say).....so you're not even in the running - you certainly can't be jealous, can you, young'un?

  Oh! It's the earrings! Barb's hoops are prettier than your hoops! Give it up.....you're cuter. Visited with my son today - his humor was right up there as usual. Told him of our discussion of him - won't tell you what he said. He's even cuter.

  waiting
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  larc

  When I read the title, I misunderstood the criteria. I think of the women mentioned as xJWs of the year. I don't think of Barbara as a JW.D of the year, as she doesn't post here. I think she did once about a year ago through someone else, but got blasted by one poster and never returned. When I think of JW.D poster of the year, I think of people like Lady Lee who wrote a magnificent post just recently about the problem of therapy for the abused. I think of Lilacs who took the time and effort to help me and my wife and encouraged others to do so as well. I think of Angharad, who calls my wife at least once a week since my wife's illness. Before that she and my wife chatted via messenger several days a week. I think of Waiting and Patio who both sent my wife a present and have often e-mailed her. I think of Outnfree, who chauferred me around during the Michigan apostafest. I think of RedHorseWoman and LDH who also called and e-mailed me and my wife. I also think of Mulan and her kindness and gererosity. (I hope I didn't leave anyone out.) As you can see, I have a long list, and can not narrow it down to just one person. If I did have to do so, it would be Angharad for both her close relationship with my wife, and her kind demeanor on the board.
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  Gopher

  Thanks Larc for also mentioning those other fine women who we can remember and thank for their helpfulness to those in need too.

  My nomination of Barbara Anderson was meant to mirror Time magazine's person-of-the-year awards to three courageous whistle-blowing women who made a difference in the American scene last year. Barbara definitely made a difference in helping to expose the hideous practices of the Watchtower Society regarding child molestation, and as a result there may be changes in the Society's policy in the future (or there will be damages to pay).

  The nomination was meant in terms of "reporting from the viewpoint of JW.Com" whether or not Barbara posts here, just as Time magazine was reporting from an independent (journalistic) viewpoint regarding their 3 persons of the year.
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  larc

  Gopher, I get your drift and I now understand your perspective. I am glad, though, to have had been able to mention the fine ladies on my personal list.
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  UnDisfellowshipped

  I would also like nominate GRITS!