My husband and I have our American Flag flying outside of our house. We did this because we WANT to. For those who don't wish to, I respect that, too. These are the precepts that our country was built on. The ability to question the powers that be. The freedom to fly the flag or not. But conversely, neighbors and those around you have the right to disagree with you. I just don't want to see innocent little JW children get hurt in all this. THEY bear the brunt. Their parents can dodge the issue somewhat. THESE kids can't--they're faced with it every day in school when the pledge is said. JW parents ought to give their children the unburdened choice of whether or not they wish to salute the flag. I remember being a tiny little girl, only witness in a small-town texas school, sitting through the pledge. I was so f*ing scared. I was caught between Jehovah's "loving" wrath, and a room full of rednecks. Having been taught what Jehovah does to disloyal little girls, I found the rednecks slightly less scary. I was no more a faithful jw than anything--I was a child, and should not have been called upon to make such a decision. I WAS 6 years old and scared out of my mind!!!
Oh, where was I? So, if you want to fly the flag, which I do proudly, then do. If you don't, then don't.
I love living in this country. I love the freedom to believe whatever I choose and practice that belief as I wish. I love voting--getting to CHOSE who leads me my community. I love getting to speak my mind. I love being able to have my opinion and voice it. I just LOVE this country! It's everything the organization was not. I'm like an immigrant after leaving the ORG. I appreciate what I have. I don't need to fly my flag to show it. I fly my flag, because I want to. AND because I celebrate the fact that I live in a country where I don't HAVE to.
Bridgette
Bridgette
JoinedPosts by Bridgette
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35
American Witnesses face difficult time over flag
by ozziepost inreports are coming from the united states that small flags and flag badges are being distributed at schools and other public places.. many are refusing to take a flag and this is causing resentment and hurt feelings.
not wishing to offend, witnesses are asking their elders what they should do.. cheers,.
ozzie.
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Bridgette
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CO's visit sunday 9/23/01
by peaceloveharmony inhey all, .
well, i was just invited to attend the meeting on sunday, the co is visiting and my mother told me the talk will be a good one.
i don't know if i can stomach sitting thru this!
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Bridgette
I just had an intersting thought. What if, every once in a while, those of us, who are not TAGGED in the particular area we live in, go to a meeting now and then and record what they're saying at the moment?
Just a thought.....
Bridgette -
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Hardhearted Elders in Death
by Dogpatch inthought i'd share this from my guestbook at:.
http://www.freeminds.org/guestlog.htm.
date: .
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Bridgette
And THAT, my friends, is why we're here. NOT to bring down the organization/corporation known as the WTBTS (who's got the time or resources for that?). But to be here when those who've been crushed, bruised, downhearted; feeling they're the only ones in the world stumble out. I'm sure, as Tallyman said on a post earlier, the WTBTS would like nothing better than for all those who've left to slink out quietly with their bookbags, tail between legs. That will NEVER happen. As long as you, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, continue to hurt the lowly while claiming to be GOD'S ONLY SPOKESPERSON ON EARTH; THE ONLY CHANNEL BY WHICH TO GET TO GOD, ADN THEREFORE, SALVATION, be prepared. People will watch you, we will quote you, we will go over all of your sayings, and the sayings of your adherants on your behalf with a fine tooth comb--we will question you, and call you on it when you're wrong. And finally, we will welcome those you drive out with your unloving ways, or out right lies. BTW, I learned that from the WTBTS and the way they taught me to view Christendom. Same applies.
Randy, please give this woman my regards and support, if you are able. BTW, yours was the first I ever happened upon. I was amazed that there were others like me.
Keep up the good work,
Bridgette -
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Another JW Account of WTC
by messenger indear brothers and sisters,.
it's 2:30 am and the phone lines are now open around here.
hopefully, you'll be able to get this message.
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Bridgette
Dear Old Hippie,
I wish there were more like you. But what we're seeing here is that a majority reflect what Mother (the WTBTS) teaches, either overtly or covertly: Anyone NOT a Jehovah's Witness (and baptized at that) will be destroyed, why feel sorry for them. If there was love there, Old Hippie, it would manifest itself somewhere--ANYWHERE in that post, it does not. Simply detached factual reporting on the events, concern over themselves (namely, the "compound") and the hope that it will help the Organization further push its agenda. I have seen very few active JW's show genuine concern, either on posts here, WOL, reports from those who know those still "in". In fact, a whole Convention full good Jehovah's Witnesses cheer at the hope of the demise of so-called evil doers (those who question) The love is just not there. What a paradise.Bridgette
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Watchtower "drama" last Sunday.
by CornerStone ini originaily said to myself that i was not going to post anything about last sundays "drama" at the dc because i did not want to stir up trouble.
but after reading about the watchtowers' less than charitable attitude toward their nyc neighbors i had a change of heart.. i sat there that morning with my wife and relatives, my eyes heavy from lack of sleep, children on either side of me already in dream land.
the drama was an old favorite; moses and korah.
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Bridgette
How sad, how very, very sad......
You're take on it was interesting, dungbeetle. That people should take responsibility for their own consciences and spirituality. What a novel concept.
I just think of sitting there as a child. I can't even relive it. Suffice to say, I never acquired a taste for blood. I could not even stand the thought of all the animals that would die in Armageddon, much less babies, mothers, HUMANS. I could not even take the story of the flood. My daughter's much the same way. She could not stand the picture of Noah sacrificing a burnt goat on the alter in her bible stories book. She would question me about it constantly. I threw that rag out. These children need counseling, not hate/fear fostering propoganda!
Any active JW's here, lurking, etc. please think about what you're doing to you're children. I know that not all people were cheering at that drama. Some were rightfully sickened. Believe and do what you will, so long as it harm none. But THINK about your children! This stuff scares the hell out of them--then it just numbs them after a while. Why do you think they leave in droves? That's where so many of us come from.
Bridgett -
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"Ye shall know them by their love, one to ...
by Rex B13 inperhaps someone could post this on wol and at the local jw net hangouts?
you guys really need to quit comparing real christians to 'dubs.. rex.
250 disaster relief workers provide 44,000 meals in new york, washington.
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Bridgette
Okay, Rex, well done. From my P.O.V. as a pagan with atheistic leanings (or is it vice versa :), I have to say that those whom I've met outside of the organization who claim to be Christians display FAR more of the love that would supposedly be the signifier for J.C.'s people, than the Organization ever did. Those JW INDIVIDUALS who wanted to display love to those outside of the faith, were usually discouraged or squelched. We were even discouraged from giving canned food to the poor for food drives (I snuck a can of corn into my back pack in Jr. High--HA! an act of rebellion!!--sad but true).
One of my very dear friends is a church of christ. She really attempts to live by love. She is a member of the "big sisters of America" and has a genuine interest in helping kids. She volunteers on a lot of different fronts. I like to think she does a lot of this NOT just because she wants to "witness" but simply because she has a good heart. That's why I do the things I do. I have nothing to prove I have no Kingdom Hall to fill, no time quotas, no agendas to push. I just generally like to help and connect with my fellow human beings.
Your point is well taken, Rex. I'll never follow the Christian path again, but loving people within that path, give me a lot of respect for it.
Bridgette -
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For everything else, there's SATAN
by Stiffy inprice of that bookbag - 30$.
price of that cheesy tie - 5$.
price of that magazine he's offering me - $0.50.
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Bridgette
That was so beautiful *sniff*
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NOTIFY YOUR HOSPITAL & DOCTORS ABOUT JW SPYS
by MadApostate ini am sending this letter via email to both my local hospital and to several doctors (different version) who have occasion to treat my immediate family.. i thought that i would post such on the db so that others here could also do the same.
however, i would ask that you do not completely duplicate the letter, in the event that the same hospital or same doctor receive this more than once, and discard it as a hoax.
please take the time to change some of the wording, and personalize it to your own circumstances.. i will post any received replies, and i ask that others please do the same.. *****************************************.
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Bridgette
You're quite right. From the initial post with the quoted WT article, it's obvious, when given the ethical choice, a JW IS supposed to side with the ORG. There's almost no doubt in my mind that they would. And you're absolutely right that anyone working in a medical facility will be exposed to confidential information. The orientation that I went to where this hypothetical situation was posed had myself, nursing staff, cafeteria workers, house/groundskeepers. The medical facility was VERY interested in impressing the importance of this on ALL OF US. It's extremely serious business. They even made sure the non engish speakers understood.
What you said in your earlier post is true: you cannot fire someone for religious purposes, or on the assumption of what they MIGHT do--or what they historically have been known to do. However, I'm just sitting here wondering if the medical field may be yet another industry that good JW's may want to steer clear of. Either that, or the society may want to rethink their snooping into peoples' private lives and consciences--especially when it comes to medical services people choose to pursue.
Just a thought....
Bridgette -
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Please forward to all Christian Contacts
by mikepence ini have posted this to several yahoo groups in order to try to get the ball rolling:.
this message is part of a simple campaign to let people know that they need not put up with being bothered by jehovahs witnesses at their door any more.. it is the policy of jehovahs witnesses, in compliance with laws in many countries, including the united states, to not call on those who have specifically requested that jehovahs witnesses no longer call on them.. it is that simple.. at the web address http://www.geocities.com/mikepence/wt_letter.pdf you will find a simple letter that can be filled in by you, with your name, address, and signature.
mail it to the address at the top of the letter (or create your own letter, if you wish), and you will soon be free to enjoy your weekends without this disturbance.. if you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected].. please forward this message to anyone who may be interested in its content.. if this message has reached you in the form of an unsolicited email, please accept my sincerest apologies.. peace and love,.
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Bridgette
MikePence,
Let me know when you have a suitable link. I have a lot of people on my mailing list who I knwo would be interested in having their weekends free from in-your-face-tele-religious-marketers.
Bridgette -
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CAN I SAY 1 MORE THING?
by troubled ini know i said i'm leaving this forum, but i had to say just one more thing about why.
please read my post to the thread about personal attacks.
(if you have time and/or interest).. thanks!
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Bridgette
Troubled,
I could not find the post you alluded to either. I would be most interested in reading it.
I have to agree with NameWitheld (sounds like some tribal name :) You find a lot of vitriole spewed out on the boards, because this is where we are finally safe to do so. We could never even question the org, or those higher up, when in the org, and the friends we've gone onto now, just can't quite understand unless they've been through similar things. Please remember what you've see here, is just a smidgeon of what are usually very full and satisfying lives since we left. I am a mother, just got remarried to a wonderful man, we LOVE to travel, I'm going to school, have a (fairly :) rewarding and well paying job. I paint, I've write short fiction. I've had my art and one short story published. There's too much more to even ennumerate--suffice to say, I'M ALIVE! I could not live and breath in the organization. There are those that feel fine where they are in the organization. I hope you are one of these. That the path you're on is one that is allowing you to unfold all of your potential. I can only guess, since I cannot read your previous post that someone's hostility towards the ORG upset you. I am sorry for this. It's too bad we're losing your balanced perspective. Because yes, some can get emotional.
Love and Peace,
Bridgette