Jeff, I'm so sorry for your loss. But man, what a legacy! Both your parents set fine examples of what a good education, keen curiosity, and a love for humanity can accomplish. Compared with the drivel the JWs put out about their "life-saving work," your parents were giants. May the memories of his life well-lived bring you comfort in this difficult time. My best to you and yours...
under the radar
JoinedPosts by under the radar
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60
Please read
by JeffT inmy father passed around 9 this morning.
he'd been in poor health for some time, but it still comes as a shock to have him gone.
we are going to miss him terribly.
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under the radar
Hey jamiebowers... I remember that story about the missing pregnant woman very well. In fact, the husband of the murdered woman is now married to one of my extended family members. I practically grew up with the new wife's mother. She was married to my best friend briefly before he did at age 22 from Hodgkin's Disease. The new wife herself lost her first husband shortly after they were married when a woman putting on her makeup while driving to work crashed into their car while they were in field service one morning. Talk about double tragedies! I hope they were able to comfort each other and get on with their lives. None of the JWs in the family talk to me much anymore, even though I'm neither disfellowshipped nor (officially) disassociated. I've been told I'm "too negative" and "too smart for your own good."
Regardless, I do hope with all my heart that this poor woman is found safe and sound and returned to her family very soon. I no longer pray, but if positive vibes can do anything, they're on the way.
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My brother died tonight
by poppers injust got word that my youngest brother died of pancreatic cancer.
he was diagnosed in early august.
this has been really tough for me and my family..
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under the radar
So sorry for your loss, Poppers. I know it's hard. Thinking of you and yours...
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under the radar
Me too. I will hit the big six oh on the 30th. Oh well, 60 is the new 39, right? All kidding aside, I am happier and feel better and more content that when I really was 39. After all, I now know the TATT and I'm with the love of my life. Yes indeed, life is good.
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New TV documentary about the Longo murders
by under the radar inlast night, investigation discovery channel premiered an episode titled fatal devotion.
it was documentary about the longo murders in oregon in 2001. chris longo, recently disfellowshipped in another state for check fraud, moved his young wife and three young children out west to make a new start but wound up murdering them all and fleeing to mexico.
the series is titled final witness.
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under the radar
Last night, Investigation Discovery channel premiered an episode titled Fatal Devotion. It was documentary about the Longo murders in Oregon in 2001. Chris Longo, recently disfellowshipped in another state for check fraud, moved his young wife and three young children out west to make a new start but wound up murdering them all and fleeing to Mexico. The series is titled Final Witness. Ironic, huh?
Unlike another TV program about this horrible crime, Fatal Devotion does not dance around the fact that they were active JWs when Chris began forging checks because he thought his clients weren't paying him fast enough. It shows actual NWTs and Watchtowers and the Kingdom Hall scenes are very realistic. It also briefly talks about the meaning of disfellowshipping and its effect on the whole family, not just the disfellowshipped one.
Warning: editorial below. Read for your own amusement and at your own risk.
Don't misunderstand. Chris' disfellowshipping did not CAUSE these murders. His pride and self-image led him to commit fraud to keep up appearances, but he only received probation from the legal system. Yes, he was disfellowshipped, in my opinion deservedly because his crime was intentional, premeditated, repeated, and covered up. But he could have just "done his time" and eventually been reinstated and moved on. But he CHOSE to uproot his family and ultimately killed them all when he decided they were a drag on him and the lifestyle he wanted. Selfish evil bastard. The death penalty is entirely too good for him. Life without parole in the general prison population would probably be much more fitting. At least he would learn what it means to suffer...
That said, his disfellowshipping did affect his whole family. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for congregations to treat the whole family of a disfellowshipped one as pariahs. Restricting "spiritual" association is one thing, but often the shunning extends to purely commercial and business relationships. Contracts are often cancelled, new work is not offered, valued employees leave. This can drive anyone to desperation. And obviously affects all those who depend on that income. I think this extreme form of "total shunning" without regard for all the collateral damage makes the way JWs handle disfellowshipping unduely harsh, cruel, and yes, evil. Besides, it's largely ineffective. Even when some do jump through the hoops to be reinstated, I believe it's more due to the social coercion and isolation that anything else.
Editorial concluded. Resume normal operations.
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SAD news about OOMPA......
by redredrose inour friend, oompa, has passed away.
just recieved the news a couple of hours ago, and have almost no details.
it happened today or yesterday, he took his own life.
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under the radar
Just saw this thread. I am so shocked and saddened. Another beautiful caring loving person's life RUINED, in this case ENDED, as a direct result of the policies of this Pharisaical self-aggrandizing cult. If there is a God or Jesus, in the sense the Bible portrays, He must be shuddering with rage at the evil and injustice done in His name.
RIP, Eric. I wish I could have known you. If only you could have known all the love and respect your friends at JWN held for you. Wherever you are, you finally know the secrets of the universe. I hope you have found peace, my friend.
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Watchtower Dishonesty
by Vanderhoven7 injust re-discovered this gem:.
"it is a matter of fact that the history of the watchtower society is riddled with failed date-setting and abandoned doctrine,1 and the society has gone to great lengths to hide this past from its members.
older (incriminating) watchtower publications are virtually impossible to obtain through the society,2 while at the same time members are overwhelmed with "current" watchtower material.. the watchtower society has even gone as far as to publish disinformation about its own history in an attempt to convince readers that watchtower doctrine has remained consistent over the years, and that the society is not a false prophet.
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under the radar
Thanks, Vanderhoven7. That was very interesting. I'd like to share it with a couple of "friends," but I know their response will be more along the lines of "Where did you get that?" rather than "I'll have to check it out to see if if it's really true."
I tried to click on the View links, but of course, they are no longer valid. Is there any way you could reconstruct the links to scans of the actual pages, as it was in the original post? I think that would make the arguments even more effective.
Regardless, thanks again for reposting this. I don't think anyone could read this material with an open mind and not know in their hearts that the Society is guilty of intellectual dishonesty and outright lies.
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Heading soccer balls, wearing designer clothes, and driving hybrid vehicles - all condemned in the latest Awake
by cedars infor those who are interested, the november 2012 awake!
is now available for download online.. among items of possible interest are some of the latest examples of fear-mongering "armageddon art" on pages 12 and 14.... .
speaking of armageddon, you will be sad to hear that the criteria for surviving the great day of god's wrath just got a little more stringent.. there are a number of extra things in this month's awake!
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under the radar
Hey designs,
Can you post the exact name of that hilarious song? I'd love to download it and turn it into a ringtone. iTunes has several albums by the Dillards, but I can't figure out which song you're talking about.
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I have learned to say ''bless you"!
by Aussie Oz infor those born in or dragged in as little children, normal customs are not imprinted on our minds.. such as the simple saying ''bless you'' when somebody sneezes.
this has frustrated my wife for as long as we have been together!
she felt it very rude that when she would sneeze i would not respond with the customary phrase, i had to explain that it just was not part of my culture, not imprinted on me.
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under the radar
Of course, let us not forget that great philosopher Seinfeld who taught us to say, "You're SO good looking!"
Makes every bit as much sense as "Bless you."
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Eric McLean & His YouTube Video Telling All His Friends He's Going To Die!
by minimus inthis young man from wisconsin has been battling cancer for many years.
his doctor told him that they have done everything humanly possible to help him but that he will die.
it's very sad to see this 28 year old man break down as he does.. personally, i don't think i could go on youtube or anywhere else and video myself telling the world, "goodbye"..
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under the radar
That was heart-wrenching. I feel so sad for him and his family and friends.
Poppers: I am so sorry about your brother. I hope they can keep his pain under control and make him as comfortable as possible. The ONLY redeeming feature of knowing your days are numbered is that you have a chance to get your affairs in order and settle any personal issues between family and friends. Too often people die suddenly in accidents and leave things hanging... That just adds to the grief of their loved ones. My best to you and yours.
Radar