Srecko Sostar

THIS IS NOT TRUE!
The U.S. Constitution prohibits the GOVERNMENT, from top to bottom, Federal, State, and Local GOVERNMENTS from prohibiting free speech.
Not individual people. 
Or companies.
If I run a company, as an example, or a blog site or whatever this is ... I can restrict, forbid, edit, censor, or punish (if possible) people for any ... for any reason .... or no reason at all ..... even if I am just having a "bad hair day", and FEEL like a little uppityness.
I could even punish you here, if I did not like something you said on facebook, twitter, or on a street corner, and Brunhilda Clinton didn't like it.
If I could manage it.
However, people do not like tyranny, petty or otherwise, and will vote with heir wallets, or their feet, and if you REALLY tick them off, with firearms.
By the way, just as an aside ... did you know that the average Citizen in the United States has more powers to arrest and detain someone than a police officer?
That is because the police officer has limited "sovereign immunity" to making an honest mistake a reasonable person might make ... and a private citizen has none whatsoever, and can be sued, or charged with abduction or kidnapping.   (If you as a "civillian" force someone to even stay in one spot against their will, it's abduction or kidnapping.)
A LOT of wannabe Private Investigators who did not understand how that works ended up in prison, and/or lost everything they owned in lawsuits.
 

But of course the GB and it's Org do not live by the scriptures. Hence they now have big problems. 

Yes ...
It's quite clear to anyone not agenda driven to do otherwise.

In the religious explanation of what is sin and how to deal with the person who makes the wrong things, the application of Jesus' words within the JW Church says that "minor" sins should be solved between the parties involved, but "greater" sins need to be reported to the elders at the assembly/congregation. This is the official WTJWORG doctrine.
The first dilemma that we are immediately noticed in the theological approach to these biblical paragraphs is seen in the unfounded separation of a certain human act into a small aka minor sin versus great aka big sin. WTJWORG had made a list of sins that were put in to two category by its nature; minor sins and gross sins. And of course there is third element in this issue of sins, and that is when something is questionable to such extension, that at very moment no one of Bible Scholars inside WTJWORG doesn't know the right answer, and as solution such issue is putted into so called "gray zone". 
If we agree in idea how Jesus Teaching/s is/are Sufficient for all "dilemmas" we might have in life than we can see from this Bible verses as follow:
15 “If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. - NIV
15  “Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault* between you and him alone.n If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.o 16  But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony* of two or three witnesses every matter* may be established.*p 17  If he does not listen* to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen* even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nationsq and as a tax collector.r - NWT
1) Jesus not have a list of sins, either not making categorization of sins into minor, middle, gross, and so on. 
2) All sins have to be resolved firstly between involved parties (in our days this have to be viewed from other angles in cases of child molestation, for example)
3) Because there is no list of sins: What is viewed as sin in your eyes perhaps is not also a sin in the eyes of your neighbor. So, this first approach to other person may help to established some mutual foundation on someones act. 
4) Speaking about unresolved problem in a wider circle of people can be helpful if involved persons are in capacity to be involved in discussion. Word "witnesses" here refers of people who are able to testify about all what was said between you and him/her, you two who have problem. These are not witnesses of "wrongdoing".   
5) Making issue public is third step here. Public. Congregation is that public, not 1,2 or 3 elders. In front all congregation. 
6) If things are not resolved and you as plaintiff, claimant are not sattisfaied, or if whole congregation is against "sinner", how such person have to be treated? As man of nation and tax collector. How Jesus treated men of nation and tax collectors? Answer is clear to me. Is it to you?  

In the religious explanation of what is sin and how to deal with the person who makes the wrong things, the application of Jesus' words within the JW Church says that "minor" sins should be solved between the parties involved, but "greater" sins need to be reported to the elders at the assembly/congregation. This is the official WTJWORG doctrine.
The first dilemma that we are immediately noticed in the theological approach to these biblical paragraphs is seen in the unfounded separation of a certain human act into a small aka minor sin versus great aka big sin. WTJWORG had made a list of sins that were put in to two category by its nature; minor sins and gross sins. And of course there is third element in this issue of sins, and that is when something is questionable to such extension, that at very moment no one of Bible Scholars inside WTJWORG doesn't know the right answer, and as solution such issue is putted into so called "gray zone". 
If we agree in idea how Jesus Teaching/s is/are Sufficient for all "dilemmas" we might have in life than we can see from this Bible verses as follow:
15 “If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. - NIV
15  “Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault* between you and him alone.n If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.o 16  But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony* of two or three witnesses every matter* may be established.*p 17  If he does not listen* to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen* even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nationsq and as a tax collector.r - NWT
1) Jesus not have a list of sins, either not making categorization of sins into minor, middle, gross, and so on. 
2) All sins have to be resolved firstly between involved parties (in our days this have to be viewed from other angles in cases of child molestation, for example)
3) Because there is no list of sins: What is viewed as sin in your eyes perhaps is not also a sin in the eyes of your neighbor. So, this first approach to other person may help to established some mutual foundation on someones act. 
4) Speaking about unresolved problem in a wider circle of people can be helpful if involved persons are in capacity to be involved in discussion. Word "witnesses" here refers of people who are able to testify about all what was said between you and him/her, you two who have problem. These are not witnesses of "wrongdoing".   
5) Making issue public is third step here. Public. Congregation is that public, not 1,2 or 3 elders. In front all congregation. 
6) If things are not resolved and you as plaintiff, claimant are not sattisfaied, or if whole congregation is against "sinner", how such person have to be treated? As man of nation and tax collector. How Jesus treated men of nation and tax collectors? Answer is clear to me. Is it to you?  

Ah I see, conform when it suits you  . But at least you got the point of my earlier comment. 
Quote "And of course, to YOU ... your thinking seems normal."
Wrong, nothing about me is normal.  Psychiatrists and psychologists have had a great time dealing with me. Some one must have made some money from the tablets too 
Adam was created normal. The rest of us just suffer our strange ways. 
When a person starts to understand that they are not 'normal' then life becomes a lot easier. 
As for your 'agenda driven thinking.' bit, well you are starting to sound like TTH. 
I have no agendas, my life is too full since leaving that Org. Hence I spend less time on here.  
Unless of course you mean exposing the GB and the JW Org for what it really is, that is called having purpose. Meaningful warnings to others is not an agenda. Just because some folks like to hide behind the curtain and pretend all is well, doesn't mean that in reality all is well. 
 

That makes the point for me, that there is an inherit malignancy in the McAfee software.  
It has been many years, but I think I remember uninstalling it with CCLEANER's "tools" option.
 CCLEANER is a magnificent piece of free ... TOTALLY FREE ... software, that I have been using since 1997 or so, with perfect results, every time.   It removes all clutter from my computer, including debugging and cleaning up the "registry".
I use it about every two weeks to keep my computers healthy.
 

I have nothing against nice accommodation.
Think, about giving Vow of Poverty for living inside modern building that cost millions of $.
Those who living and preaching in poor countries are closer to such Vow, i think :))

Years ago, when there were many fewer choices, I used to use McAfee Anti-Virus software, but noticed that every time I updated, I got a VIRUS!
I think , and I am serious about this, that McAfee creates viruses, or the program gives many false positives. Or both.
I use Freemake Video Downloader  several times a week, and have never had any problem.
.... since I uninstalled McAfee about 10 years ago.
 

I can’t located it now, but you had singled me out as one who posts disgusting slanderous videos full of lies targeting the organization; which, if you don’t listen to any of them makes me wonder how you come to that conclusion.  
You seem to mention me frequently in your sarcastic ramblings and sadly, I fell into the same game by attaching your name to the initial post under this thread.  For that, I am disappointed in myself.  

amazing method :)) Did their women know and support such inventive idea ? Did four of them ironing clothes in this manner to other people in Bethel too, and to their wife's especially? What were the reactions/responds/ from bro/sis?
Did Bethel elders, Committee introduce this as standard for ironing and reject electric machines? Did they buy bricks of all shapes and of various weights, or consider to buy some concrete bricks?   
This stories come to be LEGENDS? And this is how false come to be true :)))
Thanks for this  stories Tom.

amazing method :)) Did their women know and support such inventive idea ? Did four of them ironing clothes in this manner to other people in Bethel too, and to their wife's especially? What were the reactions/responds/ from bro/sis?
Did Bethel elders, Committee introduce this as standard for ironing and reject electric machines? Did they buy bricks of all shapes and of various weights, or consider to buy some concrete bricks?   
This stories come to be LEGENDS? And this is how false come to be true :)))
Thanks for this  stories Tom.

Knowing that people in general, including myself when I have a "brain fault", and the WTB&TS in particular, like to hide their goofiness, and cringeworthy stuff, I download these things as soon as I see them. 

As I have mentioned before ... you can download any YouTube videos with the FREE (Free is a VERY good price!) software  -   "Freemake Video Downloader"  -   @The Librarian.  I think the video deleted above was one I downloaded, but I do not remember either.
TA-DAH!
This is NOT a link ... you can download this to your computer from HERE.
 

LEAKED_ Bethel video talk about alcohol [mixology version!].mp4

In fact, John, you are being fed a pack of lies, and I cannot believe that you are gullible enough to fall for it.
During my years at Bethel, two GB members came down with pneumonia. Nobody could figure out why, because they had perfectly good space heaters for their pup tents. It turned out that, even though the temperature had been in the teens for days, they had kept them off so as not to waste dedicated funds.
Three of them got hand fungus from the hours they spent every day on foot-washing detail.
Two of them subsisted on honey and locusts. Four pressed their clothes with bricks so as not to waste electricity on ironing.
One of them winced when I said ‘hello’ and I learned afterwards that he only says “greetings” because “hello” has “hell” in it.
He winced even more and permanently injured his back carrying my bags to my room when I arrived, even though I told him I had brought my anvil collection.
One of them, when I had a flat tire, gave me a wheel off his car, and then had to walk through the sleet to the airport, where he strapped himself to a wing of the plane to save money and flew to Portugal to serve as keynote speaker there.
I visited Brother Morris in his tent, and he offered me a cup of coffee. As I sipped mine he diluted his to make it last longer.
These brothers make more self-sacrifice in a day than you do in a year.
 
 

The rumor about "higher-ups" is not directly related, but it was related to the "gifts" of prime cut steaks that were sent periodically from Watchtower Farms to Brooklyn. These were never served to the Bethel family, but I knew one of the cooks who was sworn to secrecy about who got them and how often. There are always perks in any organization for those at a certain level of responsibility, and this was not a "Governing Body" thing. It was more of a long time seniority thing, which will necessarily (sometimes) overlap. Since these steaks were served semi-privately as specially cooked meals, they could be served with alcohol, but some brothers were said to have already served themselves alcohol before coming down to get their meal. Certain brothers became known for this behavior, even to the point of using very foul language to the cooks and waiters. If you want to keep a secret the last thing you want to do is curse out a cook or a waiter
My my, it gets even better.  Imagine telling all this to a new bible study. 
But of course everyone is equal, oh wait a minute we have 'higher ups' getting prime steak, served privately. 
After all 'There are always perks in any organization for those at a certain level of responsibility'. 
And brothers are all loving and kind and very spiritual at bethel, oh no there are brothers that get drunk and swear at the cooks and waiters. 
It's shows itself as being just another big organisation with those at the top living off of those at the bottom. 
No wonder the GB do not receive God's holy spirit. 
 
 

I have nothing against nice accommodation.
Think, about giving Vow of Poverty for living inside modern building that cost millions of $.
Those who living and preaching in poor countries are closer to such Vow, i think :))

Somehow these two quotes must have a connection.
 
 
 

Maybe its the new memorial choice of drink.

Internet sources.
NOT JW explanation:
1) Furthermore, another perspective motivating people to take the vow of poverty is the sheer inequality in the world. Rather than simply acknowledging the existence of poverty, individuals who take the vow gain first-hand experience, an experience that may better equip them to aid the poor in the future.
2) A vow, taken by members of some religious orders to renounce all personal property; everything they possess being used for the common good.
JW explanation:
What is involved in serving under the simple Vow? It means that those in special full-
time service have formally entered into an arrangement in which they agree to expend their full-
time efforts toward the advancement of a religious goal. It also means that they are doing so
without any expectation of being paid, as one would be in a secular setting. Members can enter
into this arrangement because the Order sees to it that each member's basic necessities of life are
cared for. Although the term "poverty" is used in the Vow, this does not mean that the
Governing Body is asking you to relinquish ownership in property that you now possess or that
you may acquire in the future. Rather, this expression means that you agree to forego the
expectation of being paid for your endeavors while serving in the Order and that you also agree
to not seek gainful employment while serving in the Order. As those of you who have devoted
many years to special full-time service can verify, this is the arrangement under which special
full-time servants have been living for many years, even prior to the time when this arrangement
was formally documented through the signing of a previous vow.
Concerning point six of the Vow, sources of income other than work are not affected by
being under this Vow. It does not pertain to income such as interest from bank accounts or
bonds, dividends from stocks, rent received from property owned by the member, and other
Page 4 of 4
income unrelated to present personal efforts. It does not apply to gifts, inheritances, or
other
unsolicited benefits, which a member of the Order may receive from time to time. Any of you
who are receiving income from possessions are not required to turn these monies over to the
Order, although you should be aware that (his income is no doubt subject to taxation.
In summary, reading prayerfully and signing the Vow does not mean that you cannot own
property or that you have determined to donate all your material possesions to the Order. Rather,
it documents that you have agreed to serve Jehovah as a special full-time servant, serving in
cooperation with others in the Order, without expectation of financial gain. and that you have
determined to refrain from any gainful activity while in Jehovah's special full-time service.
We are pleased to present you with this direction from the Governing Body and trust that
this letter answers any questions you may have. However, please feel free to write to the branch
office if you have any remaining inquiries.

Sorry Tom that was tooooooooooooooooooooo long. I read half but you do go on a bit
What i did notice was the same old collateral damage thing.  
Quote " It is but a component of the big picture, overall a very small one." 
It's only SMALL  to you and others that are not interested in those that have suffered.
Seems to be the American way of life. War or religion, collateral damage. No love, no respect, survival of the mentally fittest. 
That's not Spiritual Wisdom Tom, it's not caring for widows and orphans, it's not being being a crag or rock as the Org should be. 
I'll try to read the rest later after my walk in the woods. Have a good day opponent not enemy  .
As for this Tom, you are totally wrong,  Quote "Time heals most everything that wants to be healed."
You honestly do not understand, we don't have a choice but to remember those things. 
 

Internet sources.
NOT JW explanation:
1) Furthermore, another perspective motivating people to take the vow of poverty is the sheer inequality in the world. Rather than simply acknowledging the existence of poverty, individuals who take the vow gain first-hand experience, an experience that may better equip them to aid the poor in the future.
2) A vow, taken by members of some religious orders to renounce all personal property; everything they possess being used for the common good.
JW explanation:
What is involved in serving under the simple Vow? It means that those in special full-
time service have formally entered into an arrangement in which they agree to expend their full-
time efforts toward the advancement of a religious goal. It also means that they are doing so
without any expectation of being paid, as one would be in a secular setting. Members can enter
into this arrangement because the Order sees to it that each member's basic necessities of life are
cared for. Although the term "poverty" is used in the Vow, this does not mean that the
Governing Body is asking you to relinquish ownership in property that you now possess or that
you may acquire in the future. Rather, this expression means that you agree to forego the
expectation of being paid for your endeavors while serving in the Order and that you also agree
to not seek gainful employment while serving in the Order. As those of you who have devoted
many years to special full-time service can verify, this is the arrangement under which special
full-time servants have been living for many years, even prior to the time when this arrangement
was formally documented through the signing of a previous vow.
Concerning point six of the Vow, sources of income other than work are not affected by
being under this Vow. It does not pertain to income such as interest from bank accounts or
bonds, dividends from stocks, rent received from property owned by the member, and other
Page 4 of 4
income unrelated to present personal efforts. It does not apply to gifts, inheritances, or
other
unsolicited benefits, which a member of the Order may receive from time to time. Any of you
who are receiving income from possessions are not required to turn these monies over to the
Order, although you should be aware that (his income is no doubt subject to taxation.
In summary, reading prayerfully and signing the Vow does not mean that you cannot own
property or that you have determined to donate all your material possesions to the Order. Rather,
it documents that you have agreed to serve Jehovah as a special full-time servant, serving in
cooperation with others in the Order, without expectation of financial gain. and that you have
determined to refrain from any gainful activity while in Jehovah's special full-time service.
We are pleased to present you with this direction from the Governing Body and trust that
this letter answers any questions you may have. However, please feel free to write to the branch
office if you have any remaining inquiries.

Here's another one,  @TrueTomHarley
 
 
He snuck out on Sunday morning to go to a liquor store (bypassing many others stores close by) out of state to spend almost $1000 bucks on whiskey. He should have been doing 'pastoral' duties that Sunday morning in the Headquarters where he lives and runs the place.
Instead he dressed up in disguise; a trenchcoat, tennis shoes, and a low billed hat to go out of state at a special 'spiritual' time to get his liquor instead of dressing up in a suit with other brothers and going like normal, or having those under him purchase it.
Many critical thinkers here believe that it belies a dishonesty. He could have picked a better time and place, and manner of dress to get his 12 bottles of high end scotch, at the least. Also, the manner of his purchase suggests a bigger problem, not only with him, but within the compound itself, if this is allowed, while they preach the opposite to the masses.
 
 

In late 1990, i guess,  i was in Vienna Bethel, had a little role in summer Convention Drama, so two or three days of recording. In that time they had one part of basement full of various sort of beer. I do not remember prices, it depends on what sort of beer in glass bottle (0,5 liter) you choose. But to us, from Croatia,  that was very surprising. For some boys (brothers) gladly surprise. :))  

"We are not  inspired but we are guided" .... by Spirit  (FireWater as would American Indians said in cowboy movies)
Some Bethel people has rich relatives, renting apartments, houses, has some spared money from aside.... and similar.
Vow of poverty is funny instrument, and why to apply that on people who has nothing? IF they really has nothing?! Why somebody who came to Bethel to work and is single and poor, has poor family, no real estate, no money, only clothes on him/her.... WHY would such person to be obligated to give Vow of Poverty?? What is purpose of such Vow? How looks like this WT "Vow"? What Bethel member promises-declare in that Vow?
Mr Tony's coming to liquor store to buy so many bottles of strong beverage proves that he is mere imperfect human who running Corporations with other humans, similar to him. This showed how his job is hard sometimes and he need meaning to relax sometimes, and to drink glass of whiskey is helpful sometimes. Or to seat alone in bar seat with glass of Cognac is what man need sometimes, too.
But bar is more expensive. So, in fact he spare money (donation or his own) by shopping in big market, in big package, on Sunday when prices are little down.  
:)))