In Reply to: Re: don't get out much posted by Mr. Don on June 16, 2004 at 10:57:46:
Mr. Don, please feel free to continue contributing. We have no intention of removing your post above as it is your view and probably shared by many posters who read these boards but do not post. Your post did not break any board rules and was not offensive, even though other posters disagree with your views which seem to be politically conservative or patriotic. Even 'exer' seems to agree with you to some extent but is having fun spoofing what you posted.
You have a perfect right to your views just as those who disagree with you have a right to their views. We were once all in the cult where dissenting views were prohibited and we either had to agree with the party line or else disagree as silently as we could and pretend to go along with it. No longer. After coming out of the cult, none of us should have to endure that any more. You are free to your opinions and you are free to state them on this board, and so far you have broken no rules, so post away!
The only caution is to be aware that there are others who are also enjoying their right to hold their own views and state them publicly and -- something that was not allowed in the cult -- to argue and disagree with others who have different views. Have you read the posts below where Miguel and Alan are arguing/discussing with each other? This kind of discussion is very helpful to many people. For one thing, it helps us to continue realizing that our way of looking at things is not the only way.
Generally, we have found that posts on political subjects (Iraq for example) stir up more heat than general cult-related subjects. Most of us agree that the cult was abusive and immoral, but some exmembers are now politically and religiously conservative, while others have no faith and may be more liberal. We have come out from under the cookie-cutter mold of the cult and it is no surprise that we will have different views. As long as we can disagree using arguments and reasoning, not heat and flaming, this is fine.
Your closing statement is right on: "I am very positive my life after TF, and believe I have something to share and help others, and is my reasoning in my posts. I refuse to live in the past, and I reuse to be pessimistic about the future, there is too much to live for, and lots of good ahead!"