I've composed this "misson statement" of sorts that also appears on the upcoming.org page. I'd like to hear people's comments, criticisms & suggestions.
We are Ithacans interested in raising awareness about the beliefs and practices of those who belong to the "Twelve Tribes" religious cult who own and operate the Maté Factor on the Ithaca Commons and live in a group house in Fall Creek. As citizens committed to civil rights for all, tolerance for people of diverse cultures and faiths, equal rights for women and a liberal education for our children, we are concerned about the presence in our community of a group who promote an ideology antithetical to these ideals while actively proselytizing and recruiting new members. The First Amendment guarantees to us all the right to our views and speech. While we affirm this right of theirs, we are conscious of our own right and responsibility to exercise judgment regarding which business establishments we patronize. IOTTC advocates a boycott by all Ithacans of the Twelve Tribes Mate Factor on the Ithaca Commons and close scrutiny of this group by local authorities to ensure that they are complying with all New York State and Federal laws. IOTTC expressly does not endorse any form of harrassment or intimidation of those belonging to the Twelve Tribes. (For more information on the history and beliefs of the Twelve Tribes, see links on this page.)
16 comments:
sure, boycott an organization if it is actively causing injustice and/or harming people, not just for believing certain things with which you do not agree. I think you are incredibly hypocritical; let these people live how they want to live, however weird you think they might be. Don't let your fears get the best of you - they are not going to "recruit" and take over all of the liberal-minded Ithacans.
While I completely agree and sympathize with your concern regarding the Twelve Tribes, I must say that this site goes against all of the things it is attempting to protect. It is often difficult to remain silent among those whose beliefs differ from one's own. However, a policy of positive reinforcement of tolerance, kindness, and peace will result in much greater change than a policy of anti-hate, ant-homophobia, and anti-racism. These things, while they appear to be aiding in humanitarians' struggle for a better tomorrow, actually contribute to the epidemic we are trying to eliminate: intolerance.
The Twelve Tribes ARE actively harming people: their children. The children are not allowed to play at all, and they are constantly beaten with rods that the men carry on their person at all times. The children did not choose to be born into that cult. They need our help.
To crunchyspaceman:
I do indeed think it unlikely that this group will "take over all the liberal-minded Ithacans." However they actively recruit and they are growing. As one commenter pointed out, there is more than adequate evidence that children have been mistreated in some of their communities. They have been convicted of child labor violations here in NY. Children are prohibited from receiving a high-school equivalent education and taking the GED. People give all their money and possessions to the group which are not returned if they decide to leave while (according to the Boston Herald) their leader lives in mansions in various parts of the world. Of course they are a small group. I have an interest (and I think you, do, too) in keeping them small.
All we are talking about here is boycott of their business. Consider that when you spend $$ at Mate Factor, you are supporting a group that is spreading a racist, sexist, gay-hating ideology and that prohibits members from educating their children beyond a rudimentary level.
One other thing about abuse issues-read this article
http://www.rickross.com/reference/tribes/tribes59.html
That was a couple years ago-
Leonard pled guilty to both charges. Put in his name here-you will see his picture and the information.
http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/offenderSearchNav.do
The David Drews mentioned is currently living WITH children in the Colorado Springs Community- and they are fully aware he abused the child in the Florida community.
ummm... they have never been convicted of child labor issues... do you know what a conviction is ? pretty sad to see how you just take what you read and hear and pass it on... this website is a load of crap for any one with any degree of intelligence... anyone deceived by this website is certainly unwise
no one in their communities hates gays... if anything they have more love and compassion for gays than you will find anywhere else... get a clue you people are the haters... anyone with intelligence can see that... you deceive the unwise... that is your path... sad indeed....
True, conviction was not accurate. "Found to be in non-compliance and fined by NY state" is accurate. If you we have stated other inaccuracies and you can point them out, we'll be grateful to you. The article on the TT's violation of NY state law can be read here:
http://www.rickross.com/reference/tribes/tribes30.html
As for loving gays more than anyone else, why does Spriggs say that not only is "the sin" detestable, but also "the sinner"? Elsewhere in TT literature it is stated that nothing is more unnatural than "trying to love a sodomite." Do you love any "sodomites"?
wonderingaboutalot: Thanks for your comments. Yes, I've come to understand this about TT: the curse is lifted from blacks and jews and (reformed) gays who give up their own culture and adopt the robot culture of the group and go to work for Spriggs for free. But woe to those blacks, jews and unreformed gays living in our multicultural Sodom and Gomorrah! I'd write more, but I'm late for my One World Government Meetup. Keep the comments (responsible ones) coming!
WOE TO YOU FUCKHEAD FOR WASTING YOUR POTHETIC LITTLE ITHACA EXISTENCE HERE ON THIS SILLY LITTLE HATE PAGE !
GET A LIFE JACKASS!!
GO PERSECUTE YOUR MOM !
I can verify this statement- Yoneq is not into being independantly "wealthy"- he already has it all. Some communities are doing very well though, while others suffer and eat roots all winter. The shoe shop made over a million dollars last year. Meanwhile the women in Brazil are still begging (literally) for cast-off vegetables at the town market.
There is not a real-life caring for each other. Can you agree with that wondering....?
I know they do share sometimes.....and sometimes people go without the basic needs while others in the community get new laptops with their credit cards.
Which kind of community member were you? The type that had, or the type that had-not?
Were you an elder perhaps, or in training to be? Because your perception of what it was like for the peeons (I wanted to spell it that way..) well, your perception might be somewhat different. Just a thought.
Ok.: ) So then would it be safe to say from what you wrote that you'd agree there is a bottom of the pile and an upper crust that is different? Are they treated differently? Were you treated differently when you were just a "single brother" than when you started going to govt meetings?
I was.
is there anyone there in ithica that can or is willing to visit the community??
This is true. But I think you know what I mean. Would you say that treating someone with more respect means to make sure their needs are met over the needs of those..uh..."less respected"?
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