You have distinguished yourself as a Voice to be Heard - and respected - on CNN. During the day of mourning for Prince on CNN I heard you express yourself both eloquently and with deep feeling about your friend and colleague - and that is the measure of who you are. Yet, twice I heard you mention that because Prince was one of Jehovah's Witnesses he could not (allow me to paraphrase) 'go public with many of his charitable acts or social views due to being a Witness.' Though he may have chosen to keep many views or acts quiet, it is NOT accurate that Jehovah's Witnesses forbid people to take credit for or insist they hide good deeds. While true modesty often allows others' "mouths to praise you and not you yourself" as the Bible says, it is not a superstitious creed we follow. The fact is that he remained in a career that was geared around fame and the way people "honor" celebrities is often nothing short of idolatry - which is serious in God's eyes. It IS, however, true that Witnesses must be neutral in political affairs. This does not mean we don't care about issues and people. We take Jesus' words seriously when he said he and his followers would be "no part of this world" or of efforts to remodel, restructure and pin our hopes on a "system of things" (not the earth, but the "system") that God has said he will do away with soon. Obviously, more could be said, but I wanted to just give the accurate basics for your consideration. Accept my condolences on the loss of a friend. As for me I hope to see him in the resurrection on an earth made new when talented people will be cherished and encouraged and supported without being either used and abused - or worshiped. Thanks for listening.
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