Monday, December 30, 2019
It's been some time since I've posted new content.
I appreciate those who have stopped by to read my content over the years. Besides being a critic of Scientology, helping victims of their front group called Narconon, I was very busy helping out at 2 wonderful websites. Please take a few moments to read about them.
Narconon Reviews
This first site makes it possible to better help educate the public, the media and legal communities on the Scientology based Narconon Program, as well as unbranded Narconons, or Narconon clones which go by other names.
There, consumers, journalists, attorneys and educators will find independent and factual information about the Narconon Program.
One can read any of many pages of documentation uploaded to the site. You'll find documented Formal Complaints, Formal Reports, Inspection Reports, Lawsuits and Public Safety records, as well as Informal Complaints, Informal Reports, Narconon Surveys.
One can also find information on how to choose at substance abuse or alcohol rehab program, as well as how to verify if they are licensed or not. There is also information for those seeking help after a loved one or friend is already in the program, as well as for those who have done the program or worked for Narconon.
Please visit: http://narcononreviews.net/
Reaching For The Tipping Point Forum
Reaching For the Tipping Point is there for the curious, the consumer, for former patients ( aka students) and for former staff members, to talk about everything related to Scientology, especially Scientology front groups, like Narconon.
The aim is to provide a forum that is friendly, helpful, and enjoyable to visit. Please get involved and post. This forum is intended to be all inclusive.
Please visit & join in: http://forum.reachingforthetippingpoint.net/index.php
That's it for now. Happy New Year!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Drug rehab facility part of scientology? Yes.
One of the best reports on the dangers of Narconon and it's ties to Scientology
Visit Reaching For The Tipping Point Forum for more information
Visit Reaching For The Tipping Point Forum for more information
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Apollo Series Article: Third World Orphans and Scientology
Sharone at Scientology -The Apollo series shows us once again just low low and despicable the Church of Scientology is going to control and brainwash the children of the world.....
A Must-Read article:
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Third World Orphans and Scientology
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Bashir: "Newt Gingrich is the modern incarnation of the late L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology"
During his December 14 closing commentary, Martin Bashir made this comparison of Newt Gingrich to L Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology and well... he should know!*
Martin Bashir, MSNBC "Clear the Air"
msnbc transcript: Bashir: Newt Gingrich most akin to L. Ron Hubbard
" It's time now to clear the air and ever since he shot to the top of the republican race for the white house, i've been trying to figure out which historical figure newt gingrich most resembles. from the first century one might be tempted to call him a modern day st. augustin. mr. gingrich would probably like the comparison, especially since augustin's best known work is his book of confessions. in terms of literature it's possible to see newt gingrich as shakespeare's king lehr, a man of immense wealth who descends into madness after succumbing to flattery and brings only tragedy to all that he touches. as one character says of lehr and might now be said of gingrich, the prince of darkness is a gentleman. but when you study newt gingrich's writings it quickly becomes apparent that he's a perfect combination of religiousocity and insanity. just recently he tried to stir up fears that islamic sharia law was about to be imposed on every corner of the world. sharia law, he says, is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the united states and the world as we know it. but at the same time as offering a pessimistic and foreboding view of our future on earth, he seems completely optimistic about what may be happening elsewhere in the universe. in his book to renew america, published in 1995, gingrich says honeymoons in space will be the vogue by 2020. you know, the more i think about newt gingrich, the less i believe he's like st. augustin or king leer. in fact, there's one only person that comes close to newt gingrich, a science fiction writer so grandiose that he created his own religion. newt gingrich, the peddler of myths and fantasies, is the modern incarnation of the late el ron hubbard, the founder of scientology. thanks"
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/msnbc-live-with-bashir/45673727#45673727
*Martin Bashir on Scientology 24th October 2009
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHpFi_xH0Is
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkh2TPhoZgo
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U11jvVP_yDE
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hw_4NSX8x4
Martin Bashir, MSNBC "Clear the Air"
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
msnbc transcript: Bashir: Newt Gingrich most akin to L. Ron Hubbard
" It's time now to clear the air and ever since he shot to the top of the republican race for the white house, i've been trying to figure out which historical figure newt gingrich most resembles. from the first century one might be tempted to call him a modern day st. augustin. mr. gingrich would probably like the comparison, especially since augustin's best known work is his book of confessions. in terms of literature it's possible to see newt gingrich as shakespeare's king lehr, a man of immense wealth who descends into madness after succumbing to flattery and brings only tragedy to all that he touches. as one character says of lehr and might now be said of gingrich, the prince of darkness is a gentleman. but when you study newt gingrich's writings it quickly becomes apparent that he's a perfect combination of religiousocity and insanity. just recently he tried to stir up fears that islamic sharia law was about to be imposed on every corner of the world. sharia law, he says, is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the united states and the world as we know it. but at the same time as offering a pessimistic and foreboding view of our future on earth, he seems completely optimistic about what may be happening elsewhere in the universe. in his book to renew america, published in 1995, gingrich says honeymoons in space will be the vogue by 2020. you know, the more i think about newt gingrich, the less i believe he's like st. augustin or king leer. in fact, there's one only person that comes close to newt gingrich, a science fiction writer so grandiose that he created his own religion. newt gingrich, the peddler of myths and fantasies, is the modern incarnation of the late el ron hubbard, the founder of scientology. thanks"
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/msnbc-live-with-bashir/45673727#45673727
*Martin Bashir on Scientology 24th October 2009
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHpFi_xH0Is
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkh2TPhoZgo
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U11jvVP_yDE
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hw_4NSX8x4
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Church of Scientology facing back-pay claims - ABC Newcastle NSW - Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Church of Scientology facing back-pay claims - ABC Newcastle NSW - Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Church of Scientology is facing the prospect of back-pay claims that on some estimates could run into millions of dollars.
In March last year the ABC's Four Corners broadcast a program containing allegations of mistreatment and exploitation of some of the church's most loyal members.
The next day, the Fair Work ombudsman started an investigation into the church.
ABC's Lateline has obtained a draft copy of that investigation's report, which contains allegations of false imprisonment and forced labour.
"The allegations ... may potentially be a breach of the provisions of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (cth) dealing with slavery," the draft report says.
"The Fair Work ombudsman will refer the witnesses' allegations to the relevant authority for further investigation."
The report also shows that some workers in the church's elite Sea Org unit were getting paid as little as $10 a week.
The Church of Scientology argued that Sea Org members were not covered by the Fair Work Act because they were in holy orders.
But this was rejected in the draft report which said: "This is not a persuasive view and is not consistent with the law."
The church argues all their religious work is done by volunteers, however, the draft report said: "It is likely the Church of Scientology has incorrectly classified as volunteers or voluntary workers people who are entitled to be classified as employees."
That means many current and former workers could be owed large amounts of back pay.
In the draft report, the ombudsman insists the Church of Scientology appoint an independent consultant who will review its records so they comply with employment laws and awards.
Global ramifications
Mike Rinder, a former chief spokesman for the Church of Scientology in the US, says the report's findings could spur foreign governments to conduct their own investigations.
"I think a bunch of governments particularly in Europe and in the Commonwealth will follow in the footsteps of the Australian Fair Work ombudsman and begin their own investigations and reviews," he told Lateline.
Read on for more....
The Church of Scientology is facing the prospect of back-pay claims that on some estimates could run into millions of dollars.
In March last year the ABC's Four Corners broadcast a program containing allegations of mistreatment and exploitation of some of the church's most loyal members.
The next day, the Fair Work ombudsman started an investigation into the church.
ABC's Lateline has obtained a draft copy of that investigation's report, which contains allegations of false imprisonment and forced labour.
"The allegations ... may potentially be a breach of the provisions of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (cth) dealing with slavery," the draft report says.
"The Fair Work ombudsman will refer the witnesses' allegations to the relevant authority for further investigation."
The report also shows that some workers in the church's elite Sea Org unit were getting paid as little as $10 a week.
The Church of Scientology argued that Sea Org members were not covered by the Fair Work Act because they were in holy orders.
But this was rejected in the draft report which said: "This is not a persuasive view and is not consistent with the law."
The church argues all their religious work is done by volunteers, however, the draft report said: "It is likely the Church of Scientology has incorrectly classified as volunteers or voluntary workers people who are entitled to be classified as employees."
That means many current and former workers could be owed large amounts of back pay.
In the draft report, the ombudsman insists the Church of Scientology appoint an independent consultant who will review its records so they comply with employment laws and awards.
Global ramifications
Mike Rinder, a former chief spokesman for the Church of Scientology in the US, says the report's findings could spur foreign governments to conduct their own investigations.
"I think a bunch of governments particularly in Europe and in the Commonwealth will follow in the footsteps of the Australian Fair Work ombudsman and begin their own investigations and reviews," he told Lateline.
Read on for more....
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
You've Got Janet Reitman - The Truth About Scientology -
AOL Video News - You've Got Janet Reitman
The Truth About Scientology
http://www.aol.com/video/youve-got-janet-reitman/1136158521001/
This is so good. Scientology in a nutshell. Thanks, Janet!
The Truth About Scientology
http://www.aol.com/video/youve-got-janet-reitman/1136158521001/
This is so good. Scientology in a nutshell. Thanks, Janet!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Placido Domingo, Jr. Leaves Scientology For Family
This media storm started with a Village Voice interview with the son of a famous opera singer and his leaving Scientology editor in chief, by Tony Ortega . That interview was with Placido Domingo, Jr.
Now this story has gone wild viral. The Los Angeles Times, the Daily Mail UK, FOX News, and the Telegraph UK, among many others have discussed the Church of Scientology policy of disconnection which, by the way, the church keeps trying to say does not exist when it does!
So, let's get this straight. In MAy of 2008, we saw Scientology Spokesman Tommy Davis telling CNN's former Reporter John Roberts ( now with FOX NEWS)that there is no disconnection policy
But Davis was lying. Lying for the church about it's own policy to separate people from loved ones if they choose to leave the cult. You can hear him here in this Feb 2009 video of an openly recorded meeting between he and actor Larry Anderson, who is asking to get a refund of monies paid the church. This story was leaked by the St. St. Petersburg Times and they provide full audio in clips with transcripts of the interview with Anderson Tommy Davis stating that if Anderson goes through with this request for refund, he will not be able to associate with any Scientologist. You can listen to the whole thing here, with the initial few minutes demonstrating the lie.
Yesterday Australian Senator Nick Xenophon spoke with the very popular Kerri-Anne Show in Australia about this disconnection policy in regards to the reports about Domingo Jr. He speaks about knowledge of former scientologists who have been disconnected from their friends and loved ones and what Australia is doing to try and prevent groups like this from benefitting from government tax exempt status with such abuses like this that is happening to Domingo Jr and others who just want the freedom to leave Scientology without being shunned or harassed.
So, the truth is that Scientology disconnection policy is very much alive
I think the author of the Leaving Scientology blogstates it best
Tommy Davis: Portrait of a Liar
Tommy Davis is a liar.
He’s smooth. Polished. Convincing. But a liar nonetheless.
Consider this gem, from a 2008 CNN interview with John Roberts. Roberts asked him about disconnection, asking if it was true that “if you are a member of the Church of Scientology and someone in your family, a friend or spouse is skeptical or critical of the Church of Scientology, you’re supposed to disconnect from that person.”
Davis answers, “There’s no such thing as disconnection as you’ve characterized it…Scientology actually mandates – it’s really part of the code of being a Scientologist – to respect the religious beliefs of others, so certainly a Scientologist is going to respect their family members’ beliefs…We consider the family to be a building block of any society, so anything that is characterized as disconnection or this kind of thing is just not true. There isn’t any such policy in the Church dictating who you can and cannot be in communication with, it just doesn’t happen.”
Now, any Scientologist knows that this is a lie. Disconnection is in Policy. It is in the Ethics book. It is practiced every day. And particularly these days, Scientologists are being hauled in to Ethics and told to disconnect from family and friends, parents and children, or else. Scientologists are being constantly told who they can and cannot be in communication with.[..]
With more and more celebrities speaking up and not towing the party line in staying out of fear, maybe more members will wake up take a stand, as well.
Now this story has gone wild viral. The Los Angeles Times, the Daily Mail UK, FOX News, and the Telegraph UK, among many others have discussed the Church of Scientology policy of disconnection which, by the way, the church keeps trying to say does not exist when it does!
So, let's get this straight. In MAy of 2008, we saw Scientology Spokesman Tommy Davis telling CNN's former Reporter John Roberts ( now with FOX NEWS)that there is no disconnection policy
But Davis was lying. Lying for the church about it's own policy to separate people from loved ones if they choose to leave the cult. You can hear him here in this Feb 2009 video of an openly recorded meeting between he and actor Larry Anderson, who is asking to get a refund of monies paid the church. This story was leaked by the St. St. Petersburg Times and they provide full audio in clips with transcripts of the interview with Anderson Tommy Davis stating that if Anderson goes through with this request for refund, he will not be able to associate with any Scientologist. You can listen to the whole thing here, with the initial few minutes demonstrating the lie.
Yesterday Australian Senator Nick Xenophon spoke with the very popular Kerri-Anne Show in Australia about this disconnection policy in regards to the reports about Domingo Jr. He speaks about knowledge of former scientologists who have been disconnected from their friends and loved ones and what Australia is doing to try and prevent groups like this from benefitting from government tax exempt status with such abuses like this that is happening to Domingo Jr and others who just want the freedom to leave Scientology without being shunned or harassed.
So, the truth is that Scientology disconnection policy is very much alive
I think the author of the Leaving Scientology blogstates it best
Tommy Davis: Portrait of a Liar
Tommy Davis is a liar.
He’s smooth. Polished. Convincing. But a liar nonetheless.
Consider this gem, from a 2008 CNN interview with John Roberts. Roberts asked him about disconnection, asking if it was true that “if you are a member of the Church of Scientology and someone in your family, a friend or spouse is skeptical or critical of the Church of Scientology, you’re supposed to disconnect from that person.”
Davis answers, “There’s no such thing as disconnection as you’ve characterized it…Scientology actually mandates – it’s really part of the code of being a Scientologist – to respect the religious beliefs of others, so certainly a Scientologist is going to respect their family members’ beliefs…We consider the family to be a building block of any society, so anything that is characterized as disconnection or this kind of thing is just not true. There isn’t any such policy in the Church dictating who you can and cannot be in communication with, it just doesn’t happen.”
Now, any Scientologist knows that this is a lie. Disconnection is in Policy. It is in the Ethics book. It is practiced every day. And particularly these days, Scientologists are being hauled in to Ethics and told to disconnect from family and friends, parents and children, or else. Scientologists are being constantly told who they can and cannot be in communication with.[..]
With more and more celebrities speaking up and not towing the party line in staying out of fear, maybe more members will wake up take a stand, as well.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Scientology Spokesman admits XENU is real
Somehow I missed this important 2009 NewstalkZB interview with the spokesman of the Church of Scientology of New Zealand. Here he reluctantly confirms that the evil galactic overlord Xenu, is fact a part of Scientology 'scripture', although he states it's part of it's "esoteria" ( top level sekrreet from the flocks of blind lower cult members, myself having once been one of them )
Video: Xenu the Alien - Confirmed by Scientology!!
http://youtu.be/BhlueT3dryE
The cult had previously been denying the existence of Xenu (or XEMU) as demonstrated in this 2008 video after the South Park episode, where "Tommy Davis, a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology, categorically denied any knowledge of Xenu and the Alien genocide that is a pillar of their faith. In this video, (LRH) L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, describes the story in detail and proves Tommy Davis is a liar and South Park (SP) was right!"
Video: South Park Proved Right About Scientology XENU Story
http://youtu.be/T7EEOMbBIO8
To help you better digest this baloney, here is a transcript* of the story of Xenu (Xemu) from the audio tape "Class VIII "Assists" Lecture 3 October 1968":
"And they [the "loyal officers"] had elected a fellow by the name of Xemu, ah, could be spelled X-e-m-u, to the supreme ruler, and they were about to un-elect him. And he took the last moments he had in office to really 'goof the floof'.....he got these administrators and so on, and heads of planets in various positions and places.....and then troops not knowing what the hell they were doing, but were fed all kinds of false orders, were [sent in] against the population to pick them up, one after the other.....one of the mechanisms they used was to tell them [the population] to come in for an income tax investigation......But the truth of the matter is, that the loyal officers were not all killed. Xemu missed and they were not all killed, not by a long way.....and the administrators and renegades which Xemu had brought in were not very effective and a fire fight ensued which put the finishing touches on the Galactic Confederation.....the renegades that had been hired and so on, and the administrators that had been loyal to Xemu were still trying to hold out. Within a year he was in -- under arrest, and within six years the lot had been wiped out. The loyal officer was triumphant. Xemu was put with several of his cohorts in the center of a mountain which is still on one of these planets, and in a wired cage which is charged with an eternal battery. He's not likely ever to get out." (L. Ron Hubbard on "Xemu" (Xenu), hear the MP3 audio)
I just saved you a alot of money, as it costs** a scientologist up to $250,000 to get to where he learns about Xenu.
refs:
*Thank you to Phil Porvaznik of Evangelical Catholic Apologetics for his transcription and evaluation of this, which can be found here Xenu (Xemu) in Scientology
**How Much Does Scientology Cost?
Video: Xenu the Alien - Confirmed by Scientology!!
http://youtu.be/BhlueT3dryE
The cult had previously been denying the existence of Xenu (or XEMU) as demonstrated in this 2008 video after the South Park episode, where "Tommy Davis, a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology, categorically denied any knowledge of Xenu and the Alien genocide that is a pillar of their faith. In this video, (LRH) L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, describes the story in detail and proves Tommy Davis is a liar and South Park (SP) was right!"
Video: South Park Proved Right About Scientology XENU Story
http://youtu.be/T7EEOMbBIO8
To help you better digest this baloney, here is a transcript* of the story of Xenu (Xemu) from the audio tape "Class VIII "Assists" Lecture 3 October 1968":
"And they [the "loyal officers"] had elected a fellow by the name of Xemu, ah, could be spelled X-e-m-u, to the supreme ruler, and they were about to un-elect him. And he took the last moments he had in office to really 'goof the floof'.....he got these administrators and so on, and heads of planets in various positions and places.....and then troops not knowing what the hell they were doing, but were fed all kinds of false orders, were [sent in] against the population to pick them up, one after the other.....one of the mechanisms they used was to tell them [the population] to come in for an income tax investigation......But the truth of the matter is, that the loyal officers were not all killed. Xemu missed and they were not all killed, not by a long way.....and the administrators and renegades which Xemu had brought in were not very effective and a fire fight ensued which put the finishing touches on the Galactic Confederation.....the renegades that had been hired and so on, and the administrators that had been loyal to Xemu were still trying to hold out. Within a year he was in -- under arrest, and within six years the lot had been wiped out. The loyal officer was triumphant. Xemu was put with several of his cohorts in the center of a mountain which is still on one of these planets, and in a wired cage which is charged with an eternal battery. He's not likely ever to get out." (L. Ron Hubbard on "Xemu" (Xenu), hear the MP3 audio)
I just saved you a alot of money, as it costs** a scientologist up to $250,000 to get to where he learns about Xenu.
refs:
*Thank you to Phil Porvaznik of Evangelical Catholic Apologetics for his transcription and evaluation of this, which can be found here Xenu (Xemu) in Scientology
**How Much Does Scientology Cost?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Alarming Allegations Against Scientology Church & School
I like when Courthouse News picks up a story of importance related to the crimes of scientology.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011Last Update: 4:25 PM PT
Alarming Allegations Against Scientology Church & School
By Ryan Abbott, Courthouse News Service
LOS ANGELES (CN) - A 19-year-old man claims his Scientologist parents "ceded custody" of him at the age of 5 to the controversial church, which then entered into a "billion year contract" with him as a minor, forced him to work hundreds of hours a week at a Scientology school for as little $35, denied him an education, and forced him back to work just two days after he lost a finger in a work accident.
The first of Daniel Montalvo's two complaints in Superior Court names as defendants: the Church of Scientology International, the Scientology leadership group Sea Organization to which his parents allegedly belong, the Church of Scientology Western United States dba Canyon Oaks Ranch School, Montalvo's parents and three other people.
Montalvo's second complaint is against Bridge Publications, an L.A.-based bookbinder that manufactured the machine that cut off his right index finger as he worked.[..]
read on for more
Courthouse News Service
Tuesday, March 08, 2011Last Update: 4:25 PM PT
Alarming Allegations Against Scientology Church & School
By Ryan Abbott, Courthouse News Service
LOS ANGELES (CN) - A 19-year-old man claims his Scientologist parents "ceded custody" of him at the age of 5 to the controversial church, which then entered into a "billion year contract" with him as a minor, forced him to work hundreds of hours a week at a Scientology school for as little $35, denied him an education, and forced him back to work just two days after he lost a finger in a work accident.
The first of Daniel Montalvo's two complaints in Superior Court names as defendants: the Church of Scientology International, the Scientology leadership group Sea Organization to which his parents allegedly belong, the Church of Scientology Western United States dba Canyon Oaks Ranch School, Montalvo's parents and three other people.
Montalvo's second complaint is against Bridge Publications, an L.A.-based bookbinder that manufactured the machine that cut off his right index finger as he worked.[..]
read on for more
Courthouse News Service
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A journey into an unknown universe ;The nebula is expanding its Scientology influence in Quebec
Canoe – Infos – Québec-Canada: Une incursion dans un univers méconnu
Canoe - Infos - Québec-Canada: A journey into an unknown universe
Infiltrate the Church of Scientology
A journey into a world unknown
Agency QMI
26/02/2011 3:03 p.m.
French to English translation
MONTREAL - Two employees of the show I volunteered to infiltrate the Church of Scientology of Montreal. One of them described his experience: religious cults always intrigued me. When the team I decided to do a report on the Church of Scientology to infiltrate the idea with a hidden camera I immediately liked. In fact, this mission was tailor made for me. That's how we entered, my colleague and me in the universe Scientologist.
What struck us most when visiting the establishment of Papineau in Montreal for the first time, human warmth. It was immediately welcomed with open arms and good humor is contagious Scientologists. But the mood is anything but free.
Within minutes you can be caught in what looks like a vast infomercial. Introductory video, personality test, courses for personal growth, books, all in a single goal: making money. Because from my perspective, that's the philosophy of the Church of Scientology get your money by promising a better life.
We chose a course for beginners, "Success Through Communication." This course allows us to introduce ourselves in the academy's classroom at the church and shoot other students without their knowledge.
They too are going about their exercises like touching objects represent various events with the clay or listen to the words of L. Ron Hubbard's audio conference. After a series of exercises which I think is useless as far-fetched, we are new graduates of the course and members of the church for six months! Course Cost: $ 65
We decided then to go further and we subscribe to the Dianetics Seminar, a weekend intensive learning of the hearing. A technique in which we relive the difficult moments of our lives and feel painful emotions.
A grueling 24-hour exercise, sitting on a chair right under the constant supervision of our supervisors. A session that we shoot with the camera hidden. We are particularly affected by a girl of ten years telling stories, crying and looks thrown into this world in spite of herself. Training cost: $ 125
We then attended a fundraiser for the church, which was to finance the renovation of their new center, the old building of "Homeland" in downtown Montreal. An "event" language of Scientology, where patriotic speeches and salutes founder alongside calls for donations.
The atmosphere is overheated and the MC manages to squeeze $ 17 000 of the fifty members present, some with their children. We are asked to give $ 1,000, no less! As new members, we are the center of attention.
Shoot pictures without us getting caught is perilous. During the evening, we strongly encourage two people to the next level, the course of purification. This is a crucial step for a Scientologist, which in addition to the cleanse, relieve the $ 1500.
The nebula is expanding its Scientology influence in Quebec
MONTREAL - The administration system developed by L. Ron Hubbard called WISE, World Institute of Scientology Enterprises. And the leading expert on Scientology in Canada, Dr. Stephen A. Kent, University of Alberta, Scientology and WISE are one. WISE is also his opinion that part of the nebula Scientologist. WISE (business) Narconon (the fight against drug abuse), Criminon (fight against crime), the Citizens Commission for Human Rights (antipsychiatry) Applied Scholastics (education), all these organizations defend and promoting ideas of the movement, while claiming to be independent of the Church. "These programs, said Professor Kent and WISE is a good example, represent a way for Scientology to enter his so-called technology in the business community. The goal is to raise the ways and ideas of Scientology. Moral issues and how to handle criticism will follow. "Should we review the status of Scientology in Canada? The Church of Scientology enjoys tax exemption status with the municipal corporation that grants him the religious Quebec. Canada recognizes him as a non-profit organization. Moreover, Narconon, which treats addicts with the methods of Hubbard, has the status of charitable organization. Donations thus become partially tax deductible. The Church of Scientology has refused interview requests from JE. In an email, a spokesman said his movement meets the criteria and that "the decision by the Quebec government in 1993 to recognize Scientology as a religion is not a matter of controversy." At least one politician does not agree. Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette wonders how a movement already convicted of organized fraud in France and for breach of confidence in Ontario in 1992 was a year later, get the status of religious corporation in Quebec. "In Ontario, they did a thorough investigation to discover that they had infiltrated various departments and the RCMP. "The senator said he was" appalled "to see an organization like the Church of Scientology has such a treatment.
http://fr.canoe.ca/infos/quebeccanada/archives/2011/02/20110226-150348.html
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Best Rant on Convicted Murder Rex Fowler, Scientologist
Excellent article. A must read.....
Rex Fowler-A Scientologist Run Amuck by Vincent J. Dooley
@ ProsecutorialRant
http://prosecutorialrant.blogspot.com/2011/03/rex-fowler-scientologist-run-amuck.html
Rex Fowler-A Scientologist Run Amuck by Vincent J. Dooley
@ ProsecutorialRant
http://prosecutorialrant.blogspot.com/2011/03/rex-fowler-scientologist-run-amuck.html
Friday, October 22, 2010
Narconon Rehab Called Front for Scientology
This is a must-read. The Plaintiff is known to me and I applaud him for getting an attorney to take his case! Kudos much thanks to John P. Hannon II, Esq.of Capitola, CA.
Narconon Rehab Called Front for Scientology
By TISH KRAFT
Courthouse News Service Thursday, October 21, 2010Last Update: 2:18 PM PT
http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/10/21/31251.htm
Here is the complaint:
http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/10/21/Narconon.pdf
Narconon Rehab Called Front for Scientology
By TISH KRAFT
Courthouse News Service Thursday, October 21, 2010Last Update: 2:18 PM PT
http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/10/21/31251.htm
Here is the complaint:
http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/10/21/Narconon.pdf
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
A Big Win for Australia and Critics of all Cults. Scientology and the Australian Senate Inquiry Report.
Kudos to Senator Xenophon, members of the Australia Senate Economics Legislation Committee, Today/Tonight Show and reporter Brian Seymour along with all those brave souls who spoke up about the dangers of Scientology and similar cults.
This is a big win today:
Today Tonight - Australian Senate Inquiry Release Special
Full Report: Australia Tax Laws Amendment (Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010 Authored by: Australia Senate Economics Legislation Committee
Additional Information & documents Tax Laws Amendment(Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010
Now if we could get the US to do likewise
This is a big win today:
Today Tonight - Australian Senate Inquiry Release Special
Today Tonight - Australian Senate Inquiry Release Special - 2010-09-07 from Zhent on Vimeo.
Full Report: Australia Tax Laws Amendment (Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010 Authored by: Australia Senate Economics Legislation Committee
Additional Information & documents Tax Laws Amendment(Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010
Now if we could get the US to do likewise
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Whats wrong with this picture? Scientology Fakes another Photo
I received this promotional piece in the mail and was struck by the obvious alterations in the photo ( see far right)and the fact that the woman holding up her award certificate- OT VIII ( a top level that is supposed to bring about 'cause over life')is wearing eye glasses.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Digg It!! CCHR Loses Charity Status in NZ
ODIT News On 21 May 2010, CCHR/NZ (Scientology's front group: Citizens Commission on Human Rights, New Zealand) was denied charitable status by the Charities Commission in New Zealand.
54. The Applicant's barrister has also submitted that the Commission is "discriminating against CCHR and/or its founders, or organisers on the basis of their imputed opinions and on the basis of their religious views of ethical views". He notes that the Applicant has been linked to the Church of Scientology in the press and the Commission's decision to withhold charitable status from the Applicant has coincided with targeting of the Church in the media,..
read on for more and DIGG It!
ODIT/UNews: CCHR Loses Charity Status in NZ [pdf]#c3774955385694649903
54. The Applicant's barrister has also submitted that the Commission is "discriminating against CCHR and/or its founders, or organisers on the basis of their imputed opinions and on the basis of their religious views of ethical views". He notes that the Applicant has been linked to the Church of Scientology in the press and the Commission's decision to withhold charitable status from the Applicant has coincided with targeting of the Church in the media,..
read on for more and DIGG It!
ODIT/UNews: CCHR Loses Charity Status in NZ [pdf]#c3774955385694649903
Monday, June 14, 2010
Church of Scientology - No Kids Allowed
So glad to see this series come out.
AOL NEWS: Former Scientologists Claim Church Forced Them to Have Abortions
Michelle Ruiz, Contributor
Former Scientologists Claim Church Forced Abortions
(June 14) -- The Church of Scientology is denying allegations levied by dozens of former members of its highest order, the Sea Org, who say the church forced them to have abortions because having children would interfere with their religious mission.
An in-depth report by the St. Petersburg Times cites several women who have filed federal lawsuits against the church, claiming they were ordered to abort their children as teenagers and young women or be shunned by the church, facing hard labor or alienation from their husbands.
"The policy was if a staff member became pregnant, that they were to have an abortion," former Sea Org member Claire Headley, 35, told the newspaper.
Former Scientologists Claim Church Forced Them to Have Abortions
AOL NEWS: Former Scientologists Claim Church Forced Them to Have Abortions
Michelle Ruiz, Contributor
Former Scientologists Claim Church Forced Abortions
(June 14) -- The Church of Scientology is denying allegations levied by dozens of former members of its highest order, the Sea Org, who say the church forced them to have abortions because having children would interfere with their religious mission.
An in-depth report by the St. Petersburg Times cites several women who have filed federal lawsuits against the church, claiming they were ordered to abort their children as teenagers and young women or be shunned by the church, facing hard labor or alienation from their husbands.
"The policy was if a staff member became pregnant, that they were to have an abortion," former Sea Org member Claire Headley, 35, told the newspaper.
Former Scientologists Claim Church Forced Them to Have Abortions
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Scarlett Hanna- report done by A Current Affair Australia
A must see.
"Today Tonight's Bryan Seymour speaks directly to Scarlett on channel 7
http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/
(video box to the right select 'scientology head'
A Current Affair's report features mostly the Lateline report footage, but includes ACA speaking to Steve Cannane about his interview with Scarlett." Tub3dYou — May 19, 2010 —
Sheila Huber, former longtime scientology staff member was a church Nanny for 3 years and is interviewed about the conditions, the oppression and why she is speaking out.
"Today Tonight's Bryan Seymour speaks directly to Scarlett on channel 7
http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/
(video box to the right select 'scientology head'
A Current Affair's report features mostly the Lateline report footage, but includes ACA speaking to Steve Cannane about his interview with Scarlett." Tub3dYou — May 19, 2010 —
Sheila Huber, former longtime scientology staff member was a church Nanny for 3 years and is interviewed about the conditions, the oppression and why she is speaking out.
Former Scientologist Amy Scobee interviewed on Lateline (air date: 5-19-10)
Kudos to Amy Scobee for speaking up about how Scientology treated the matter when she was raped at age 14 by an adult staff member of the church's Sea Org.
Carmen Rainer Scientology Abuse Interview on ABC Lateline (air date: 5-19-10)
Carmen is a brave girl and I hope all goes well for her. Thank you for speaking up, Carmen & mom.
Calling Scientology "TOXIC", Scarlett Hanna speaks up about her life in the cult
Video: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Broadcast: 18/05/2010
Reporter: Steve Cannane, doing another excellent job exposing Scientology
Scarlette Hanna, the daughter of the president of the Church of Scientology in Australia, has "spoken out against the organisation, describing it as toxic and accusing the church of tearing some families apart."
Scarlette Hanna is the daughter of Vicki Dunstan, the president of the church in Australia. Her father, Mark Hanna, is a former director of public affairs.
As well, Sheila Huber, former long time member, explains what it was like to have been the church's Nanny for the many many children of staff members and how bad the conditions were.
What you will hear are true stories of abuse and neglect of children. Both these women deserve kudos for stepping up to the plate and speaking up despite the potential for repercussions. Much thanks to ABC and Steve Cannane.
You can see Vicki Dunstan here finally admitting that Scientology was connected to several Sydney murdered parishoners.
Mark Hanna can be found on this recent video assaulting protesters: Husband of Scientology's Australian President Assaults Protesters
Things are falling apart for her Scienbtologist parents, and that might not be a bad thing if they wake up soon enough.
Hopefully Scarlett's brave andd well stated report on TV will wake them up.
Broadcast: 18/05/2010
Reporter: Steve Cannane, doing another excellent job exposing Scientology
Scarlette Hanna, the daughter of the president of the Church of Scientology in Australia, has "spoken out against the organisation, describing it as toxic and accusing the church of tearing some families apart."
Scarlette Hanna is the daughter of Vicki Dunstan, the president of the church in Australia. Her father, Mark Hanna, is a former director of public affairs.
As well, Sheila Huber, former long time member, explains what it was like to have been the church's Nanny for the many many children of staff members and how bad the conditions were.
What you will hear are true stories of abuse and neglect of children. Both these women deserve kudos for stepping up to the plate and speaking up despite the potential for repercussions. Much thanks to ABC and Steve Cannane.
You can see Vicki Dunstan here finally admitting that Scientology was connected to several Sydney murdered parishoners.
Mark Hanna can be found on this recent video assaulting protesters: Husband of Scientology's Australian President Assaults Protesters
Things are falling apart for her Scienbtologist parents, and that might not be a bad thing if they wake up soon enough.
Hopefully Scarlett's brave andd well stated report on TV will wake them up.
Strategy for Anonymous vs Scientology
This is a brilliant video worthy of repeat viewing. Inspiring, truely. Thank you to whoever created it.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The IRS Beaten into Submission by Scientology
This is one of the best videos ever made in exposing scientology!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
More Names Of Ex Scientologists For The Big List
Big List Of Ex Scientologists Who Have Spoken Out "was commenced on 26 June 2009. In the last day, 11 April 2010, the list has exceeded 1000 names."
Here are 6 more names of ex scientologists who hailed from NY. These people sued the church of Scientology. That's the ultimate speaking out in my book. I will continue to add to this as I locate court cases across the country so that their names can be added.
SUSAN TYLER
Court: New York Civil Supreme
Index Number: 007617/1986
Case Name: TYLER, SUSAN vs. CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY
Case Type: Other Torts
Filed 04/16/1986
SETTLED $5,250.00 12/03/1986
MARIO METELLUS
Court: New York Civil Supreme
Index Number: 001133/1989
Case Name: METELLUS, MARIO vs. CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF N.Y.
Case Type: Other Tort Commercial
Filed 1989 & 11/26/1990
Settled 05/25/1992 Supreme Trial Other Final Disp. (Pre-Note)
JOHN R LA PLANT
Court: Queens Civil Supreme
Index Number: 017283/1991
Case Name: LAPLANT, JOHN R. 3/P vs. CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF
Case Type: Negligence
Filed 12/03/1991
Settled 07/14/1994 Supreme Trial Settled Before Trial
JOHN GRIECO
SUSAN JOY GRIECO
Court: New York County Civil Court
Index Number: CV-021594-99/NY
Case Name: GRIECO, JOHN
GRIECO, SUSAN JOY
vs.
CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
Case Type: Civil
Filed 07/09/1999
Settled 08/03/1999 09:30 AM Motion Withdrawn
STEPHEN R. PACCA
Court: New York Civil Supreme
Index Number: 012076/1981
Case Name: PACCA, STEPHEN R. vs. SCIENTOLOGY CENTER INC
Case Type: Medical/Podiatric Malpractice
Track: Unknown
Filed: 11/19/1985
Settled 09/17/1991
"The Big List includes only former members who have spoken out against the Church of Scientology's crimes and abuses in their own names, not using a pseudonym. The list includes people who still consider themselves Scientologists and people who do not. Many of the people named spoke out first years, even decades, ago. Many others spoke out for the first time in the last few weeks and months. Every person on the list has given a great gift to others. Together, their voices cannot ever be silenced.
To those who are still in: realize that all of these people have left, and you can too. There are thousands more who left, and have not come forward to tell their story yet. And there are also hundreds more who have spoken out, but who did not want their names known. We hope that the courage of those named here empowers more people to come forward with their stories of abuse, and ultimately prevents such abuses from ever taking place again. "
Join in. Speak up. Expose Scientology.
Here are 6 more names of ex scientologists who hailed from NY. These people sued the church of Scientology. That's the ultimate speaking out in my book. I will continue to add to this as I locate court cases across the country so that their names can be added.
SUSAN TYLER
Court: New York Civil Supreme
Index Number: 007617/1986
Case Name: TYLER, SUSAN vs. CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY
Case Type: Other Torts
Filed 04/16/1986
SETTLED $5,250.00 12/03/1986
MARIO METELLUS
Court: New York Civil Supreme
Index Number: 001133/1989
Case Name: METELLUS, MARIO vs. CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF N.Y.
Case Type: Other Tort Commercial
Filed 1989 & 11/26/1990
Settled 05/25/1992 Supreme Trial Other Final Disp. (Pre-Note)
JOHN R LA PLANT
Court: Queens Civil Supreme
Index Number: 017283/1991
Case Name: LAPLANT, JOHN R. 3/P vs. CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF
Case Type: Negligence
Filed 12/03/1991
Settled 07/14/1994 Supreme Trial Settled Before Trial
JOHN GRIECO
SUSAN JOY GRIECO
Court: New York County Civil Court
Index Number: CV-021594-99/NY
Case Name: GRIECO, JOHN
GRIECO, SUSAN JOY
vs.
CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
Case Type: Civil
Filed 07/09/1999
Settled 08/03/1999 09:30 AM Motion Withdrawn
STEPHEN R. PACCA
Court: New York Civil Supreme
Index Number: 012076/1981
Case Name: PACCA, STEPHEN R. vs. SCIENTOLOGY CENTER INC
Case Type: Medical/Podiatric Malpractice
Track: Unknown
Filed: 11/19/1985
Settled 09/17/1991
"The Big List includes only former members who have spoken out against the Church of Scientology's crimes and abuses in their own names, not using a pseudonym. The list includes people who still consider themselves Scientologists and people who do not. Many of the people named spoke out first years, even decades, ago. Many others spoke out for the first time in the last few weeks and months. Every person on the list has given a great gift to others. Together, their voices cannot ever be silenced.
To those who are still in: realize that all of these people have left, and you can too. There are thousands more who left, and have not come forward to tell their story yet. And there are also hundreds more who have spoken out, but who did not want their names known. We hope that the courage of those named here empowers more people to come forward with their stories of abuse, and ultimately prevents such abuses from ever taking place again. "
Join in. Speak up. Expose Scientology.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
FAIR USE CLIP: Tory in Scientology
Mark Bunker of XENUTV posted this:
FAIR USE CLIP: Tory in Scientology
XENUTV — April 06, 2010 — FAIR USE CLIP. This brief excerpt from a much longer Scientology promotional video features critic Tory Christman when she was still in Scientology on OTVII. She was promoting the release of The New OT 5 Rundowns in 1990.
Here is Tory today :)
Scientologists Leaving - Things to Consider
FAIR USE CLIP: Tory in Scientology
XENUTV — April 06, 2010 — FAIR USE CLIP. This brief excerpt from a much longer Scientology promotional video features critic Tory Christman when she was still in Scientology on OTVII. She was promoting the release of The New OT 5 Rundowns in 1990.
Here is Tory today :)
Scientologists Leaving - Things to Consider
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Scientology - The Soul Catchers
This is why we protest Scientology:
Repost from: From: Ackerland2 | April 10, 2010
2010-03-31 Die Seelenfänger - The Soul Catchers
This is the documentary broadcasted by the Südwestdeutscher Rundfunk (Southwest German Broadcaster) in connection with the forerun ARD-movie "Bis nichts mehr bleibt" (Until Nothing is Left) as well as the talk show "tough but fair" (firm but fair) on the subject of Scientology. Heiner von Rönn and Markus S. tell how their families have been destroyed by Scientology. Moreover, a camera team is travelling with Markus to the USA to reconstruct the suffering of the late Uwe S, who died from multiple sclerosis. With English subtitles
Repost from: From: Ackerland2 | April 10, 2010
2010-03-31 Die Seelenfänger - The Soul Catchers
This is the documentary broadcasted by the Südwestdeutscher Rundfunk (Southwest German Broadcaster) in connection with the forerun ARD-movie "Bis nichts mehr bleibt" (Until Nothing is Left) as well as the talk show "tough but fair" (firm but fair) on the subject of Scientology. Heiner von Rönn and Markus S. tell how their families have been destroyed by Scientology. Moreover, a camera team is travelling with Markus to the USA to reconstruct the suffering of the late Uwe S, who died from multiple sclerosis. With English subtitles
Scientology : The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power
Scientology : The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power
R Behar - Time, May, 1991
"This famous article critical of Scientology has been the target of an organized bookburning campaign by Scientologists as detailed in the Scarff deposition. The piece was awarded the Gerald Loeb Award for distinguished business and financial journalism, the Worth Bingham Prize and the Conscience in Media Awards from the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
By republishing it into the digital domain of the Usenet we hope to confer a kind of
immortality on it that Scientology never does on either the perpetrators or victims of its crimes.
Please use under the fair use provision of the U.S. Copyright code.
Even as the cult of Scientology tries to destroy the truth, the truth shall be loosed over the planet forever." link
R Behar - Time, May, 1991
"This famous article critical of Scientology has been the target of an organized bookburning campaign by Scientologists as detailed in the Scarff deposition. The piece was awarded the Gerald Loeb Award for distinguished business and financial journalism, the Worth Bingham Prize and the Conscience in Media Awards from the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
By republishing it into the digital domain of the Usenet we hope to confer a kind of
immortality on it that Scientology never does on either the perpetrators or victims of its crimes.
Please use under the fair use provision of the U.S. Copyright code.
Even as the cult of Scientology tries to destroy the truth, the truth shall be loosed over the planet forever." link
Scientology: To Be Perfectly Clear
Scientology: To Be Perfectly Clear
Terrific read:
Scientology: To Be Perfectly Clear
WS Bainbridge, R Stark - SA. Sociological Analysis, 1980
Abstract: Advances a theory to explain the apparent success of
Scientology in raising its members to a superhuman level of functioning
known as "clear". It is argued that empirical evidence does not support
this claim and that the state of "clear" "is not a state of personal
development at all, but a social status conferring honor within the cult's
status system and demanding certain kinds of behavior from the person
labeled `clear'." Hubbard's social mechanisms used to establish and
defend the status of "clear" are discussed. Scientology caters to those
people who suffer from chronic unhappiness or inability to perform at the
level set for themselves. It does not solve the underlying problems; it
merely "cures the complaints by ending the person's freedom to
complain."
You can read the full 31 page article here:
http://www.anti-scientologie.ch/pdf-books/To_Be_Perfectly_Clear_-_Bainbridge_Stark.pdf
Terrific read:
Scientology: To Be Perfectly Clear
WS Bainbridge, R Stark - SA. Sociological Analysis, 1980
Abstract: Advances a theory to explain the apparent success of
Scientology in raising its members to a superhuman level of functioning
known as "clear". It is argued that empirical evidence does not support
this claim and that the state of "clear" "is not a state of personal
development at all, but a social status conferring honor within the cult's
status system and demanding certain kinds of behavior from the person
labeled `clear'." Hubbard's social mechanisms used to establish and
defend the status of "clear" are discussed. Scientology caters to those
people who suffer from chronic unhappiness or inability to perform at the
level set for themselves. It does not solve the underlying problems; it
merely "cures the complaints by ending the person's freedom to
complain."
You can read the full 31 page article here:
http://www.anti-scientologie.ch/pdf-books/To_Be_Perfectly_Clear_-_Bainbridge_Stark.pdf
Monday, April 05, 2010
Uncovering the secrets of Scientology - News
Uncovering the secrets of Scientology - News
Richard Leiby is my hero :)
Uncovering the secrets of Scientology
GW professor helped expose details of scandal, covered trial of church leaders
by Matt Rist
Senior Staff Writer Issue: 4/5/10 | News
In a sleepy beach town in the Bible Belt, a 22-year-old journalist found himself in the middle of what was then considered by some a cult - and is now known as the Church of Scientology.
That young journalist was adjunct professor Richard Leiby, one of the first to unearth religious leaders' clandestine activities during his time at The Clearwater Sun in Florida.
During his stay at the now defunct Tampa Bay-area newspaper, Leiby was sent to the nation's capital to uncover details of a wide-ranging federal probe. Church leaders were accused of trying to destroy government records that portrayed Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, in an unfavorable light.
The investigation, which resulted in the conviction of 11 high-ranking church officials - including Hubbard's wife, Mary Sue - was jumpstarted when Gerald Wolfe, one of the conspirators, was arrested in June 1977 for using a forged government identification card. After subsequent raids by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed the church had illegally procured documents ranging from files on federal judges to agency personnel data, the story of the infiltration of the federal government began to come to light.
Soon after, Leiby was sent to D.C. to cover the ensuing trial - United States v. Hubbard - which began in August 1978 after a year's worth of legal wrangling had delayed its start in federal court. For Leiby, the assignment presented a chance to hone his skills as a young journalist fresh on the scene.
"This little paper sent me to Washington to cover a major criminal conspiracy case, which was certainly a defining moment in my career," Leiby said.
Among the things he discovered over the course of his reporting were plans by leading Scientologists to take control of the Clearwater city government. Now a major center for the church, Clearwater contains Scientology's spiritual headquarters, known as Flag Land Base. But back in the 1970s, Scientology was still a nascent force in the central Florida city, much to the chagrin of then-mayor Gabriel Cazares, who quickly became an enemy of the church's leaders.
What Leiby uncovered about the Clearwater conspiracy, he said, was explosive.
"I was able to get out of the courthouse more than 40,000 documents of internal church material which laid out a very deliberate scheme to take over the city of Clearwater," Leiby said, referring to what became known as Operation Goldmine. "When I say 'take over,' I mean frame the mayor in a hit-and-run accident so that [he] would be neutralized, because he was an anti-Scientologist."
More than 30 years later, Leiby has moved on from uncovering the intricacies of criminal conspiracies to more pleasurable pursuits. In addition to being an adjunct faculty member at GW, he is a style and arts editor at the Washington Post, where he also once served as the Reliable Source columnist, bringing readers the latest D.C. gossip. But he says he remains thankful for the skills he gained as a young reporter navigating the contours of a major federal investigation.
"I was about 22 years old and it was my first reporting job and it was an intensely complicated case," said Leiby, who had just graduated from Temple University when he was sent to Washington. "You don't learn these kind of cases in journalism schools."
And he has not left his background behind. The work he has done in the past is what makes Leiby's Introduction to News Writing and Reporting class a highly enjoyable event for his students to look forward to twice a week.
"I can use my own experiences to give real-life examples," he said. He has brought in a number of guest speakers to address the class, including National Enquirer Executive Editor Barry Levine, who talked about the future of journalism.
"I think [students] need to know what they are getting into. They need to hear from people who have made this transition into new media," Leiby said.
In Leiby's course, the classroom is a newsroom, and the deadlines are real.
"I gave students an exercise in which I was President Obama giving them a news briefing and then had them write their ledes in eight minutes," Leiby said. "This is how we do it - what you're going to learn is rapid turnaround."
The fast-paced assignments have made for a class that mirrors the experience students would have as professional journalists. And they don't seem to mind. Junior Jehan Morsi said she likes the class' high speed, adding that Leiby's background makes it more interesting.
"The professor teaches class as an editor would hold a final editing edition of the paper; we're his staff, he's the head editor," she said.
Richard Leiby is my hero :)
Uncovering the secrets of Scientology
GW professor helped expose details of scandal, covered trial of church leaders
by Matt Rist
Senior Staff Writer Issue: 4/5/10 | News
In a sleepy beach town in the Bible Belt, a 22-year-old journalist found himself in the middle of what was then considered by some a cult - and is now known as the Church of Scientology.
That young journalist was adjunct professor Richard Leiby, one of the first to unearth religious leaders' clandestine activities during his time at The Clearwater Sun in Florida.
During his stay at the now defunct Tampa Bay-area newspaper, Leiby was sent to the nation's capital to uncover details of a wide-ranging federal probe. Church leaders were accused of trying to destroy government records that portrayed Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, in an unfavorable light.
The investigation, which resulted in the conviction of 11 high-ranking church officials - including Hubbard's wife, Mary Sue - was jumpstarted when Gerald Wolfe, one of the conspirators, was arrested in June 1977 for using a forged government identification card. After subsequent raids by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed the church had illegally procured documents ranging from files on federal judges to agency personnel data, the story of the infiltration of the federal government began to come to light.
Soon after, Leiby was sent to D.C. to cover the ensuing trial - United States v. Hubbard - which began in August 1978 after a year's worth of legal wrangling had delayed its start in federal court. For Leiby, the assignment presented a chance to hone his skills as a young journalist fresh on the scene.
"This little paper sent me to Washington to cover a major criminal conspiracy case, which was certainly a defining moment in my career," Leiby said.
Among the things he discovered over the course of his reporting were plans by leading Scientologists to take control of the Clearwater city government. Now a major center for the church, Clearwater contains Scientology's spiritual headquarters, known as Flag Land Base. But back in the 1970s, Scientology was still a nascent force in the central Florida city, much to the chagrin of then-mayor Gabriel Cazares, who quickly became an enemy of the church's leaders.
What Leiby uncovered about the Clearwater conspiracy, he said, was explosive.
"I was able to get out of the courthouse more than 40,000 documents of internal church material which laid out a very deliberate scheme to take over the city of Clearwater," Leiby said, referring to what became known as Operation Goldmine. "When I say 'take over,' I mean frame the mayor in a hit-and-run accident so that [he] would be neutralized, because he was an anti-Scientologist."
More than 30 years later, Leiby has moved on from uncovering the intricacies of criminal conspiracies to more pleasurable pursuits. In addition to being an adjunct faculty member at GW, he is a style and arts editor at the Washington Post, where he also once served as the Reliable Source columnist, bringing readers the latest D.C. gossip. But he says he remains thankful for the skills he gained as a young reporter navigating the contours of a major federal investigation.
"I was about 22 years old and it was my first reporting job and it was an intensely complicated case," said Leiby, who had just graduated from Temple University when he was sent to Washington. "You don't learn these kind of cases in journalism schools."
And he has not left his background behind. The work he has done in the past is what makes Leiby's Introduction to News Writing and Reporting class a highly enjoyable event for his students to look forward to twice a week.
"I can use my own experiences to give real-life examples," he said. He has brought in a number of guest speakers to address the class, including National Enquirer Executive Editor Barry Levine, who talked about the future of journalism.
"I think [students] need to know what they are getting into. They need to hear from people who have made this transition into new media," Leiby said.
In Leiby's course, the classroom is a newsroom, and the deadlines are real.
"I gave students an exercise in which I was President Obama giving them a news briefing and then had them write their ledes in eight minutes," Leiby said. "This is how we do it - what you're going to learn is rapid turnaround."
The fast-paced assignments have made for a class that mirrors the experience students would have as professional journalists. And they don't seem to mind. Junior Jehan Morsi said she likes the class' high speed, adding that Leiby's background makes it more interesting.
"The professor teaches class as an editor would hold a final editing edition of the paper; we're his staff, he's the head editor," she said.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Narconon Will Have to Show its Credentials - Topix
(Trois-Rivières) Like all drug rehabilitation facilities in the province of Quebec which provide room and board, Narconon Trois-Rivières will have to show its credentials in order to obtain certification from the Quebec Department of Health and Social Services [ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux], a requirement which will be compulsory beginning on July 1, 2011.
Just days after the publication of statements made by David Edgar Love, a former patient who became an employee and is now speaking out against certain methods used by the centre, the Mauricie Health and Social Services Agency [Agence de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie] said it will be keeping an eye on Narconon.
In the framework of Law 56, which provides for extending the compulsory certification of residences for the elderly to all organizations involved in drug rehabilitation, there are to be rigorous inspections to regulate and guarantee the safety and the quality of services," said Marc Lacour, director of social services.
As a result, the 14 organizations in our region will have to file an application and comply with all the requirements of the Department of Health and Social Services before July 2011. These requirements concern, in particular, the methods of intervention, the physical facilities, safety, employee training, and they might even include prohibiting affiliations to a religion or to a spiritual orientation.
It is known that Narconon has ties with with the Church of Scientology. Its methods of intervention are based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology.
Since 2001, the centre has indeed been mired in controversy more than once. The latest example is the publication of statements made by David Edgar Love, who filed complaints with the Quebec Human Rights Commission [Commission des droits de la personne] and the Quebec Labour Standards Commission [Commission des normes du travail] for harassment and threats and who took the opportunity to lift the veil on certain treatment methods.
Former employees filed complaints
About ten former employees of the Narconon Trois-Rivières centre have filed complaints with the Quebec Labour Standards Commission alleging that they were not paid for hours worked.
But according to one of these former employees, Richard Lussier, there are at least 25 people in the same situation.
"It's such a hassle, but Narconon takes advantage of defenseless people to line their pockets. I had to complain to the Labour Standards Commission to get progress on my case. I'm not looking for trouble, I just want my money. But I know that many other employees haven't complained. In all, there are more than 25 of us who haven't been paid in recent months," said Lussier.
Lussier, who had been hired as a cook, was fired last month. "Narconon owes me between $1,200 and $1,300.
"That's a lot when you have to pay your rent. I spoke out loud to get what I'm owed, because this wasn't the first time it happened, but they preferred to fire me," he said.
Mr. Lussier admits having received some pay, for example $100 every two or three weeks. "The centre gives us a little something to make us keep our traps shut, they make wonderful promises, but they never give us our full pay," he said.
Marc Bernard, director of Narconon, acknowledges that former employees have not been paid.
"I think about ten complaints have been brought against us. The recession hurt us. So we accumulated a bit of a backlog in payroll. I can assure you that these people will be paid and that it will be done as quickly as possible. We don't take this lightly," he said.
He believes, however, that these former employees panicked. "It's the system that wants this, that led them to the Labour Standards Commission.
"Yet we are constantly working to have enough money to settle our debts," said Mr. Bernard.
Narconon provides therapies which last an average of three to four months. According to Mr. Bernard, the centre receives about 35 to 40 customers every three months.
But a former employee contends that the centre receives no more than twenty people a year. Most of the clientele is from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Moreover, the costs of this therapy are particularly high, more than $5,000 a month, for a total of $20,000.
"How much does the funeral of an addict cost in your opinion? More than $12,000. In addition, we have an excellent success rate here: it's between 70 and 76 per cent, while the average for other centres is 10 per cent," said Mr. Bernard.
At present, an investigation is still being conducted by the Labour Standards Commission, which refuses to reveal more about the number and the content of the current complaints.
However, spokesperson Jean-François Pelchat did not hide the fact that Narconon has a "long trail" of complaints since 2005.
"Quite a few complaints were brought by employees, but, in most cases, the files are closed, either because the centre paid the claims or because an agreement was reached, or the complaint was not accepted, or the employee withdrew," said Mr. Pelchat.
Narconon Will Have to Show its Credentials - Topix
Just days after the publication of statements made by David Edgar Love, a former patient who became an employee and is now speaking out against certain methods used by the centre, the Mauricie Health and Social Services Agency [Agence de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie] said it will be keeping an eye on Narconon.
In the framework of Law 56, which provides for extending the compulsory certification of residences for the elderly to all organizations involved in drug rehabilitation, there are to be rigorous inspections to regulate and guarantee the safety and the quality of services," said Marc Lacour, director of social services.
As a result, the 14 organizations in our region will have to file an application and comply with all the requirements of the Department of Health and Social Services before July 2011. These requirements concern, in particular, the methods of intervention, the physical facilities, safety, employee training, and they might even include prohibiting affiliations to a religion or to a spiritual orientation.
It is known that Narconon has ties with with the Church of Scientology. Its methods of intervention are based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology.
Since 2001, the centre has indeed been mired in controversy more than once. The latest example is the publication of statements made by David Edgar Love, who filed complaints with the Quebec Human Rights Commission [Commission des droits de la personne] and the Quebec Labour Standards Commission [Commission des normes du travail] for harassment and threats and who took the opportunity to lift the veil on certain treatment methods.
Former employees filed complaints
About ten former employees of the Narconon Trois-Rivières centre have filed complaints with the Quebec Labour Standards Commission alleging that they were not paid for hours worked.
But according to one of these former employees, Richard Lussier, there are at least 25 people in the same situation.
"It's such a hassle, but Narconon takes advantage of defenseless people to line their pockets. I had to complain to the Labour Standards Commission to get progress on my case. I'm not looking for trouble, I just want my money. But I know that many other employees haven't complained. In all, there are more than 25 of us who haven't been paid in recent months," said Lussier.
Lussier, who had been hired as a cook, was fired last month. "Narconon owes me between $1,200 and $1,300.
"That's a lot when you have to pay your rent. I spoke out loud to get what I'm owed, because this wasn't the first time it happened, but they preferred to fire me," he said.
Mr. Lussier admits having received some pay, for example $100 every two or three weeks. "The centre gives us a little something to make us keep our traps shut, they make wonderful promises, but they never give us our full pay," he said.
Marc Bernard, director of Narconon, acknowledges that former employees have not been paid.
"I think about ten complaints have been brought against us. The recession hurt us. So we accumulated a bit of a backlog in payroll. I can assure you that these people will be paid and that it will be done as quickly as possible. We don't take this lightly," he said.
He believes, however, that these former employees panicked. "It's the system that wants this, that led them to the Labour Standards Commission.
"Yet we are constantly working to have enough money to settle our debts," said Mr. Bernard.
Narconon provides therapies which last an average of three to four months. According to Mr. Bernard, the centre receives about 35 to 40 customers every three months.
But a former employee contends that the centre receives no more than twenty people a year. Most of the clientele is from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Moreover, the costs of this therapy are particularly high, more than $5,000 a month, for a total of $20,000.
"How much does the funeral of an addict cost in your opinion? More than $12,000. In addition, we have an excellent success rate here: it's between 70 and 76 per cent, while the average for other centres is 10 per cent," said Mr. Bernard.
At present, an investigation is still being conducted by the Labour Standards Commission, which refuses to reveal more about the number and the content of the current complaints.
However, spokesperson Jean-François Pelchat did not hide the fact that Narconon has a "long trail" of complaints since 2005.
"Quite a few complaints were brought by employees, but, in most cases, the files are closed, either because the centre paid the claims or because an agreement was reached, or the complaint was not accepted, or the employee withdrew," said Mr. Pelchat.
Narconon Will Have to Show its Credentials - Topix
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Catholic Online writes 'Ex-Scientologists Speak Out at LA Press Conference'
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=35423
So glad the Catholic Online is reporting on this travesty. These are very powerful victim testimonies.
The disregard for life itself is at the heart of what Scientology is doing to it's staff members.
The injustice toward children is horrendous. On the internet, there are many other testmonies by adults who were raised in scientology, many of whom worked for the church like those who spoke up at the conference.
http://exscientologykids.com/voicesinunison.html
The Catholic Online reaches thousands of readers per day. With their thoughts and prayers in unison with others of all faiths who speak up about these injustices, may these people be protected from harassment by this cult.
There is power in numbers. May more speak up and may the conditions described cease with the help of the Lord and the voice of the caring.
So glad the Catholic Online is reporting on this travesty. These are very powerful victim testimonies.
The disregard for life itself is at the heart of what Scientology is doing to it's staff members.
The injustice toward children is horrendous. On the internet, there are many other testmonies by adults who were raised in scientology, many of whom worked for the church like those who spoke up at the conference.
http://exscientologykids.com/voicesinunison.html
The Catholic Online reaches thousands of readers per day. With their thoughts and prayers in unison with others of all faiths who speak up about these injustices, may these people be protected from harassment by this cult.
There is power in numbers. May more speak up and may the conditions described cease with the help of the Lord and the voice of the caring.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Scientology's Nightmare - Ex-Scientologists tell their stories
Scientology - it's worse than you think.
Ex-Scientologists tell their stories at the Anonymous Megaraid in Hollywood, Feb 12, 2010. ScilonTV provided the video direct from updtreaming it.
Ex-Scientologists tell their stories at the Anonymous Megaraid in Hollywood, Feb 12, 2010. ScilonTV provided the video direct from updtreaming it.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Scientology and McCarthyism or How It Tries to Control Hollywood - Part 1
I came across something the other day that reminded me of how Scientology makes it's members follow the way of McCarthism when it comes to keeping each other in check. Thank God for people who speak out. That is what this post is about today.
Marc Headley, former Scientologist and author of the riviting Blown for Good – Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology posted an important, interesting and insightful bit of information over at the Why We Protest forum.
What Headley aka blownforgood posted was a snapshot of Super Scientologist & character actor Jim Meskimen's Facebook showing him warning a few select Scientologists that they "have a guy named Marc Headley" on their facebook.
Marc Headley, former Scientologist and author of the riviting Blown for Good – Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology posted an important, interesting and insightful bit of information over at the Why We Protest forum.
What Headley aka blownforgood posted was a snapshot of Super Scientologist & character actor Jim Meskimen's Facebook showing him warning a few select Scientologists that they "have a guy named Marc Headley" on their facebook.
I was reminded that this is how Scientology really does things to stop free speech and perpetuate Scientology's Disconnection Policy. The cult usually assigns Scientology celebrities a handler or minder if they are big stars so they don't fly the coop. In Katie Holmes case, it is Jessica Feshbach Rodrigues. For the lesser known celebs' the cult can usually rely upon the most indoctrinated of members, like Jim Meskimen, to "Keep Scientology Working" by forwarning the flock to beware of the people whom the church may consider it's enemy. It's all part of Scientology's Fair Game practice.
In this case, Meskimen messed up. He picked the wrong guy to pull this baloney on because the reply is a kind but strong reminder to Meskimen that he should stop acting like an unamerican idiot and stop poking at others friendships like big brother. Let's hope he gets the point.
Now, rumor has it that the replyer , actor Tom McCafferty,worked in the past for Scientology celebrities like Tom Cruise.His military and acting history suggests he would have made a good one. I mean, look at this guy!
What I do know is that he's a former scientologist now, a talented actor and by his reply, well, he seems like he 'ain't afraid of nothin'. You can't beat that combination.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
60 Minutes New Zealand - Oldie but Goodie
60 Minutes New Zealand - June 13 2006
'60 Minutes' on Scientology, New Zealand TV3 Best part is Martin Ruston aka Rockyslammer, talking about Scientology.
60 Minutes New Zealand - June 13 2006 - Tom Cruseand Scientology via Noolmusic.com
'60 Minutes' on Scientology, New Zealand TV3 Best part is Martin Ruston aka Rockyslammer, talking about Scientology.
60 Minutes New Zealand - June 13 2006 - Tom Cruseand Scientology via Noolmusic.com
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