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.

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.

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.

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.

HUMBLE EX MEMBER OF SCIENTOLOGY DESCRIBES HIS LIFE IN THE CULT

I was really touched by this short but powerful interview of neil, a former victim of the cult of Scientology:

EX MEMBER NEIL, TALKS ABOUT THE HORRORS WHEN HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE CULT IN MANCHESTER, ST HILL AND LOS ANGELOS. by Tony & Sue aka getbeckyout

PART ONE: Neil C Interview MANCHESTER, England


PART TWO: Neil C Interview MANCHESTER, England


It brought tears to my eyes. neil truly conveyed the problems & fear so many of us experienced before we left, when we left and after we left as we came upon the truth about Scientology.

I'm doing my part to get this around the internet so scientologists and
nonscientologists alike can see it. Pass it along. Thanks

Kudos to getbeckyout aka Tony & Sue, the parents trying to get their daughter Becky out of Scientology

The Lighthouse Letter -- Operation Reconnect -- Why We Fight

The Lighthouse Letter -- Operation Reconnect -- Why We Fight



This beautiful video and poem, along with the following information. has been brought to us by an Anonymous person named LRonHu88ard.

"The Lighthouse Letter" tells the story of families torn by the COS's policy of disconnection.

Ida Camburn, 85, was disconnected by her son over thirty years ago. An active critic of the organization's policy of disconnection, she is beloved by the many individuals and families she has strengthened, comforted, and inspired throughout the past three decades.

Ken and Grace Aaron have not heard from their son Zach in ten years. They have not asked that he leave the Church; only that he break his long silence and communicate with them.

Jenna Miscavige-Hill, Kendra Wiseman, and Astra Woodcraft are young women who braved the Church's disconnection policy, and remain separated from many loved ones inside. They came together to form a web community of support for ex-scientology kids.

Tory "Magoo" Christman, aka "Wise Glasses Lady," left the CoS in 2000, leaving behind three decades of family, friendship, and devotion to the organization. She has been a guiding star for Anonymous, urging non-violence and persistence in seeking its aims.

On April 12, 2008, Anonymous will take a stand with these individuals and others, to engage in peaceful protest of the COS's policies of disconnection.

Please stand with us.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

About Ida Camburn
http://www.lermanet.com/idacamburn/

Tory 'Magoo'
http://www.torymagoo.org/

ExScientolgy Kids - ESK
http://www.exscientologykids.com/
http://www.exscientologykids.com/eskf...

ExScientologist Message Board - ESMB
http://forum.exscn.net/index.php

Operation Clambake Message Board - OCMB
http://ocmb.xenu.net/ocmb/

The Committee on Religious Shunning
http://www.religiousshunning.org/Page...

Enturbulation
http://forums.enturbulation.org/

http://www.reconnect.org/

http://www.whyweprotest.net/

http://www.youfoundthecard.com/

*************************

THE LIGHTHOUSE LETTER

Deep within your cavern dark, a spring of truth abides.
How I hope you find this bottle, for my kisses are inside.

The light outside is dazzling; escape's a costly prize.
But gentle reader, grasp my hand -- and I shall be your eyes.

Behold a gallant queen, her son lost at sea.
She built a lighthouse to the stars, in hopes that he would see.

Her heartlights sweep the beach at night, the prince perchance to see.
In a lifeboat rolling on the waves, is where I'll wait for thee.

Eleven thousand suns and moons have risen, shone and sighed,
o'er the throne of her persistent heart denied.

I've met a king, a prodigal with careworn face so kind.
On foot he bears the banner of a son he's vowed to find.

Behind him stands a motley crew of knights both young and old.
Their merriments are legend; their cause for us is bold.

And upon a mighty web composed of sliver strands,
three sisters weave the orphans' tales to far and distant lands.

Eyes behind wise spectacles are blurred by tears and rain,
and love for shipwrecked families devoured for worldly gain.

Eleven thousand suns and moons, ten million twinkling lights,
have gazed silent on our tragedy -- and this is why they fight.

Their heartlights sweep the beach at night, and lifeboats dot the sea.
May fortune speed you safely here, to reconnect with me.
_______________________________________________________________

Yes, 'may fortune speed you safely here to reconnect with your loved ones', myself and my family included. Thank you so very much demonstrating why we fight.

Digg it
http://digg.com/educational/The_Lighthouse_Letter_Operation_Reconnect_Why_We_Fight

SCIENTOLOGY PROPAGANDA AT WORK.

SCIENTOLOGY PROPAGANDA AT WORK. READ IT FOR YOURSELF AND THEN READ WHY:

Communication vital for family
Chico Enterprise-Record
Article Launched: 06/21/2007 12:07:08 AM PDT


I read the article by Mary Rose Kennedy and was saddened to hear that her son Thomas had been out of touch with his parents for so long. As president of the Church of Scientology in Sacramento and a long standing member of the church, it is certainly not in keeping with Scientology ideals for family not to be in touch with each other.
As L Ron Hubbard wrote: "A family is a group with the common goal of group survival and advancement" he also wrote "communication is the root of marital success."

Due to our popularity and rapid growth we have millions of members and thousands of church staff. Church staffs are involved in a myriad of activities, including missionary work throughout the world in helping establish churches, missions, human rights groups and community betterment programs to address problems with Illiteracy, drugs, criminal reform and immorality.

So I checked into this and am happy to say Thomas is now back in touch with his family and they were happy to hear from him. We appreciate this being brought to our attention so we could get this corrected and the family back into communication.

— Mike Klagenberg, Sacramento


The above propaganda was written by a staff member of the church of scientology to obscure the the following very real and moving article showing how scientology stole a family member not seen in over 16 years.

The original article was in the same newspaper 5 weeks before the cult's Letter to the Editor reply appeared but it was mysteriously missing from the papers archives today when I looked.

Fortunately, I just happened to find it posted over at Operation Clambake via google search. Here it is:

All About Us: Thomas: Past, present and is there a future?
By MARY ROSE KENNEDY
Chico Enterprise-Record
Article Launched:05/06/2007 12:41:00 PM PDT

Thomas was, er, is, our only son. I think of him in past tense. At Christmas one daughter laughingly said, "We need to have a memorial service for Thomas. I'm beginning to forget what he was like."

It has been two and a half years since we have seen him. There has been no communication. When we call his place of employment we get answers such as, "Thomas Kennedy? No, I don't know him. But I'm new here. I'll check." Elevator music fills the void ad infinitum until we hang up in frustration.

When we call his wife we get little better: "Thomas is on an important assignment and can't be reached. I don't know where he is right now."

When I asked her what he is doing she said, "Umm, I guess you could say he is an event planner."

I retorted, "An event planner? What does that mean? Is he standing on street corners passing out fliers?"

"Actually," she replied, "it means he could be doing anything. He might pick up a hammer and build a stage."

This is our Thomas: A beautiful baby with eyes so blue I felt like I was looking at the sky; a quiet child who responded to his two older sisters' teasing by ignoring them; an A student, twice student body president in high school. When his teacher wanted him tested for the gifted program in third grade I said, "Oh no, not Thomas, he doesn't even talk."

When he told me he wanted to go to MIT his junior year of high school I was startled. How could we afford that? Unsure, I told him to go ahead and try. If he got in, we'd find a way to keep him there.

At age 21 he graduated from MIT with bachelor and master's degrees in computer science and electrical engineering. By age 27, after a dizzying ascent in the computer industry and a failed marriage, he dropped out of society.

How does such a thing happen?

He was 21 when he married, too young emotionally, too inexperienced with life. The divorce was difficult but also an opportunity for a new start. He took a personality test. Then he took a communications course; next, a course in personal relations. It seemed a healthy start. But, it seems, he was looking for answers in the wrong place.

When I told my friend what he was doing she sounded the first alarm. "You better warn him," she advised. "That is a very dangerous cult."

When I shared her concern with my son he scoffed, "You're just buying the media hype."

Our concern grew as his involvement grew. He called one evening to chat and casually remarked, "I'm thinking of leaving my job and going into Scientology full time.

Knowing my son's passive nature, my spirits sank. "Oh, Thomas," I exhaled, "that means you've already done it."

"Yeah," he replied.

His life spiraled out of control. We went to San Jose to see him. We were shown through the organization where Thomas now worked. We were asked to watch a video explaining the background and guiding philosophy. We saw his cubical with the flow charts. He explained his duties as the ethics officer. Our trepidation became palpable. I was getting a migraine; my husband was laboring to control his temper.

Later we visited his apartment. He introduced his roommate. We learned this is a person who stayed with him all the time, a handler. Nothing of his former life remained in the apartment. Only scientology literature lined his bookcases.

A month later he went to a two-week "bull baiting"seminar. It is a psychological hammering and rebuilding process. He was never the same.

One of the few occasions he came home we were sitting at the kitchen table. I was crying hysterically and babbling, "Thomas, how can we get you out of this? I'll walk in front of a firing squad. I'll throw myself in front of a big truck. I'll do anything." He looked over my head with flat eyes and said nothing. He was gone.

It has now been 16 years. We miss him.

Mary Rose Kennedy, a retired teacher, lives in Orland with her husband. They have five children and 10 grandchildren.

Operation Clambake

http://tinyurl.com/29ttar
--------------------------------------
Here is the dead link to that original article: http://www.chicoer.com/lifestyle/ci_5833357

Why is it missing from the ChicoEr news archives?

Well, maybe someone needs to ask.

UPDATE: 6/23/07:

Subject: 6/21/07 Letter to the editor 'Communication vital for family'
To: dlittle@chicoer.com

Chico Enterprise Record

Dear David Little, Editor,

I don't understand why you accept a letter to the editor concerning a particular article when the article being discussed cannot be found in your archives.


Perhaps this was an error that can be quickly remedied but seeing that it involves Scientology, I cannot help but suspect there is more to why the article is missing.


Here is the letter to the editor, followed by the original article link , which is dead. The 6/21 letter is absolute propaganda but how can one tell without the original to compare?

Communication vital for family
Chico Enterprise-RecordArticle Launched: 06/21/2007 12:07:08 AM PDT
http://www.chicoer.com/letters/ci_6191657


All About Us: Thomas: Past, present and is there a future?
By MARY ROSE KENNEDY
Chico Enterprise-Record
Article Launched:05/06/2007 12:41:00 PM PDT
http://www.chicoer.com/lifestyle/ci_5833357


Only Church of Scientology would not want that article in your archives, Mr. Little. Unless Mrs Mary Rose Kennedy asked you to remove it, which is possible. Sometimes the cult pays people and media off to keep quiet. It's called a gag agreement. You can read about them here.


Scientology Gag Agreements - A Conspiracy for Silence Scientology Gag Agreements - A Conspiracy for Silence. The first principle of a free society is an untrammeled flow of words in an open forum. ...
www.lermanet.com/scientologyscandals/silence.htm

Can you please explain what happened on this and if the article will be uploaded and put in the archives where it really belong? That article was one of many written by real parants who have lost their children to scientology. You can read more about this 'disconnection' policy of scientology's and the effect it has on families here:

The unperson
Scientologists who cross their religion can be declared suppressive
persons, shunned by peers and ostracized by family.
By ROBERT FARLEY, Times Staff Writer
Published June 24, 2006
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/24/Tampabay/The_unperson.shtml

Inside Scientology
Unlocking the complex code of America's most mysterious religion
JANET REITMAN Rolling Stone Magazine
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/9363363/inside_scientology

Disconnection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Disconnection is a
practice in Scientology, in which a Scientologist severs all
ties .... Scientology disconnect policy destroying families ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disconnection

I appreciate your help in addressing this situation as soon as
possible. Thank you.