The full story is here. Eddie is a long time scientologist who went Clear in the 90's and the last recorded service is OT Preps in 2015. You can see some of his history detailed in the most recent article on him by Tony Ortega at The Underground Bunker. This sad story begs some obvious questions: Why did the tech fail so miserably in helping Eddie -- someone who is more of a celebrity than a lot of the "celebrities" who are afforded special care and attention at the "Celebrity Centre." Is CCHR doing everything they can to get him out of the hands of the psychs, just like they did with … [Read more...]
The Problem of Child Sex Abuse
Two recent stories highlight the issue of child sexual abuse in religious organizations -- this time not the Catholic church -- but rather the Mormons and the Southern Baptists. Unfortunately, organizations that should provide a safe, nurturing environment too often harbor sexual predators. There are three primary reasons for this in my view: Organizations that cloak themselves in the mantle of religion tend to remain outside the scope of societal protections against abuse. Particularly in the United States, where the First Amendment has been interpreted over the years to preclude … [Read more...]
Through the Bubble – Lili’s Adventures in Scientologyland Part 26
This is the twenty-fifth installment of the account of a journey into and out of scientology -- written by one of our long-term readers. I hope you enjoy her insights, humor and style. Lili also provided a glossary of terms. Through the Bubble - Lili’s Adventures in Scientologyland This is my quirky recollection of events. Others may remember things differently. Lingo is italicized on the first mention, capitalized after that. I’ve compressed complexities in the cult to simplify your reading pleasure. Part 26 Miss Picky and Failing at the Phases L Ron Hubbard said, … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies on Saturday
As I put the podcast announcement on the blog on Thursday, The Funnies took a back seat. Here they are, in all their glory... 6th Anniversary of futility They've brought in 2 NSO professional FSMs to host their Sea Org Org anniversary. Home utterly pathetic. Applied Scholastics Open House Hosted at LA Org. Though this is a completely "secular" activity. Wink wink. Good luck with that This program has already had trainees on it for a year and they haven't even sent their people to START! Class … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Fair Game Podcast Is Back!
This piece appeared recently, and though not widely picked up, I thought it worthy of noting: In fact, we just recorded a short trailer. Stay tuned, regular Fair Game podcasts will resume later this month, now twice weekly.... … [Read more...]
Scientology: the Child Friendly Religion
From the recent FBI release, a letter sent to the St Petersburg Times in 2010. This may have been put on the SP Times website back then, and may not be something new, but I had not seen it before. It's a doozie. It is a compilation of lies, nestled in the usual "other religions have practices like ours" and repeated "anyone who tells you something different than what we say is a liar." The numerous, heartbreaking, independent yet similar stories of Sea Org members being coerced/forced to have abortions is addressed with the flimsiest response "we don't advocate abortion" and anyone … [Read more...]
House of Horrors
This is an excellent piece in the Daily Beast from Kate Briquelet and old friend Marlow Stern. It's a story that needs far more coverage. And as this case progresses, I hope that will be the case. The Amended Complaint details the Fair Game tactics being employed against the plaintiffs, as well as the strenuous efforts by Miscavige to evade service. Nothing unexpected, but it is good to see it detailed in a legal filing. Media feel protected when they report on documents filed in court. Since the days when Hubbard was trying to avoid being served in lawsuits, there have been strict … [Read more...]
Correct Estimation of Effort
This is one of the things scientology is absolutely insane about. They convince themselves they are "clearing the planet," "changing the civilization" and "salvaging earth" because they tell themselves it is so. Yet the truth is they have no measurable impact on anything except the lives of those they come in direct contact with. This "briefing" will of course be a complete joke. Their special message about "International Dissemination" is not going to be anything remotely close to covering what the "correct estimation of effort" is because that would be so unreal and uncomfortable that … [Read more...]
Through the Bubble – Lili’s Adventures in Scientologyland Part 25
This is the twenty-fifth installment of the account of a journey into and out of scientology -- written by one of our long-term readers. I hope you enjoy her insights, humor and style. Lili also provided a glossary of terms. Through the Bubble - Lili’s Adventures in Scientologyland This is my quirky recollection of events. Others may remember things differently. Lingo is italicized on the first mention, capitalized after that. I’ve compressed complexities in the cult to simplify your reading pleasure. Part 25 The Economic Downturn and Catching Up on Bright … [Read more...]