They claim the AO in Joburg is part of their drive to do help bring about Ron's prediction that the next great civilization on earth will spring from Southern Africa. Of course, these words are taken as literal truth, though they were clearly just an attempt to ingratiate himself as he was in S. Africa at the time, just like his pronouncements about the wonderful job the apartheid government was doing (though he may well have believed that). What is so corny about this is that they present this idea that they are building the next great civilization on earth with a straight … [Read more...]
Episode 68: Chris Shelton on Cult Apologists
This week we talk to our old friend Chris Shelton about cult apologists. These are the people who make a career (often lucrative) out of offering expert academic opinions in support of "New Religious Movements" -- cults. It's a racket that scientology has used to gain credibility. We cover a lot of ground here. Chris has recently published a series of articles on this topic on Tony Ortega's blog -- they are well-worth reading. Chris also has a podcast that is worth subscribing to on YouTube: Sensibly Speaking Podcast We mention the scientology STAND League -- the OSA … [Read more...]
Miscavige Playing Footsie With Clearwater
Another recent story from Tracey McManus, Scientology's David Miscavige discusses 'partnership' with Clearwater recounts a recent meeting between Miscavige, the Mayor Frank Hibbard, the new City Attorney David Margolis and new City Manager Jon Jennings. It was typical Miscavige, all smiles, handshakes and positivity to try to persuade the new guys in town that he is a nice guy. Just wait until he doesn't get what he wants. Stefani Hutchinson covered the reporting on her excellent blog: Miscavige's Fresh Start: Not New, Not True For someone who has never been a scientologist, … [Read more...]
Human Rights Suckers
Unfortunately PT Barnum's old quote is proven true when it comes to scientology front groups managing to sucker "allies" into affording them some legitimacy. The people who lend their names, often unwittingly, to supporting scientology front groups are either very badly informed, extremely foolish, or less credible than the front group they are supporting. In this case, it's scientology's "Human Rights" front. It is certainly ironic that scientology promotes itself as champions of human rights, and even call those who give them the most money "humanitarians." They cloak themselves in this … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Thursday Funnies
Reign? What a strange choice for a quote... certainly had nothing to do with Thanksgiving. Operating on that old scientology adage: If Ron said it, it must be good/true/appropriate.... Experts on Stress Relief The Jive Asses? These two pics really go together well don't you think? It's a Mega Event! VERY special guest "Captain" Mike Spurgeon. He's been there forever captaining Canada and has accomplished absolutely nothing. Not even Toronto ideal and they didn't need to buy a building! They probably forgot about him. But when he starts promoting … [Read more...]
Clearwater’s Scientology Perception Problem
The latest article from Tracey McManus in the extensive reporting she had done on scientology's land grab in Clearwater. You can see some of her earlier reporting here: Scientology members fuel another land buying surge in Clearwater and Clear Takeover The recent activities prompted Mark Bunker to raise concerns at the city council meeting which is what the latest story covers. He didn't get much support. While some of the city council are willing to acknowledge scientology taking over Clearwater as a "problem" they simply throw up their hands and claim there is nothing that can be … [Read more...]
Recruitment Day
My old friend Andy Porter sent in another article, and some more of magnificent photography (The last one I published is here) Recruitment Day It was late 1980 and I had been in Scientology for a few months, I’d completed the Communication Course and the Purification Rundown at the Bellevue Mission and I was doing auditor training when a FLAG World Tour came to town. They were looking for people to work in the Universe Corps! Here was an opportunity to get right to the top of the Bridge. The coolest thing you could do, on the WHOLE planet was to be an auditor, and they were … [Read more...]
Fair Game Podcast
There is no new podcast this week as we take a break for Thanksgiving, but there will be one next week and it's going to be a goodie. Take the opportunity to go back and listen to any that you may have missed. I am also interested in hearing: What your favorite episode(s) have been and why Who you would like us to invite on Any topics you would like us to focus on If you have questions for future listener question episodes. … [Read more...]
Panic in the Bubble
They're panicking inside the scientology bubble over Aaron Smith-Levin running for City Council. See post from yesterday for other indications. This letter was sent to an OT 8 who attended the recent fundraiser in support of Aaron's campaign. It arrived in the mail a few days after they were spotted there. A couple of things in this letter of interest. Wonder why Flag has a PO Box in Tampa as their address? Cara Goloshefksy (the Mike Ellis of Flag) is now Cara Pendery? I didn't even know Rafferty Pendery had a brother…. Apparently he has been in the Sea Org … [Read more...]