If you have watched either The Vow on HBO, or Seduced on Starz about NXIVM, or The Aftermath or Going Clear about scientology, this article will ring a lot of bells. Many of the specific control mechanisms Dr. Burkley cites about NXIVM have direct parallels in scientology. As she says, "the psychological tricks Raniere used are not particularly special. In face, his ability to ensnare so many victims is rooted in his reliance on several core psychological principles -- principles to which each of us is vulnerable." One of the great accomplishments of The Vow was how … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Clearing The Planet
It's a catchphrase in scientology. "We are clearing the planet." "We are making planetary clearing a reality." There are a dozen different variations. It's a time-honored hot button that is used to get people to hand over money and "progress up the Bridge." One of our readers sent this new promo piece to me recently, with some comments that made me think we should address this topic again. In part, this is what the contributor said: When I looked at this promo piece, it reminded me of the jarring, shocking and unpleasant experience of finally, after clawing my way up into the … [Read more...]
Golden Era Brings Back the Running Program….
I have written a few pieces here about the Running Program -- now titled "Cause Resurgence Rundown" in order to sell it to people as an "OT miracle rundown." It literally consists of running around in a circle to the point of exhaustion and then running some more. That is ALL it is. The Running Program What IS "Cause Resurgence?" Running in Circles Again The "Running Program" began as a means to "crack" David Mayo. Hubbard sent down orders that Mayo (who was in trouble based on reports Miscavige had sent about him) was to "run around a tree until he dropped, get up and run … [Read more...]
Episode 17: Former Sea Org Executive Claire Headley
Leah and I were extremely happy to welcome our old friend Claire Headley to the Fair Game podcast. Claire of course appeared in 2 episodes of The Aftermath -- and she was recently featured on the Netflix home page: I have known Claire and her husband Marc since I first went to the Gold Base -- way back in the 80's. Claire worked closely with Miscavige as an executive in Religious Technology Center. She was the Deputy Inspector General Internal. Claire helped me many times, she is one of the few people I know -- especially at the international level, and even more specifically in … [Read more...]
Uncle Sam Wants to Help Scientology
Every year, scientology rolls out the posters about how the US Government is making it especially easy to give more money to scientology. Unfortunately, this is one of the only true things they ever say. And one of the most galling. The entire US Government is certainly not on the side of scientology. There are many government agencies that do not agree with scientology even being recognized as a tax exempt religious organization, but unfortunately, the most important one, the IRS, seems to be in the minority. Though truth be told, I suspect there are plenty of people in the IRS who … [Read more...]
Predatory Alienation, Religion and the Law
This is an excellent article in the Albany Times Union, prompted by the recent sentencing of Keith Raniere. I saw this and Tweeted it out, but it deserves more attention. Mary Ann hones in on the exact problem that looms like a massive roadblock in the path of justice for victims of coercive and high demand groups. And this definitely includes scientology. The hardest thing to demonstrate is mental/emotional abuse. There is no cauterized brand left on the victim’s body. No canceled checks or credit card debt trail. It would make it far less onerous for victims to be heard in … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
The House of Cards is Collapsing
"Freedom" magazine recently put out this tweet: Curious (?), I clicked on the link. This is what it takes you to -- an article reporting on their supposed accomplishments in 2017! For the "largest private relief force on earth" it is just a little strange that they have nothing to report about for 3 years? No disasters in the intervening period is not the reason -- remember the wildfires in California? The Hurricanes in Louisiana? Just this year.... The real reason for no update is no action. This is a reflection of the fact there are no international … [Read more...]
Episode 16: Jehovah’s Witness Whistleblower Lloyd Evans
It's always a pleasure to speak with Lloyd Evans. He is so knowledgeable, articulate and even-keeled. He helped us put together the Jehovah's Witness special on The Aftermath, and is a valued supporter of our efforts to expose the abuses in scientology, while he carries out his work doing the same with the Jehovah's Witnesses. As always, we had a fascinating chat with him on the Fair Game Podcast this week, talking about the similarities between scientology and the JW's and how the JW's have grown more scientology-like in their Fair Game-style attacks on those who expose their … [Read more...]