I recently noted the bizarre scientology stance on marijuana that is contrary to Hubbard's pronouncements in Dianetics that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. The exact passage from Dianetics comparing marijuana and other drugs to alcohol: Scientology would not dream of running campaigns to educate the world on the "dangers of alcohol" and seek to have it have it deemed illegal like old time prohibitionists. Yet, here they are, holding an event in the Ft Harrison ballroom -- the "Mecca of Tehnical Perfection" and most "on-Source" org on earth that flies in the face … [Read more...]
Reno VM Hype: Definition of a Photo Op
Another scientology press release trying to promote the good works of their front groups. They are becoming more desperate as time goes on to come up with anything to promote. This release is a classic -- absolutely NOTHING was done except to set up a photo op to try to make it appear there was something worth celebrating. Why they held this event in Reno, where there is no scientology, is hard to understand at the outset. But the more you read, the worse it gets. The event was local "philanthropist" Pete Sokoloff, a scientologist for decades and a big donator to the … [Read more...]
Not a Single Act of Violence
Scientology's hyperbolic claims about itself have hit a new high (low?) Gathering at the Advanced Org (why there are not Joburg org?) -- a "diverse and eclectic team" mobilized on election day to hand out Way to Happiness booklets. As a result of the "more than 400" who joined in passing out the booklets (the photo shows about 50 and you can bet it's a staged shot to include as many people as they could) the "predicted riots" were "everted." Not since the claims that OT VIII's brought down the Berlin Wall have we heard such unadulterated poppycock. The delusion is breathtaking. Surely … [Read more...]
Religious Apologists: Scientology Safepointing in Rome
Scientology in Rome hosted a conference in its building. They got some puff PR out of it -- this article from one of their "safepointed" allies reports on the conference. There is a cottage industry of "cult apologists" who accept money and trips from organizations like scientology to pronounce they are "not cults" and deserve equal treatment to mainstream religions. Leah and I did a podcast about this with Chris Shelton this link is to the accompanying blog post where you can find both the podcast and a list or articles Chris has written on thgis subject. A couple of things of … [Read more...]
Scientology Front Groups Get New Propaganda Site
Another scientology press release, this time repackaging their propaganda videos onto a new website announcing it as a major accomplishment. It's the same shit they show in the lobbies of the "ideal" orgs and the same videos that are repeated endlessly on the failed scientology"TV." But it’s now “new” and worthy of their PR hype — indicative they have no actual accomplishments to promote but are selling stories of rearranging their deck chairs instead. Here is their hype: LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Church of Scientology is proud to … [Read more...]
More Scientology Front Group News
I got an alert there was some new "scientology news" from Google. Turns out it linked to an article in the Richmond Register, a small paper published 3 days a week in the town of Richmond, Kentucky (p. 40,000). Obviously, this paper is in dire need of content to fill its pages. A kids event on the stage of the Los Angeles org would otherwise not make it into a small-town paper so far from LA. But, this is not as noteworthy as the content itself. It's another of scientology's deceptive press releases intended to make it appear they are "working with" other … [Read more...]
All Talk, No Action
Scientology puts out a pretty constant stream of press releases in an effort to appear to be doing good, charitable work in the world. This latest comes from the UK. And it’s as empty as the rest of the propaganda they churn out. Things are a bit bleak in England these days since Apostate Alex began exposing their abuses, so it’s no surprise they are trying to get some “positive press” to counteract the barrage of bad news. Interestingly the UK Charity Commission sees right through their bs and refuses to grant scientology charity status because they do not meet the public benefit test. … [Read more...]
Human Trafficking in Scientology
It’s ironic that Scientology tries to portray itself as fighting against human trafficking when they operate an international human trafficking enterprise. It is one of those things they do so often — present a face to the world that portrays the exact opposite of what they really are in order to deflect attention from their activities -- as in "how could a child abuser run a campaign against child abuse?" They say they’re about the spirit and not materialism. They assert they are pro-family. They proclaim they agree with Christianity. The greatest virtue is to love one’s enemies. The list g … [Read more...]
Always Be Inflitrating Part 2
Another example of scientology front groups at work, infiltrating organizations and then putting out press statements that announce their involvement in big, bold letters, and associate themselves with legitimate groups and organizations. This is the headline from their latest press release, date 6 May 2023. See Part 1 here. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Church of Scientology win the National Faith and Blue Weekend contest, illustrating how much can be accomplished when law enforcement and the community work together Of course, curious about this award, I … [Read more...]
Always Be Infiltrating
The second motto of scientology after Always Be Closing (from the wonderful movie Glengarry Glen Ross -- the clip is at the end of the post below) is Always Be Infiltrating. Of course, money comes first in scientology. But a close second is "PR area control" -- infiltrating legitimate organizations to gain undeserved credibility for themselves. Often they create some sort of relationship with someone from an organization who is clueless as to who they are teaming up with as the person who reaches out to them represents an organization that has no obvious connections to scientology. "Youth … [Read more...]