I was looking through old scientology shows and came across this one from 2010. I had not watched it in many years, but found it fascinating. Obviously, my views about scientology have changed. But I have a much greater appreciation for the show now having worked on 3 seasons of Scientology and The Aftermath. This is a terrific piece of investigative reporting and a finely crafted show that contains a LOT of information. John Sweeney and his brilliant producer Sarah Mole did a masterful job of putting this together. They battled with the legal constraints imposed on them by the … [Read more...]
ABC 20/20
Some somewhat random observations about the 20/20 show last night. First, I am sure that scientology and David Miscavige HATED the show. They hate anything that is not presenting total puff PR for scientology. If it is not just glamour shots of scientology buildings, glowing statements by glazed-eyed "winning" scientologists or images of Miscavige yanking ribbons on new empty buildings, then it is "suppressive propaganda spread by merchants of chaos." Miscavige does have reason to be upset. This show exposed a lot of the bad aspects of scientology to a larger audience than the A&E … [Read more...]
Dealing with Critics of Scientology – The L. Ron Hubbard Playbook
If you read this blog, you are likely aware of Leah Remini's upcoming A&E show. I have had the pleasure of working with Leah on this show as a consultant and participant, a cause of great distress for the church. So I thought I might weigh in with some information I feel is pertinent to events now and into the future. As a reader here you are likely also aware of the "church" reaction to the announcement of the show and the first trailer being released - the usual name-calling, smearing and foot stomping that does not RESPOND in any fashion to the abuses being exposed. There is much … [Read more...]
Going Clear Screening and Q & A in Clearwater
It is now official. Scientology's latest censorship effort has inevitably proven to be another in their long series of PR footbullets. The screening of Going Clear on Friday 2 October will begin at 7pm at Muvico Palm Harbor. After the screening, the theater manager has set aside 45 minutes for Q and A and both Sara Goldberg and I will be happy to answer questions. In addition, renowned Tampa CBS affiliate investigative reporting veteran Mike Deeson has agreed to be the moderator for the Q and A session. Mike adds his 30+ years of Bay … [Read more...]
Going Clear Emmy Sweep
It was a rough night for Dear Leader. First, Going Clear was presented an Emmy Award for best documentary, best director and best writer. Bam. Tons of media coverage about it. But I loved the quote at the end of this article: Regarding a possible followup, Gibney noted, “There’s a lot more material already that I’ve received, more to come out — and so far the IRS has not revoked its [tax-exemption] protection so there’s a lot more to be done.” Alex Gibney is a REAL champion of human rights -- not because someone handed him a certificate that says so after he … [Read more...]
Going Clear: Where Is Scientology?
In the face of the most intense media coverage in its history, scientology is strangely incapable of stepping up and saying anything. There is no spokesperson who even TRIES to answer questions or present the church's "good works" to the media. Instead, they send creepy letters from their lawyers and Misavige's nom de plume Karin Pouw, put together "attack videos" and threatening emails and tweets. And all of this outpouring ONLY consists exclusively of ad hominem attacks on the film makers, interviewees and now reporters who are covering the documentary. Everyone is a liar. Everyone is a … [Read more...]
David Does Sydney
Bryan Seymour's Channel 7 News Story, with footage of David Miscavige rehearsing Tony already has this on his site, but I wanted to include some other observations. Bryan told me they also blocked another national TV show (I assume it was Steve Cannane) and a national newspaper and rolled out some new "balloon tech" with people holding bunches of balloons in front of the media. These people have completely lost grip with reality, these are horrendous footnukes. Imagine spending $15 million to open a building to "flood people up the bridge" (that necessarily must … [Read more...]
There Are Important Things To Read
My posting this morning is really a lighthearted piece of fluff that has little bearing on anything important. However, there are two other stories that anyone interested in this blog should read. They are actually important. First, go to Tony Ortega's blog and read his very well put together piece about Jillian Schlesinger. A remarkable young woman who walked out of the Sea Org at the HGB only weeks ago. And watch the interviews Karen #1 has done with her and posted on her YouTube channel. (Note, there is a second interview video after this one). Second, read the latest article on the … [Read more...]
The Church of Spin
Miscavige sockpuppet, Karin Pinocchio Pouw is at it again. The "church," as they always do, have turned the Shelly Miscavige missing person report into an excuse to launch more of their patented footbullets. With a straight face, they are alleging to the Hollywood Reporter and other media that this is "ill-advised, ludicrous self-promotion"? Say what? Does anyone in the world, other than the most addicted KoolAid drinker, really believe that filing a missing person report is "ill-advised", or better yet "ludicrous self-promotion". It is clear from the media reports that the … [Read more...]
Handling For All The “Entheta”
This is the email being urgently sent around to "handle" the entheta "that comes up in your life" (ie if you have been anywhere near the internet, TV or print media over the last week). The "positioning" game is going full roar. By their very actions the church are PROVING exactly what Leah said. When she asked "Where's Shelly" Tommy Davis told her its "above her fucking pay grade" to even ask and she ended up being sec checked.... For expressing concern over the whereabouts of someone she had known for MANY years. Of course, such a question is only "entheta" if it misses the withholds of … [Read more...]