The first blog post on mikerindersblog.org was on 5 November 2009. It's been 10 years but it sure doesn't seem that long! It's been a lot of fun along the way. I have met many wonderful people here (and quite a number subsequently IRL which has been especially gratifying). Hopefully I have opened a window to discovering the truth about scientology for many. This blog would not have been possible without the support of many who have helped. While it is a labor of love (or perhaps passion) it IS labor and first my thanks to the many contributors who have provided content and … [Read more...]
Aftermath Announcement
In June we shot our series finale of The Aftermath, which will air in the next couple of weeks. A&E will announce the date soon. It will be our last show on A&E. When we began this journey, we did not anticipate more than a single season. But the response was so overwhelming and we felt strongly that the people who stepped forward deserved to be heard. We were not previously aware of some of the abuses that came to light, and we felt they compelled further episodes. And of course, Scientology’s response to the series played a role too. Scientology is a formidable opponent with … [Read more...]
Scientology “Expansion” — The Reality
Scientology routinely claims "massive expansion" and "we are the fastest growing religion on earth" and other ludicrous claims. To “prove” it they always talk about "Opening new churches at an unprecedented rate" and show pictures of Miscavige yanking his ribbon in front of adoring crowds as balloons waft into the air in celebration... This large lie seems to work with the sheeple, and even some less than diligent media. After all, they have held grandiose ceremonies for 4 or 5 “new churches” each year. In fact these are not new “churches” they are simply new premises for old and failing … [Read more...]
More of the L. Ron Hubbard Playbook
This is a direct quote from a policy by L. Ron Hubbard of 15 Aug 1960 DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The bold-face is mine to highlight some of the most disturbing passages. The object of the Department is to broaden the impact of Scientology upon governments and other organizations and is to conduct itself so as to make the name and repute of Scientology better and more forceful. Therefore defensive tactics are frowned upon in the department. We are not trying to make the Central Orgs and HCOs "be good". We are trying to make their reach more secure and effective. Only attacks resolve … [Read more...]
Purification Rundown Debunked
My old friend Bruce Hines forwarded this recent National Geographic article (emphasis mine). It says in part: From infrared saunas to hot yoga, towel-soaking activities are being touted not only as relaxation tools, but also as ways to stay healthy by flushing out toxins. Too bad you can’t sweat away toxins any more than you can sweat actual bullets. Recently published calculations back up what scientists have been screaming into their pillows for years: Sweating out toxins is a myth. Humans sweat to cool ourselves, not to excrete waste products or clear toxic substances. That’s … [Read more...]
Framing Whistleblowers — The Scientology Playbook
The media reports that Paul Haggis is now being accused of sexual assault. He responds that scientology may be behind these claims. There is good reason to believe this is no crazy conspiracy theory. Here is why. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of scientology, took a very dim view of anyone critical of scientology. Whether politician, reporter, disillusioned former follower or his own family members, Hubbard designated them as "enemies" -- not just of scientology, but of mankind. And he laid out in detail how those enemies were to be destroyed. Hubbard decreed that anyone speaking negatively … [Read more...]
What About the E-Meter?
This article is by regular commenter Bruce Ploetz. Bruce was in the SO for 25 years, at the Int Base for 19 years -- one of the few true genuises I have ever met. He is an Associate of Science in Electronics Technology. When it comes to the E-Meter, there is likely no more qualified expert on earth. Bruce is named on five patent applications for work concerning the MK VII E-Meter and Learning Accelerator and won a patent with one other for the Drills Simulator. An Electronics Technician, he worked up from that to Electronics Engineer in Silicon Valley, then Director of Research and Design for … [Read more...]
Disconnection: the PR and the Truth
The above is what scientology has to say about the practice of disconnection on their official website. It mirrors the statements they make to the media about this controversial and abusive practice. Of course, it contains numerous half-truths, omitted information and outright lies. If you take this statement at face value (and many people won't know what is NOT being disclosed) it all sounds reasonable enough. Who could disagree with this... My earlier post about Fair Game which laid out the ACTUAL policy of the church on the treatment of critics/enemies/suppressives generated a lot of … [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...]
The Danger of Niacin
I note at the outset, I am not a chemist or biologist. But I can read. This post was prompted by the ongoing saga of Narconon's implosion and many recent comments that niacin can be dangerous. I didn't pay a lot of attention as the comments usually went along with noting that it can be dangerous to sit in the sauna for too long. And my view of that is Duh. Walking across the street is dangerous too. The claims for the wonders of the Purif may be typical scientology style hype, but the program itself seems generally benign and helpful. How can exercising, going in the sauna, sleeping … [Read more...]