I have (very recently) been enjoying your blog.

I am new to the blog, but thanks to the work you and Leah have done to generate widespread knowledge of cults, I have taken an interest in the subject. Having never been involved in a cult, I find the subject fascinating, particularly when people talk about what their mindset was at various points during their time in the various cults.

I think more should be discussed about the cult I almost found myself falling into, the Law of Attraction. It has been branded many different ways…The Secret, Think and Grow Rich, Tony Robbins, Joe Vitale, etc., etc., etc.

I started following Joe Vitale. I had read some Tony Robbins when I was younger, but Joe Vitale really caught my attention. I enjoyed his writing style. But then I noticed a pattern that Tony Robbins had followed when I was reading his stuff, too.

The marketing of the next book is always “Law of Attraction hasn’t worked for you? My new book will tell you all about the one element you’re missing, and how to use it to take your life to the next level” or some similar B.S.

Inevitably, it is just a new way to say “be grateful for what you have, and what you visualize will come to you” in a whole new group of words they can sell in a new book. Oh, and by the way…that new book always offers a “coupon” for 10% off the next $10,000 weekend seminar….because you have to “invest in yourself”.

When I looked into Joe Vitale further, I found it very interesting that one of his first books was called “Hypnotic Writing”; no wonder I found the writing of a master of “hypnotic writing” so engaging.

I don’t know if you’ve ever written a blog about the similarities and parallels to Scientology in this subject, Mike, but if you never have it might be something you want to look into a little bit and write a blog on; maybe you could “hypnotically” write it.

It’s something closer to what you would see in shows like Black Cube or Altered Carbon. It’s a wireless human-machine interface. Elon Musk is working on something similar in a company called Neuralink. Billions of dollars have gone into these types of projects. Notably through the US Brain Initiative and the European Human Brain Project.

If you want a historical look at this topic, I recommend Stephen Kinzer’s book ‘Poisoner in Chief’ or a clip titled ‘Remote Control Man’ from the show ‘Dark Matters: Twisted But True’.

This is a crime that has to be solved first through normal detective work, and then once the stalking portion of the crime is revealed, the use of the weapons can be verified. However, that will take some public outreach because the case will have to punch through some serious public corruption.

How does the Havana Syndrome weapon system work? Focused microwaves that can’t be detected by electronics? Infrasound that can’t be picked up by microphones?

Also, “Gender Bender” was literally the title of a hilarious Futurama episode. (Bender is the name of a robot.)
😉

Western governments and the establishment media have used an array of nefarious techniques to control narratives and neutralise enemies for decades – both domestically and abroad. Those who are critical of “the current thing” are typically smeared/”cancelled.” Those who expose them are eventually neutralised (Assange).

I left one cult only to find I was in a much larger and arguably more nefarious one the whole damn time. It’s incredibly disappointing.

Jane – I agree. I meant it to be funny and maybe generate some conversation. Stupid comment on my part.

What a weirdly unpleasant comment to find amongst a generally incredibly caring, thoughtful group of people who comment here. 40/50 years ago that’s exactly the sort of thing the hate mongers would have said about lesbian or gay people to try to belittle and ridicule them. Given one of the most iconic trans people alive today was on board the Apollo with Ron and has gone on to lead the most incredible life, serving as something of an ‘auntie’ to those younger who are bravely stepping out and, not finding out who they are, but being able to be who they already know they are in most cases, I think we can treat trans people with a little more respect, eh?

As an aside, I hope Kate’s doing OK, she’s such an amazing character. I hope Jessica gets to see her dad (Kate’s term, I’m not misgendering her) at least once more.

Scientology doesn’t do anything unless it is in their best interest. If a Sea Org member is supervised to send out an approved communication to someone they were otherwise made to disconnect from, then it has some advantage for Scientology. An example is some concerned family member is going to the press and/or police to say that a Sea Org member is being hurt and held against their will. Scientology might have that person send a letter saying they are doing well, they are not in danger or being held against their will and please don’t create problems for their fantastic life.