I am late to the party with my thoughts about Alex Gibney’s Going Clear The Prison Of Belief, not being as diligent as Tony Ortega, who despite NOT being a “former Scientologist” nevertheless has the work ethic of a dedicated Sea Org member.
There are numerous media accounts of the film and the premiere and I will not try and recount everything, because I don’t want to spend hours rehashing what has already been said by others. And frankly, nobody else’s take on the movie is going to have the same meaning to you as you will get when you have the opportunity to see it. Which is itself high praise, as this movie is layered and while it packs the punch of a sledgehammer, it is also extremely subtle and a lot of things contained within it will strike chords, but probably no two the same. I can tell you that Marc Headley was not the only one who cried during the movie. I think ANYONE who has been in or effected by the church is going to have some moist-eyed moments.
I told Alex after watching it that I felt he had done the subject great justice, that if I had started with a clean slate I could not have come close to achieving what he had done. And that I appreciated the fact that he made each person who is featured in the film empathetic. Of course, there are plenty of things in there that are embarrassing to me to see in hindsight, including my participation in We Stand Tall (anyone who knows me knows I can neither sing nor dance — and I no longer wear ugly sweaters). But it is so easy to simply leave the viewer with the impression that former scientologists are “kooks” or “dupes” or “bitter haters.” It’s been done plenty of times in the past, along with the easy sensationalist grabs of celebrities or Xenu. Alex and Larry took the time and made the effort to explain WHY someone would get involved in scientology and what it offers and how things turn sour. So viewers can identify “oh, I can see how that could have been me” rather than “I would never fall for that shit.” The proof of that is the standing ovation from the crowd when Alex asked those featured in the movie to join him at the front of the theater after the movie ended. And the dozens of people who walked up to me and others afterwards to thank us for our participation.
The approach makes the stories and revelations of the abuses more understandable, believable and hard hitting.
Of course the media grabs onto the Nicole Kidman wiretapping story, but it is a tiny piece of the 2 hour film.
Tom Cruise and John Travolta are going to be asked a lot of questions by a lot of people. They have been put on the spot to explain why they keep promoting scientology but do nothing to speak out about the abuses.
Nobody will ask David Miscavige anything because he is hidden behind walls, security and a phalanx of sycophants. But he is going to have to watch the movie and know the walls are truly closing in.
Because the most significant point about this movie is that it paves the way for other media to tell more stories. It has opened the door to a flood of others who have been intimidated into not devoting the time to cover the abuses of scientology.
There is no question that there is a reservoir of pent up resentment about the church in the media. Apart from the interviews we did, a LOT of media people talked privately off the record about how happy they were to see the church taken on in this manner. Literally walking up and introducing themselves and saying “I am so happy to see these assholes exposed for what they really are.”
The church response has been predictable. A feeble Freedom magazine splurge of “D/A the sources” and complain how Alex Gibney refused to “talk” to the 25 people they had sitting in New York to “see him.” This is supposed to prove he would not listen to the “truth” — but it is typical scientology sleaze. The church REFUSED to let anyone be interviewed on camera — in fact the closing credits list people they specifically asked for interviews that declined. I have said it before, if you are making a documentary FILM you need people on CAMERA. The church refuses, then whines “they won’t talk to us.”
This movie is a watershed.
I salute Alex Gibney, Larry Wright and HBO Documentary Films. They have made a movie that will help a LOT of people.
Talk about coming late to the party, I’ve been without internet since Saturday, and I’ve been DYING about missing the action, and tonite it has been restored and I dove right over here. No one else will see this but Mike, thank you, once more, for all you do and have done. I’m so excited about this film and I can’t wait to see it in March. Now I’m going to get caught up on the yesterday’s and today’s articles from you and from Tony. Whoo-hoo!
They famously bullied the IRS into recognizing them as a religion, but that does not mean they really are one. Why perpetuate the notion that scientology is a church? Why afford them that little bit of legitimacy?
You are preaching to the choir here. When the day comes when we can refer to them as “the former Church of Scientology” you can count me in. The IRS has a long comm lag but I think that day is coming.
Mike, thank you for your incredible bravery and for being who you are!
Mr. Rinder, please, please, please stop referring to scientology as “the church.” In this post alone you call it “the church” six times. I’m glad you’re speaking out, but in order to tear down public perception that scientology is something more than a despicable scam or an organized crime syndicate, those of us who know better need to stop giving it the lofty label of “church” or “religion,” as it is neither. This is a small detail in the grand scheme of taking down scientology, but it is nevertheless important. Calling scientology a church or a religion serves to assign this criminal organization more respectability than it deserves. While some people have no respect whatsoever for any religion, millions more hear the word “church” and automatically think its “beliefs” somehow deserve protection. We know that is not the case.
Please, let’s all help stop spreading that particular piece of misinformation.
xeanureeves,
I am not responding for Mike, but only stating my opinion, since this is an open forum. Mr. Rinder is absolutely correct by calling out “The Church” and it’s leader that responsible for its criminal activity. To accuse the Scientology technology as cruel or guilty of of the crimes is like accusing Muslem Religion is a Terrorist religion, because there are Muslims that commit terrorist acts in the sake of religion. If you ever experienced a big relief that came as a result of someone applied the Scientology technology, you would have a different tone. I don’t know all people that were interviewed in the film, just 4 of them, but I am pretty sure all experienced great amount of relief and joy when the Scientology was correctly applied to them.
To continue exposing and addressing the right target, which is “The Church”, will bring the desired result.
IMHO scientology is a scam and a sham, and any “relief” one might experience would be due to the placebo effect.
You are entitled to your subjective opinion. So do tens of thousands of people who had great experience and joy. I don’t condone the un-ethical, fraudulent and illegal actions the “Organization” take in the name of religion.
+1 Yossi. This is THE factor in why people stay also. They have had wonderful gains and want more so they hang on. Scn was a monopoly which strains people between the rock and the hard place, ie. put up with the vulture culture to get something that’s extremely important to them. It’s a classic present time problem and PTS situation. Scn orgs offered both the solution and the problem itself, with the suppression and unmock getting worse and worse. Technically this is known as a brainfuck.
Hallie Jane,
I completely agree with you. My entire family, including myself fell for it. The Church or The Organization in applying this tactic is the correct target
I do so because this is a LARGE part of the problem. They ARE recognized as a church and it affords them enormous protection from oversight.
I also do so because I do not believe “scientologists” as a generality are abusing people, nor that “scientology” as a subject is abusing people. SItting in books it does nothing. It is the organization that is carrying out the abusive actions, and people acting on behalf of the organization. Perhaps I should more correctly call it the “scientology organization” or “organization” but when I am in a hurry, heading out the door to the airport, I shorthand things.
I think we have to hold the subject accountable. After all, the “organization” is just applying policy.
Thinking of having viewing party myself in Dunedin. Anyone know the exact date this becomes available to the broad public? Does it go straight to HBO or does it go to the movie theaters first?
Seem familiar?
Dr. Robert J. Lifton’s Eight Criteria for Thought Reform:
Milieu Control. This involves the control of information and communication both within the environment and, ultimately, within the individual, resulting in a significant degree of isolation from society at large.
Mystical Manipulation. There is manipulation of experiences that appear spontaneous but in fact were planned and orchestrated by the group or its leaders in order to demonstrate divine authority or spiritual advancement or some special gift or talent that will then allow the leader to reinterpret events, scripture, and experiences as he or she wishes.
Demand for Purity. The world is viewed as black and white and the members are constantly exhorted to conform to the ideology of the group and strive for perfection. The induction of guilt and/or shame is a powerful control device used here.
Confession. Sins, as defined by the group, are to be confessed either to a personal monitor or publicly to the group. There is no confidentiality; members’ “sins,” “attitudes,” and “faults” are discussed and exploited by the leaders.
Sacred Science. The group’s doctrine or ideology is considered to be the ultimate Truth, beyond all questioning or dispute. Truth is not to be found outside the group. The leader, as the spokesperson for God or for all humanity, is likewise above criticism.
Loading the Language. The group interprets or uses words and phrases in new ways so that often the outside world does not understand. This jargon consists of thought-terminating cliches, which serve to alter members’ thought processes to conform to the group’s way of thinking.
Doctrine over person. Member’s personal experiences are subordinated to the sacred science and any contrary experiences must be denied or reinterpreted to fit the ideology of the group.
Dispensing of existence. The group has the prerogative to decide who has the right to exist and who does not. This is usually not literal but means that those in the outside world are not saved, unenlightened, unconscious and they must be converted to the group’s ideology. If they do not join the group or are critical of the group, then they must be rejected by the members. Thus, the outside world loses all credibility. In conjunction, should any member leave the group, he or she must be rejected also. (Lifton, 1989)
“The film is biased and full of blatant lies. This is egregious video journalism.” – Karen Pow! as dictated by He Who Will Not Be Named
Hey, Michael, isn’t the cult based on blatant lies? Would that be the pot calling the kettle black? As a matter of fact, lying comes as easy to scientologists as breathing comes to the rest of us. The even has a course on lying called TR-L (training routine lying). A “Church” that practices lying? Hmmmm…sounds more like a toxic, evil cult.
You mean the cult of the demented dave slaves? But it’s all for the greatest good dude!
I think something close to an ideal scene has been produced here.
In all my years as a critic of Scientology I have never seen such a perfect exposure of the abuses in Scientology as is happening in the press right now as a result of the premier of this documentary. All the right targets are being hit, on all the correct media channels.
And your call for law enforcement to do something about the illegalities in Scientology, Mike, is very much appreciated by me and I’m sure many others who have been trying to get something done about Scientology for so long.
Way to go, Mike.
Thank you very much for what you’ve done.
Alanzo
Reading this review and the comments, brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Mike, Sara and everyone else who speak out loud to expose the crimes of the RCof$. Standing ovation to you! The truth is coming out and I believe this will open the door and it is the beginning of the the end! No more abuse! No more breaking families! 2015 is the year where families will rejoin! Thank you in the name of humanity!
About them moist eyes… I know the feeling, Mike. Thank you. Song you and others might enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=WRmBChQjZPs&x-yt-ts=1421914688#t=157
Thank you, Mike! Thank you!!
WOW!!! I am blown away and I haven’t even seen the movie yet.
Looks like little Davey boy is going to be hitting the bottle extra hard to get himself to sleep.
But sleep won’t come
The whole night through
Your cheatin’ heart will tell on you
Hank Williams
This is a very thoughtful and well-written post.
The media response is covering the things D.M. wants to bury.
The Streisand Effect in full swing.
I smell a sequel in the morning,maybe a docudrama or T.V. series.
When the photo of the production team (including Tony, Mike, Marc, Sara, Spanky and I think her daughter – can’t recall if Sheldon was there too) standing on stage after the showing was posted at the Bunker someone posted the title “We Stand Tall”…another lovely moment in an immensely important day.
Heart breaking Richard. And beyond the Xenu jokes, the celebrity obsession and the arguments over ‘tech’ this is really what it comes down to. A civilised society cannot let an organisation continue with this sort of behaviour. So sorry for your loss, but ever hopeful that the end is in sight for the broken and wounded families. Please know that there are many of us who have never been involved in Scientology who are rooting on your side and who do our very best to understand – without judgement – what you and your family have been through.
Thank you Ella R.
Thank you Mike!
It’s pretty late and probably not many will read this, but I just want to say something anyway. I read every single comment tonight and I had a great time doing it. It’s a very exciting time. I’m very happy about the response the film got from the public and the press. I almost feel like I was there.
I can’t wait to see it. I’m very excited looking ahead to it. This has got to be the beginning of the collapse of the “church” and the little man. It can’t happen too soon for me. Like Tony Montana would say, “Hey Davey, fuck you, OK?
Great quote Eagle Eye
Here’s another:
: “You wanna fuck with me? Okay. You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend!”
In our case Davey boy, it’s not a little friend…. it’s some real OT’s gathered together to knock you and your SP ass back to obscurity.
>> ). But it is so easy to simply leave the viewer with the impression that former scientologists are “kooks” or “dupes” or “bitter haters.”
Mike, I agree that to write off ex-Scientologists as “dupes”, is an over-simplification and shallow understanding of why anyone would join a seductive mind control cult. However, an even harder question to answer would be why anyone would stay in it once they start to notice inconsistencies and other types of red flags. Does the movie address this as well? For example, how does on go up the bridge to OT 8 and wind up like a John Allender or Ed Bryan? How does one become a Sea Org slave and put up with years of abuse? How does one stay in as a public and be financially abused for years and even state that donating to the IAS causes case gain? Why would someone disconnect from their own family? I would also hope the movie would show how insidious the brainwashing/indoctrination is of a card-carrying, kook-aid drinking cult member.
Because by the time you notice these abuses, you’re well entrenched. The whole “us versus them” scenario that they set you up with from the beginning now gets played out in full swing. You will likely be married to a Scientologist, your kids might be Scientologists, your employer is a Scientologist. Your doctor, your chiropractor, your accountant, your lawyer and all your friends are Scientologists. The lucky ones are the ones that see the abuses early on and get out. And there have been plenty of them.
Thank you Mike for Standing Tall for us, who experienced the treasonous behavior of SO Church Executives, who took a color of enemy; who experienced threats of disconnection and threats of denying the Tech; for those who can’t speak freely yet; for those who believe in free speech; for being a voice in the Independent field and for all the years you have been exposing the horrors of the Church under DM through your blog. The impact you have made in speaking out in that documentary will be ringing in the ears of both: the once joining SO and the recruiters, who will have to confront real questions. Thank you Sara for speaking out loud and clear: “Enough is Enough”. The church can take out as many ads and as many DA magazines, but it will be ineffective like a drop in a desert. Too bad we have to wait almost 50 more days. I would pay HBO to see this film in addition to the subscription fee. Can’t wait to see the film.
I believe 2015 turns a new page on exposing the one SP that still somehow succeeds to fool a small minority. Mike, you ARE a major part in this exposure and all that take part have my kudos.
Thank you and everybody else who speaks out.
Gibney and Wright interviewed:
Spotlight shines on controversial Scientology documentary: http://youtu.be/9NAemGUUvXw
Thanks MM.
Mike Rinder,
Great write up about the movie! Reading these posts, there is so much joy here and hope for the future. I don’t have cable TV but I may get it to watch this movie on HBO.
I haven’t posted recently but I am here every morning.and again, thank you for your continued hard work, great writing and tremendous courage in bringing the truth to one and all.
Who’s the dude on the right? 🙂
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/01/26/controversial-scientology-documentary/22337995/
The current position of the Co$:
https://www.storyarts.org/library/aesops/stories/boy.html
I was hoping someone here can help me understand something about Scientology that I haven’t been able to find online.
I’ve watched a few videos on Youtube where Scientologists ask former Scientologists who have recently left, “Why would you throw away your eternity like that?”
What is the theory behind losing your eternity by leaving Scientology?
Is there a Scientology version of Hell?
Does your soul suddenly die?
Didn’t L. Ron Hubbard himself leave Scientology to go back to writing novels prior to his death?
“Throwing away your eternity” is Scientology’s version of Hell. Just a mind control operation aimed at instilling fear and obedience in its followers.
Curious, this a joke right?
Curious Lurker
Good questions, but hard to answer on a blog like this. I guess to get a full answer you would have to read some of Hubbard’s works yourself. I would read “Fundamentals of Thought”. It’s a short, easy to read book and answers all the questions you asked better than anyone can do it here.
@CuriousLurker Google “avidya”. Not in any way a scientology term but it’s a decent place to start. Scientologists believe their therapy enables them to be in control of their spiritual future, free from the endless cycle of rebirth (should they so choose) and, ultimately, a god-like being. By not pursuing this path all the way to the top of the “Bridge”, the Scientologist is “putting his eternity at risk” (ie. his life and all his gazillion lifetimes thereafter will be lived in within a nightmare of ignorance and spritual delusion until he finds his way out of the “trap” via use of Scientology). This is essentially “Hell” for Scientologists. The “only way out”, according to Hubbard, is via use of his “tech” (a hodgepodge of abreaction, past life regression, guided imagery and visualisation).
Great explaination to Curious Luker.
“Hell” is living forever while still under the control of the Reactive Mind or Reactive Minds of BT’s. Your life will essentially be not your own. You will not be free spiritually, emotionally or mentally. Your body will also be affected with illness and pain over and over again by engrams. You will suffer and die over and over again.
One common version of “Hell” that I’ve been told from Scientologists is that I will pick up a body in some remote, crappy, hellhole part of the world. Say a girl in Afghanistan who becomes a child bride at six. Or a child that gets medicated with psychiatric drugs by his parents for hyperactivity disorder or something like that.
The soul does not die, it only an ominous future to look forward to. LRH wrote that if one were looking for Hell, he would find it on Earth. Earth is Hell, and vice versa.
When a person gets declared an SP and is excommunicated, that is a way of basically sentencing them to Hell. People who leave the church are not considered to be much better. LRH did not like backsliders at all, and I recall reading (but can’t remember exactly where) he called them “the worst”.
Hell is working for David Miscavige for a billion years.
Also, LRH did not leave Scientology and go back to writing novels. He was still doing his research into the OT levels, while living simply in a trailer. He was in hiding from the authorities though and not in the best of health either.
Mike, you mentioned tears flowing from the Exers at the showing. Well, even though I was not there I am totally convinced I would too, having dedicated my life from age 14 to 38 in the Sea Org. I probably would be bawling. While I have had my life stories it is nothing in comparison to you and others in this film. Thank you.
Spill the tears, lose the fears, have some beers!
I can’t wait to see the HBO expose of this. And not to steal thunder, but all you LA Indies and Non Scns, please go see the play, “Disconnection.” You’ll be glad you did. It is so good that if enough go to see it, they may extend its run and it may end up showing in other places in the U.S.
http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Reviews-DISCONNECTION-A-Potent-Message-from-an-Ex-Scientologist-20150126#
Wow Mike, what an excellent report on this important film. I am very grateful to every single person who participated, and that stuck their neck out to expose the truth. I love these people that make it their life’s work to seek and tell the truth in this important way. Freedom of the press is such a vital tool to expose lies and criminality in our democracy. It is wonderful to see it used at such a high level of integrity, sensitivity, artistry and result. These high level people leave the guy with the phalanx of sycophants, looking exactly as he should.
Reading all of the responses here makes me feel that the last seven years of action by me and my tribe against this bestial pile of daveshit was worth it. The Internet is solidly against them. Old Media (books, films, and soon TV) has lost their fear and drawn back the curtain. Every move they make is instantly up here or at The Blog Where I’m Banned and laughed at. They can’t even spin their failures as successes to the clubbed seals anymore (witness LA Org’s Sea Borg assimilation).
Memo to John Travolta: It’s time now, John. Same-sex marriage will be the law of the land by the end of June (and is the law of the land in Florida, where you live). The image of gay people in civilized countries hasn’t been this good in 2400 years. The best reviews you’ve had for any of your films in the last ten years has been Hairspray. Being out hasn’t stopped Ian McKellan or Derek Jacobi. Ditch your Kool-Aid-drinking beard and join us. Thanks to Wright, Gibney, and their own stupidity with the attack ads and videos, Scientology has zero credibility and zero power in Hollywood. You’ll be praised for doing it.
No one laughs at you. We miss you.
Well, what I meant was that every time the cult makes a move (or someone moves against them), Mike or Ortega find out immediately, and it’s posted within hours, and we J&D them to the 666 Levels Of Hell.
Do I miss the Bunker? Yeah, I miss the people there. But the proprietor has made it clear that I’m not welcome, so I stay away (I haven’t even lurked there since the ban). Unlike other so-called people, I respect the decision of the ownership.
Espi I ALWAYS LOVED YOUR SNARK! Miss you at the bunker!:)
I haven’t see any remarks laughing at you. I have seen comments about wishing you were allowed back and other comments that you were too aggressive. All of the comments recognize your intelligence.
Eileen, see my comment to Doc. I know the people at the Bunker wouldn’t laugh at me. They wouldn’t dare. They know me too well.
All of us save the laughing for the cult and their footbullet ways. Well, that and Mike’s sweater in the “We Stand Tall” video.
Oh, yeah, meant to mention this: it’s Travel Week for me, and I’m pleased to report that Chicago Midway and St. Louis Lambert are still Grant Cardone-free in the bookstores. Very soon, we’ll be able to apply to WHO for a disease-free certification.
Espiando, why were you banned at the Bunker?
The proximate cause of my banning was that I expressed skepticism about someone’s “coming out” story, a person who turned out to be one of Ortega’s “inside sources”. It sounded too good to be true, I expressed that, the comer-outer bawwwwwed to Ortega, and Ortega declared that “the last straw” with me. The truth is that Ortega doesn’t like conflict on his site, and I live for it, so we can chalk this up to “philosophical differences”.
Espiando – John Travolta is a lovable guy, gay or straight. I can’t say that he’s gay because only he can say that. It’s not cool to out people anyway.
I will say that I think if he were to come out, people would love him for it and his popularity would sky rocket. Not amongst the Scientologists but in the mainstream population. I hope he’s happy in his life and lives his own truth.
Thanks for the recount Mike, as someone who lived the horror, your feedback is golden. I’ve seen the “We Stand Tall” video a few times and I have to ask, was Miscavige standing on a box? He seems less Dimunitive than normal, maybe it’s the loud shirt he’s wearing? Inquiring minds need to know!
The cherch placed $250K in public ads to attack a small film festival today ….. what are they going to do when HBO airs March 16 to millions??? Any attack they initiate will blow back on them because public opinion is totally against their attack, attack, attack.. They have no friends in the press, in the government or in any religious organizations. And, after the March 16 showing, the Hollywood Scientology groupies will not see Scientology as a great career move anymore. Especially after some notable Hollywood Scientologists chose to join Miscavige in chewing up a mouth full of chicken shit and spitting it on an HBO…
Davey boy is backed into a corner, fighting with both hands tied. Make that go right motherfucker!
They’ll pass out a bazillion gazillion WTH booklets and make it all better!!!!!!!!!
I passed by Ferguson, Missouri yesterday. The WTH booklets really helped that town.
“It’s the key to rebuilding this civilization. FACT.”
Office of the cob
I’m so glad to read that the film takes up why people joined. We joined with open hearts and real goals and intentions to make a better world. We were willing to make some personal sacrifices to do it too. Sea Org members made imaginable personal sacrifices.
Then to have your friends tell you you’re nuts for having done that, well…that’s another pile of invalidation I wasn’t willing to experience anymore after tons of it as a staff member over many years. So I haven’t told anyone I was ever in this cult. I just didn’t want to have that conversation.
I’m interested in seeing this film so I can be more forthcoming with my new friends. I know it will help me in my continuing process of rejoining that big bad world outside the barbed wire fence, which isn’t as bad at all as what was inside that dang fence! For this I thank all those involved in putting this together. Very happy The End is near.
That’s such a good point Gato. Let’s not let the abuse by others invalidate our goodness and generosity. The intentions of many, to help, to give, to care, to be a part of something that creates sanity, should not be made nothing of or invalidated. They are the people of greatest altruism and loyalty. I worked for decades for nothing which I will not do again but I love the reasons I did it for. I just wanted to help people and relieve suffering. Thank you for your service, truly.
Beautifully said, HJ. I got out pretty early, in the very low 80s, when I saw the depth of the insanity. Yet up to that time, I’d gotten a lot out of it as well as putting a lot INTO it. I helped a lot of folks and was helped by a lot of folks. But the obvious corruption which LRH abetted and permitted opened the door to Miscavige and his sad little coterie of misfits. The days of reckoning are now upon them…and good riddance.
It may not Be oF any consolation but every memoir I’ve read indicated that the person joined to help people and I believe it. It’s a strong motivator for young adults.
When someone learns I read about Scientology and asks why people join, that’s what I tell them.
I thought I heard the universe scream last night. It let out a wail deep and long. Agonized and in pain. Then I realized it was DM as his weak underbelly was ripped open and exposed for the world to see. This little SP will be shown the light of truth to the world and there is no where to run or hide.
LRH stated to never ever ever lie in PR as it always recoils on the user. This recoil is going to take your head off davey boy. And it can’t happen fast enough for me.
This documentary will help prevent many broken families, divorces, abortions, bankruptcies, human trafficking, nervous breakdowns, and untold violations of human rights. Thank you to all that contributed.
Thank you Mike and to all the others who had the courage and strength to stand up and speak truth about the Cult. I’m sure you all have helped others not go into the Cult and it will help others hopefully to leave. I for one sure appreciate it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see the show.
Mike,
Thank you for showing me that it is possible to undo the damage done to ourselves, and others. And for doing it with grace and courage. You are very much appreciated.
Mike, I hope you’re having the time of your life. Now..regarding “We Stand Tall,” I noticed you were keeping perfect time with your head in that video! Way to go!
Hey Davey, Dave, your ass about to fall. Hey Davey, Dave, progress forever stalled. You’re not tall!
Dave,
How long will you continue to look silly, standing on top of a pile of shit?
Until the stink is so bad that the world at large will no longer tolerate the smell.
It’s a permanent condition for Him TFB. And it’s all Daveshit from his neck on down, but maybe it starts higher now!
Thank you Mike, I just can’t wait to see the film. There is no armour thick enough to stop truth. The day will come when Miscavige will be facing the consequences of his acts.
I predict the onslaught of media attention will continue for a while yet, especially considering RCS will keep it front and center. Thanks for your contributions and synopsis Mike – looking forward to seeing it.
Thanks Mike, your opinion is valuable.
And now we wait to see how the cards are played.
Thank you Mike and everybody who participated. As I understand it (I haven’t seen the film of course and can’t express an opinion on it, yet) the film must be as objective as possible. I understand that a lot of us have a lot of charge with the church. I hope the subject and not the church of Scientology is given some credit, too. I am sorry to see all that individuation in the Indie Field. I hope Tom Cruise and John Travolta as the most influential Scientologists after Miscavige (OMG, where have we brought Scientology: depending on Tom Cruise and John Travolta to do something about it) will wake up one day and say or do something.
Until then I am doing my part here in Greece to keep my sanity as much as possible and that of others by getting them to understand a bit what Scientology is about. But this is not easy if there is no 3-D anymore and it looks like there is none such a true 3-D now.
theosismanides
I think any auditing is better than no auditing. I believe that. And, today it seems that NO 3-D is better than a corrupt 3-D that enslaves people, like the cult of RCS. Radical Church of Scientology AKA Co$
I guess that is what we are struggling with: if there is no 3-D anymore, what does the future hold?
LRH said “this” technology is normally used to enslave, but it need not be used that way. (paraphrasing)
The RCS 3-D that has been shrinking and shrinking does so because it runs more on more on enslavement and less and less on the technology of auditing and self awareness…. Sooner or later this RCS 3-D will be off the face of this earth either because of no customers or because they are in jail. But, the technology will survive and man will continue to look for enlightenment through self awareness but without RCS enslavement. I believe that.
First I will say I respect your viewpoint in that if you can practice parts of the tech without hurting anybody, and possibly helping people relieve traumas, then I’m fine with that. The Dalai Lama said the truth is never lost, it is always rediscovered.
I’ve been a Scientology watcher for over a decade and I thought I knew the jargon. But I can’t decipher your post. What do you mean by 3-D and what is RCS? Am I the only never-in who reads Rinder’s blog?
No, VilDi, you’re not the only never-in who reads the blog. But it does take time to learn the lingo. 3-D is short for Third Dynamic, Hubbard’s designation for groups of people. RCS is short for, as Robert said, Radical Church of Scientology, a term for the cult which began on Marty’s blog and was taken up by Exes and Indies to differentiate themselves from the cult.
Well said Robert! Villagedianne, we refer to a group as a 3D or third dynamic. Independents refer to the current corrupt church as the RCS or radical church of Scientology, to differentiate it from the original philosophy of Scn which has been altered by the rcs. I don’t capitalize it because they suck. 🙂
This is to VillageDianne,
3-D refers to the 3rd dynamic in LRHs way of organizing life into categories. 1st dynamic is the person, 2nd dynamic is family and 3rd dynamic is related to groups. In this case I believe the reference means that there won’t be a group comprised of the RCS. I’ve seen the “R” referred to a few ways – I’m not sure which one is the most commonly agreed upon. But the C and S generally refer to Church and Scientology, I think. I could have it wrong!
Maybe someone else can answer that.
RCS – Rat Condemned Shithole.
Yeah I see and agree with that Robert.
When this storm is over and it’s all done and dusted, life will still be present and doing what it does. I like to strive to be objective with it and look for ways of understanding and enjoying it. Auditing tech in the right hands without malice is a wonderful tool, but it shouldn’t be used to get some kind of “high” or drug like effect either, it’ll bite ya if you do that too much. I believe there is a Bridge there, unfortunately it’s been messed with pretty good and no longer exists for 3D robots. That trust was betrayed a long, long time ago.
Scientology should never be used or intended to be used to replace living life – that’s a major error or miscalculation with the formation and running of the SO imho – it simply doesn’t work and like a lot of Scn policy it doesn’t work in the real world – it looks good and appears logical but its actual use falls a long way short of producing results.
Any religion should assist the living of life, not the other way around. Otherwise it degenerates into a cult pretty quickly, dictators and despots love controlling the minds and thoughts of others – it’s very profitable.
An effective blow to the enemy and what I appreciate the most of your post is that this will open the door for other media to start investigating and reporting other crimes and abuses of the ‘ecclesiastical leader, and his minions rather that be held back from the onslaught, legal and otherwise, that follows when black heart feels exposed.
DM is following the same route LRH did at the end – hiding, terrified of being sued, with no friends. Yes, very close to the end.
Dave – isn’t he that little guy that makes canned speeches?
The diarrhea of Shermanspeak that he inflicts on the world is an insult to speeches and to cans.
+1000 Espiando!
Yo Daveshit,
Hows the Tourettes Syndrome workin out for ya?
No doubt, the effect this film may have on Tom Cruise will be the foremost concern of David Miscavige. Well, maybe the second most important concern after how this film may affect Miscavige having to escape to Columbia sooner than he may have wanted.
As Lucius Fox suggested to Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight, “I suggest a good travel agent.”
Sending you a big thank you for helping to make this documentary happen.
And sorry they showed your ugly sweater moment; we’ve all had cringe-worthy horrific hair moments, awful outfits that didn’t seem quite so bad at the time, but most of us have been able to keep them buried in a box somewhere. That you can openly keep a sense of humor about the sweater and a thick skin in general is a lesson for all of us.
There is a sense of excitement, relief and joy across the boards coming from all those who have been involved in any degree in this fight. Thank you.
I’m a “never in” (except for brief and freaky exposure to Werner Erhard’s est experience) and relatively new reader of Tony’s and Mike’s blogs. Want to congratulate and send love to Mike Rinder – have viewed your experience and input as the most honest, funny, and insightful of all blogs on the insanity of scientology. Bless your heart for all you’ve done to make this evil situation get right. Bless your heart.
Mike, I hope you all partied until the wee hours of the morning. Every one of you deserve it. Also, I hope Miscavige threw a toddler-sized tantrum when he saw pics of you on the red carpet. 😀
Mike I’m sure you came over as believable as usual and did a fine job on the screen even if you weren’t wearing an ugly sweater. Thanks on behalf of humanity.
It will be interesting to see if this film gets nominated for an Oscar. If you look at the list of nominees this year you will see quite a lot of smaller indie movies thereon. Hopefully this is a trend away from the Hollywood schlock towards more thoughtful material.
tony-b
Your “Thanks on behalf of humanity.” to Mike is very appropriate. I think that is exactly why it WILL get nominated for an Oscar: .because humanity needs to acknowledge and thank the people that made this important documentary film possible.
I agree. It takes an enormous amount of courage to stand up against an evil group like this.
I second what Mary says, and of course, you deserve all acknowledgement for your efforts to handle the out-ethics of the little man’s church in the face of his insane “handlings” of you and those who speak out – but the real reason I wanted to post is that all the chatter about that sweater made me finally go to YouTube and watch the video. I gotta say, Mike, you’re adorable in that sweater.
So warm and cuddly. 😉
🙂
” The church REFUSED to let anyone be interviewed on camera — in fact the closing credits list people they specifically asked for interviews that declined.”
Ha ha…..busted. Nice touch Mr. Gibney. Well played.
To build the predictably necessary refutation right into the movie is genius.
And after all it is part of the story.
Genius.
Miscavige, Miss Karma’s a bitch.
Wonderful, just wonderful. Kudos to you and all involved. The dam is breaking.
The best thing that will come from this movie airing on HBO will be that all the many normal people who have left Scientology will be able to talk about how oppressive the Church environment was and still is today. It is so hard to describe to family and friends the power that the Church has over people – how it dictates peoples lives, who and how you interact with the world, and why it is so hard to leave. Every thought is given to you, every personal opinion has to be approved, every human interaction is inspected and judged, until one has lost their ability to act independently.
I am so looking forward to seeing this air on TV in millions of homes across the world.
Thank you Mike and all the rest who spent your time contributing to this continued onslaught against the human rights violations and perversions of morality by the so called church of scn more to the point the perch of miscavology.
The lurch of Dave’s mythology.
Thank you so much Mike. It means much that you helped this documentary be made.
Mike, thanks for what you’re doing to spread the word about the criminal organisation known as the “church” of $cientology. It is indeed gratifying to see documentaries moving on from “Lol! Xenu!!” and all the fawning over Tom Cruise and move on to the very real abuses of human rights.
Yea, I agree.
I am so sick of celebrities ignoring the physical assaults and the human rights violations sing the praises of this church. It is about effing time one or all of them get called out. Shame on them.
This movie means so much to my mum and me, and I’m sure it will mean even more when we finally get to see it. Got misty eyed just reading your description.
Thanks for everything you do, which is so much more than we see here.
Well done Mike for that you have done in assisting RCS exposure, thank you immensely! Cant wait to see the film!
We should all get some butt ugly sweaters, stand outside Int and sing a rousing chorus of “We Stand Small”.
… on our apple crates.
OH, Yvonne, that’s funny! Loved it!
Mike and Sheldon and Sara and all the others featured in this movie, THANK YOU so much for being brave and speaking out. This is what will bring the light to shine on the evil deeds of DM and his church. And it is what will end his reign. Thank you, Mike, for continuing this blog and for the thoughtful and great writeup of the documentary at the film festival. This will be a very bad year for the church — many plays, documentaries, movies about the church and lawsuits everywhere. My hope is that families will be reunited when people see the truth. I await my kids with open arms and hope that all others regain their family too.
Congratulations Mike! I can’t wait to see it for myself. Slightly OT…. Whose idea was ‘We Stand Tall’? I have always wondered a) who came up with it and b) whether they still in the Hole. I do cut the Co$ a little slack….it was the early 90s and the ‘We Are The World’ type videos were the rage in the 80s…so, the Co$ was not as far behind in usual (in terms of ‘cool’).
Thanks for being there and giving us your take on this Mike. It means a lot to us not so fortunate.
Next week is February… and so March is just around the corner.
Beware the Ides of March Mr. Miscavige.
It’ll take a little more time than that for the guillotine to fall. As I say every year, and it ends up coming true, Beware Thermidor, you toxic dwarf. The end of July marks the end of your end.
Et Tu, Laurisse??? We can dream.
Fantastic article and response to IAS and also glad you don’t wear those sweaters anymore!
G.M.T.A. LOL!
I am briefly coming out of posting retirement to personally thank you for all that you have done. Take a bow and have cold one one me.
By a round for all on me. I’m good for it. 🙂
And I salute you Mike. I have been moved to tears already by much I have read about the documentary.
Today I am happy because today I have hope.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Congratulations to Mike and all the others that stuck their necks out and took the often vile harassment or worse from the CO$ crime syndicate camouflaging as religion.
The CO$ is like a cancerous tumor on society and it appears societies immune systems will be kicking in higher gear now. For years the CO$ was paying tens of millions to unethical lawyers and PI’s to harass and intimidate and the biggest scandal is that these expenses were sponsored to a large degree by the US taxpayer. I hope many readers will write to their members of congress and Senators alerting them of this abuse of taxpayer moneys and demand from them to use their influence on the IRS to remove the nonprofit status of the CO$. There is nothing charitable about the CO$ and the documentary will bring this home to many.
This is a good day and there are many more to come.
PS. Anybody in the Los Angeles area should take an evening and go to the play “Disconnection” by Allen Barton. It is a truly great story presented in a wonderful production by excellent actors.
http://skylighttheatrecompany.com/plays-and-events/2015-season-disconnection.html
Mike,
Awesome news!
I’m very happy for you and everybody concerned, that you finally had your day in court.
I wish you all more of the same in the future. God knows you deserve it.
Fabulous Mike. I’m so happy you went and were treated with the respect you so rightly deserve. The church’s crimes and inhumanity are catching up with them – you can’t cheat old mother karma.
And Karma, as we all know, is a bitch!
Hey dwarf boy! Your cult is headed for oblivion. The world now hates you and your cult.
Another lost opportunity for the cobster. If he would have appeared in the documentary, he really would have reached millions. What’s the matter Dave, suddenly shy and afraid of the spotlight?
Yeeaaa!
Thank you, Mike, for this post and for every other post you’ve shared here. I think many of us are still struggling to understand what a tough road this has been for you, and what a tough soul you’ve been to make the journey. Sincere best wishes and much respect.
What Richard said. Thank you Mike.
What Richard said.
Thank you Mike et al
“Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee” (a favorite of the Sherminator in closing of the diatribe, and a plea to “donate” by DM)……..well it tolls for DM & Scientology
All the church bells worldwide will ring at the demise of RCo$ and their pretense at being a religion
Great news….Thanks Mike for your review.
Congratulations, Mike. To you, the folks who participated and the thousands who have found their own way to escape the prison of belief, quietly or noisily. With this, we now know who is actually on the fringe of the internet.
I hope you had a hell of a good time.
Our air supply was refreshed. This giant leap forward is one of many to follow. Take a deep breath of fresh air and continue to move forward toward achieving our goals.
Thank you Mike for your endless hours of work keeping the focus sharp and true.
the fringes of the internet to david miscavige: how do you like me now?
the next phase in your dismantling begins today.
Hear Hear.
Yep and January 25th, 2015 will be known as ‘WRECKING BALL DAY’ for the cherch and little Davey’s dead cult.
When a standing ovation actually means something.
Congratulations!
Dave,
You are a pariah.
Great summary. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the film.
You’re not late to the party. You were part of the icing on the cake at the party. Actually part of the show.
Thank you Mike, for all you do! (Thanks for not wearing those ugly sweaters anymore, too.)
Thank you Mike for your participation.
“Apart from the interviews we did, a LOT of media people talked privately off the record about how happy they were to see the church taken on in this manner. Literally walking up and introducing themselves and saying “I am so happy to see these assholes exposed for what they really are.””
THAT is too cool! Well done, Mike.
I agree betnster, that warmed my heart. What I REALLY loved, too, was what Mike said about the closing credit and the people in the church that were asked to be part of the documentary but declined.
Yes! I caught that too and loved it!
Hopefully, the beginning of the end.
Thank you for your write up Mike. I am so glad that you were able to experience this Important Documentary at Sundance. I can NOT wait to see it.. I absolutely can’t wait. You have given a voice to many..and for many. Thank you. Baby
Here is a comment I made today on The Bunker:
I’ve been watching some of the Freedom Mag videos and each one I’ve seen says Wright’s book “failed to generate reader interest”. The book Going Clear made the NY Times bestseller list. I’m surprised Scientology put in something so patently false and easily debunked. Two possibilities. One is the makers of that video are really that dense or were micromanaged by Miscavige to the point of having to tell this complete lie. The other possibility is that these videos were made completely and solely for those inside who are so deep in the bubble that they will never check any of these allegations.
I have a question Mike if you can take the time to answer it. My question is, based on your experiences, which of the above explanations, if any, do you think is the most accurate regarding the obvious inaccuracies in the Freedom Mag videos?
villagedianne
IMHO both 1 & 2 are true….
It would be very interesting if someone actually made a list of their Dead Agent-ing reports and then analyzed the lies.
They are so ridiculous. Their dead agenting is soooo easily dead-agented! With real facts! Duh.
The film was awesome – a major taken down of the cherch. I doubt anyone that sees it will be interested in joining.
I was so fortunate to be there and witness the whole scene. In all of the 135 plus articles that have already appeared, there is no one that has come to their defense in any way, shape or form.
For all of the “good” they supposedly do, they have very few friends and are likely to have soon have a lot less.
The film really hits hard at LRon, miscavige and Tom Cruise. And to a much lesser degree, John Travolta.
I am sure the cherch will forbid any parishioner from seeing it.
The interest at Sundance, the people with tickets turned away from the packed theatre, the extended standing ovation at the movies end, the unending questions from the audience at the end – all ensure that this film will have enormous impact – and as bad as you think the cherch’s PR is – I assure you, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
Very hard to watch the whole thing without any emotion. When I saw my granddaughter’s picture on the screen, I broke out in tears as I just did writing this.
The film gives me hope that the cherch’s inhumane policies will come to and end in the not too distant future – if not from a renewed interest of the IRS or FBI – but from humanity at large that will pressure them to stop their evil ways.
Well done to Alex Gibney and all of the brave souls that participated in this epic film.
Brian Moylan in The Guardian managed a review that used a lot of heavily slanted language to attempt to reduce the film. For example:
Someone should tell Brian that three of the “men” were women. He implies that the story only involves a small tight disgruntled posse of lunatics group. “The modern church” and “axe to grind” also seem like supplied text. The whole thing smells like a used diaper.
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/26/sundance-2015-review-going-clear-scientology-documentary-alex-gibney
I am so looking forward to seeing this!
Doh! “Posse of lunatics” was supposed to have a strike-through.
The guardian’s write up was full of it. There are thousands more who would have been there if asked. Sara told my story and I thank her for that. Mike I’m sure told the story for those who have been physically assaulted and I thank him for that. So much to say, so little time. From what Mike said I think so many of us have been represented! So thank you all eight of you and To Alex Gibney.
So nice to see you and Sara there.
You two are really doing something to correct these evils.
You are helping many, many grandparents, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and children around the world that have suffered like you and Sara. Thank you so much for doing this. And, have a safe trip home.
What Robert said.
Sheldon, please know – and tell Sara – that when I only have one chance to explain my opposition, just one shot to convince a doubter, I pull up your family’s story in the TBT. All I ever say is “What ‘church’ does this?” and they get it. It’s my anti-scientology elevator story – by the time I add “They are not alone, there are thousands of others,” my work is done. A few more points and they’re recoiling in horror…
I knew this film would be good, but when I heard Sara was in it, I also knew it would strike a chord with every mother in the world. I’ll probably cry when I see your granddaughter too.
I sometimes consider the irony that so many exes say they joined scientology to make the world better, only to realize that tearing it down is what will actually do so. May this be the year that you hold your grandchild. May this be the year that ALL the disconnected are returned to their families, that those enslaved in this prison of belief are freed, that the long con is busted beyond repair. May this be the beginning of the end!
Anon (or anyone else who has it) could you post that link here please? I’d like to have that for when I’m trying to explain the horror that is disconnection. Thanks in advance.
+ 1000
http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/scientology-clergy-force-a-mother-to-choose-son-or-daughter/2170325
In a pinch at someone else’s computer, you can find it by googling “Goldberg disconnection”
Thank you anon, it is much appreciated.
Sheldon, I just read an old article that Joe Childs wrote back in March. I had no idea you and your family was going through this hell. Glad you stood up and said FUCKING NO to disconnection.
“I would never fall for that shit.”
Yes, Mike, that is the number 1 thing, the people who honestly believe that they are immune from falling for obvious frauds and scams and bullshit are the ones whose defenses are not fully up, they’re the ones who fall prey to conmen first.
People who know they can fall for frauds and scams, people who have an awareness that *anyone* can be rooked and swindled, they are the ones who have defenses up and fall for such frauds the least.
I thoroughly recommend Risk Ross’ new book “Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out.” The first part is a collection of stories of how badly things have gone wrong in various cults. The reason I bring this up is that it also gives a good impression of the variety of the victims of cults.
And then came the internet, Chris, and the game changed. The Genie is out of the bottle and can NEVER be put back in. It’s ALL down hill from here for the cult no matter how many slimy ads they put out.
Yeeaa!
So very excited about this. You are a wonderful person, Mike Rinder, as are all the people who are speaking out and doing their part to put this cult in its place. Miscavage truly must be having a melt-down right now. The media posts are going viral, Scientology is trending (in a way that we want) and the abuses are being exposed. It is annoying to see a lot of the attention going onto a relatively small part of their abuses (the Nicole thing), but I guess it’s better than nothing, especially since Tom Cruise must also be having a meltdown over this whole thing. I am very interested in seeing his PR response. It’s time for him to own up and start looking at what he has been benefiting from all these years. We can only hope that there is a sympathetic soul down deep in him that is seeing what a jerk he has been being for so many years.
Oprah could get him (Tom Cruise) to do it.
He must be approaching a watershed moment of his own…
I hear he doesn’t read much but loves the movies.
Come on, Tom, sir, tell us please what do you think of the film, no?
Silence would only soon become a roar of its own.
Thank you so much, Mike, and everyone, another personal word of thanks and gratitude to all who participate in exposing both the truth and whatever the Church of Scientology tries to hide!!!
And a standing toast to Alex Gibney.
I think another couch jumping episode on Oprah will pretty much cement his career. Of course, if he apologized for Miscavige and says how very, very, very, very sorry he is, that might do the trick.
While he’s pounding on the podium with his tiny little hand for emphasis…
Tom! You have a lot of ‘splaining to do…
He can hang his Medal of Valor at The Hall of Shame in The Museum of Horrors.
Laughing my ass off!!! Michael, you do have a way with words that I wish I had! You’re the one bringing levity to to this page now! I stand in awe! …..still laughing!……
+1000
While the Tom and Nicole thing is very minor in the scheme of things, it is the salacious gossip that the media love. They use it as the bait, and the public will follow it to discover the underlying truth about the cult. This is surely the year of triumph. And, with the wonderful Louis Theroux to follow, the initial blow will be followed by the fatal wound. Oh dear, I do sound so vindictive…..
Footbullets followed by a bullet to the head.
Yes…yes you do. And…I so love it, Lissysblog! PLEASE keep it up!
I agree with you, Lissysblog. The gossip is what will pull the masses in to see the film. It may not otherwise have been of interest to them but this is surely the magnet that’ll draw them.
Yaay! Yaay! The truth will (always) out in the end!
Well said lissysblog. I was going to call it “the Hook” but you said it first. For a lot of those people who are mainly interested in the celebrity (TMZ/Extra) angle on things (and there are a lot of those), some media sources will use the phone tapping of Nicole story to grab people’s attention and reel them in. It will lead to more and more people wanting to watch the documentary to get the rest of the story.
Thank you, Mike. Bravo! Yes, it’s just a beginning. It’s the beginning of the end.
“It’s the beginning of the end.” OMG MAYBE MY TWO REMAINING BOYS CAUGHT IN THE WHORLWIND OF LIES AND BRAINWASHING WILL COME HOME. (THE THIRD ONE, DEVIN, TOOK HIS OWN LIFE AFTER BEING GIVEN SOPHY’S CHOICE OF HIS BROTHERS OR HIS PARENTS.
That’s as real as it gets Richard, my heart goes out to you. I would love to hear your story as I’m sure, many others would. This is the ultimate illustration of the grave danger of disconnection. It’s psychological torture.
Richard, I am so sorry about the loss of your son to suicide and the others to disconnection. My heart goes out to you. David Miscavige is culpable and has blood on his hands. If he hadn’t given you son a Sophie’s Choice, he’d be alive today. I feel for you.
🙁
The end is near Richard.
Omigawd, that is so very sad, Richard. Our hearts go out to you.
Richard, your two remaining boys WILL COME HOME TO YOU! Every single person here grieves over the loss of your son! I wish that had been mentioned in the movie. Personally, I’m so very glad you post here. Your post that I’m replying to is what this CULT is all about: Evil.
Mike, Twitter was buzzing with #GoingClear all during the event, K-EARTH 101 FM Radio in Los Angeles was talking about the documentary this morning. 🙂
On March 16th, it’s going to be a national sensation when it airs on HBO. It’s going to be Sundance times 47! Straight up and vertical.
It’s going to make their silly Dead Agent-ing tactics appear even more slimy. It’s wonderful to see the vindictive, nasty sleaze that they are pouring out get witnessed by the world at large. And they can’t stop it. OMG. Their antiquated “Bible” insists that they Attack! Retread the lies. This is an amazing time to be alive.
Might as well dead agent Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and The Dalai Lama while they’re at it. The more they attack, the more they defend. Golly Beav, what’s wrong with this picture?
We are at the tipping point where things like “Freedom Mag” is only makining it worse for Miscavige. They have been in the bubble so long they have forgotten what it’s like to know when your being stupid.
Dave/Lawyers and fellow Sychophants:
It’s not working anymore. You don’t get it. This film is going to go viral. You cannot threaten all of mankind. The numbers of people who know the truth is huge. When you lie, it’s so obvious to all people.
The more you hate criticism (I don’t blame you really because to are a student of Ron’s) the more you come off as guilty.
You cannot turn the tide of PR. It’s finished. You are toast. You are all seen as a societal pariah that needs the cold light of day in court.
And, there will be more media coverage, more movies, more news specials, more celebrity defections, more articles written.
It has now become profitable to reveal Scientolgy’s dark side. The more you resist and sick “willing hounds” on critics, the deeper you dig your hole.
And Dave, you will go down in history as one sick puppy. The tsunami of press against you is just outside the front gate. No barbed wire or guards can prevail against what’s headed your way.
Dave – do your A-E steps!
No Michael … it’s do your F-U steps for Davey and his henchboys and henchgirls.
Maybe Monique Dingaling can also represent Tom, John and Krusty in a class action lawsuit against the world. Sounds like a great plot for the next Mission Implausible.
Thank you Mike, and all others who contributed to this priceless project. I have read, so far, about 20 reviews online and they are without exception, impressed and appreciative of the finished article. I just hope some of the “millions” of Scientologists around the world get to see it (“The millions of parishioners worldwide who do represent it were intentionally ignored.” – direct quote from Free-Dumb)
If there are millions, why the does the (allegedly) biggest org in my country sit 150 max in their auditorium? Why is Saint Hill no bigger than it used to be 25 years ago? And so on and so forth. I do like poking holes in their silly claims 😀
I like poking holes in their logic too. But cognitive dissonance is muddy and it fills up the holes quickly.
Thank you Mike! Kudos and standing ovation to you and the other 7. Sundance is another watershed moment, similar to the Truth Rundown.
Meanwhile, in Hollywoodland a few miles from Dear Leader’s Hollywood digs and dwarfed by the headlines from Sundance is this wonderful play happening:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Reviews-DISCONNECTION-A-Potent-Message-from-an-Ex-Scientologist-20150126#
Yes, do go see it.
Sinar, Michael Mallen, ‘Missionary Kid,’ as well as myself, went to the opening premier! The film is incredibly POWERFUL! For many of us, it was tough to watch because of our own accounts of disconnection. The actors were fantastic and the young man channeling the asthmatic dwarf nailed his character. This show is a MUST SEE!
OSD, why don’t you get a video clip of the actor portraying the dwarf and send it to Dave – wouldn’t want to deprive the cob of some culture, now would we?
Do you get HBO? Perhaps a party on the 16th at your pad.
A most exceptional idea, Michael! Sending the picture of the actor that channeled him to the dwarf would be outstanding! I’m going to check and see if Time/Warner cable gives me HBO.
🙂
Can hardly wait! Great comments, Mike.
So glad you were there to see the birth of this watershed moment and the spark that hopefully starts the fire to burn the whole wretched thing to the ground. I can’t wait to watch it in March on HBO and I am hosting a party if anyone wants to come.
I’m available.
I want to come and will be available.
Party time! OSD bring the beer.
Me too!!!
Me Three !
And where might this fine party be happening BBJane? You can let Mike know if you are keeping it off OSA lines!
Name a city, ANY city…
It might have to be at OSDs house. Do you have HBO Mr. Dude?
Inquiring minds want to know.
I think I might! But, if I don’t, I can get it! This movie will blow the doors off this evil cult!
Let’s do it OSD. Should be quite a party!