The recent article on the South African blog about the sad state of Capetown “ideal org” reminded me that it was time for an update on this most important of all scientology endeavors.
You no doubt recall the fanfare (in scientology this is a euphemism for high pressure sales pitch) with which this monumental, milestone strategy was launched back in 2003. It was based on David Miscavige’s “why” that unless orgs were “complete” they could not perform their functions and thus would fail. And that by putting “ideal orgs” there they would in turn create new groups, missions and other orgs, not to mention Narconons and WTH chapters and Applied Scholastics groups etc etc.
And, for the suckers dedicated public at the top of the bridge, it was a welcome relief to know that all they had to do to be allowed access to the fabled OT IX and X was “build every org to ideal” and no longer have to worry about the totally unreal target of “all orgs to St Hill size” (the original arbitrary Miscavige had put in place for the “release” of the non-existant “first true OT levels” in addition to the absurd “prerequisites”). St Hill size org announcements were slowing down, they required trained auditors for the Universe Corps and worse still, they required actual expansion. The “ideal orgs” was a wonderful plan as it made the “OT’s” responsible for achieving the target because they were told THEY were responsible for getting the money to build “their orgs” to “ideal.” If there was no OT IX and X it was now THEIR responsibility.
While Miscavige has continued to try to bullshit the world with his 47X international expansion and “greater than ever in history” and this is “the golden age of scientology” let’s take a minute to wake up and smell the coffee.
First, the undeniable FACT that after 12 YEARS there are only 39 “ideal orgs” out of a total of 133 (not counting Day and Fdn separately). That is 30%. And clearly, those are the easiest ones. If the same pace continued, the “ideal org strategy” will complete in 25 years — 2040. The “die-hard” public that hang around in these orgs awaiting the “golden age” (the only public most of them have) will have died hard long before then.
But, the rate of ideal org openings is on a steep decline. In the last YEAR there has been ONE “ideal org” opened (not counting the new carpets and paint in AOSHEU, ASHO and AOLA) — Sydney in MAY 2014. Not a new one in 9 months. The one before that was Taiwan in December 2013 and before that was Portland in May 2013. At this current rate of 1.5 per year, it will take 62 years to complete the existing orgs. That’s 2077. Even most of the kids of the die-hards will be gone by then.
Third, ONE “new org” has been opened during this time, Kaoihsuing, while at least 8 have been closed/”consolidated” (LA Fdn, ASHO Fdn, SHF, Copenhagen, CC Ldn, CC Dallas, CC LV, CC Ptl and maybe others I have forgotten). Based on that trend of a net loss of 7 orgs per decade, after 62 years there will be 90 orgs left in the “worldwide network.” Back to 1970’s levels.
Fourth, the Mission Network is SMALLER today than in 2003, so too every other “affiliated” organization NW. The reach of scientology tentacles into society have retracted like a sea anenome poked with a stick.
Fifth, this is a list of buildings that I know of off the top of my head that have been purchased and sit empty (like Capetown):
Auckland
Capetown
Bulawayo
Harare
Durban
Kansas City
Mountain View
Valley
San Diego
Albuquerque
Salt Lake
St Louis
New Haven
Boston
Atlanta
Miami
Philadelphia
Chicago
Detroit
Battle Creek
Harlem
Vancouver
Basel
Birmingham
Plymouth
Sunderland
Venezuela
Columbus
Brescia
Budapest
Milano
Novara
Stuttgart
Torino
Verona
Zurich
Port Elizabeth
Manchester
Montreal
Winnipeg
Bogata
Caracas
AO CLO AF
AO CLO Can
AO CLO Mexico
There may be others (list updated and completed thanks to a former honcho from the Int Landlord Office). They are an eyesore, a drain on local org resources and undeniable proof that this strategy has NOTHING to do with “clearing the planet.” It’s only purpose is “clearing the pocket” of the sheeple. I well remember the frantic actions to get a “fly through” done of the New Haven “ideal org” for Miscavige to show at an event in around 2005. And virtually every one of them has had the same treatment — computer generated “fly throughs” showing the magnificence of these “ideal orgs” and it is as real as Nancy Cartwright’s character. But it has served a purpose. It hypnotizes people into thinking they are seeing reality.
Miscavige’s brilliant strategy has not, after a dozen years, proven to be a “right why.” But it has proven to be a lucrative source of income. The coffers have swelled with cash and property investments. The promised expansion of scientology has not happened — it has continued to shrink. There are LESS orgs, LESS missions, LESS Narconons, LESS Applied Scholastics groups that when the strategy was implemented in 2003.
Those orgs that have been “ideal” for more than a decade continue to struggle to keep the lights on, let alone “flourish and prosper.”
The clubbed seals are hammered with pronouncements of “massive expansion” and even have graphs without numbers that “prove” one or another “ideal org” has expanded “since going ideal.” No doubt they increased their weekly WDAH from 0 to 10 with some people co-auditing on Objectives. They probably got some people in to watch films — not NEW public, but old public who were curious to see the new premises. But there is not a single org — not even Tampa which is like an FSO remora feeding on its cast offs and staffed by Flag public and their children — that can honestly demonstrate any expansion: Well paid staff. Any impact on their community. Any new Missions or groups as a result of their massive outreach into the community. Any volume of service completions that are not just a few random Purif or Objectives redos by “OT VII’s.”
Most are simply sad, empty buildings with the same few people who have been there for 10 or 20 years, going on hoping that the next big thing is going to bring them what they dream of.
Miscavige and his flock try to blame the media. Or the “squirrels.” Or the Psychs. Or Big Pharma. Or, or, or…
None of those things are better “why’s” than Miscavige’s ridiculous “the orgs are trying to do too little, we are doing away with gradients, it’s straight up and vertical” pitch that launched the sinking ship that has become the ideal org program.
They are wallowing in their own creation, whining about how they are being “attacked.”
What a terrible existence to be so unthinking, unanalytical and unconscious — while asserting to the world that scientology gets them to “think for themselves,” teaches them “logic,” and makes them more aware and conscious.
It’s like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Or a pulp science fiction story.
Espiritu says
Well Mike, thank you for continuing to post the statistics of this organization including its long term statistics.
Someone bubble dweller lurking here who is new to the scene might legitimately be forgiven for getting the idea that you are making this stuff up, but anyone who has been around the organization for a few decades has no excuse if their memory is intact and they are confronting what they most certainly have observed ….unless they have made a conscious decision not see “certain things”.
For anyone who may have done the above to themselves, a remedy for that affliction might be to simply acknowledge that you have seen what you see. Observe what you have obviously observed. Count. Do the math (yourself). Don’t accept any implanted false memories which contradict your own memories.
Jens TINGLEFF says
Copenhagen is getting a lick of paint on the outside, last I checked (Dec 2014).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jensting/16194206185/
Al Brown says
Mike,
It is late in the day and I am just getting to my computer but I am commenting anyway. I haven’t read any of the other comments so I hope I am not repeating what anyone else has said.
But I think your article here is one of your best. You nailed it down perfectly. I feel compelled to gush forth lots of agreement and thoughts about this but after I take a couple of deep breaths I realize that I can’t add anything to what you have already written. It does make me realize how important truth really is and part of that is being familiar with things. The ability to observe and see what is really there is very valuable and you do that here.
The church scene reminds me that above 3.0 on the tone scale is living and below that marker is dying. 3.0 is the demarcation point. Taking people’s hopes and dreams, where parishioners give those things, which is part of their life force, and turning those hopes and dreams into boarded up buildings has nothing to do with creating happiness or bettering lives for anyone. The church game is such a swindle. I saw people helped by the church in the past. Times have changed.
We see houses boarded up all across the US where investors have bought a bunch of them. COB’s game is the same. It is just investment.
Mike, the next time you paint your house and add new carpet give me a ring and I will come and “yank the ribbon” on your “Ideal House”.
Beryl says
As one who used to get auditing at the St. Louis Org. in the 1980’s, the idea of building an ideal organization there made no sense. That organization was struggling back then, and no doubt it was doing no better in 2003, when COB decided all these cities needed shiny, empty new buildings. No wonder St. Louis is going nowhere with its new building.
zephfyrus says
“were not displayed”
zephfyrus says
Back when I new into SCn and only sipping the Kool-Aid, I actually wrote a letter uplines and asked about the labels on the x and y axis on the graphs shown at events. I was replied that these were dispalyed for the benefit of the enemies of SCn.
Michael Mallen says
“One of the most important variables in whether an enterprise remains great lies in a simple question: what is the truth about the inner motivations, character, and ambition of those who hold power? Their true, internal motivations will absolutely show up in their decisions and actions – if not immediately, then over time, and certainly under duress – no matter what they say or how they pose. And thus, we turn full circle to a central tenet of Covey’s framework: build inner character first, private victory before public victory.”
Jim Collins
Introduction to Stephen Covey’s ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’
McCarran says
Thanks Michael. I love this.
Michael Mallen says
You’re welcome McCarran. When I read it, a light went on and felt the urge to post it. Glad you liked it.
cindy says
Mike I love it!” “And thus, we turn full circle to a central tenet of Covey’s framework: build inner character first, private victory before public victory ” Great words to live by.
Jose Chung says
HBO will show “Going Clear” on March 16 to 24,000,000. HBO viewers.
Scientology at best has 45,000. in the World.
McCarran says
The big question is, how many of those still IN will watch it and cry uncle.
The next big question is, will it cause anyone who has any power to do some investigating for 501c3 violations or some such (pick an abuse, any abuse).
Ed Kette says
Mike, is there any possibility for DM to serve some time in prison?
John Locke says
Ed, there is a teeny, tiny possibility due to Inurement. But, not likely as it would probably just be a fine. Other than that? You’ll be hit by lightning 1st. A couple of times.
McCarran says
My answer is no. There are too many people who would take the fall for him if it got close to that.
cindy says
Just out of curiosity are there any Mormons or Ex-Mormons reading the blog? I ask because I wonder what their church does with the 10% tithing that church members must pay to the church? Does the church upon receiving that money have to record it and keep an accounting of what comes in and what it is spent on, a sort of paper trail? Or because they are a church, is there no reporting done? I’m trying to figure out if our church is the only one where they bring in donations and never have to report where they funneled them to or what they bought with that money.
Doigo says
He’ll do as much jail time as LRH did for Snow White.
Cat Daddy says
Notice the choiche of music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QedE3jhs-NU
Cat Daddy says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjW3H9GzPXM
Mike Rinder says
Niels — sometimes you come up with some real gems. Other times, not so much. But this is one of your better ones.
Sammy says
It just came to me! David Miscavige’s Ideal Org failure is Blobbyland!
Just Google Image Blobbyland for the sad before and after visual of the mind and plans of the leader of nothing, Mr Narcissism, Miss Cabbage.
Still on your side says
When there are large numbers of buildings bought that are not developed and are crumbling, the first question a financial investigator asks is, “Has there been fraud?” With a potential, global, real estate swindle of such huge proportions (hundreds of millions of dollars), no wonder the Russian government believes the Russian Scientologists are involved in an ongoing Russian real estate scandal.
Michael Stamm says
Can someone tell me what the EPS of OT9 ad OT10 are. I want to understand the product being offered in this deal. Much appreciated.
Mike Rinder says
They have never been publicly stated, though OT IX is called “Orders of Magnitude” and OT X is called “Character.” Draw your own conclusions from that.
I Yawnalot says
A gargantuanly nice person perhaps?
Steph says
You had me at “fail”. Great post. Thank you.
The more the Cult fails, the more the other 7 billion of us win.
McCarran says
🙂
scicrit says
I revisited the Plymouth ‘Ideal Org’ building on the 8th of February 2015, looked around and took a number of digital photographs. My observations are recorded in this post https://scicrit.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/plymouth-ideal-org-revisited/
The building was bought in 2010 and has laid empty since then. The only recent activity has been to cut back plants which were growing into the old façade and damaging it. However, this seems to have been for appearance sake. The flat roof of a more recent extension around the back is in a poor state and visibly deteriorating.
Since my last visit, the homeless men who occupied the loading bay have been excluded by a solid gate, and here is also a puzzling item parked in the loading bay…
Kent Bengtsson says
If I am not wrong most of these buildings are bought and renovated by the local public (their money) but the Ideal Orgs are not then owned by the local Org, but by the Int Landlords Office, who now wants rent for the building they were given.
Am I wrong?
In Dog I Trust says
That has got to be the most fitting and creepiest photograph of a $cientology building I’ve ever seen. It truly looks like a house of horrors.
hgc10 says
I would like to see CSI start selling off all the empty idle orgs, and then demand the field raise money to buy new ones. Only because it would be funny.
McCarran says
I believe that is exactly what is happening in San Diego.
dankoon says
Hmmmm. I will will bet that the DC org’s premises were far from ideal in the 1970s when they delivered 1200 WDAH per week, had 200 people in the Academy and had 50 new starts per week in Div 6. In his typical Ralph Kramden “I got it!” blinding insight style, DM has once again proven himself the master manager, the Leader of Leaders (“and I’ve met them all”) and the man who has kept himself and his lawyers living very comfortable lifestyles. One day, and probably sooner than later, that is going to end and no matter where DM hightails it to there will be an OT VIII whale who feels betrayed. My prediction for what it’s worth.
Doug Parent says
Hey Tom Cruise, the San Diego Org was situated in a huge old house near Balboa Park in the late 70’s. Place was jammed. People were doing practicals under stairwells. Someone was getting Book One in the bathroom overlooking the back yard on the 3rd floor. Your buddy Miscavige has reigned over the biggest Scientology melt down in history. Score card buddy. The San Diego Org as of last saturday night had ten cars in the parking lot, and yeah the staff park there too. “I’ve met them all” Yup you have. Now you can say you met the sociopath that helped take down your religion.
Zephyr says
Great post Mike!
A wrong why is a wrong why is a wrong why is a wrong why…
Viewed on the level of the first dynamic a C/S wound be very amiss to go on hoping, On
the 3rd dynamic it is now ‘business as usual’, going nowhere.
Definitely in the twilight zone….
Greta
Tommy J says
By the time the remaining Orgs go Ideal, the Ideal Orgs won’t be Ideal any more. whew, I’m getting confused
Espiando says
By the time the remaining Orgs go Ideal, the universe will have experienced heat death.
Tommy J says
May we both live so long Espiando
Hallie Jane says
Great synopsis Mike, your care with the specifics is so helpful. Even the statement “ideal org strategy” makes me cringe because it’s an oxymoron, because it’s a lie. Here’s the real strategy:
Get rid of or dev-t to death all the senior tech staff with gag.
Capriciously invalidate en masse, clear adjudication and the clear state.
Rewrite LRH materials with invalidation of previous study.
Give large, stupid, general, 3D whys to add confusion.
Force imbalance of mass and significance with the “basics” fiasco.
Force en masse abandonment of the actual bridge to do the “basics”. (a misnomer really)
Torture SO members with human rights violations, denial of food/sleep, familial connections.
Work staff to death with criminal exchange.
Extort huge sums from the parishioners amassing huge real estate holdings, a huge slush fund and dm’s sheik lifestyle.
Boldly lie, obfuscate, fabricate, prevaricate, pretend unrelentingly.
Invalidate help.
Violate the constitutional right to privacy by invading all dynamics with hubris and humiliation.
Deny staff and public quality auditing and training by compulsive change, ridiculous overlong runways, capricious prerequisites, suppressive pricing, altered tech and shitty service.
Hype, waste, hype, waste, hype, waste, hype, waste.
Common decency and common sense thrown out the window.
I could go on…….
cindy says
Wow, you hit every nail on the head and covered it all, Hallie Jane! And don’t forget no mass on the BC since they took out all auditing reqs until you get to the last level. So you drown in the wall of tapes with no mass to balance it…. but wait! I forgot that there no longer is a BC at all. The missing outpoint, the not there outpoint, one of the hardest to spot. I mean ASHO with no BC is a huge missing outpoint!
Subreption says
Nicely stated. The real strategy. It is odd for me to sometimes see the pictures of people fundraising, buying new statuses, attending events and OTC meetings. Like the LA Christmas Wise event. Too many seem to be playing this game, still.
But then Mike puts out another article like this and it reminds me of what is happening in the big picture.
These articles and our comments will not convince those who are still in of course, but they are especially powerful for those looking. And there are still many of those. Not yet out but looking.
Hallie Jane’s list above, to those looking, tells a true story, as does the main article.
Just the fundraising is enough to make you pause. Just that. And the results, the entire outcome of all this fundraising, is described in Mike’s article above. Eleven years of this, at least. And how many orgs done, and how many of them actually successful? What a tragic waste of resources and willing intent.
All done specifically against the wishes of the man who started this whole subject.
John Doe says
Very well said. Your writing is getting stronger and better all the time.
DollarMorgue says
I guess the KCET studios are still empty, and wasn’t there some former auditory lab in Australia purchased for gazillions?
The real point is that an org was redefined from “terminals and lines” to “pretty real estate”. It’s fine. The end isn’t near enough, but it’s not far off either.
John Locke says
For decades I’ve wondered what form it would take at the “end”.
From day 1 of the S.O. Hubbard set it up to suck the money out of the “field” and amass it under whomever controlled that “religious order”. When you look at it, it is pretty ingenious. Left with the duty of perpetuating LRH’s lie about the OT levels he has figured out how to suck the money out of the flock without having to expose that betrayal by El Con..
Dan Locke says
I just thought I should say “hello”, cousin! (Or uncle, or ancestor…) Aside from myself, I have known an Eric Locke in Scn, and a Bonnie, and my brother Dave was in for a while. Are you a light “Locke” on the chain? (I have thought about changing my name to Pleasuremoment but never carried through with it…)
FOTF2012 says
So. Doing away with gradients, and going straight up and vertical!
That can work if you are launching a rocket from Cape Canaveral.
But when all you really have is a pitiful little biplane where many parts don’t even work, all you do is lose lift and stall out.
To use Hubbard language, you “come a cropper.”
Paul Burkhart says
One more….AO CLO Latam.
Potpie says
Miscavige’s new “why” will be the org public…..not contributing to the upkeep of these empty buildings.
It is the blind leading the blind on the ideal org front. If people really want OT 9 & 10 they need to not
only give money but they need to give their time to keep these empty buildings in good condition. Instead of
central files parties, OTC’s need to organize public renovation groups to clean up these eyesores until such time that these same downstat parishioners can come up with money to complete the building and open them.
It is of course their building (ha ha)…..responsibility needs to be taken.
I have come up with my own why…..a wide sweeping monumental why…..Miscavige is a tiny little prick.
Wow for some reason I feel better….can I now attest to something??
Paul Burkhart says
Not bad for listing off the top of your head Mike. Here are the other cities on Scientology’s list of empty purchased buildings, as of 2013.
Columbus
Brescia
Budapest
Milano
Novara
Stuttgart
Torino
Verona
Zurich
Port Elizabeth
Manchester
Montreal
Winnipeg
Bogata
Caracas
Valencia
AO CLO AF
AO CLO Can
and a host of Able, Narconon, ‘social betterment’ buildings purchased in the last couple years.
Mike Rinder says
Ah thanks Paul. From someone who really knows! I think the only duplicate is Valencia that they now (and do did I) call “Venezuela.” Adding these to the list now.
hohotai says
San Diego should not be on that list. They purchased a building around 2008, let it sit idle and deteriorate for years, then sold it in 2013 for about what they had paid for it. CSI was the seller.
McCarran says
So, CSI made their money off of all those that in good faith donated to that building? What did CSI do with the money after the building was sold? So, this is what CSI is going to do with all the Ideal Orgs that sit empty? Sell them and pocket the money? I guess I should take away the question marks.
John Locke says
McCarran, you shouldn’t be surprised. Ripping off the public has been part of SCN since WAY back. Written into policy by El Con. I remember way back (before DM was in charge) when a Flag public went for his NOTS. Did 8 intensives and was REALLY VBI’s. Upon investigation it turned out that his auditor had not run NOTs on the guy but stuff of his own invention. All the while false reporting to the C/S. The public wanted his 8 NOTS intensives credited so he could get NOTS. No deal. That is against El Con’s PL’s. The guy had to eat the cost and pay all over again.
Criminality written into Church policy by the great and powerful El Con
McCarran says
Yea, John Locke, I agree and I’m not surprised. I was attempting to be snarky.
Also, I am also a victim of the church’s expensive “mistaken” or unnecessary programming.
John Locke says
You and too many others McCarran 🙁
Tony DePhillips says
Nailed it!
Jose Chung says
Oh My God, this is a disaster.
Not fit for Zombies.
SILVIA says
Brilliant strategy from the angle of filling his coffers as, in reality, he does not really care about staff, public, people in general. Money may provide a sense of “security”, of brand new cars, new english polished shoes, and the last suit’s fashion thus, his best friend can see how wealthy and well dressed he is.
While this facade is going on, he may constantly be looking at his back, fearful someone is following him or would attack him; and this same fear prompts him to attack (‘defend’ from his viewpoint).
Let the flock play the game of orgs, and purifs, and GAT, while he plays his own uncaring game. Horrid.
thegman77 says
I would not be in his sandals for all his money x 10. He has to suspect every single one of the people around him. His armed “security” guards are most likely paid *very* highly to prevent them from taking bribes from others…and even then he can never be absolutely sure. Fear is his constant companion and all the McCallan in the world won’t make it go away.
I Yawnalot says
Indeed. Simple pleasures & activities such as going to Kmart for something trivial or to mindlessly check out new products on the Walmart or Home Depot shelves, let alone catch a flick on the big screen after mall food are all things captain miscavige can never again experience. He’s a marked man in his own mind let alone the real world where genuine threats abound for him.
But he’s insane, that is his comfort if you could call it that.
Trying to analyse his behaviour is best done in generalities and dare I say it, refer to Hubbard texts for a full rundown on his predictable personality/behaviour.
The ones who would turn up distressed at his funeral are the next generation nut cases. Me, if I had the opportunity I’d go to his funeral if the situation arose – I’d have great day, popcorn and all but I’d want proof he’s dead though – he’s a slippery one.
Espiando says
Yawn, I wouldn’t be satisfied with proof that he’s dead. I would demand to pound the stake into his heart, stuff his mouth with garlic, and cut off his head myself. Of course, we’d have to hold a lottery for that honor. We should make enough from that to give a good stipend to the Sea Borg that are left.
I Yawnalot says
If a group engram ever needed to run out it’s the Scientology organisation itself.
I see people commenting on this blog and others who have never been in an academy roll call book who have more understanding and application of Hubbard policy than the church does, mind boggling, truly mind boggling.
Whichever way you view it the only real stats of the Cof$ is criminals made, money fleeced and no responsibility installed. IMHO being a member of the RCS should now be viewed as an accomplice to organised crime.
zana says
Wow. Well said. “…an accomplice to organized crime.” Yes. You’re right.
flyonthewall says
Scientology’s cash and real estate are like gold bars in a drowning man’s pockets that he refuses to discard even as they drag him down into the abyss.
thegman77 says
“…. it is as real as Nancy Cartwright’s character.” Utterly cracked me up, Mike. I keep thinking that being “the voice” of some cartoon is simply not enough for Nancy’s deformed ego. Being a successful voice over artist doesn’t give her the visibility she needs. Thus becoming the Grande Dame of the Valley is her substitute. And THAT specious title is costing her millions. How very, very sad.
Idle Morgue says
Fascinating to watch. Here is the game now. The Cities that have Ideal Org Building’s purchased but not renovated are squeezing the last dimes out of members.
“Being Broke”, Filing BK, homes foreclosed and “giving everything” is the expected state of awareness in Scientology. The “boots in the sky” implant has served David Miscavige well. IN fact, after he reads this post – he probably will revive the “boots in the sky” promo amongst the clubbed seals.
The buildings sit vacant whether they are renovated or not. IF they are empty, it is a total liability for the Org. They will continue to pay real estate taxes each year, lighting and heating etc not to mention dealing with the graffiti and other nuisance costs of having vacant property for 7-8 years. Properties dwindle and deteriorate faster when no people occupy them.
Each City has one or two OT’s that take on the “game of making the Ideal Org” a reality. They fund raise and end up going broke themselves to get enough money together so Slappy can keep the “show on the road”.
I watched two BIG OT’s come to town with their “assumed identity of bigness” and buy a huge house – take on a huge mortgage and within one year – refinance the home to pull out all of their equity in it – $150,000. Yep, you guessed it – soon thereafter it was announced that they became HUMANITARIANS with HONORS. Which means, they not only gave $100,000 – but they got more…just enough to seat them at a Table of their own so they can bask in their OTness….LOL
When the Buildings sit vacant, the Church of Scientology will not get their tax exemption until they occupy the building. Many have been fined and cited for other problems; graffiti, boarding up windows etc.
The members are all broke and pretending they are VGI’s about this whole scam that has been going on now for 8 years….and the buildings sit vacant whether they are renovated or not.
A few people trickle in but more people slither out and hide behind the radar until they decompress.
THAT is the Ideal Org Campaign and Scientology today.
Old Surfer Dude says
+1 Excellent post, Idle!
Al Brown says
Dude! Nice comment Idle Morgue.
hgc10 says
Does “Going Clear” doc deal with the subject of the Ideal Org program? I know that Scientology is a target-rich environment and the Wright/Gibney team has a limited amount of time to take their shots. But, this topic is so elegant in its simplicity in explaining con — the collection of vast sums for absolutely nothing in return.
Mike Rinder says
Yes, it does. Quickly, but effectively.
Gary Johnson says
very profoundly sad……And these few remaining stalwarts of Scn that continue to fight the non-existent fight will soon “crack”. Or start hiding behind lawyers and accountants in mass hoping and praying the media does not come for them
Sonya Bianca says
Mike, there is an error in your post. The picture is labelled as Birmingham Ideal Org, but it is the Gateshead (Sunderland) Ideal Org, as covered in this BBC story http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-26936135
Mike Rinder says
Thanks Sonya. Will correct this. Oddly Birmingham looks v similar…
Martin Padfield says
Mike – an excellent synopsis of the current scene – thanks.
Sonya – an excellent article on Sunderland “Ideal Org” I hadn’t seen before – especially this:
At the last census there were 2,418 Scientologists in England and Wales
That is slightly more than the number of Satanists, but many fewer than the number of people claiming to be Jedi Knights
There were over 33 million Christians, 2.7 million Muslims and nearly 14 million people of no religion
The census found there were just 62 Scientologists in the North East, where Satanists outnumbered them
In the same region there were 1.75 million Christians and about 600,000 people of no religion
There were about 25,000 Scientologists in the US in 2008 according to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS)
That represents more than a 50% decline since 2001, when there were 55,000, according to the survey
Old Surfer Dude says
And it’s just going to get what??? WORSE! When they can’t even keep their OTC minutes from the critics sites, they’re doomed. DOOMED I TELL YOU! Stick a fork in them. They’re done.
cindy says
“There were about 25,000 Scientologists in the US in 2008 according to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS)
That represents more than a 50% decline since 2001, when there were 55,000, according to the survey” Wow Martin, thank you so much for finding the actual statistics of number of members. It is even worse than I thought. I wish the KA Drinkers could see your figures here.
Cooper Kessel says
I just want to know when the party is going to start OSD. I happened to visit an UTR friend recently and I’m telling you, she knows how to cook so we can expand on the festivities assuming I can talk her into attending the event!
John Locke says
Around 1985 ASHO/AOLA finished cleaning up their America’s ADDO list. This consisted of any person who had ever done a Div 4 service in any Org or Mission in the Western Hemisphere. It had about 75,000 good names. So, the 55K number from 2001 was probably way over reality at the time.
TrevAnon says
“Or a pulp science fiction story.”
Heh. Fits neatly with the founder of COS.
DollarMorgue says
The organisation is withering in a cesspool of its own toxicity. It’s good to be out, sad to be in and a slave to the road to freedom. Perhaps once enough “SPs” have been “deleted” from the environment, scientologists and their orgs will turn upon each other in one last, vicious gasp of illusory domination.
cindy says
Yes, so true, Mike and Dollar Morgue. One of your best articles, Mike. “What a terrible existence to be so unthinking, unanalytical and unconscious — while asserting to the world that scientology gets them to “think for themselves,” teaches them “logic,” and makes them more aware and conscious.”
Espiando says
I like watching Scientologists, including Indies, trying to use logic. It’s like watching a two-year-old trying to use power tools: it’s all going to go horribly wrong.
DollarMorgue says
Perhaps you’d like to show the two-year-old’s how its done?
Incidentally, not so much a point of logic as a simple observation for anyone interested:
If OTVII were all it’s made out to be (shifting the “entheta/theta ratio” on planet Earth, which sounds like a massive, massive, massively huge whopping contribution to mankind), don’t you think you’d hear more about OTVIIs and that they would be regarded much more highly than they are? Instead, you only ever hear this said at events, and perhaps in crush regging sessions. So much for warriors of the universe. The “church” belies its grandiose words by its lack of action at every – single – turn.
zemooo says
With Sea bOrg missions to far flung places like Scotland (hello HAPI) and London and Copenhagen to snatch ‘customers’ for services at Clearwater, the self digestion of the scampire has not already begun, but is in full swing. Sacramento poaches ‘customers’ from Portland, Portland poaches ‘customers’ from Vancouver. The pecking order is very much in place and woe unto anyone who tries to upset that apple cart.
DollarMorgue says
I meant in personal relations, at a one-on-one level. The organisation has been devouring itself since forever (think AOSH UK and Flag tours). Sociopaths and bullies have been feeding off the more naive and well-intentioned staff and public.
I’m waiting for the day when it is finally everyone against everyone inside the bubble as a simple result of the culture.