• Home
  • About Me
  • Mission Statement
  • Welcome Message
  • Open Letter to My Family
  • Donate
  • Contact Me

Mike Rinder's Blog

Something Can Be Done About It

  • All Posts
  • Disconnection
  • Idle Orgs
  • IAS
  • Media
  • Books
  • Fundraising
  • Regraded Being

Scientology ALWAYS Comes First

October 12, 2019 By Mike Rinder 23 Comments

Here is a perfect example of why scientologists cannot be trusted in positions where they are supposed to act in the public interest.

Paris Morfopolous is the poster child of a fundamentalist scientologist. He has been a scientology business owner that has relied on scientologists’ patronage in downtown Clearwater for decades. He is the head of Clearwater’s Downtown Development Board. Tony Ortega’s article describing Morfopolous’ rant against Mark Bunker at the most recent DDB meeting tells the most recent story of his dedication to following the dictates of L. Ron Hubbard.

With the recent election (the only people eligible to vote for membership on this board are those who own land in a proscribed area of downtown Clearwater dominated by scientology and scientologists), Mr. Marfopolous now shares the board with 3 other scientologists — forming a majority. This is a first in Clearwater, and almost certainly in the world (if anyone knows of any other elected board dominated by scientology I would be curious to hear).

The latest tempest in a teacup began when one of the other scientologists on the board (Ray Cassano) claimed that you can be a scientologist and a christian and that most scientologists are christian. This is a PR line scientology tries to run to make themselves seem “normal.” I discussed this in an earlier post: Can Scientologists be Christians or Jews Too?

Simply, this “I am a scientologist and a christian” is a lie.

Scientology relies on the fact that the casual observer does not understand what they are about or how they go about their business. Unfortunately for the scientologists on the DDB, Mark Bunker does understand and he called Cassano out.

I also did an earlier post about why scientologists lie: Why Do Scientologists Lie?

And there is a third very relevant posting to this subject which describes what transpired next: Dealing with Critics of Scientology — the L. Ron Hubbard Playbook.

What is described in this posting is exactly what rolled out. Calling out a scientologist in public is seen as an act of war. It must not go unpunished or unresponded to.

So, Mr. Morfopolous took the time, going outside the agenda and the normal protocols of such meetings, to read a prepared statement about Mark Bunker. It seems that because he was running the meeting, he could do whatever he wanted. The statement is typical scientology “Dead Agent” propaganda, most likely prepared for him by OSA. He compared Mark Bunker calling out Cassano’s lies to Hitler persecuting the Jews. This is a favorite ploy of scientology — to claim victimhood and accuse anyone calling them out as being “bigots” and haters and quickly following the law of Godwin.  Paris even claimed “I did not seek him out” — though he did get himself elected to a public board and allowed what he knew to be a lie to be told by one of his other board members and now claims victim status when the lie is exposed. And he did in fact seek him out to call Mark Bunker a pedophile on the street 20 years ago.  He labelled Bunker a “professional bigot” who “follows children”… This is all very predictable scientology tactics. You can find endless websites with the same sort of diatribes about me, Leah and anyone else who has ever spoken out about scientology’s lies and abuses. Paris even lumped the Tampa Bay Times in as part of the “hate campaign” against all scientologists. Remember, this is a response to Bunker exposing the lie stated by Ray Cassano in the earlier meeting.

Paris asked what would happen if this you substituted Jews for scientologists in his effort to equate this act of brazen persecution with the Holocaust.  A more relevant question would be: What if a random citizen had taken their 3 minutes for public comment and complained that the Mayor had lied about something? And even proved that he HAD lied. You can bet they would have been thanked for their comments and moved on to the next commenter.  It would not be turned into a huge deal.

But scientologists cannot do that.

They lie. If someone calls them on their lie, they HAVE to attack. It is what L. Ron Hubbard dictates.

Whether their action is good for the city of the citizens of Clearwater has no bearing on the matter. It is what Hubbard says to do — so it is what scientologists do.

No protocol, rules or even laws constrain scientologists when it comes to following what Hubbard says. The interests of scientology will ALWAYS come first.

Scientologists absolutely believe what is good for scientology is good for everyone, whether the non-scientologists know it or not. Scientologists know they are superior beings (because Hubbard told them so) and they alone understand what is good for people — even if those people don’t yet see it themselves.

No scientologist can ever put the interests of the city, or the citizens before the interest of scientology. It is precisely for this reason that they cannot be good elected representatives.

And it is precisely for this reason why the City of Clearwater needs Mark Bunker on the city council. Someone who knows scientology’s moves and motives. Someone who recognizes their lies and understands their policies.

Go to his website Markbunker.com, let’s get him elected.

Share this...
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

Filed Under: Clearwater, Scientology Tagged With: Clearwater City Council, Clearwater Florida, Downtown Development Board, Mark Bunker, Paris morfopolous, public relations, Ray Cassano, Scientology

Comments

  1. Gracie says

    October 12, 2019 at 10:27 pm

    The good citizens of Clearwater could have easily rid themselves of Scientology headquarters decades ago. And it could still be done today.
    How you may ask?
    Simply rename the city Xenuville.

    Reply
    • Old Surfer Dude says

      October 13, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      Gracie, can Xenuville be made to glow in the dark? I’m sure the cult members would enjoy it.

      Reply
  2. OTD-OUTTHEDOOR says

    October 12, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    I just watched Mark Bunker’s video of the meeting followed by Bunker’s commentary. Bunker for City Council! Cassano, or whatever his name is, looks pathetic with his DA attempt.

    Reply
  3. Annie Oakley says

    October 12, 2019 at 7:15 pm

    Preposterous! Can they not see how ridiculous they look when they do stuff like this? I hope it backfires on him! Rooting for you Mark!

    Reply
  4. George M White says

    October 12, 2019 at 7:15 pm

    Original OT VIII was totally anti-Christian. Hubbard declared that he acted in the role of Lucifer in the creation of Scientology. These Scientologists are simply deluded.

    Reply
    • BKmole says

      October 12, 2019 at 8:28 pm

      I just donated. Mark deserves support. Thanks Mike for encouraging us to support Mark. It’s easy to donate and that is so important for Mark to win and help Clearwater make their city safe from Scientology.

      Reply
      • Mike Rinder says

        October 12, 2019 at 9:54 pm

        Thank you so much. Yes, it is easy and it is also important.

        Reply
  5. Karen de la Carriere says

    October 12, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    My friend HelluvaHoax said it exactly and precisely~~~

    If 68 years of historical records are to be believed, it is very clear indeed which unwritten policies are the most senior in all of the theta theme park known as ScientologyWorld. In order of seniority. . .

    #1: Always do what is the greatest good for the supreme leader of Scientology.​
    ​
    #2: Always do what is the greatest good for the Church of Scientology’s legal status.​
    ​
    #3: Always do what is the greatest good for the Church of Scientology’s financial status.​
    ​
    #4: Always do what is the greatest good for the Church of Scientology’s PR status.​
    ​
    #5: Always do what is the greatest bad for anyone who in any way impedes, criticizes and/or exposes the above.​
    ​
    #6: Always extract the greatest amount of money and time from parishioners before they blow, by giving them the greatest good gimmicks (including but not limited to giving them “wins”, giving them amends projects, giving them tech estimates, giving them com evs, giving them non-enturbulation orders, giving them ruins to handle, giving them terroristic threats to cancel their “eternity” and/or giving them other fair treatment under the provisions of the Fair Game policies.)​
    ​
    #7: Always do the greatest PR to try to lamely patch up the horrific public reactions to all of the above, by pretending the above unwritten policies do not exist. Instead, substitute the greatest “acceptable truths” (and other “Big Lies”) about what Scientology’s goals are, by using the “greatest adjectives” possible, such as “humanitarian”, “spiritual” and “religious”.​

    Reply
    • KatherineINCali says

      October 12, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      Karen, this is an outstanding post! The truth is quite ugly.

      Reply
      • Karen de la Carriere says

        October 12, 2019 at 8:52 pm

        Katherine <3

        Reply
  6. Zee Moo says

    October 12, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    I see some sort of tax scam going on here. The owners of downtown property pay a special tax to this board who spends it how?

    Ok, the ‘Development Board’ only disbursed a little less then 300k, but who oversees that spending? You can buy a lot of Way to Happiness or Human Rights pamphlets with that money. Yeah, that will improve downtown. And Clams will bet a 10% kickback from that process.

    Reply
    • Kev says

      October 12, 2019 at 11:47 pm

      Zee Moo – the Scientologists on this downtown development board will spend ALL of the money donating every last dime to Scientology and The Way to Happiness for booklets to be passed out in Columbia.
      That way Clearwater Downtown Development board can say they helped clear Columbia of all crimes.
      Duh! Everyone knows that!
      LOL

      Reply
  7. Glenn says

    October 12, 2019 at 12:46 pm

    In the video between Mark and Paris it was obvious the latter was reading a script. Kind of like
    Mark was doing too. It made me wonder how Paris knew before hand to have that script ready. And yes, sure it sounded like OSA, not Paris, had written it. But again. How could either of them have known what Mark was going to say and thus have their “attack, never defend” response ready? Any idea Mike?

    Lastly, the event clearly demonstrated Paris’s favor (maybe prejudice) for Scientology. If I were a citizen of CW I’d be wondering if he was fit to truly serve.

    Reply
    • Imaberrated says

      October 12, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      Tony’s idea that he may have been emboldened by the Scientology majority could account for dropping this bombshell now. It could also be a coincidence. Maybe OSA only just then had the statement ready. They would have been working on it.

      You can’t let the “evil” Mark Bunker get away with what he says! Personally, I think he’s a charmer!

      Reply
  8. OmegaPaladin says

    October 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    I think one of the interesting counter-examples is Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He was also motivated by religion in all of his political life. However, most religions are not totalitarian in the same way as Scientology. People can disagree on policy without being heretical. There is room for persuasion of the religious political leader that X is a better policy, since Christianity (and most other religions) are in

    The closest religious parallel to Scientology in the political realm is Salafi Islam. If the people in the Prophet’s day did it, we must do it. Some of them even refuse to kill with guns since the Prophet used a sword. Similarly, nothing can go beyond the word of Hubbard. There is no room for debate on nearly any issue.

    Reply
  9. Cindy says

    October 12, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    I read and viewed the video of that meeting and was stunned by what Marfopolous said. He read from a prepared statement and not only what he said was shocking, but it was how he said it. This man is in the wrong line of work. It was an award winning performance! It was truly heart breaking to see someone sitting at a position of authority to blatantly say bold faced lies against another person. Although I’m aware that lying for scientologists comes as easy as falling off a chair, to see it with a face (and not from some scientologist executive) was really disturbing.
    Mr. Bunker handled it with his usual calm demeanor. I donated to his campaign a short while back, and I don’t even live in his state. But I want him to know that he has a lot of support. I also wondered if Marfopolous could be ousted from serving? He is not to be trusted under any circumstances!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      October 12, 2019 at 3:23 pm

      Cindy, do you want to use an initial after your name or something or a number like 2 to differentiate between you and I? I am also Cindy

      Reply
      • Kronomex says

        October 12, 2019 at 4:57 pm

        I am Cindy as…no wait…I’m Brian. No, I’m Brian and so’s my wife…

        Reply
      • Annie Oakley says

        October 12, 2019 at 7:13 pm

        That would be nice as I know there are two Cindys posting here and I always wonder which it is – are you Cindy T who is the one with the two kids who are on staff/ in the S.O. and disconnected from you ?

        Reply
        • Cindy says

          October 12, 2019 at 9:59 pm

          I’m the original Cindy and they broke the mold after me! And unfortunately yes, the bastards took my kids from me.

          Reply
  10. KatherineINCali says

    October 12, 2019 at 12:27 pm

    Morfopolous’s rant about Mark Bunker was so full of bullshit. They never realize how foolish they look. He’s a clown; a delusional moron; a liar.

    Everyone needs to do all they can to get Bunker elected. Unfortunately, I can’t vote. But anyone who can, should. Not only would it be great for Clearwater, it would piss off Miscavige something awful. That’s a bonus for sure!

    Reply
  11. Cat W. says

    October 12, 2019 at 10:59 am

    I hope it backfires as much with the actual voters (in the election Mark is running in) as it would have backfired with me. I might be inclined, as a voter, to be concerned about a “one-issue” candidate in most analogous situations. (Not saying Mark is truly one issue. Just saying my general inclination as a voter.) But the Scientologist office-holders have just demonstrated incontrovertibly that there is no analogous situation, and that Scientology’s involvement in and influence over Clearwater’s governance is a huge liability that needs immediate correction. So if I were a Clearwater voter, those tactics would have just clinched my vote for Mark, even if I’d been uncertain beforehand.

    Just hoping that I’m in the middle of the bell curve in that respect when it comes to this election.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Scientology Has Bought Clearwater says:
    October 20, 2019 at 9:51 am

    […] Scientology ALWAYS Comes First […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Order now hardback or audiobook

Order an Autographed Copy
Click Here to Donate

Important Articles

Dealing With Scientology Critics - L Ron Hubbard Playbook
The Real Story About Disconnection
To Speak Or Not To Speak
Shelly Miscavige Guarded By Armed PIs
Debbie Cook's New Years Email
On David Miscavige's Behavior
Miscavige's Behavior Part 2
A Letter From Garcia

Important Quotes

If the org slumps during this transition period, don't engage in "fund raising" or "selling postcards" or borrowing money. Just make more income with Scientology. L Ron Hubbard From HCOPL URGENT ORG PROGRAMMING
"We own a tremendous amount of property. We own a tremendous amount of material and so forth, and it keeps growing. But that’s not important. When buildings get important to us, for God sakes, some of you born revolutionists will you please blow up central headquarters". L Ron Hubbard Lecture 31 Dec 1960
"Personal integrity is knowing what you know. What you know is what you know and to have the courage to know and say what you have observed".- LRH from Personal Integrity
"It is necessary to happiness of man, that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists of professing to believe what he does not believe." Thomas Paine
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
“Communication is the universal solvent” - L Ron Hubbard
“When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.” Thomas Paine
"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth." William Faulkner
"The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis." Dalai Lama

Important Reading

Troublemaker - Leah Remini
Ruthless - Ron Miscavige
Going Clear - Lawrence Wright
Bare Faced Messiah - Russell Miller
Counterfeit Dreams - Jeff Hawkins
Blown For Good - Marc Headley
Abuse at the Top - Amy Scobee
Unbreakable Miss Lovely - Tony Ortega
The Church of Fear - John Sweeney
Fair Game - Steve Cannane
Inside Scientology - Janet Reitman
Jenna Miscavige - Beyond Belief
My Billion Year Contract
Ron the War Hero - Chris Owen

Popular Posts

Scientology Photoshops Audience
Tommy Davis and Jessica Feshbach
Shelly Miscavige- Why She Stays
Disconnection and My Mother
Food for Thought
  • David Miscavige Paranoia
    The Church of Spin
    Correspondent from the Bay Area
    Actors Needed to Play Scientologists
  • Recent Comments

    • Ruth on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “How many Houses and office’s does a dead guy need? Apparently a LOT! Jeepers crimany, is this getting ANYONE up…” Mar 29, 13:31
    • Doug Sprinkle on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “I recall asking my auditor his opinion on whether Hubbard had returned or not, this would have been about 3…” Mar 29, 13:04
    • Fred G. Haseney on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “Re: CST purchased Ron’s home in Bay Head, NJ, where he wrote DMSMH. Two hundred years ago, The Lancet began…” Mar 29, 13:00
    • SP@PDX on Psychosomatic Conditions: An Analysis of Hubbard’s Claims: “In a way, yes, but the placebo effect is complicated. There’s a good explanation and lots of links to other…” Mar 29, 12:09
    • Duke of Chug on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “Thank you, Mike. Fascinating. I’ve not seen a list like this anywhere else and had no idea there were so…” Mar 29, 11:30
    • safetyguy on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “Bunch of expensive real estate that will be available one day. The sooner, the better.” Mar 29, 10:39
    • Miss Dutch on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “And yet, in the next to the last picture/video it says they keep it in “honor of the religion’s Founder…” Mar 29, 10:12
    • Fred G. Haseney on Ex-Scientologists Who Have Spoken Out: “TrevAnon, I now have at least two new links that can update two broken links in the “Chronology of Publications…” Mar 29, 09:27
    • Dead Man Talking Bill Mutherfucking Straass on How Many Taxpayer-Subsidized Mansions, Homes and Offices Does A Dead Man Need?: “What I know of CST may amuse a few of you. In 1991 I was the Repair Chief Freewinds when…” Mar 29, 09:13
    • dr mac on Captain Miscavige Doing His Thing: “The ‘fast paced and packed with data’ quote really hit me in the gut. It brought back memories of what…” Mar 29, 06:22

    Check out MRinder.com

    Categories

    Archives

    Copyright © 2023 Mike Rinder · WordPress · Log in