Scientology's newest billboard in Clearwater is an obvious admission of something everyone knows -- but scientology almost never acknowledges -- their reputation is horrendous. This is clearly a reaction to The Aftermath tv series and the enormous volume of media coverage over the last few years. Unlike many years previously, today's media is not intimidated like it was and no longer just accepts the scientology PR line "we are the fastest growing religion on earth" blah blah. Scientology is hurting. They usually don't acknowledge it, pretending they are "clearing the planet" and … [Read more...]
Scientology and Children: The PR Spin
After the last post Child Sexual Abuse in Scientology it is ironic that the next day I came across this piece of PR spin. This is the other side of the scientology equation. On one hand, they groom people to be victims of sex abuse and seek to cover it up when it happens. On the other, they seek to create a good image of themselves so stories of abuse are rejected on the basis of "It couldn't be true -- look how they LOVE children and support and protect them." It is an aircover operation done on the basis of what is good for scientology. And here is another one -- they are really … [Read more...]
It’s Easter at the Ft Harrison: Christians Not Welcome
Easter is a uniquely Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scientologists do NOT believe in Christ -- though Hubbard gave lip service to the idea that "we want the same things Jesus wanted, peace on earth and goodwill for all men" (though even that is not true as great wealth was NOT a goal of Jesus, and goodwill for all men is NOT a goal of scientology -- especially those deemed to be enemies). To be precise, it was even more vague and condescending, Hubbard said: "Scientology can demonstrate that it can attain the goals set for man by Christ, which are: Wisdom, … [Read more...]
Clearwater “Record Breaking” Community Clean Up
Funny how they already know it's going to be "record-breaking" weeks before it occurs... Because like all their other community/social betterment activities, they will simply SAY IT and nobody will ever challenge them. And because they already have it worked out that they are going to get children from the scientologist-owned schools to participate in a mandatory "event." The sort that if you don't show up you will be considered "out-ethics" and may wind up having to buy your way out of trouble, it's just easier to make sure your kids go for an hour or two (once the photos are taken you … [Read more...]
More on Fake Scientology Tours in Clearwater
Yesterday's post about the fake scientology tours brought some other interesting things to light. First, one of the scientology "fronts" that smears whistleblowers announced that the Ft Harrison is "for scientologists only". When Aaron Smith-Levin pointed out that Lisa Mansell had lied to the Chamber of Commerce, the "Truth Newsroom" quickly "clarified" that it's "open" to Non-Scientologists if they "don't show up unannounced" and "where there are community events being held." But things became even more bizarre when someone dug up this EventBrite invitation to the "Tour" (which … [Read more...]
Another Day, Another Lie: Clearwater Edition
A new press release about the Fort Harrison hotel is more important for what it DOES NOT say than what it does. Scientology puts out these paid puff releases pretty routinely. I came across this one accidentally, and of course, the lies flew off the page. Everything that emanates from scientology is designed to create an impression of normalcy that is part of the grand deception. This is no different. They proudly announce they provide "monthly tours" to the public. They see the 9th floor. A room. The lobby. The Auditorium. And a restaurant. Hardly a "tour". 21 people (though … [Read more...]
What If You Threw a Party and Nobody Came?
Scientology tries to be "part of the community" by holding "block parties" in downtown Clearwater each quarter. They held their latest one yesterday. Here are some shots -- and as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words: This is a pretty accurate reflection of how much the community supports scientology in Clearwater. There were more people for an impromptu gathering at the Lucky Anchor pub with a few alumni from the Aftermath. And where are the 12,000 scientologists in the Tampa Bay area they claim to have? 11,965 of them were too busy to show … [Read more...]
Scientology and the Clearwater Police Department
Clearwater Police Chief Slaughter took the unusual step of making a YouTube video in response to The Aftermath episode which recounted the "Park Incident" with Mark Bunker. This was then published on the OpEd page of the Tampa Bay Times. Below is the full message from Chief Slaughter so everyone has complete context. Then some of my thoughts following this: For years the Clearwater Police Department has been thrust into the middle of a debate between a controversial religion and its critics, without a voice in the matter. We feel it important to publish some facts of our own to … [Read more...]
Clearwater and How Scientology Buys Influence
A few nights ago, the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce held their annual gala. You might be surprised to learn that scientology is one of its sponsors. But you might not be surprised to learn that the outgoing Chair of the Chamber, Katie Cole is a prominent local attorney who represents scientology. In fact, she is the protege of Ed Armstrong, a local legend in the real estate/zoning law practice who has represented scientology's interests since I first hired him in the early 90's (I guess it was?). This is scientology "safepointing" 101. Find a well connected … [Read more...]
Clearwater Officials: “Nothing To See Here”
The article above appeared in the Tampa Bay Times after the "airing" of The Aftermath this week, an episode focused on scientology's take-over of Clearwater. I said "airing" because for subscribers to the local cable outlet, Spectrum, the show was unwatchable. The sound was scrambled and some images pixillated. The problems magically fixed themselves 2 minutes after the show aired. And the problem ONLY manifested itself on The Aftermath episode, no other channels. Subsequently, all the "On Demand" Aftermath episodes also disappeared from Spectrum. Of course, there is nothing suspicious … [Read more...]