This is an excellent article in the Albany Times Union, prompted by the recent sentencing of Keith Raniere. I saw this and Tweeted it out, but it deserves more attention. Mary Ann hones in on the exact problem that looms like a massive roadblock in the path of justice for victims of coercive and high demand groups. And this definitely includes scientology. The hardest thing to demonstrate is mental/emotional abuse. There is no cauterized brand left on the victim’s body. No canceled checks or credit card debt trail. It would make it far less onerous for victims to be heard in … [Read more...]
Sanity or Anarchy?
Anyone who almost sheds a tear when studying Introduction to Scientology Ethics is either completely delusional or more likely has been abused with the application of this "tech" and the memories are so raw they bring tears. Let's take a look at some of the "incredibly sane" stuff in this book? For example, here are some of the specific "Crimes" and "High Crimes" that are listed. These are things for which you can be declared Suppressive: These are what passes for the most sane ethics and justice system ever invented. Don’t testify or use the court system or cooperate with … [Read more...]
Mark Bunker Strikes Fear Into Scientologists’ Hearts
I was sent this Facebook message by Aaron Smith-Levin, who received it from Aida Barbosa in Mexico City. He does not know Aida. But she is very concerned that Aaron may know someone who is connected to Mark Bunker and that he should unfriend that person on Facebook as soon as he figures out if that person has other friends connected to Bunker. Obviously she does not know who Aaron is or that he is more than Facebook friends with Mark Bunker. But it gives some insight into the world of scientology and how panicked they are about Mark Bunker. And that, as has been said so often, it is OSA … [Read more...]
Jenna Elfman — A Good Scientologist
A recent article in US Weekly quotes Jenna Elfman about "the controversy" around scientology. She is a shining example of how a good scientologist acts and speaks. Foolishly. While scientologists proclaim they have "the tech" to protect them from suppressive influences and they learn to "confront and shatter" this sort of thing, in fact, they avoid "suppression" at any cost. And by "suppression" they mean anything that is negative or even questioning about scientology. When they are confronted by such things, they run from it. Close their eyes. Hold their hands of their ears … [Read more...]
Disconnection — Scientology’s Nasty Secret first published May 30, 2013
See my announcement on Friday -- I am revisiting earlier posts during my vacation. Each day there will be a different one. This is a classic about the subject of disconnection. While Scientology spokespeople have routinely denied that “enforced disconnection exists”, anyone who is familiar with the Corporate Church of Scientology knows only too well about disconnection. Like so much else in the Corporate Scientology empire, its an ugly truth to be hidden from the “wog” world through a game of carefully worded deception of the same order as Bill Clinton’s infamous “I did not have sexual … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies
New Years is on Saturday! The wog world is behind the times. Only scientology is fully at cause over matter, energy, space and TIME... This will "literally be the most EPIC!" How could anyone possibly miss it? I bet Tom Cruise won't be there... Or Elisabeth Moss. Or Laura Prepon. There are going to be a whole lot of people who manage to resist the most epic event ever... And look at this -- they will hold your children in pens for the duration of the event! That's cause over Matter. They are even trying to get people to come for the event by offering a free dinner. Bet … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving
In the US today it is Thanksgiving. A time to reflect on and appreciate the good in your life. For many who read this blog it is also a time of sadness as they are reminded of the family and friends they are not sharing this Thanksgiving with due to scientology's inhumane practice of disconnection. But if you are one of those people, don't lose sight of the fact that you have been shut out of people's lives because you woke up and they have not. You found the freedom to think for yourself. To make the friends you choose. To enjoy time doing nothing without feeling guilty or being labeled … [Read more...]
Our 10th Anniversary
The first blog post on mikerindersblog.org was on 5 November 2009. It's been 10 years but it sure doesn't seem that long! It's been a lot of fun along the way. I have met many wonderful people here (and quite a number subsequently IRL which has been especially gratifying). Hopefully I have opened a window to discovering the truth about scientology for many. This blog would not have been possible without the support of many who have helped. While it is a labor of love (or perhaps passion) it IS labor and first my thanks to the many contributors who have provided content and … [Read more...]
The Inhumanity of Scientology
Sadly, too many people pass away without the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones. Those who die in tragic accidents or without warning. Others in other cities or countries that make it logistically impossible for a final face-to-face meeting. Some are estranged for whatever reason and don’t reach out to them, even when they often regret it as they take their final breaths and it has become too late. Then there are those who have had their familial relationships sundered by their beliefs -- that it will be spiritually harmful to associate with “non-believers” or those who have … [Read more...]
Scientology “Father’s Day”
Scientology likes to portray itself as family friendly. This is never really true in scientology -- the organization ALWAYS takes precedence over the individual or family. Always. Scientology tries to tell the world that it is the great protector and builder of family relationships. Just look at these excerpts from scientology.org: But let's just focus on how this works out for scientology staff, SO Members or declared SP's. Scientology is decidedly NOT family friendly and Father’s Day is simply another “reason” to try to get suckers to visit the org so the regges can try to get their … [Read more...]