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...]
Scientology Fair Game
I happened upon the STAAD League "dead agent" propaganda about scientology Fair Game. I thought it might be useful to address it with the real truth. Let's start with what Hubbard ACTUALLY said about Fair Game. Here is the oft quoted 1967 policy letter that lays out the "may be deprived of property or injured by any means... May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." But there were earlier references to Fair Game in policies of 1965: And this which declares the "homes, property, places and abodes" are "beyond the protection of Scientology Ethics." And this issue … [Read more...]
More on Scientology Fair Game: Black Propaganda
I have written a number of articles concerning the scientology’s Fair Game doctrine and practice. L. Ron Hubbard proclaimed those designated as "enemies" of scientology should be destroyed. It is a literal admonition to lie, trick, frame, smear, harass anyone scientology does not like. In scientology, the words of L. Ron Hubbard are the words of God -- they are to be taken literally and it is deemed a "crime" in scientology to alter, deviate from or seek to interpret his words. They are not seen as parables, allegories or things to be interpreted, they are to be followed to the letter, … [Read more...]
The Aftermath — An Update
This is an attempt to quell some of the rumors and erroneous speculation swirling about The Aftermath. Though I am not in a position to know everything about decisions that are made outside my control (or Leah’s), I do have some insight – more than most who may claim to have “heard rumors,” rely on anonymous sources or merely speculate because they have a keyboard on which they can type. First, and most important for me, I want to dispel the lies that have been circulated (most likely by scientology) that episodes or the show as a whole are in peril because of Leah Remini’s … [Read more...]
Scientology Coming (Further) Unhinged
A recent article by Joe Nolfi for Entertainment Weekly elicited a pretty unhinged response from scientology. The article springboarded off Leah's appearance on Ron Miscavige's podcast Life After Scientology where she and Ron discussed the upcoming Season 3. Scientology's crazy response is a study in "never defend, always attack" mentality (see my earlier blog post for a lengthier discussion of this topic Dealing With Critics of Scientology): When reached for comment on Remini’s Life After Scientology comments, a representative for the church told EW: “Even a cursory review of this … [Read more...]
How To Handle Enemies L. Ron Hubbard Style
I came across one of L. Ron Hubbard’s gems again recently, and it’s worthy of noting newly. As you read this, remember, scientologists are not supposed to think about, interpret or alter the words of L. Ron Hubbard. They are to be read, understood and applied. There is a common refrain in scientology: "What do your materials state?" which is the response to any question or confusion about anything Hubbard said or spoke. (The even more common precursor is “What would LRH do?”) If you cannot repeat what the materials state verbatim (or close to it), you are required to find the word you … [Read more...]
The Story of a Scientology Spy
This is the story of a spy paid to infiltrate our lives written by my wife Christie. I originally wrote down the details of this story in 2012 when it happened. Some of the information was included in the book Fair Game, by Steve Cannane, as he played a part in it. Here is the full story: If the ending seems obvious while reading it, try reading it with the frame of mind that it was not perfectly obvious while living it. Most of us go through life with friendship, love and kindness in our hearts, hoping to enjoy people, taking them first as genuine and only after they prove to … [Read more...]
Framing Whistleblowers — The Scientology Playbook
The media reports that Paul Haggis is now being accused of sexual assault. He responds that scientology may be behind these claims. There is good reason to believe this is no crazy conspiracy theory. Here is why. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of scientology, took a very dim view of anyone critical of scientology. Whether politician, reporter, disillusioned former follower or his own family members, Hubbard designated them as "enemies" -- not just of scientology, but of mankind. And he laid out in detail how those enemies were to be destroyed. Hubbard decreed that anyone speaking negatively … [Read more...]
Dealing with Critics of Scientology – The L. Ron Hubbard Playbook
If you read this blog, you are likely aware of Leah Remini's upcoming A&E show. I have had the pleasure of working with Leah on this show as a consultant and participant, a cause of great distress for the church. So I thought I might weigh in with some information I feel is pertinent to events now and into the future. As a reader here you are likely also aware of the "church" reaction to the announcement of the show and the first trailer being released - the usual name-calling, smearing and foot stomping that does not RESPOND in any fashion to the abuses being exposed. There is much … [Read more...]
Steve Cannane’s Fair Game
I have just finished reading Australian national journalist Steve Cannane's book Fair Game. I highly recommend it as a very well written and researched account of scientology's history and a revealing expose of newly disclosed and little known information. Steve had earlier commented that I had prompted him to embark on this exercise when I had mentioned the important role Australia had played in the history of scientology -- from the first government inquiry and ban to the Australian High Court decision defining religion and the precedent setting role of Australian media unintimidated by … [Read more...]