The recent, very disappointing decision from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Garcia case highlights once again the problem of trying to deal with scientology in the courts: they understand too well how to game the system. The old adage that when the facts are not on your side, argue the law is page 2 of the scientology playbook. Page one is: baffle them with bullshit disguised as "religious practices." Legal decisions are based on precedent: Precedent refers to a court decision that is considered as authority for deciding subsequent cases involving identical or similar … [Read more...]
More on Scientology “Religious Arbitration”
Anyone who regularly reads this blog will know that I have been scathing in my criticism of recent court rulings concerning the supposed scientology "religious arbitration" agreements that courts have enforced to prevent plaintiffs from pursuing legal recourse against scientology entities. See earlier articles: Scientology "Religious Arbitration" -- Giving Kangaroo Courts a Bad Name and this one: Concerning Scientology "Religious Arbitration." Now comes an article from the Reason.com website which is rather more scholarly than my layman's analysis. A leading expert on religious arbitration … [Read more...]
Aftermath The Business of Religion Special: The Aftermath
Scientology's usual response to each episode of The Aftermath appeared on their hate site before the show had even finished airing. They focused their attention on Mat Pesch and Jeffrey Augustine. They KNOW they cannot make the same sort of insane rants about Luis Garcia or Ted Babbitt because they will present it before the Judge in their case. So, they stay mum and pretend they did not appear on the show. How embarrassing it would be to have a judge read their drivel. But Mat and Jeffrey of course got the full "scientology treatment." Mat of course is the "unvetted Mat … [Read more...]
An Appropriate Commendation For Once
I was sent a copy of this report by Mike Laws and I thought it worth making more broadly known. It has NOTHING to do with giving money to scientology which is about the only form of commendation one usually hears about these days. Mike makes some important points, not the least of which is how Mike Ellis could be sent to the doctor (Megan Shields) who diagnosed him with congestive problems and an ear infection, but then just a few days later he is taken to another doctor who discovers he is overweight and has what is apparently a serious heart condition -- bad enough to prevent him from … [Read more...]
Cindy Temps
A message from a veteran Los Angeles Scientologist who was recently "declared" resulting in her children disconnecting from her. She is speaking out in the hope that it opens the eyes of others and helps bring the abuses of the RCS to an end. "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 I have been under the radar for too long now. I will not compromise my integrity any longer. It is important for Independent … [Read more...]
Tampa Bay Times Editorial
Someone sent me this editorial and I am reprinting it here as a public service. As noted elsewhere I can no longer see their website without paying them a fee which I am not inclined to do and there are others interested in the subject who cannot even buy a hard copy of the paper as they live outside Florida. The Editorial makes a good point. If everything is all above board and proper as the church claims, why are they so worried about these lawsuits and doing everything possible to distract from the real issues they raise? Editorial: Cases shine a light into Scientology Friday, … [Read more...]
Duck, Cover And Hold
See the story on Tony Ortega's blog Brian Culkin Hires Ray Jeffrey, Blasts Scientology. It sucks to be Miscavige.... … [Read more...]
Massive, Straight Up and Vertical International Expansion – Really Dave?
By Mike Rinder There have been many posts and numerous comments on this blog mocking the overhyped “expansion news” that David Miscavige feeds his captive audience of clubbed seals at events. They are well trained to applaud every time there is a loud explosion and a line bursts through the top right corner of a graphic on screen. No other stimulus is required: disbelief is suspended and all critical thinking is cast aside. He tosses out stinking fish and the seals don’t even stop to chew – they swallow it whole and with relish. David Miscavige and the Scientology Mission Network Of late, … [Read more...]
"Only Scientology Law Applies" – Radical Corporate Position
UPDATE SATURDAY A.M.: VILLAGE VOICE WEIGHS IN By Mike Rinder At the same time Miscavige’s minions rushed into court in Texas attempting to enforce their unconscionable “contract” with Debbie Cook, they sang a different tune in Pinellas County, pleading that courts have no jurisdiction in matters of religion. See the article by Joe Childs and Tom Tobin reporting on today’s hearing (which occurred coincidentally with the hearing in Texas): Lawyer tells judge: “Only Scientology law applies.” The Tampa Bay Times report is accurate and objective. There is no doubt a great deal of law indicates … [Read more...]