If you have not seen the movie Glengarry Glen Ross, it is well worth watching. It's a look into the cold-hearted world of high-pressure sales. Could well be based on the IAS or any of the numerous other "regging" activities in the world of scientology. That there is even a "workshop" in a "church" that teaches "effective closing" is a pretty sad indictment of just how far afield this "church" has strayed. That they promote it to the general public and offer a free meal in order to entice people to attend is even sadder. … [Read more...]
Pervasive “Black PR” On Scientology
A recent email from one of the people that delivers seminars in orgs and is touted as one of the "great disseminators" of our time. It provides some interesting insight into the general public's view of scientology and how things are going from bad to really bad. You've got to make sure you "inoculate" everyone, because all they know about scientology is bad. And this is the fastest growing religion on earth? More than doesn't quite add up.... the cognitive dissonance of these people is mind-blowing. From: Randall Michael Tobin [mailto:rmt@thetasound.com] Sent: Tuesday, J … [Read more...]
Lessons Of History: Jonestown
Two Special Correspondents separately sent me information about the Jonestown tragedy in the last few days. And looking over what they sent, it seems there is a point to be made. First, I have long felt that there is no mass suicide in the future of scientology and I haven't changed that view. But I believe there are other fates that are the scientology equivalent of suicide (bankruptcy, destroyed families, despair at ever 'getting up the Bridge') and that the end story of scientology will be when everyone has been reduced to one or all of those states. The sign above Jim Jones' " … [Read more...]
The Most Ethical Group On Earth
Some of you may have noticed this item in the Sunday Funnies at the Underground Bunker. I found it a bit disturbing, but not for the usual Valley money grubbing reasons. This is the poster promoting the event: James Barbour hasn't been seen for many years. Back in the mid 2000's, he was one of the "A-list" musicians who was invited to perform on the Freewinds for MV. But then he got himself into trouble. Big time. Here is a summary from his Wikipedia page. In April 2006, Barbour was arrested and charged with having inappropriate relations with … [Read more...]
Who Good Scientologists Should Vote For
Of course, the church cannot directly endorse any political candidates as this would be a violation of their exempt status (possibly the least egregious one they would be guilty of, but nevertheless very visible and thus difficult to deny). So, they grab some "OT Committee" people and have them do the dirty work for them. These ventriloquist puppets are NOT sending this out without coordinating with the church first. In fact, apparently the efforts to influence the local community are heating up -- OSA recently held a briefing (it's funny how this, like everything else, is tied to the new … [Read more...]
How Scientology Deals With Child Molesters
I often put up postings that are tongue in cheek and poke fun at Miscavige and his Merry Band of Minions. This however is NOT one of those. It highlights a systemic problem in Scientology, in some ways similar to the Catholic Church. The comparison is both apt (as the interest is in society's right to protect children and the well being of the children themselves) and somewhat strained (because child molesting is not generally widespread in scientology organizations and certainly not among its "priesthood"). But what is completely parallel is the desire of the church to keep these incidents … [Read more...]
Nancy Cartwright Hit Up For Another $350,000
She who shall not be named coughs up another $350,000 for the Valley Ideal Org. You gotta admit, this is a pretty good thing they have going. Bart Simpson doesn't realize he is the biggest sucker in Springfield.... HE is turning over bucketloads of cash so someone else can invest it in THEIR real estate scheme based on the false promise that this "ideal org" is somehow going to do something that the current non-ideal org is not capable of doing because it is located in an expensive building. Apparently the approbation of titles like VALLEY SUPER ROCKSTAR OT GODDESS, is worth a chunk of … [Read more...]
Spag Does DC
This is a strange one out of DC. John Spagnola seems to be making a pitch for money. Or something. He sends out an email with vague generalities about his activities, obviously afraid to name a single person he is dealing with on these "vital issues," but apparently hoping to create the impression that he is changing the world somehow. Credit where credit is due -- at least this is not the typical "I gave $$$$$ and am proud to be a humanitarian/dragonslayer/patron magnificence/champion of the universe/diamond studded donkey dong...." He appears to be trying to gain his … [Read more...]
Another Seminar Designed For Miscavige
This one is another perfect seminar designed for Dear Leader. And it's not just any old seminar, it's good old Arte Maren of Guardian's Office infamy and he is delivering it at the "Community Learning Center"? I really dont think the community needs a center to train people on how to take someone's money under the guise of helping them succeed. I note there is another upcoming special Miscavige seminar too -- the Do's And Don'ts Of Social Media. I wonder is that includes tips about keeping your convicted child sex offender felons off your facebook pages? From: Holly Haggerty & … [Read more...]
More Disconnection Hypocrisy
A Special Correspondent alerted me to this, and I happened to have additional information that made it even more interesting. He originally set forth the proposition: Wanting to stay connected to one’s own parent, spouse or child can earn you an SP declare and expulsion from Scientology, but soliciting sex from a minor and going to prison will not, even if you’re a former Sea Org Member. Great premise, based on the facts our Special Correspondent had. But there is more to this story that makes it even more noteworthy. Everyone knows there is a double standard for disconnection in scie … [Read more...]