Who’s Behind Tom Cruise’s Massive Image Overhaul, Tom Cruise Or The Church Of Scientology?
This past fall, Tom Cruise was preparing for a press tour to promote his new WWII epic, Valkyrie. It would be a serious understatement to say Cruise has had a bad year. In fact, 2008 began as a disaster for Tom Cruise.
The Downfall
Last January, just as Andrew Morton’s controversial book, Tom Cruise: An Authorized Biography was set to release, a video was leaked to the internet of a private Scientology-propaganda film featuring the star addressing his “congregation” on how Scientologists must save the planet from itself. Cruise, using almost indecipherable-to-outsiders terminology, seemed unhinged and fanatical in the video, which was subsequently pulled from the user-generated video site YouTube. With threats of copyright infringement from the Church of Scientology looming, YouTube yanked the video from their site, but tabloid site Gawker claimed fair-use and has hosted the video on their domain ever since.
With the video controversy reaching a fevered pitch, an internet group calling themselves Anonymous, took exception to the censorship and waged a public war against the Church of Scientology, which including a viral video campaign which eventually spawned global monthly protests against the cult. These protests extended to Cruise (alleged in Morton’s book to be second in command of Scientology) and his wife Katie Holmes. Tom and Katie, who were already popular targets of the tabloid media because of suspicions about the legitimacy of their relationship and how quickly it blossomed, were now being ridiculed daily on celebrity blogs.
It’s significant to note, prior to all of this heightened Scientology/Cruise scrutiny of 2008, recent years weren’t kind to Tom Cruise. The once Hollywood sex symbol departed his second marriage to actress Nicole Kidman, looking like an insensitive jerk. Pregnant with the couple’s second biological child (their first ended in a miscarriage), it was during this difficult period in 2001, only weeks after celebrating their ten-year anniversary, that Cruise informed Kidman he was leaving her. Kidman miscarried three months into her second pregnancy after they separated. This was the beginning of what would be a slow, but steady descent into Tom’s career suicide.
Fast forward to 2004 when Tom fired his longtime and highly competent PR flack Pat Kingsley (who successfully navigated his popularity for 14 years) and replaced her with his sister Lee Anne, also a Scientologist. From that point on, Scientology became a beacon of importance in Cruise’s life. Cruise’s image began to center around his “faith”, with the star insulating himself with Scientology minders. This shift ultimately led to his falling out with Paramount Studios and a quiet war with Hollywood heavyweights like Sumner Redstone (Paramount chief) and director Steven Spielberg. Without rehashing all the intimate and grisly details, Cruise has taken more hits to his image on behalf of Scientology than a bong at a Michael Phelps house party. (groan)
Cruise, Church Rethink Strategy
The 2005 out-of-left field attack on Brooke Sheilds for using medication to overcome her battle with post-partum depression threw Tom’s female fans for a loop. To compound the madness, Cruise then did the infamous Today Show appearance with Matt Lauer, which turned into a verbal sparring match, with Tom accusing Matt of being “glib,” and ending with Cruise proclaiming to be all-knowing about matters of the mind (courtesy of Scientology’s teachings of course).
Throw in the Oprah couch-molesting incident and obnoxious displays of affection for new child-bride Katie (we must now call her Kate) Holmes, the crazy cat was out of the bag. In a 2006 USA Today/Gallup Poll, a least 50% of those surveyed had an “unfavorable” view of Cruise, which Redstone and Paramount used as grounds for severing their relationship with the tainted superstar.
Juxtaposed to that Cruise’s Paramount split, was the star topping a Forbes list of the 100 most powerful celebs. So on one hand, Cruise is the most powerful celeb, but on the other, his ability to connect with fans dropped to 50%. Clearly Paramount wasn’t willing to take the gamble and saw the writing was on the wall. It would take Cruise’s camp (aka Scientology minders) a little while longer to figure out what industry insiders were seeing all too well. No matter how powerful or popular Cruise was, using his star-power to pimp Scientology’s not-so-secret agenda against psychiatry and the pharmaceuticals industry was having a deeply negative impact on his well-crafted image.
In fact, these days if you are planning to interview Tom about his new film, there are several rules you must agree to before hand. You must have seen Valkyrie, you must have enjoyed Valkyrie, and you must read over an official Scientology document which states the organization was never banned in Germany. Oh, but you can’t ask him anything about Scientology.
To the astute observer, this image overhaul reeks of many things, but most overwhelming is the smell of desperation from a once internationally known uber-star. Cruise’s career has spanned three decades and as he approaches middle age, (he’ll be 47 this year) time, controversy and criticism have worn grooves in his once youthful good looks. Those made-for-an-Oscar leading man roles are growing fewer and fewer and ever-elusive statue continues to fall just beyond his grasp (Cruise’s been nominated 3 times, but has yet to win). Tom Cruise is a teetering star on the edge, and with the right push, he could fall off into oblivion.
Pulling Out All The Stops
Going from a joke to a juggernaut in Hollywood is no small feat. Just ask Mickey Rourke. Once a leading man with rugged good looks like Tom Cruise, Rourke fell off the face of the earth only to emerge as a poster-child for bad plastic surgery. Now, after what had to have been an arduous climb back up (including what looks like some pricey plastic surgery) Rourke is finally getting accolades and awards for his efforts. Just this awards season alone, Rourke has won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Wrestler. A true Hollywood comeback for sure, but is Tom Cruise hoping for the same?
Well, we know he’s doing some major PR all over the globe, including serious face time with fans. Tom even offered a televised mea culpa to Matt Lauer, showing a rare glimpse of humility, proclaiming he’s learned his lesson. Heck, Tom even made nice with a German member of Anonymous who showed up in protest gear during a Valkyrie press junket. Anonymous, coincidentally, just celebrated their one year anniversary of monthly global protests against the Church of Scientology which extended to Tom Cruise. Seems one group’s not swayed by the new and improved Cruise.
Adding fuel to the Tom Cruise comeback trainwho is a TomKat visit last week in Brazil. While promoting Valkyrie in Rio de Janeiro this past week, the Cruises jaunted over to a private island owned by world famous plastic surgeon Ivo Pitanguy for a little R&R. Pitanguy is the plastic surgeon to VIPs, and while Tom Cruise may be struggling to reclaim his legendary status, he’s definitely still a VIP.
There’s been speculation as to why Tom would visit a world class plastic surgeon and we speculate it’s not the first time he’s seen a “makeover” specialist. Photos in the recent months show a much more chiseled Tom Cruise than we’ve seen in the last five years. Recent photos show Tom sporting a slimmed down physique, but also some extra skin. Perhaps Tom’s date with Mr. NipTuck was follow up for some previous work, it might explain why his face looks so gaunt and tight these days.
A Kinder, Gentler Tom Cruise (or softening up Scientology
A little plastic surgery wouldn’t surprise us, it certainly fits in with the new and improved Tom Cruise. The new Tom, who says “there’s a time and place” for talking about his controversial religion, but has overtly chosen not to, always has time for his fans, especially his female ones. Star Magazine detailed other changes the star is said to have made:
Tom Cruise has lost a few pounds, and his bad habits are next to go.
The Valkyrie actor’s overworked publicity team has put together a multipoint plan to bring him back to screen-idol status. Some of the dos and don’ts: You won’t hear Tom lecturing any talk show hosts (think: Matt Lauer!) about Scientology from now on. Also, to be more connected to the audience, he will stop wearing sunglasses on the red carpet, an insider tells Star. His PR team has also nixed showing up at premieres in fancy cars. “They don’t want him to seem arrogant during the recession!” are next to go.
But the flacks’ No. 1 priority? Winning back Tom’s female fans! Research showed that women turned against him after he criticized Brooke Shields’ use of postpartum depression meds. So now Tom is making a concerted effort to appear on women-friendly programs like The View. “It’s all very calculated,” the insider says. are next to go.
Tom’s wife, Katie Holmes, is benefiting from the new rules, too! When they step out together, he has to be less hands-on. “Tom needs to quit grabbing her arm and pulling her around. The idea is to make him the kinder, gentler Tom, not a controlling husband with a Stepford wife.” are next to go.
Don’t Look Behind The Curtain
This is all well and good, but what mainstream media seems to be glossing over in all this Tom Cruise makeover flurry is the obvious: a new Tom doesn’t make the Church of Scientology any less kooky, or dangerous.
In an effort to boost their prominence in the world, the Church put all their eggs in the Tom Cruise basket, not taking into account that pushing religion on the masses is PR no-no. Like all historic falls from grace, Tom and the Church of Scientology were undone by their own hubris and arrogance. Tom thought the world would love him regardless of his tirades against life-saving drugs and his belittling indifference to the concerns of others. Using his status as star, Tom (with heavy prompting from Scientology leader and best friend, David Miscavige) was preaching to a choir that was listening, but didn’t like what it heard. Being a bully tends to backfire in the end.
Before Tom Cruise went Scientology nuts, he was a well-liked leading man who made popular films and was a money-making machine, which according to his official website, is close to $6 billion dollars over a 27 year film career. Second only to another well-like Tom, Tom Hanks. But hey, $6 billion, that’s not chump change.
With that kind of wealth and fame and a super-close affiliation with a group known for recruiting the wealthy and famous, we should be asking ourselves: who’s driving this Tom Cruise PR train Tom or Scientology? The answer is both, as they are inseparable entities.
Nips and tucks here, smiles and winks there are just the icing on the cake. But the cake unfortunately is what Tom and his Scientology cronies are trying to make us forget, and that’s the crazy recipe of big business dodging taxes, bilking the unwitting, making undeliverable promises and promoting dangerous anti-psychiatry agendas.
Tom should have stuck to what he did best: making films dudes dig and giving big toothy smiles women love. Cruise’s most tragic flaw was putting all his eggs in the Scientology basket, which as of late has come up smelling pretty rotten. Just remember, what’s good for Tom Cruise is good for Scientology. So far, Valkyrie, despite Tom’s hard and far-reaching push has only mustered $132 million worldwide and not one Oscar nod.
Pink Stripe WordPress Theme Designed by Joni Mueller &
Well done. You clearly illustrate the fact that external to his relationship to $cientology, there is no Tom Cruise.
Comment by Anonymous — February 10, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
GlossLip » Who’s Behind Tom Cruise’s Massive Image Overhaul, Tom ……
The 2005 out-of-left field attack on Brooke Sheilds for using medication to overcome her battle with post-partum depression threw Tom’s female fans for a loop. To compound the madness, Cruise then did the infamous Today ……
Trackback by MePregnant — February 10, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
Great article.
Comment by William Hunt — February 10, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
There are not that many actors still making more than $100,000,000 a movie after 37 years after having started as actors!
I guess that Scientology is working!
Comment by Frank G — February 10, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
Making a $100 mil when the movie cost $170 mil to produce and market, and half of that $100 mil goes to pay the theatres showing the film…
Yeah, that’s really KSW eh Frank G? Current regression analysis indicates that unless Jesus comes and Ragnarok is nigh, Valkyrie won’t even make back costs in DVD sales.
Figure that’s Lions for Lambs that was just a financial joke, now this? Tom Cruise is destined for a life of begging Ben Stiller to resurrect the overweight pompous studio exec cameo in every film from now til Hell freezes over.
Get real Frank, “Valkyrie” is nowhere near breaking even, much less making a profit. How many $10’s or $100’s of millions you want to let Tommy boy lose before we call this game over?
Comment by Anonymous — February 10, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
A common brainwashing technique used by cults is that of malnutrition and sleep deprivation. By supplying a diet to their subjects that lacks the proper amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for a healthy body and mind with sleep deprivation added in their subjects easily fall prey to suggestion whether it is direct through discussion or indirect through literature.
Comment by Robert Lindblad — February 10, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
A common brainwashing technique used by cults is that of malnutrition. By supplying a diet to their subjects that lacks the proper amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for a healthy body and mind their subjects easily fall prey to suggestion whether it is direct through discussion or indirect through literature.
Comment by Robert Lindblad — February 10, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
No, $cientology isn’t ‘working’. Cruise was famous before joining up with the criminal cult of $cientology, as was virtually every celebrity $cientologist. All $cientology has done for Cruise is virtually kill his career and take him for millions of dollars.
Valkyrie has yet to break even, unheard of for Cruise movies in the past.
And while we’re on the subject of the cult of greed and power “working”, where are all the Olympic athlete $cientologists? Nobel Prize winners? Nuclear physicists? Doctors who have developed medical breakthroughs? In fact, name ONE $cientologist who has contributed anything of any significance to society. (People whp pretend to be someone else in movies don’t count) show us a clear. What’s that? You CAN’T?
That’s what I thought.
And Dawn, excellent piece, as per usual. The only way Cruise will win back all the fans who left him after his outrageous behavior would be for him to leave the cult and speak out. That would put an end to the boycotts. Anything less is wishful thinking on his part.
Comment by Rachel — February 10, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
ya well girl…
read the June 1993 Penthouse interview with L. Ron Hubbard Jr., a man who was alongside his father before the conception of and through the early years of Scientology.
Comment by Robert Lindblad — February 10, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
Wow, Rob! I’m impressed. Such restraint! What happened, did Dawn tell you to STFU or GTFO! Good on you mate, now keep it down to that. You don’t have to put the whole WOT to get people wanting to go read more about the crazy cult Tom Cruise belongs to. Cat’s out of the bag, just give’em a snappy quote and a link or keywords for Google and you’ll be right.
Comment by Anonymous — February 10, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
D: very well done article.
That female audience just ain’t coming back.
Even if Tom could manage to convince them he’s not really as nutbar as the cult he trumpets, he’s too old now to impress the young’uns and too creepy for those of us any older.
History will probably portray him as the ultimate example of the hubris of arrogant ‘celebrihood’.
Might I also take the opportunity to extend a warm anniversary greeting to the fine folks at chanology/anonymous. Congratulations to all, you’re more impressive than a whole snow storm of special snowflakes. Thanks for the year of entertainment, inspiration, and education. You DO own this.
Comment by anonymous — February 10, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
Tom Cruise is second-in-command like Martin Luther King was second-in-command of Christianity. Which is to say, not at all.
Comment by Terryeo — February 10, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
Here’s what I see when I look thru Tom Cruise’s window…
I see a man who selfishly uses the slave labour of others, including children, to benefit himself and his friends/family. I also see a child that is being constantly used to gain publicity, pimping designer clothes etc, and a wife whos visage has changed drastically over a short period of time from one of happy innocence to uncomfortable awareness. He will never gain my respect. I find it appalling that he promotes this cult and denies the abuses we can find by just doing a simple google search. I also think that Miscavige is a lot more than just his friend, not that there’s anything wrong with that but, I am sure that TC knows the score about the RPF’rs. I am all for letting people believe whatever spiritual story they want to believe but I cannot condone the human rights abuses that occur routinely in this cult.
RIP Shawn Lonsdale. And where in the world is Mike Rinder? I would LOVE to hear his story.
Again THANK you for this great site!
Comment by Mom — February 10, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
Terryeo, you old $cientology sock puppet, how’ve you been! Tom’s not second in command anymore? I guess Miscavige finally clued into the fact that “Valkyrie” was more than just a movie, it was a directed message to the COB of $cientology.
So, don’t you folks ever wonder who the highly placed $cientologist who is leaking all the email and upper echelon dox? Miscavige beginning yet to realize that the “tech” essentially empowers the last man standing to be the one who is the true top of the $cientological status pyramid?
You folks would shit bricks if you knew where our intel comes from. “Valkyrie is just a historical thriller,” right.
Comment by Anonymous — February 10, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
Terryeo, I would like to ask you who IS the second in command then. I mean, if Miscavige got hit by a bus who would then take over? Please don’t take this question as a threat, just asking for my research. I’m sorry but the Scientology site crashes my browser every time I go there.
Thanks!
Comment by Mom — February 10, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
As you point out, only Tom Hanks has earned more than Cruise, so it’s interesting that he’s never received an Oscar. However, it’s a very political award, and the “Church” isn’t a popular organisation in LA – at best it’s seen as an oppressive presence – no Scientologist will ever win an Oscar for that reason. It’d give way too much power to the “Church.”
They never have done either. Not one of them. And that’s a good thing: in one of the most superficial, money-conquers-all, bubbles in the world, they see the organisation for what it is.
Almost restores yer faith in humanity
Comment by Mickey Hunt — February 10, 2009 @ 10:13 pm
As you point out, only Tom Hanks has earned more than Cruise, so it’s interesting that he’s never received an Oscar. However, it’s a very political award, and the “Church” isn’t a popular organisation in LA – at best it’s seen as an oppressive presence – no Scientologist will ever win an Oscar for that reason. It’d give way too much power to the “Church.”
They never have done either. Not one of them. And that’s a good thing: in one of the most superficial, money-conquers-all, bubbles in the world, they see the organisation for what it is.
Almost restores yer faith in humanity
Comment by Mickey Hunt — February 10, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
“Even if Tom could manage to convince them he’s not really as nutbar as the cult he trumpets, he’s too old now to impress the young’uns and too creepy for those of us any older.”
exactly!!
And why does the cult still deny Cruise is second in command? Makes about as much sense as denying that the Xenu story is their core belief.
Comment by Rachel — February 10, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
Great article. I have a feeling that this is going to be a very bad year for scientology.
Comment by John Lightfield — February 10, 2009 @ 10:36 pm
Guys, please.
1. Give up the ghost on Valkyrie. I know you wanted it disparately to fail while in fact, it has already grossed over $100mil worldwide including a several week stint as the #1 film in Germany, and THAT, must really hurt, eh? For those of you new to the film business, any film grossing over $100mil in this current climate is a hit and rare. Sorry. Jeez, do a little comparative research on boxofficemojo.com first, will ya? So, you can continue to try and warp reality to paint Valkyrie as a failure, but your making it up as you go if so and if you’re gonna do that, then can you also at least pretend the economy’s in good shape for us? Thanks.
2. Boy o’ boy, how you people love to mock people that don’t agree with you. Hmm, let’s see…Anyone here believe in a white man who was nailed to a cross later to ascend to heaven as the son of a God that doesn’t exist while the best possible evidence shows he never even lived? Yes? And YOU have a problem with space aliens?!?!?! Jeez, at least 3 Apollo astronauts and 1 Gemini astronaut say they have SEEN aliens, as for God/Christ, well, er…we’re all still waiting to see that, eh?…and you are in a position to mock someone else’s beliefs? Pa-lease. May logic one day gently hit you up side da head my friend as a reminder of how hollow and vacuous that stance is. Its nothing more than a game of “one upmanship,” which humans love to engage in to feel better about themselves by putting someone down. A nice little momentary fix for feeling insignificant and angry at the world.
3. Scientologist that has made the world a better place? Hmmm, lets see, you mean OTHER than Marc Koska, the inventor of the worlds first auto-disable syringe? And YOU’ve done WHAT so far???? Good luck with that.
Comment by hateranti-venom — February 11, 2009 @ 1:00 am
Why must $cientologists ALWAYS lie to increase the importance of their claims?
“Marc Koska, the inventor of the worlds first auto-disable syringe?”
Inventors: Graham John Madin Marc Andrew Koska
Agents: MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
Assignees:
Origin: CHICAGO, IL US
IPC8 Class: AA61M532FI
USPC Class: 604192
Two people invented the device, not one. Only one was a $cientologist and no data are readily available on what the individual contribution of either was.
HOWEVER, a single example of a “needle syringe device” which PREDATES the $cilon’s claimed device is…
US Patent 5368577 – Needle stick prevention device
Application No. 066791 filed on 05/24/1993
So, let me see.. what have I done so far? Well, I’ve provided pro bono professional counseling services to several sad and broken individuals exiting your cult, how’s that for a start?
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Watch the anti-Scientologists brainwash themselves and each other. See the same slogans and bigoted claims, over and over, like some chant, hoping that if you repeat it enough times it’ll look sort of true — to you.
Talk about CULT.
You see, the venom comes from within YOU.
But that’s all right. Scientology grows, meaning more and more and more people you have to accuse as “bad.” Have fun!
Comment by Avenger — February 11, 2009 @ 2:02 am
Could their be more ironically poetic than a “star” trapped in a cult, hidden in plain sight, afraid to leave for fear his “confessions” will be revealed to the world, who has lost control of his life, his career, and his personal identity, to the corporate machinations of that same institution, who chooses to flip off the COB and to lay it on the line by making a movie about assassinating Hitler?
Lrn2HideInPlainSight.
I can sit here ALL day and talk about Agent Cruise’s signing of an Anon mask at a “Valkyrie” premier, or his strange absence at recent high profile $cilebrity events. I can even wonder aloud at the fact that $cientology is in no position to question Tom too heavily, and besides he would NEVER go against the corporate interests of $cientology. But what if Tom’s interests aren’t David Miscavige’s, eh? What if?
Agent Cruise is playing the Game. Operation Mission Possible is in effect, and $cientology is too stupid to even consider the possibility when the intelligence reports are handed to them on a silver platter… or are they?
Have fun “Avenger.” See you at the next flash raid.
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 2:26 am
Wow talk about being strongly prejudice towards someones beliefs and flooding it with your pathetic bigotry.
Comment by Jason — February 11, 2009 @ 4:17 am
Shawn Lonsdale… damn Mom, I forgot about him. Been busy digging stuff up and conducting research. Yeah, we need to keep reminding people that this is what happens when you get into $cientology.
Hateranti-venom:
1. TL;DR
2. BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
3. We’re not talking down the religion, we’re getting word out you want to keep the Xenu story a secret and $cientology has several human rights violations everyday.
4. Sources on your claims, plox.
5. BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
6. Nobody’s falling for a cult-vehicle in disguise.
7. BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
8. Do you have a counter for the Anon in Post #19?
9. l2spellcheck
10. “HMMM LET’S SEE… I WONDER IF SPRINKLING ‘HMMM LET’S SEE’ INTERMITTENTLY THROUGHOUT MY POST WILL MAKE ME SOUND INTELLIGENT AND NOT AT ALL PRETENTIOUS AND/OR DOUCHEBAGISH…”
11. Who’s playing one-upmanship again?
12. BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
P.S. Hi, Terryeo! Missed you!
Comment by Anon — February 11, 2009 @ 4:27 am
Dear Anonymous 5,
At least he is making movies…
Anonymous to get some attention have to stand in front of Scientology building otherwise nobody will noticw thwm!
Scientology at least has a philosophy about life.. there are books one can read and one can agree or disagree with.
Anonymous doesn’t have any philosopy … it is just “protesting”.
If you think Scientology books are “wrong” create a better philosophy or religion about life that can be applyed to improve conditions.
For example Scientology believes man to be an immortal being and that he is basically good. You should create a “religion” believing the opposite i.e. “man is just a body and he lives only one time and he is bad…” ops someone already created that “religion” … it is called psychiatry!
Comment by Frank G — February 11, 2009 @ 5:41 am
Hi Frank G,
What is your opinion of autism?
Thanks!
Comment by Mom — February 11, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Dear Mom 24,
Sorry, I am not an expert on the subject.
Regarding my attitude towards medicine this is my thought.
If a body condition is curable by medicine I ask for medical help (as I did). If a condition is a spiritul one I don’t try to cure it with pills but I try to find the real cause of it.
Comment by Frank G — February 11, 2009 @ 8:59 am
The CoS out in full force on the GLosslip boards today. And as always, trying to be a tad misleading. Yes Valkerie made $100 world wide (which is kinda bad given the amount of press that went into it but that is another conversation). But its’ budget was 90 million dollars, according to wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valkyrie_(film) . His movie barely made the money back.
Anyways, look how the CoS trolls have tried to change the conversations to psychiatry and talk about how really, they don’t deny people medicine. I think Lisa McPherson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_mcpherson) or Eli Perkins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elli_Perkins). They wree treated spirtually by the church and look at what happened. Why does Scientology refuse to take responsibility for anything, why do them blame everyone else?
http://www.xenu.net
Comment by a non a moose — February 11, 2009 @ 9:10 am
Yeah moose, valkyrie certainly is not a resounding financial success.
I believe the promotion and marketing boosted the overall price tag closer to $170 mil, of which I understand at least $60 goes to the theatres.
It will be lucky to break even thru DVD sales.
Some block buster
Comment by anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 9:41 am
LEAVE TOM ALONE! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!! SO WHAT IF HE’S GAY?
Comment by Nancy Gazenski — February 11, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Ick, what a terrible actor. I’ve never liked any of his movies. The only character Tom Cruise ever plays is Tom Cruise. He looks like a doll now, too stretched out and nip/tucked to hide the fact he’s a scary old man falling apart. Poor guy, he’s got to be wishing for the better days.
And I don’t know why all the Scientologists are out in force today. Am I not allowed to say anything bad about Tom Cruise just because he’s a cult member? He’s a bad actor and his crazy beliefs destroyed his career, that’s the long and short of it. Scio shills can deny it all they want, they’re all really good at denial. :3
Question for the Scientologists in the comments. As you’re all very good at communicating and have paid for many courses on communication, I’d like to ask you something. I am hoping that with your communications skills, you will be able to give me a brief and extremely clear answer akin to a yes or no without paragraphs avoiding the subject.
Is Xenu and the story of dead alien body thetans a part of Scientology doctrine? I have my own experience with taking OT3, but I would like to have an open and honest answer to that question here that is as clear and succint as you can make it. Hiding is low on the tone scale, so speaking directly would probably be the best course of action. Thanks guys.
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 10:11 am
If a movie makes no profit then it is not a success. I know all the little cult trolls here like to throw out the “it’s made 100 million” crapola, but it matters not if it doesn’t make a profit.
And in 60 years of supposedly creating “super people” all the cult can come up with is one name of a person who co-invented one device? WOW! That IS impressive!
Certainly worth all the families you’ve ruined, all the people dead because of your quackery, all of those who lost their life savings and all those stuck in your prison camps.
Dawn you have really hit a nerve with this post. Touche.
Comment by Rachel — February 11, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Tom used to be so awesome, but he’s just become a caricature, a cartoon. Just another bit of evidence to show that the CoS is fail.
Comment by k — February 11, 2009 @ 11:31 am
To the Scilon trolls – look, I know you’ve had your critical thinking abilities sucked out of your heads through “auditing” (what is known to others as “brainwashing”), but knock it off with the charges of bigotry. Hardly anybody in the world has a problem with any of your non-harmful beliefs. It’s your behavior, your elitism, the abusive policies of your leaders and your creepy desire to spread Scientology Uber Alles that we object to.
There’s a damn good reason why Germany’s a country where you are finding the most resistance to the spread of your “religion.” They’ve seen this crap before and aren’t willing to welcome it again.
Comment by Emily — February 11, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
If you read the commnets above from the outside without taking sides ..it really shows how is more frustrated and dangerous…
people believe in Virgin mary and Christ raising from the dead ( No offense )and and they make fun of people believe in aliens makes total sense.h aha ..
The dude is a f*** millionare (u people call him a loser sounds funny but )and ever thought his daughter is famous becoz she is his daughter(this one is only for people who want to think)..
The dude who gave link to wikipedia : I guess u wudnt know its an open source product and anybody can edit and write info into that website…But its alright…
Chill out guys …Too much hate towards anybody/anything will not do any good..
Comment by VJ — February 11, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
Frank,
I don’t have to “create a better one,” I simply live my life as does just about everyone else in the world. My internal compass does not require me to re-invent the wheel to satisfy your desire that I admit in a left-handed way that Hubbard’s harmful bullshit is actually useful.
I invent better I would simply have to wipe myself after defecating. Hubbard was a lying lying plagiarist who, if investigations currently underway into his whereabouts in 1949 prove out his institutionalization in the Savannah Insane Asylum, connected with his diatribe entitled “War” dated 18 February 1954, we will finally have traced the connection between the early years of the declamation of $ientology by both Science and Medicine.
Hubbard in his 1954 paranoiac rant describes an 18 year long battle costing millions of dollars and allegedly involving attempts by psychiatry, governments, and the media, to destroy $cientology bu secret infiltration, a campaign of disinformation and yellow journalism, and other general paranoid bullshit.
Hubbard went into the loony bin, likely against his will, after having applied for psychiatric treatment when he left the Navy. Records indicate he was denied for the malingerer he was and eventually came to hate the profession which would neither give him the free pass of a lifetime 100% “disability” for a free pension, nor validate his lunatic ravings.
Why should I “do better” when the fact is that Hubbard was a malingering lunatic and in light of the fact that if I need help for ANY of the things $cientology claims it can help me with, there are a MYRIAD of better alternatives in ALL respects, already extant and in many cases empirically tested.
Again I ask…
WHY MUST $CIENTOLOGISTS ALWAYS LIE TO HYPER INFLATE THEIR SEEMING “IMPORTANCE” IN THE WORLD?
What possible motive could they have to work so very hard at presenting this kind of false face to the public in light of the true facts regarding the fears and hatred embedded in the life and writings of their leader, Lafayette Ron Hubbard, a.k.a. “The Quintessential Con Man.”
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
^^ The Delphi school/Applied Scolastics at work ladies & gentlemen!
Comment by Bill Billson — February 11, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
Damnit, someone posted, my comment was meant for #32.
Comment by Bill Billson — February 11, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
No. 32 – Nobody but you and $cientologists are pushing the “religion” angle here. People are offering historical facts to refute the derailing attempts by $cientologists to avoid talking about the real story which is $CIENTOLOGY’S INSUPERABLE LINK BETWEEN ALL THAT TOM CRUISE IS, WAS, AND SHALL EVER BE.
They don’t want to talk about that so they con you into believing this is a discussion about religion. There’s absolutely no pushing of Christ or Buddha or Mohamed going on in this thread, in fact the ONLY “religious” pushing I see going on here is the pushing of the idea that $cientology in fact is one.
Opposing $cientology Pushing other religions.
We’re not frustrated, on the contrary we’re just doing as we always do in such cases; show up and wait for $cientologists to avoid the story in whatever way humanly possible, refute the bullshit, then drag it back to track.
“Hey! how bout them Cubs? And boy, did you read that story on Glosslip? Wow, D. really nailed in on the head when it came to that fella Cruise and his whacky cult. That poor boy’s lost damn near everything, and now I begin to see why.”
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Hmmm the not equals signs didn’t print…
“Opposing $cientology DOES NOT EQUAL pushing other religions.”
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
MEANTIME…Scientology continues to open up new Ideal Orgs around the world and students crowd into them. Speaking as one Scientologist, I’m >thrilled< that freaky people like Anonymous’s druggies stay away.
Anonymous was someone’s druggy high and has detumesced (look it up!).
Anonymous freek Gregg Housh got arrested and is now RESTRAINED from going near any CofS property for a year.
Anonymous freek Kernell lost his computer and still faces 5 years for hacking a VP cnadidate’s email.
Anonymous freek Guzner has plead guilty to reduce his pending sentence of 10 years.
Big owies!
Next case, bailiff!
Comment by Nanner.Nanner — February 11, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
And for the commentor above. Yes, some people believe in Christ and that he rose from the dead etc. But at least people are taught about this. They go into Christianity getting the full story. In Scientology you aren’t allowed to hear their alien XENU creation theory because it’s a huge secret and it is hidden from you and the rest of the world. You are not allowed to know when you get involved with them. And only then, after you’ve spent about 300,000 dollars do you get to read OT3 and you MUST believe it or your “repaired” until you do. Most people would not be a part of Scientology if they were told the truth in the begining and the church knows that. But every Christian is given the same body of knowledge about it’s faiths teachings to anyone who wants to know. It doesn’t make people pay first to learn pieces of the bible until they know about the religion as a whole. Scientology is solely a pay as you go religion. THAT IS WHY PEOPLE THINK IT’S A SCAM.
Comment by anonymous... — February 11, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
Tom Cruise is going to be lucky to get a dog food commercial by the time this cult gets through with him. You can see what they are “proud of” in their words here, and what they ignore and pretend doesn’t exist by their failure to document or rebut factual evidence which shows how they lie.
“High, my name’s Tom Cruise… I’m here with my dog Xenu, stimulating his reactive bank with new Body Thetan in a Can by Purina!
“Cut! Tom, it’s Purina Puppy Chow. Got it?”
“Oh, wow… shoom! Pow! That’s wild and wooly!”
“Tom! Do you got it?”
“Roger! Sounds like Mission Possible to me Mr. Spielberg!”
“Ok, let’s fucking do this so we can all go home!”
- SNAP -
“Tom Cruise and Xenu, Puppy Chow, Take 53″
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
# 38
Scientology is the invention of a drug induced high by L. Ron “freekin” Hubbard.
Comment by anonymous... — February 11, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
My OCD is raging because there is wrong info re boxoffice take of Valkyrie and I cannot stand people debating when basic facts are wrong. An above poster pulled 100 mil out of the air and even backed up their wrong $ with a website. So I went there, and here is what I saw….
Domestic 82 mil
Foreign 56 mil
total 138 mil
compared with other movies it is doing better than Bride wars and Changling but not as good as The Dark Knight with 532 mil, Hancock, Kung Fu Pands and Paul Blart. These were my random comparisons.
Phew! That was bothering me for a long time!
The point is not how well the film is doing at the boxoffice. I think the piece was meant to show the connection between TC and Scientology. I disagree with the statement that TC is scientology and visa versa. TC’s career is multilayered. He and Scientology could each survive independently of each other. The point is that TC made a human error in revealing too much of his personal life to his work life, to put it in a simplified way. This of course makes some people zoom in for a better look. What is uncovered in due time of course is the history of blatant human rights abuses perpetrated on member adults and worse, children, by their own peers.
And the suspicious deaths. Claims of suicide, and rush to close cases and get cremations done. Constant illegal and amoral harrassment and violation of human rights of citizens who are trying to find out or expose the truth. Mountains of unneccessary litigation. Hidden penal camps for recaltrant adults and children. Too much hiding and secrets. RIP Shawn Lonsdale and for that matter RIP Flo Barnett, DM’s mother-in-law who committed suicide by shooting herself 4 times in the chest with a shotgun.
Thanks! Sorry about the length!
Comment by Mom — February 11, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
#38
I think its spelled FREAK. Look it up.
Comment by anonymous... — February 11, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
@42 – I’m telling you dude, it’s the Study Tech. None of them can spell or put together coherent sentences. It’s one of the first signs that tell me that it’s a scientologist posting. You’d think they’d at least run their crazy babble through a spell check first.
Also, how the hell did this get more comments then the Xenu story and the Simpsons chick phone call combined? Heck, the only Scientology booster on the Simpsons story was some idiot who thought the phone call was fake because Nancy wouldn’t make a picture of Homer strangling Bart in a Guy Fawkes mask. They obviously didn’t grasp the fact that telephones do not in fact broadcast video and the pictures were added after the fact.
Comment by Bill Billson — February 11, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
#38 I guess you missed the part about students at Moscow’s Polytech University marching en masse on a $cilontology building adjacent to the school grounds who marched on the building calling for the owner to not renew the lease?
Apparently $cientologists had been deliberately targeting freshman and sophomore college students who were particularly vulnerable and trying to find a place for themselves at University and in life. Students discovered this deliberate attempt to recruit students from Russia’s foremost provider of intellect to defense and government into the cult of $cientology, and marched on the building in solidarity carrying flares and smoke grenades as police quietly looked on.
This was one month ago, and today $cientology is no more Moscow State Technical University, Bauman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNVVk_o3Be4
These weren’t Anonymous. These were the intellectual cream of Russia’s newest crop of young minds, and they marched on the building crying, “Down with the sect!” and “Send Scientology to jail!”
You don’t try to colonize people who only so recently won their freedoms, especially when they are so used to recognizing institutional bullshit and oppression. They suffered “$cientology” for years under Stalin, what makes you think they’d willingly submit to it if they don’t have to as a matter of law?
Go to YouTube and seach “Russian Students Scientology” and see the other video (with subtitles) of what looks like an ex-GRU or KGB undercover officer attempting to stifle free speech, steal a protesters video camera, and attempt to get police to reveal the protesters identity and film permit to $cientology (an effort which was not successful).
Your ideal orgs are empty. The ones you have begun are stalled. Each day emails go out begging for more money to complete projects for which more than enough money already has been donated to build them ten times over. Where’s the money going from all of these hundreds of millions of dollars of donations? Where are the buildings, and why do they cost ten to a hundred times their purchase price to renovate in an endless and never completed cycle involving the use of slave labor including children?
Why are you glad as a $cientologist to see children working in hard hats at your orgs who appear to be under the age of 12? You want me to link to those photos too, so you can be proud of them as CPS comes to call? We can do this all day and night folks; all day and night.
There were no known links between the Sarah Palin incident and the protest group known as “Anonymous.” The strange way the case has been handled, the plea out to such a grave penalty on such a minor charge being ridiculous in context, the speed with which it was reached, the burying of the record on the Federal Docket, has led many to speculate $cientology may actually have been more involved than “Anonymous” as this was during the period when Tommy Davis lied on national television and actively attempted to mischaracterize protesters as “terrorists… hackers on steroids.”
All that you folks are saying has been DEMONSTRABLE lies and obscuration of the factual record. All Anonymous is doing is correcting you and leading the thread back to where it belongs.
“How bout that Tom Cruise? Wow, have you seen him lately? Yeah, what’s up with that cult thing he’s bought into? I don’t know man, but did you see those pictures on the web of Katie Holmes with those big herps on her lip? Awww man, I’m tryin to eat here!”
Feel free… discuss.
Comment by Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
Dear Anon 33,
Thanks for the reply.
If LRH was so bad off how was he able to give more than 3000 recorded lectures and write more thousands of pages on the subject?
Have you read any book like “fondaments of thought”?
http://www.bridgepub.com/materials/beginningbooksaudios.html?locale=en_US
I believe that if you want to judge a religion you should study at least one book of that religion
Let’s change subject… Lets say that there is a religion called XYZism and you want to express your opinion on it.
What do you do?
1- You look for articles against XYZism and spread it around? or
2- You read books of XYZism and see if the data in them are valid for you?
and also…
You don’t find Xyzism valid… What do you do?
1- You work to forbid that religion because you don’t like it? or
2- You look for a better religion for you and permit others to study and follow the religion they like to follow?
See, there are many religions… you don’t have to be a Scientologist!!!
Per the way to happiness a scientologist respects the religious believes of others.
http://www.scientology.org/#/twth_respect_religious_beliefs
So why do you waste your time!
There are many religions that I think are strange but I don’t stand if front of their buildings with a mask!!! I just don’t follow those religions!!!
I just don’t waste my time!!!
It is very simple!!!
Keep it simple!
You don’t like Scientology?… Don’t follow it!!!
If you follow any religion you will not see me in front of your church just because I don’t like it, so why should you stand in front of mine?
Do you have the right to chose which religion I should follow?
I don’t think so.
I think that me and you have the same right ie.
The right follow the religion we like to follow and
not being harassed or discriminated because of it!
Do you agree?
Or do you think that Nazi Germany was a better society… where if you were following the “wrong” religion you could have been killed for it?
Comment by Frank G — February 11, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
Dear Anons,
Some videos for you…
The parts of man
http://www.scientology.org/#/scn6a_partsofman
The 8 dynamics
http://www.scientology.org/#/scn6a_8dyn
The tone scale
http://www.scientology.org/#/scn6a_tonescale
The components to understanding
http://www.scientology.org/#/scn6a_arc
auditing
http://www.scientology.org/#/scn6a_auditing
Comment by Frank G — February 11, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
next case?
your fraud case in France. One of many pending.
thanks for asking.
And those orgs sure are pretty. Don’t you wish you had people to fill them? Your ‘big event’ in Pasadena last summer had 7 PEOPLE in attendance!
How’s that SUPER POWERS! building coming along? You’re a little behind aren’t ya? It was supposed to be completed in 2000.
“@42 – I’m telling you dude, it’s the Study Tech. None of them can spell or put together coherent sentences. It’s one of the first signs that tell me that it’s a scientologist posting. You’d think they’d at least run their crazy babble through a spell check first.”
SO true!! I know 2nd graders who have better writing skills. Just unbeilevable that these nuts charge vast sums of money for their (and I’m trying not to laugh here) ‘communication’ courses.
All Hail Xenu!!
Comment by Rachel — February 11, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
Tom did some great films. I have no idea what scientology did for him personally but its clear its hurt his career and his earnings. The whole Travolta tragedy also makes scientology look bad also. If scientology is as good as it claims to be it should be able to showcase its ability to create and not hurt careers.
Comment by Neo — February 11, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
Don’t forget Kazakhstan where the state prosecutor is bringing charges of fraud and corruption in an effort to have $cientology and their scam banned from his country. Early indications are that the case is a slam dunk and sooner rather than later we may well see $cientologists in gulags on criminal charges of fraud and extortion…. funny thing huh?
Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2009 @ 12:10 am
Dear Frank, I’ve likely read more books by your Messiah than you have. Just because someone writes 3000 books of poorly written garbage doesn’t make them a genius, it merely makes them obsessive compulsive. Hubbard’s endless recapitulation of the same bag of manure time on time doesn’t make it genius, it makes it a waste of tree pulp.
Actually, I am an academician so I don’t just “2- You read books of XYZism and see if the data in them are valid for you?” Let’s not change the subject, $cientology, I read XYZ books of $cientology, evaluate them in my professional capacity, realize they are total horseshit and if they’re true for anybody then this is a warning sign on a mental status exam, then I write a journal article, create a presentation for the next mental health conference entitled “Social Activism in a Modern Internet Context and Practice Based Impliations when Working with Members of “Religious” Cults.”
THEN I present this at a conference among my peers and they applaud and publish it in journals and ask me to write a book, but I tell them I’m too busy teaching about $cientology at local major Universities and giving lectures in psych departments, schools of social work, medical schools and psychiatric residence programs, all for Continuing Professional Development credits and cash, while at the same time teaching literally THOUSANDS of new healthcare professionals a year the reality about cults, $cientology in particular.
I smell CULT, YOUR IN PARTICULAR. Did you hear that the literal HEAD of the $cientology “org” in New York came out to a group of protesters and yelled, “I smell pussy, you in particular” in front of witnesses, video cameras, god and everybody, to an underage femanon? It’s all on tape.. WTF is wrong with you people? What makes you think that’s ok behavior in a modern world? How in the fuck did you come to think yourselves so special when in reality most of you are dim bulbs who’ve been told you have super duper IQ’s by people trying to sell you something and using the same test over and over and over again, til you finally get what’s an acceptable result in their eyes.
So Frank, no I don’t think I have the “right to choose what religion you follow.” I do however think that the country and the governments of the world have the right to absolutely limit the living shit out of where and who you can practice it with. Things like the Emeter, which is supposed to be PERMANENTLY labeled by judicial order are a good example. OBEY THE LAW, or GO TO PRISON.
That is all.
Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2009 @ 12:21 am
Dear Frank, moot point. $cientology isn’t a “religion” and never has been in the USA. It’s a tax exempt, “not for profit” corporation and the closest in a court it’s ever come to discussion as a “religion” is for courts to specifically say it isn’t.
Yous say, “2- You read books of XYZism and see if the data in them are valid for you?” No, I read them, evaluate them professionally, write articles about them, teach about them at local universities, lecture about them at conferences of mental health professionals, and occasionally testify before elected officials about legislatively limiting cults.
Do we have the right to say what you worship, no. Do we have the right to arrest you for you tactics on HOW you worship and recruit, or how you abuse members, ABSOLUTELY and we’re coming for you, personally, soon, among others. Enough with the lies, you won’t last another 2 generations. You’re now on syllabi throughout the world as the cult you are.
Game over.le
Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2009 @ 12:27 am
There’ll always be some government ignormaus somewhere trying to invent some “crime” they think they can make their bones on. Haven’t you ever read a newspaper?
Yes, you are funny.
Ah, the deep seriousness of the sophomoric. Time for you to take your Paxil and peace out, man.
Your hatred of good people will come back to haunt you someday. You cannot escape that, no matter how loudly you scream. But for now, you’re just a garden-variety bigot.
How funny that the Anon types scream bloody murder when any “Scilon” refuses to lay down and expire before the blazing intellect you present. We say “boo”, you jump forty feet!
Ha ha, just joking, there’s no intellect. Just dinosaurs, dying with a big smell.
Time marches on.
Comment by Avenger — February 12, 2009 @ 12:47 am
“Avenger,” do you have ANY idea what a freaking joke you and what you just said are? We show up with peaceful protesters, say in Atlanta for example, and $cientologists hire a literal PLATOON of more than 40 police officers dressed in RIOT GEAR to stand across the street from peaceful protesters while $cientologists cower behind walls in their expensive, on the backs of slaves purchased, posh little ‘church.’
We protest peacefully, they hire thugs and private investigators, legions of hired gun attorneys, and even bribe / unduly influence politicians in always immoral, often illegal attempts to limit free speech in an effort to censure the truth. Not since Stalin’s Russia or (since $cientologists are so fond of mentioning it) Hitler’s Germany and Goebbels’ media machine, has there ever been a more paranoid institution so hell bent on using power to assert lies and rewrite history in an attempt to redefine what is meant by the words MEDICINE and SCIENCE.
We protest. $cientologists cower and project their inadequacies. We protest, they claim superior IQ’s as a result of their madness. We protest, they call us “terrorists” while committing terroristic acts themselves.
Grow up $cientology. The truth will set you free. It already has freed tens of thousands and more are fleeing your abusive ranks each and every day. As a percentage of believers, I’d bet the Catholic Church has lost fewer people over pedophile priests than $cientologists have lost to people who said “those people are abusive and absolutely out of their minds.”
Keep cowering, it’s ok. We know where to find you.
Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2009 @ 3:10 am
@50 Powerful post! So absolutely true on every point.
German court said it best “There were numerous indications that Scientology promoted a form of society in which constitutional values such as the dignity of mankind and the right to equal treatment would be either suspended or restricted”
from Deutsche Well Feb 2008 re decision to continue surveillence.
This is a GREAT site!
RIP Shawn Lonsdale
Comment by Mom — February 12, 2009 @ 5:08 am
I’m not a big fan of Scientology critics but tom is a ridiculous,little man.
Comment by entheta — February 12, 2009 @ 6:13 am
Excellent video from a young woman $cientology attempted to suck into the cult. She talks about the high pressure sales tactics, tactics you would expect from a used car salesman rather than a legitimate “religion”. Oh and if she didn’t sign up for courses she was informed that she would die.
Ironic in that Hubbard’s quackery has certainly led to many deaths. Avoiding his craziness has not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqEgV-LA17g
Comment by Rachel — February 12, 2009 @ 9:35 am
Dear Anon 48,
You wrote: “Do we have the right to arrest you for you tactics on HOW you worship and recruit, or how you abuse members, ABSOLUTELY and we’re coming for you, personally, soon, among others.”
My answer:
NO you don’t have that right!!!
Unless you think that Nazi Germany had that right!
I study books I like, I tell others how these data were helpful to me.
No mr. anon you don’t have ANY right to stop people to read book or to follow the religion they like to follow.
Just forget it.
You can fill up the entire internet with lies on Scientology, post all the stupid comments you want, put on your face any mask you want but you will only be able to stop yourselves.
You don’t have even the strenght to propose anything “better” than Scientology.
The reality is that Scientology is the brightest religion on the face of Earth while anons emit just a pale light if any
Comment by Frank G — February 12, 2009 @ 10:35 am
I propose you leave $cientology then give me a call. I’ll give you an hour a week of free, modern day, legitimate and empirically demonstrated to have at least SOME chance of success, unlike Dianetics, therapy for as long as you need it (up to 52 weeks) for free. There, how about that? An offer of something better, made directly to you.
You are in a cult. Not a cargo cult; you’re not travelers or gypsys.. at least they sell things of value, no matter how slight, in return for the money they charge.
When you close the door on someone, anyone, during the course of your “service” as a $cientologist, and you do so without their permission, and you refuse to release them when they ask you to, if you put them under duress even ever so slight, that’s called anything from unlawful restraint to kidnapping. This is one of those “religious practices” (“Sec checking”)that is on it’s face illegal and an abuse of fundamental human rights. It is false imprisonment and you sick bastards should be ashamed.
“Brightest religion on the face of the planet?” That’s rich indeed. I imagine Cardinal Ouellet from Quebec will be fascinated to hear that allegation. Just another nail in the coffin I’d suspect. Did I mention that today a mailing campaign of support begins to all major North American Catholic news outlets and political action groups to inform them of the Cardinal’s recent statement regarding the fact that $cientology “as a community” isn’t anything even approximating a religion.
The mainstream is realizing you’ve been lying about “interfaith” for quite some time. We’ve shown them your docs and sent them your tapes; shown they your true beliefs regarding implants and false memories which you have the absolute nerve to suggest aren’t even real. Real religions typically say they are “chosen by God.” $cientology says, “All other religions and everything bad I’ve ever done or will do isn’t my fault, it’s my dead space aliens I haven’t earned enough money to exorcise that did it. It’s the worldview that let’s the criminal behavior they refer to as “worship.”
See you in my office at noon sharp on Thursdays, how’s that Frank? It’s either that or in federal prison on visiting days. Your choice.
Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2009 @ 11:42 am
You guys should really feel bad for the Cruise family. Imagine being in Cruise’s head when he realizes how much damage he has caused humanity? Him adding his influence to help the sham-church has only added to the coffers of the Cult.
Hubbard was a mediocre at BEST sci-fi writer. I know that people can rationalize anything, but really?? I only think that it is sad when children get taken out of school and sucked into it. They have no choice. Adults should be more responsible and more intelligent than to believe con artists like Tommy Davis. Was there EVER a more greasy human being? Oh, ya, there is the high-school drop-out David Miscavige that Tommy Davis aspires to be. Past that, LET THEM doctor each other!
Darwin rules…
If there was only a way to keep the children safe!
Comment by Domino — February 12, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
“You can fill up the entire internet with lies on Scientology, post all the stupid comments you want, put on your face any mask you want but you will only be able to stop yourselves.”
Please frank, tell us any lies we have told on this board and be specific. Please also cite your sources that are not connected to CoS.
Comment by A non a moose — February 12, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
Frank why don’t you tell people up front that your core belief involves an intergalactic ruler named Xenu from the planet Teegeeack? Why do you charge $360,000 to hear the Xenu story?
Why does a “religion” need prison camps? A dirty tricks department? Why does your “religion” use children in the Sea Org as slave labor? Why do you stalk, harass and fairgame anyone who criticizes your “religion”?
Sorry Frank, you can call $cientology a “religion” until the end of time but it won’t change the fact that it is a criminal organization with more in common with the Mafia than any legitimate “religion”. You can’t hide under the guise of “religion” anymore, the truth is out. That is why you’re being investigated for various crimes all over the world, why your orgs are virtually empty, why people are leaving and speaking out in droves. You had a 60 year reign of terror but times have changed.
Expect us.
Comment by Rachel — February 12, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
How arrogant to compare yourself with the horror that was Nazi Germany. Which group do you identify with the most? To use a horrendous time in history to bolster your own argument would be considered by some ‘the overreach’. You have overshot your sensationalism and now it’s become non interest.
I believe your danger comes from within your organization, not from the outside. On the inside are people with no empathy, no moral limits and no qualms about breaking the law if it suits. These are facts that are easily found on the internet, newspapers, magazines. I have done A LOT of research.
There simply must be a way to save the children.
And bring to light the suspicious deaths that are piling up along side the short history of this group.
If you have nothing to hide then don’t worry about it, people come and go maybe you’ll make new friends. But if it appears you are hiding something, people will start looking for it. And today, with information flying to us from the internet, yes, we are now looking. Anyone has the right to investigate anything they feel could be suspicious, especially if an organization appears to continue unabashed to violate human rights and the safety of children and people who are vulnerable.
I would add that Tom Cruise’s unplanned achievement for 2008 should definitely be providing sensational media coverage to bring all this to light. Thanks Tom!
btw, thanks for the info on France! I did not know that. Also I had forgotten about the Super Power Centre.
Please don’t forget Shawn Lonsdale. A not anonymous warrior.
Comment by Mom — February 12, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Mom-
Comparing themselves to the Nazi’s is a VERY common $cientology tactic. I’ve seen it over and over here on Glosslip, on Youtube, Topix, why we protest, etc etc. $cientology believes they can legitimize their organization and stop criticism by aligning themselves with the worst mass slaughter in history.
Absolutely shameful, and a tactic $cientology promised to stop using when Jewish leaders complained it was offensive. Naturally, they lied.
And while one should never take lightly comparing anything to the Holocaust I find this side by side comparison insightful yet chilling:
http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/nazis.html
And to add to that list, the underground bunker DM is building in Wyoming. Who else do we know that had an underground bunker? *shivers*
Comment by Rachel — February 12, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
Frank,
I propose you leave $cientology then give me a call. I’ll give you an hour a week of free, modern day, legitimate and empirically demonstrated to have at least SOME chance of success, unlike Dianetics, therapy for as long as you need it (up to 52 weeks) for free. There, how about that? An offer of something better, made directly to you.
You are in a cult. Not a cargo cult; you’re not travelers or gypsys.. at least they sell things of value, no matter how slight, in return for the money they charge.
When you close the door on someone, anyone, during the course of your “service” as a $cientologist, and you do so without their permission, and you refuse to release them when they ask you to, if you put them under duress even ever so slight, that’s called anything from unlawful restraint to kidnapping. This is one of those “religious practices” (“Sec checking”)that is on it’s face illegal and an abuse of fundamental human rights. It is false imprisonment and you sick bastards should be ashamed.
“Brightest religion on the face of the planet?” That’s rich indeed. I imagine Cardinal Ouellet from Quebec will be fascinated to hear that allegation. Just another nail in the coffin I’d suspect. Did I mention that today a mailing campaign of support begins to all major North American Catholic news outlets and political action groups to inform them of the Cardinal’s recent statement regarding the fact that $cientology “as a community” isn’t anything even approximating a religion.
The mainstream is realizing you’ve been lying about “interfaith” for quite some time. We’ve shown them your docs and sent them your tapes; shown they your true beliefs regarding implants and false memories which you have the absolute nerve to suggest aren’t even real. Real religions typically say they are “chosen by God.” $cientology says, “All other religions and everything bad I’ve ever done or will do isn’t my fault, it’s my dead space aliens I haven’t earned enough money to exorcise that did it. It’s the worldview that let’s the criminal behavior they refer to as “worship.”
See you in my office at noon sharp on Thursdays, how’s that Frank? It’s either that or in federal prison on visiting days. Your choice.
Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Hi Rachel!
Thanks for the link! Interesting! I’m a visual person. Love the format.
Who else do we know with an underground bunker? Well Tom Cruise for one. His is being built/has been built in Telluride Colorado. Thats google-able. These were popular during the 50’s for sure so there may be some connection to the fact that most of scientology’s info comes from the 50’s. Maybe its why the group has no policy, that I can find so far, for Autism, b/c it wasn’t discovered in the 50’s? Just a guess tho, I still don’t know everything.
Is that what you meant?
Can I just also say, Its amazing to read the hateful, vile, stabbing sinister comments that are being generated here. I have been researching this group for a long time but have never really looked at any sort of comment forum before. Its truly awesome!
THANKS for this great site!
RIP Shawn Lonsdale
Comment by Mom — February 12, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
I’m pretty sure she meant Hitler, Mom. The correct answer to any question that begins with “You know who else (had, did, ate, etc.)…” is Hitler.
For example:
You know who else studied art? Hitler!
You know who else drove a Volkswagon? Hitler!
Etc.
Even when the answer is in fact NOT Hitler, the answer is still Hitler. For example:
You know who else is going to be at the party on Sunday? Hitler?
See, it works on everything.
Comment by Bill Billson — February 12, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
Oh thanks Bill!
I’m still new to the aspect of comments. I am usually just a lurker.
Comment by Mom — February 12, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
Well yeah “Bill” the answer is Hitler when one is discussing the numereous similarities between Nazis and $cientology, and the FACT that Hitler also had an underground bunker.
What were you expecting? A reference to Santa Clause?
Mom-you’re welcome. And you’re right, this is a great forum!
Comment by Rachel — February 12, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
I just came across this while reading reviews on Valkyrie which I’m thinking of watching. I’m catholic and I don’t know much about scientology. I will probably not visit this site again as there’s no reason to, but just wanted to leave this comment. Whatever religion people choose to believe in, it’s within their right to do so. Why do you care so much? Personally as long as it’s not preached to my face, I don’t really care. Better than some Christian pastors I’ve seen privatizing their churches. Chill out.
Comment by Kahlan — February 13, 2009 @ 4:07 am
Ahhhh This is simply awesome. shawnlonsdale.org
I wrote up my own, was going to put it up…
Probably could have done a better job…
No I kid I kid.
I laugh I cry I spill beer on it.
THANKS Anonymous!!
RIP Shawn Lonsdale
Comment by Mom — February 13, 2009 @ 5:46 am
Dear non a moose
This is the answer.
1- Anons accuse Scn to be a criminal organization and that is a lie. I was staff
in Scientology orgs and I have not met any “criminal”. The majority of people
working in a church of Scientology just want to help others!
Have you met, personally, a criminal working in a church of Scientology?… or are
you just spreading generalities?
2- You say that Scn is not a religion and that is a lie.
here there is a problem definitions.
You probably think that the only valid religion is the one you follow and that all
the rest are dangerous religions or sects.
Fine! But if you look at the basic definition of religion you will find out that a
religion is a set of policies, moral codes and practices aimed at improving a
person has a spiritual being.
thanks Rachel! 
So Scientology is a religion by the very definition of religion.
—————–
To Rachel
From FrankG
“Why do you charge $360,000 to hear the Xenu story?”
- I just saved $360,0000
Scientology is not the only religion in which you can find data about forces or
beings that were influencing Earth from outside. Look at “nefilim” in the bible of
“Vimana” in Sanscict texts if you want to read on how to “drive” an UFO.
So if you look in all major religion you will find descriptions of powerful
beings, gods, etc etc ie. beings that were not coming from Earth.
Scientology gives you tools on how to discover your past. With Dianects (1950) one
was already able to find incidents that happened before birth and after that
Hubbard was able to develop techniques to be able to go more and more in the past.
Now… If you go to an unknown land and you find different animals, different type
of buildings etc and then, when you come back, you write a book about what you
have observed is it your “fault” if people don’t believe you? Same thing with
going into the past… You will find that Earth is not the only planet… You will
find a LOT of new things… Probably you will find that Earth was not the only
planet that had wars… or criminals governing millions of people!
So if you strongly believe that Earth is the “only planet” that is fine but maybe
that is just the attitude of a group of people living in an island and believing
that that is the only island existing.
There are several lectures or books where you can find data of incidents of the
“past track” like the book “have you lived before this life” or “An hystory of
man”. Books that you can find also in your public library… see, I have saved you
$360,000 also
—
Regarding “prison camps”. Any religion has places were priests that have failed go
to get rehabilitated.
The Rehabilitation Project Force can be entered by staff who have failed on their
posts. They study and work. They sign to join and the can leave it when they want.
I know this because I met people working in the RPF or that graduated it.
—
“Trick Dept”-
Any religion has a legal office responsible for all the legal matters that any
church or organization has.
If you attack any religion you will have the legal dept of that religion try to
find out who you really are and why you try to suppress that religion.
That applies to Scientology also.
If you don’t want to have problems with Scientology don’t attack it. Simple!
If Scientology is taking legal actions against a suppressive person or group is
because that person or group has attacked Scientology BEFORE.
So if you want to “protest” because you have nothing better to do I suggest you to
divide anons in two parts and have one part protest against the other. That way
you will reach your goal of having protestes. I think this is a great idea.
—-
Per the data I have the number of people following Scientology courses is Highest
Ever and in several cities new buildings are needed to be able to deliver
Scientology courses etc. Also there is a massive effort to translate Scientology
books in all the major languages on Earth and now Hubbard is the most translated
author…
http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-
miscellaneous/4402645-1.html
Comment by Frank G — February 13, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Keep pushing those “we’re building new Orgs and growing all the time!” lies, people. A high level defector has confirmed in an interview with one of the proprietors of this very site that he’s has been to many of these Orgs in person and nearly all of them are bloody EMPTY and losing money.
Game over, people. The gig is up. The scam will be exposed to everyone soon enough. Start looking up your buddies in the Freezone, because your “church” is falling apart.
Comment by Emily — February 13, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
Umm Frank, how come you just started typing in a completely different style that sounds more like someone who uses English as a Second Language rather than the native speaker you seemed to be before. You “were staff,” and you had contact with RPFers, that means it’s quite likely you are one of those who committed crimes in the name of $cientology. Whether knowingly or unknowingly is an issue of fact better left to the courts to decide, but if the above is true then you simply have reinforced my belief that you should personally expect to be one of the one’s handed a Federal Indictment, not just an illegal C&D.
See you in court “Frank G” and all the people you represent. Game over.
Comment by The Bitch — February 13, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Dear Emily,
What you say is happening in your mind not in the real world.
Comment by Frank G — February 13, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
Fran G, again, the burden of proof is on you to show us non-biased sources about how she (or any of us) are wrong.
Comment by A non a moose — February 13, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
Hi Frank G! Wow you used the word religion 12 times in post #64.
Unfortunately, the reality is that poster #48 already pointed out to you that “$cientology isn’t a “religion” and never has been in the USA. It’s a tax exempt, “not for profit” corporation and the closest in a court it’s ever come to discussion as a “religion” is for courts to specifically say it isn’t. ”
If you make up your own definition for the word ‘religion’ thats fine for you, but it is not technically correct. Therefore I would say your post is wrong and possibly intentionally misleading and needs a rewrite.
Your argument of being staff and never seeing criminals is probably incorrect too. I am curious to know what your definition of ‘criminal’ is.
Per the data I have, the number of members is diminishing and the situation is becoming dire. I have recently seen the state of some orgs; windows boarded up or covered with plastic instead of glass and dilapidated condition.
Why would anyone go to L Ron Hubbard’s titles for info on history or space? It’s just not a valid idea.
I also challenge your claim that L Ron Hubbard is the most translated author. Your link is 404. My link works.
http://databases.unesco.org/xtrans/stat/xTransStat.a?VL1=A&top=50&lg=0
According to UNESCO, Walt Disney, with 9181, is the most translated author and Hubbard does not appear on the list, with only 1094.
Comment by Mom — February 13, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
Dear “Mom”,
I point out that Scientology is a religion in the dictionary definition of religion.
“A system of beliefs, including belief in the existence of at least one of the following: a human soul or spirit, a deity or higher being, or self …”.
See the video on the “parts of man” in the scientology website.
http://www.scientology.org/#/scn6a_partsofman
If you want to say Scientology is not a religion you need to change the defition of religion in all the dictionaries
—–
On the criminal point you have to prove that “all scientologist are criminals”. Have you spoken with a Scientology staff member? I guess no… that is the reason why I am thinking that you just use “generalities”.
——
This is the link again
http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-miscellaneous/4402645-1.html
and also anothre link
http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question84860.html
In 2006, Guinness World Records declared L. Ron Hubbard the world’s most published and most translated author, having published 1,084 fiction and non-fiction works that have been translated into 71 languages.
“With a professional career spanning half a century and with over 200 million of his fiction and non-fiction works in circulation in 156 countries, L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Dianetics and Scientology, is among the most influential and widely-read authors of our time.”
The languages in which books by L. Ron Hubbard have been translated include Afrikaans, Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azeri, Basque, Belo Russian, Bengali, Brazilian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dari-Farsi, Dutch, Estonian, Farsi, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Kazakh, Korean, Kyrgyz, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malayalam, Mexican Spanish, Mongolian, Nepalese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Taiwanese, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Xhosa and Zulu.
Also
http://emol.org/emclub/?=lronhubbardguinessworldrecord
Comment by Frank G — February 13, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Frank G….if anyone can leave the RPF when they want to why would there be razor sharp spikes on the INSIDE of the fence of the RPF unit at GOLD in Hemet???? Your inability to consider anything outside of your world view is astounding and shocking. You keep branding everyone who dares criticize the corruptive and fraudulent practice of the management structure of the CoS as “bigots” and “hate mongers” is both disingenious and closed minded. I frankly down’t give a damn what you believe, Xenu or flying squids. I do however take exception to fraud, money laundering, front groups, child labour, mental and physical abuse, forced abortions, harassment, fair gaming and the numerous other practices that hide under the cloak of religious freedom. Your right tom believe is not at question. Using that belief to propogate crimes that under any other circumstances would be condemned and subject to criminal investigation and rectification is. And puhleaze stop comparing this to other religious groups and being persecuted for your religious beliefs. History dictates that we learn from our mistakes and all the internet has done is make the information far more readily accessible to the multitudes. This is the “information” age. There is no excuse for being misinformed anymore.
“The reality is that Scientology is the brightest religion on the face of Earth while anons emit just a pale light if any” Frank G
Sorry Frank, if you get any brighter you will surely burn a hole right through your skull. The anons I’ve witnessed and the people who chose to remain anonymous in this debate are the ones shining a great big beacon on the corruption within the management of scientology and most see the individual scientologists caught within that “maze” as victims of a criminal syndicat. And yes many ex scientologist are the very people bringing the “crimes” out into the light.
Dawn it never ceases to amaze me that your little “gossip” site gets so much attention in such a little space of time when the mere whisper of criticism of the CoS or the golden boy Tom Cruise gets mentioned. Another well written article from a classy lady.
Comment by Mitsu Too — February 13, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Hi Rachel!
THANKS for mentioning the the info about Scientology being told to stop using Nazi rhetoric. I checked that out and you are right. And now I am more shocked at this group’s temerity. If that could be possible.
Also I was resistant to the parallel you suggestioned before, but, after looking at the facts I have, from that perspective, I can fully see your point on the mains. Its icky, but can’t think of a historical master/slave relationship without an ick factor.
Hi Emily!
Really great post!!
Comment by Mom — February 13, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
Dear Mitsu Too and others anons,
I think that you suffer to a degree of paranoia and hallucinations.
paranoia:
An extreme and unreasonable feeling that other people do not like you or are going to harm or criticize you.
hallucination
When you see, hear, feel or smell something which does not exist, usually because you are ill or have taken a drug.
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=35375&dict=CALD
I am saying this because you believe that every scientologist is a criminal and because you believe in things that do not exist and that is just gossip!
I hope the following suggestions will help you.
1- Stop taking harmful drugs!
2- Read the chapter “Drugs and their effects to the mind”
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/SH7_2.HTM
3- Read “Stress from the Dangerous Environment”
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/SH12.HTM
4- Read “The Merchants of Chaos”
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/SH12_2.HTM
5- Try to stop doing things you know are against your survival and the survival of others.
6- Read “The basics of ethics”
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/SH10_1.HTM
7- Read “The conditions”
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/SH10_2.HTM
I hope you get better.
Comment by Frank G — February 14, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
Glosslip is behind it. It is due entirely to Glosslip and its blogs. Hahahahaha.
Comment by Terryeo — February 18, 2009 @ 6:01 am
Frank, sorry.
I didn’t say I think all scientologists are criminals.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Comment by Mom — February 18, 2009 @ 11:54 pm
Frank G for you to suggest I am under the influence of drugs makes your own statement come back to you ten fold;
“I think that you suffer to a degree of paranoia and hallucinations.
paranoia:
An extreme and unreasonable feeling that other people do not like you or are going to harm or criticize you.
hallucination
When you see, hear, feel or smell something which does not exist, usually because you are ill or have taken a drug.”
Who’s the paramoid one here Frankie Boy?
For the record I have never in my life taken any type of psychotropic, hallucinogenic or mind altering drugs in legal or illegal form. Unlike L Ron Hubbard himself.
You say “I am saying this because you believe that every scientologist is a criminal and because you believe in things that do not exist and that is just gossip!” Show me where I said that every scientologist is a criminal. I have actually said “most see the individual scientologists caught within that “maze” as victims of a criminal syndicat.”
So Frank answer me one thing. Do you honestly believe that so many critics exist simply because we are misinformed? Do you not deep down even admit for a minute that maybe just maybe there is more truths than lies in what we say? It is far better Frank to admit your sins and make amends now while the investigations are still ongoing than sticking to your lies and made to hold the bag of fail when David Miscavige takes off with all the money. What about those offshore accounts Frank? Ever wonder where the money goes? Who has access to it?
Comment by Mitsu Too — February 22, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
To “Anonymous — February 11, 2009 @ 1:19 am” – your vitriolic comments about Marc Koska’s patent just prove that you guys don’t check your facts before you lash out, and so you make fools of yourselves! You found one of Marc Koska’s many patents – well done – only you found the wrong patent for the wrong device (that he did invent together with Graham). If you can’t even get that right….! Thank you for demonstrating so well what your whole campaign against Scientology is based upon – false and unchecked information not to mention hearsay and propaganda spread by vested interests who don’t want anyone to know the truth. Please see: Anonymous and Misinformed – http://www.johnalexwood.com/2008/03/anonymous-and-misinformed.html
Here’s the latest on Marc’s achievements: http://my.nowpublic.com/health/india-safer-injection-campaign-breakthrough-success#
India: Safer injection campaign a breakthrough success – Marc Koska’s Safepoint Trust, the East Sussex-based, UK charity, reaches over 500 million people in India with its Safer Injection message, alters India’s Health Policy, and is set to prevent millions of deaths and reduce widespread human suffering throughout the country over the coming years.
Comment by johnalexwood — February 23, 2009 @ 10:44 am