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Scientology 2009…Year Of Epic Fail

Queen — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:52:19 +0000

Queen here, I decided to compile a list of Scientology’s most memorable moments blunders of 2009. This will be my final article…so I thought I would leave with a bang!

I wasn’t able to include EVERYTHING or all the pending court cases, as the list was way too LONG.

Sorry if the time line is not entirely correct by the exact month and the events may not be in exact chronological order and I am sure I left out some things, so feel free to contribute and list whatever I missed in the comments section. Please click on the various links in this article, to read further.

The list below, is definitely tl:dr, but after all, it is an entire year of Scientology fail, and there was plenty of it!

Thankfully, and as always, Scientology has brought on this bad publicity and pending court cases themselves. They will be responsible for their own demise.

Let’s start the 2009 time line with the tragic death of John Travolta’s son, Jett.

This tragedy opened up many doors, that Scientology would have liked to have kept shut.

I think it is important to remind people of this story. I feel there were too many puzzling questions in this story, that didn’t make any sense and remain unanswered.

Jett was Travolta’s 16 year old son who had autism. Many people never knew he existed because Jett was kept out of the limelight. Or shall I say hidden from the limelight.

Jett suffered from epileptic seizures. According to Travolta and wife Kelly Preston, Jett was taken off his anti-seizure medication, claiming it wasn’t working for him and that it was harmful to his liver. Ironically, Jett’s parents put him on the Purification Rundown, which can be very harmful to the liver.

Scientology believes that this treatment can cure many problems. Even though there has never been any medical or scientific proof that Scientology’s Purification Rundown has any benefits what so ever. In fact it has been called pseudo science and quackery. Disturbingly, this treatment is administered by untrained staff with no medical backgrounds.

I am amazed that Scientology is still able to offer this treatment legally. This treatment is also goes under the names Narconon, Criminon and other Scientology front group names.

Travolta and Preston admitted to taking Jett off his anti seizure medication and putting him on Scientology’s Purification Rundown. Jett then began suffering from seizures every 1-4 days.

John and Kelly flew to the Bahamas for a 60 person New Year’s Eve party they had planned. I will never understand why they flew to the Bahamas to have a party, when Jett was suffering from so many seizures so often.

They traveled with two male nannies who did not have medical backgrounds or proper training for a special needs child. Didn’t anyone find this strange? The night of Jett’s death, he was left unattended for over 10 hours. He had a seizure, fell and hit his head and died.

Tabloids began speculating whether this was a case of negligence, and whether or not Jett would still be alive today, if he was put on a different seizure medication and if his parents were not Scientologists.

From the tragic death of their son, emerged a much publicized court case of alleged extortion.

John and Kelly cried “extortion”, and claimed that defendants tried to extort a large sum of many from them in exchange for some alleged damaging documents relating to Jett’s death.

Although the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Jett is not what the court case is about, there are still too many unanswered questions concerning the death of Jett.

The following questions should have been investigated. Why did the body of Jett have such a quickie cremation? Why did Travolta and Preston have two male Scientologist nannies who were void of medical or special needs training? One of the nannies was Jeff Kathrein, who was photographed previously kissing Travolta. Strange…

Why was Travolta’s son left unattended for over 10 hours after last being seen entering the bathroom? Why weren’t the two nannies
investigated or interviewed by authorities or questioned by the media? Especially the fact that Jeff Kethrein, was the one that found Jett dead at 10 am the next morning. Where were the two nannies when they were supposed to be watching Jett the night he fell?

Why didn’t Preston and Travolta hire round-the-clock care by highly TRAINED medical professionals for their son? Money certainly wasn’t an issue. Why was Jett put on the very dangerous Scientology Purification Rundown in the first place? AND how was a 16-year autistic child made to endure such long hours in saunas for weeks at a time and ingesting oil and dangerous mega vitamin bombs of niacin?
How was this obviously arduous task achieved? Strange?

Some day, someone will come forward and spill all the beans. I hope this mystery doesn’t get swept under the rug. We may never know the true answers to what, why and how this all happened, due to Travolta’s fame and fortune. Very sad.

The Travolta “extortion” court case continues in the Bahamas in Jan 2010. It will be interesting to see what further shenanigans Scientology lawyers will pull in court and the outcome to this complete and utter MESS. Stock up on popcorn!

Another court case which was previously filed against a Scientology dentist which was settled. Reported in the Chicago Tribune:

“A Chicago dentist has agreed to pay$462,500 to settle federal allegations that he violated U.S. discrimination laws by sexually harassing workers and by forcing employees who wanted to keep their jobs to submit to indoctrination in the tenets of Scientology.”

On to the following months.
FEBRUARY brought the ban of Scientology in the Karaganda region in Kazakhstan.

Then another big court case hit.

This time, it was filed against Scientology.
Former Scientology members Claire and Marc Headley. They filed against Scientology for unfair labor practices. They claimed:

“they were paid less than 50 cents an hour and forced to work more than 100 hours a week. They claim they never received overtime pay or meal breaks and were required to sign documents under duress acknowledging they had forfeited their rights.”

FYI, Scientology’s Sea Organization, is supposed to be the most elite. They are also the most dedicated members of Scientology. Unfortunately, the Sea Org members are also the most abused.

If you asked the general public what the Sea Org is, most people wouldn’t know. But hopefully, more and more people are starting to learn about this abused sect behind Scientology.

The sad stories from former ex members are coming out more and more these days. Many ex members still live in fear, do to Scientology’s family disconnection policies and Scientology’s litigious nature of silencing their critics. Scientology is finally starting to lose this war and they will find it impossible to silence the new onslaught of ex members coming forward with their stories.

In Florida, a mom filed a suit against Scientology, claiming that her son Kyle Brennan died at the hands of Scientology because the father who was a Scientologist denied the son his anti depression medication. The father tried to put his son Kyle into a Narconon drug treatment program. (Narconon is a Scientology front group name and the exact same treatment that Travolta’s son Jett was put through)

Sadly, Kyle ended his life by shooting himself. Yet another tragic Scientology related death. Click for a copy of that case.

Another blow to Scientology in February, was the release of ex Scientology Sea Org member John Duigan’s book, The Complex. A very damaging book that tells the sad story of his escape from Scientology, after being a member for twenty two years.

It was also announced that Marc Headley’s book, Blown For Good, Behind The Iron Curtain Of Scientology was set to hit book stores later in the year.

The veil of secrecy continued to lift, with the story of ex member Jeff Hawkins, who spent more than 40 years in the cult and was interviewed by many media outlets and ABC’s KATU news.

Anti Scientology critics, Mark Bunker and Doug Owens were arrested at Scientology’s Golden Era Productions aka Gold Base for “trespassing” while attending a protest there. They were walking across the driveway of the gate to Gold Base, when Scientology spokesperson Catherine Fraser (who was present) had them arrested by citizen’s arrest. Oh Catherine, Barney Phife would have loved you. *snicker*

The kicker of this arrest is, that both Mark and Doug were not on Scientology’s property. The charges were of course later dropped due to lack of evidence. (what a surprise)

Another prime example of the cult taking up police time and tax payers money with frivolous arrests. Scientology should have been charged for making false arrests and fined.

There was another arrest at Gold Base for another Scientology protester who goes by the name of “Angy Gay Pope”. He was arrested at Gold base for “stomping on the cult’s pansies”. I kid you not.

See the day of the protest, the cult turned sprinklers on the protesters, even though there was a watering ban in effect that day for that area. Of course the cult was never fined for this crime. WHY?

To avoid the sprinkler’s water, “Pope” walked through “their” pansy patch. Catherine Fraser once again called for a citizen’s arrest, and had him taken to the pokey. AGAIN… the cult wasting police time and tax payer’s money. Is anyone paying attention here?

FYI… the pansies were not planted on cult property to begin with, and in a preliminary hearing the cult claimed that the patch of pansies cost them $1,000!!! *snort* This case continues in Jan. 2010. Stay tuned!

February saw Nancy Cartwright caught using Bart Simpson’s voice to “robo call” Scientology members for a Scientology event. Cartwright is of course the voice of Bart Simpson. Her robo message said the event was “going to be a blast man!”

Simpson’s creator, Matt Goering didn’t have much to say about this escapade by Cartwright, nor did he do anything about it. Major pussy IMO. Sorry Matt, you really disappointed me!
All the more reason I will never watch the Simpson’s!

MARCH found Scientologists Gretta Van Susteren and hubby lawyer John P. Coale getting awful cozy with Palin. (this was way before Palin the ”Maverick” went “rogue” *snicker*).

Nathan Baca of KESQ TV, interviewed Scientology cult spokesman Tommy Davis. During the interview, Davis admitted that he knew what Baca was talking about when Baca started to read the story of Xenu and OTIII. (a level in Scientology’s Bridge To Total Freedom)
The cult has always denied OTIII’s existence. As a matter of fact, in an earlier interview on CNN, Davis DENIED knowing about Xenu and OTIII and said it was ridiculous. Here is a back to back video that someone put together on YouTube of the two interviews. (don’t mind the little silly things that were added) You can see for yourself, that Davis indeed lied during the CNN interview. What a great “church”!

Back to Baca’s interview….
Davis became very heated during the interview and claimed he was very insulted by Baca’s questions. It was a classic. And worth the view. Click here and enjoy!

Baca also reported on how Riverside County, Ca. officials got involved with the fight between the group Anonymous and Scientology at Golden Era Productions aka Gold Base. Matters where brought up at the board of supervisor meetings, which eventually lead to Supervisor Jeff Stone (Mr. Arrogance) pushing through Ordinance 884, which was about restricting targeted residential picketing. This ordinance was not needed and of course it was introduced to Stone by Scientology. What a surprise! Click here to watch.

Baca continued being a thorn in Scientology’s side when he interviewed ex Sea Org members. Maureen Bolstad and others told their sad stories of abuse. (Maureen says she still has a twin sister trapped inside Gold Base) Click here to watch Part one. Part Two

In other news, many grotesque pictures and stories started circulating the tabloids of Katie Holmes and how God awful she looked from being on Scientology’s Purification Rundown. She looked pale, skinny and like she aged twenty years. Nice going Tom!

Then came a real sneaky Scientology move by another one of their famous members.

Performer Beck, pulled a fast one on his fans at The Echo club in California. He played a “benefit” for Educating Children International. But fans soon found out that they plunked down $35.00 a pop for a Scientology front group benefit. Fans were NOT happy that they were never told it was Scientology related. Beck received some very deserved bad PR for pulling the wool over his fan’s eyes. Wonder where all that money ended up anyways?

The March merriment continued….

Scientology’s Fort Harrison Hotel aka Flag, gets a “supposed” $40 million dollar face lift and has a grand re-opening to the chagrin of local residents. (although today the Fort Harrison’s assessment has dropped down to an alarming low) Blame it on recession? Hmmm, don’t think so.

The Fort Harrison promised that it was going to be beneficial to the residents of Clearwater and help to bring life and commerce back to that area. Didn’t happen. Their banquet facilities are not available for rent to the public and their restaurants are not open to the public either. And the icing on the cake? There was that not one local resident hired for employment for the Harrison, due to the fact that the entire staff of the Fort Harrison is employed with Scientology’s very own Sea Org slave labor force. Scientology does not pay their slave labor anywhere close to minimum wage. Try $35.00 – $50.00 a week. That’s when and if they get paid.

I guess Scientology is just too darn busy spending money by opening up new “orgs” elsewhere and paying for their advertising campaigns to worry about paying fair wages, having decent food for their employees or medical care for that matter.

And does the cult pay any taxes on the Fort Harrison? Again… is anyone paying attention?

Tell me again the benefit of having the Fort Harrison Hotel and the Super Power building in Clearwater? The Super Power Building *snicker* remains unfinished (sorry cult members who got duped into donating millions for this fail).

The Super Power Buidling is also racking up $250.00 a day in fines for not being finished. And as of last March 2009, the fines owed by the cult to the town were over $245 thousand dollars. Maybe that is where all the Scientology member’s donations will end up going? To pay off fines? Yep! Clearing the planet! *scam alert*

APRIL! Scientologist, Ben Kasle was arrested and charged with two counts of gross sexual misconduct with a 13 year old girl at the “church”. Even though he only received a slap on the wrist for his crime in my opinion, I hope Ben has learned that you should only touch your own body thetans,and not under age gals.

Then another court case arises!

Former Scientology member, Laura DeCrescenzo filed against Scientology. Click for her case.
From Infinite Complacency about the lawsuit:

“DeCrescenzo is seeking her back pay, damages, the formal cancellation of any illegal documents she signed while on staff and an injunction against Scientology to prevent them either bribing or intimidating potential witnesses in her case.”

MAY was a busy month.
France charged Scientology’s six top officials with fraud and illegally practicing as pharmacists. Two out of the four plantiffs who filed cases against Scientology, settled out of court. (grumble).

Former member, Aude-Claire Malton, claimed she was forced by her Scientologist boss to do auditing, and when she refused, she was fired. Nice going!

Of course this is not the first time Scientology has been in trouble in France. A little refresher:

“As in the five previous cases France brought against Scientologists, prosecutors are focusing on charges and evidence of the organization’s manipulating members to wring money out of them — not on any of the spiritual beliefs or practices that may be involved. The first time that happened, in 1978, a Paris court found Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard guilty of vulgar fraud.

In 1997, a Lyon court convicted five Scientology officials of similar charges, which were linked to the suicide of a debt-ridden church member. That verdict came with fines and a suspended prison sentence.”

Then rounding out the end of the month, Wikipedia bans Scientology from editing entries. This was a major win and also a major embarrassment for Scientology. Sorry trolls!

Oh dear….. and it continues…

JUNE ….
a wife sued Narconon (be sure to read the whole story) for treatment of her then fiance. She claimed:

“Daniel Locatelli was subjected to verbal attacks, often of an anti gay substance. He was denied medical care when he needed it and the staff kept him and his belongings against his will when he asked to leave. He finally escaped after 4 days. Among the claims against the facilities and their employees and agents are breach of contract, fraud in the inducement, negligent misrepresentation and fraudulent misrepresentation.”

The two facilities involved were Narconon Southern California and Narconon Joshua Hills.

Zingo! Scientology!

Actor David Carradine was was found dead in a Bangkok Hotel room. Cause of death was erotic asphyxiation. *kinky* His family members, Sienna, Calista, and wife Anne are all avid Scientologists.

Although Carradine was supposedly not a “practicing” Scientologist, he performed in many Scientology functions, including riding the float in their shameless participation of the Christmas parade in Hollywood, as well as reading Christmas stories in the Scientology Celebrity Center Christmas Celebrations.

Then came two shining knights.
Those two knights are Joe Childs and Thomas Tobin. Authors at the St. Petersburg Times.

Joe and Thomas wrote a scathing series called the Truth Rundown for The St. Petersburg Times.

They interviewed ex Scientology top officials, Marty Rathbun, Mike Rinder, Amy Scobee, and Tom DeVocht. These former Sea Org members spoke of a sadistic game of musical chairs, physical and mental abuse and beatings of other members that they witnessed at the hands of current cult lead David Miscavige.

This series was very lengthy and too long to list here, so please be sure to click on the “Truth Rundown” link above and read the coverage in it’s entirety. There is also recorded interviews of ex-members on video on the “SP Times” website.

Also in June, on the Why We Potest website, a list was started by Anonymous. It is a list of ex-Scientologists who have left the cult and have spoken out. You can find this list on the Why We Protest Wiki. The list has reached over 875 names and continues to climb weekly. Kudos to Anonymous!

Then on a sad note, another tragic Scientology death.

Scientologist, Steve Brackett, committed suicide. Brackett was a HUGE donor for the still not open and incomplete Super Power Building in ClearwaterFl. He ended his life by leaping to his death from the Bixby Bridge in Ca.

Brackett was a higher level “OT” on Scientology’s Bridge To Total Freedom. (more proof it does not exist) He was also once engaged to Scientology fanatic Nancy Cartwright. Rumor has it that Nancy did not attend his ceremony. Nice going Cartwright!

Nancy Cartwright herself has donated over 10 million dollars to Scientology and continues to dole out the cash. That’s 10 million her two children will never see. SAD.

SURPRISE! John Travolta FINALLY admits that his son Jett DID have autism, after a Bahama police report was leaked in the National Enquirer. Although the Enquirer is known to be a “rag”, this time the story they leaked was right on the money. John could not hide the truth any longer. Question is…. why did he hide the truth in the first place? Because of Scientology? You betcha!

Yep, June was a FINE month indeed! But not for Scientology. *guffaw*

JULY was pretty quiet…But a second report came out that Scientology’s asbestos laden cruise ship the Freewinds, was STILL polluting the waters and land on the island of Bonaire by continuing to dump dangerous waste water from their ship.

Sean Paton, a Bonaire resident is desperately trying to save Bonaire. Kudos to Sean!

Sean posted two videos on YouTube in the past, which showed the Freewinds actually dumping waste water, and then a second video, showing the testing of that waste water. The
video showed how dangerous the waste water was that the Freewinds was dumping. These videos have since been removed from YouTube.

I found out why. UPDATED: In a RECENT video dated Dec. 14th 2009, Sean Patton, it shows waste water being dumped in the middle of the night. Sean Paton also explains why the videos were removed from YouTube. Sean said:

“We have taken videos off the Internet, so that locals can secure their economy and that there is no threat to local Government, and have done everything we could to try to keep this in a peaceful mode.”

Boniare continues to let the Freewinds dump their waste water. A talk of a water treatment plant has started, but the longer the months tick on, the more dangerously polluted Bonaire becomes. In all fairness, the Freewinds is not solely to blame for all of Bonaire’s pollution. But the Freewinds is still a big contributor to the pollution and the Bonaire government continues to allow them to dump. Whether they allow it or not, The Freewinds should STOP.

Around this time in July, we also heard rumors of Travolta leaving Scientology. But of course we all know that never happened, and Scientology obviously has since ”handled” him. I guess Travolta fears his personal life will be made public from his Scientology PC folders. I now call him a big coward and I have lost any respect I had for him. Sorry John!

Also in July, it was announced that Kelly Preston and Travolta were to attend Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference and be interviewed for the first time after their son’s death. (we all know what happened to that interview)

But then came AUGUST.
Another block buster month.

Scientology had a big response to all the ex members who went public with their stories in the St. Petersburg Times articles. Scientology called them liars, and of course cried character assassination. *snicker*

The cult in all their stupidity, like a bunch oh high school kids, put out a 40 page expose in their “Freedom Magazine” which they mailed to their members. Sorry, I won’t provide a link to their Freedom Magazine website. Reason? You should use a proxy to protect your IP.

In their magazine, Scientology called Tobin and Childs (St. Petersburg Times authors) “Merchants of Chaos” and gave “comic book villain” type names to the ex members who spoke out. They also filled their magazine steep with lies by twisting the information which was contained in the ex member’s ”PC folders”.

FYI, “PC Folders” are folders filled with member’s personal information which is acquired from them when they are audited on an “e-meter“. (Scientology calls this spiritual counseling, but it’s just a lie detector) So ethical isn’t it?

Hey Scientology members, your “PC files” are not safe from prying eyes and they never will be!

Then more ex cult members came forward, and there were other interviews in the St. Petersburg Time. Including Jackie Wolf, Mark Fisher, Bruce Hines, Jeff Hawkins, Marc Headley, Shelly Corrias, Steve Hall, and Gary Morehead and more.

The sadness continued with cult member Gloria Lopez, who sadly committed suicide in France. Before her death she wrote:

“she owed money to the organization for courses, was struggling to advance up the path to spiritual enlightenment, really wanted to succeed as a Scientologist, and regretted every mistake in her life.”

Lopez’s family estimated that she spent over $400,000 in Scientology courses, auditing and materials.

Lopez deep in debt to Scientology, could not find any other way out in her mind and felt like a complete failure. She stood smiling on the train tracks of an oncoming train. The train could not stop in time. Her life was ended. Her family, (not Scientologists) decided to file a suit against Scientology. Lopez’s son Gwen stated:

“If, by bringing a case, we can open people’s eyes, it will have been worth it.”

Ex member, Martine Boublil also filed a suit against Scientology. Her story was both sad and outrageous.

“A 48-year-old Frenchwoman, is said to have been found being held, half naked, on a vermin-infested mattress in a house in Sardinia. She filed a complaint saying that her brother – an ex-doctor and prominent Scientologist– had kidnapped her, trying to treat her psychological problems himself. The Church of Scientology and Boublil’s brother, Claude, denies she was kidnapped and described the case as a “tragic family affair” that the media had sought to exploit.”

A family affair? Exploitation? Oh come on Scientology, you can do better than that.

August also brought about the firing of head mistress, Jacqueline Olivier, of Will and Jada (we are not Scientologists) Smith’s New Village Academy in Calabasas, Ca.

The Smith’s denied that their school had anything to do with Scientology, even though you can go to the website and plainly read for yourself that their school teaches the “tech” written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard if you look hard enough.

The Smith’s employed some Scientologists as teachers. Apparently, after a while, Foster was not totally “on board” with teaching the L. Ron Hubbard Tech to the children, and the Smith’s decided to fire her and hire another SCIENTOLOGIST who was on board with teaching the mind control tech. Wonder how long this school will stay open?

The St. Petersburg Times reports a fabulous ”Strength in Numbers” story. Horrifying stories from more ex members who came forward to speak out. Another big win by the two white knights, Thomas Tobin and Joe Childs. Kudos again boys!

SEPTEMBER…
Will and Jada Smith finally admitted that their school does in fact teach L. Ron Hubbard “tech”. Told you so.

According to sources, this years new season at the Smith’s New Village school appeared to have dwindling numbers. Many parents pulled their kids out when they found out what was being taught there. Scientology parents of course left their kids continue to be further brainwashed. SAD.

On to OCTOBER….
A scary month. Especially for Scientology!
Another brave knight appears. Martin Bashir.

On Oct 22nd and 23rd, ABC Nightline’s, Martin Bashir interviewed Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis.

Martin Bashir

Davis ended up walking off the set in the middle of the interview after having a hissy fit. Once again he claims he was insulted by the questioning. Most “churches” will tell you anything you want to know, and be more than willing to talk about it. Nope not Scientology. Not without paying for it.

Click here for Part One and Part Two. It’s a must see, if you haven’t seen it.

Onward….
All charges that Scientology filed against protester “Anon Orange” for “trespassing” at Golden Era Productions, aka Gold Base last Oct 2008, were dropped.

Anon Orange continues to counter sue with a Civil case against the cult for a myriad of charges stemming from his brutal arrest in 2008, which includes assault and battery, wrongful arrest, excessive force, emotional distress, several Ca. code violations and the list goes on. A jury trial was requested. Click here to watch the brutal attack of Anon Orange by Scientology guards at Gold Base in 2008. During this video, you can hear the Gold Base LOUD “organ tone” in the video,
which Scientology used whenever protesters showed up. Talk about super creepy!

The guards used excessive force against anon Orange and pushed his face in the dirt. Keep in mind the guards did not use legal procedures and are not allowed to legally attack or hand cuff someone in this manner, yet they were never charged with anything. WHY?
It will be interesting to see the outcome of this case.

And so on……
Scientology was convicted of fraud in France! Viva la France!
They were convicted of fraud and dispensing vitamins without a license.To read a rundown of the ruling, click here.

Then a major Scientology celebrity leaves the cult.
Crash director. Paul Haggis left Scientology in a public letter written to “foot bullet boy” and Scientology spokesman, Tommy Davis. It was posted on former cult member, Marty Rathbun’s website. Marty is still practicing Scientology as an independent. There are several different groups with various names that do this. One is called the Freezone. These are people who left the ”church”, but still practice Scientology, but are free from the “church”.

Then another important person leaves Scientology. He was an OTVIII (level 8 on the Scientology’s Bridge to Total Freedom) public Scientologist, Geir Isene. He also left very publicly and has spoken out on Rathbun’s site.

Just so you understand….. there are different types of Scientologists. There are staff members, Sea Org members, and public members. Publics are much more free than the staff and Sea Org members. They are not subjected to the same abuses. Although they can be harassed and hounded to donate more money and mortgage their homes. Scientology lingo for this is called being “regged”. Whether it is to take more courses, buy more tapes and books, or do more auditing sessions. Scientology squeezes their members hard, especially at IAS (International Association of Scientologists) events.

Speaking of books….
Two new books were published in October. Ex Sea Org member Marc Headley’s Blown For Good: Behind The Iron Curtain Of Scientology (mentioned earlier) finally came out, and former Sea Orger, Nancy Many wrote My Billion Year Contract.
They did several interviews too. Both of their wonderful books are available at Amazon.

Travolta and Preston canceled their appearance on the Maria Shriver Women’s Conference and said they were just not ready to talk. Although Travolta and daughter jumped right into filming Old Dogs shortly after the Bahama court case was pushed to January 2010.

My my….What can possibly be next?
NOVEMBER!

The St. Petersburg Timesdelivered with an early Christmas present with their coverage called “Chased by Their Church“. We also covered that story.

A small snippet from that article:

“For years, the Church of Scientology chased down and brought back staff members who tried to leave.
Ex-staffers describe being pursued by their church and detained, cut off from family and friends and subjected to months of interrogation, humiliation and manual labor.”

The story of ex Sea Orger, Don Jason also hit the St. Petersburg Times. His story of having to jump off a Scientology ship to escape, was yet another scathing tale that Scientology wasn’t to keen about.

As always, Scientology keeps insisting that ALL of these ex member’s stories are all lies. Which by now is sounding beyond ridiculous. How many times does Scientology really think they can continue to claim that all these ex member’s stories are bunk? It is making them look less and less credible. Well, they were never credible from the start.

Sweet November continues…..
Yes November brought us Senator Xenophon. A Senator from South Australia. His name is beyond ironic. I thought it was a joke when I first heard it.

If you know the story of Xenu, which was written by L. Ron Hubbard, then you know how much of a “coinky dink? Xenophon’s name is. If you don’t know the story of OTIII, go read it! It’s the story of Xenu and level OTIII on Scientology’s “Bridge To Total Freedom”.

Senator Xenophon requested a senate inquiry into Scientology in Parliament after receiving heart wrenching letters of abuse from ex Scientology Sea Org members. Watch his brilliance in Two parts. Part One and Part Two.

Senator Xenophon

Of course again Scientology continued to deny that these stories were true. This is getting old Scientology!

A shining star evolved from the Senator’s inquiry. An ex Sea Org member by the name of Aaron Saxton. More on Aaron later.

David Miscavige gets sued! The suit has been brought on behalf of ex Scientolgy member John Lindstein.

The complaint covers:

“ that David Miscavige controls the entire Scientology enterprise and is the chief perpetrator of the torts and violations of law including the crime of human trafficking.”

DECEMBER…Golden Era Productions aka Gold Base mentioned earlier. This is the place out in the middle of the desert in Hemet, Ca. where many of the ex member’s stories took place.

Scientology was caught illegally grading it’s property without a permit. They were grading the property DAYS before they applied for a permit. They were also not using the required water trucks to keep the dust down to a minimum. Once they were caught, they applied for a permit and they received said permit the SAME DAY they applied. Wow!

The Fire Department was never contacted, nor the was there a conservation inquiry, which is California law.

You may think, well…not a big deal. Well, yes it is. Not only does it show huge favoritism of the cult by Riverside County officials, but several species of animals (one being an endangered species) whose habitats and more importantly their food supply will most likely be tragically effected by this grading. There are many YouTube videos of this meeting. Here is one that pertains to the animals.

Oddly enough, Scientology was not fined or bothered any further about the illegal grading that took place. Why is that? The name Jeff Stone comes to mind.

I have watched several Riverside County board meetings on YouTube. Stone’s arrogance is appalling. He doesn’t seem to care about his past or present behavior. He has also been caught on tape being totally untruthful and extremely unprofessional. But Karma should be taking care of that in due time. Right Jeff?

Scientology receives an early Christmas present!

The lawsuit filed by John Lindstein, gets ammended to a class action lawsuit. The Metzger Group decides to join Barry Van Sickle and co-counsel the Headleys and Lindstein’s cases. From the Metzger Group website:

“It is the only firm in California whose practice is devoted exclusively to the litigation of toxic injuries other than asbestos-related diseases.”

Although, the Metzger group usually deals with toxic injuries, it has decided to join the case concerning human trafficking.

Although how ironic is it that the Metzger group usually deals with toxic issues and asbestos. After all, the Scientology Freewinds was and allegedly is still asbestos laden. Perhaps the Metzger group can kill two birds with one stone and rally former ex members to file a class action lawsuit against Scientology for asbestos exposure. After all, Scientology knew about the asbestos contamination aboard the Freewinds YEARS and YEARS earlier, but chose to do NOTHING about it. Scientology allowed staff and passengers to continue to sail, until the Curacao government shut them down. Tsk Tsk! (Our very own Dawn Olsen saw the Freewinds with her own eyes parked at a dock in Aruba during Thanksgiving – so that deathship is still toxifying the air in the Caribbean.)

Back to ex Scientology Sea Org member Aaron Saxton.

Aaron recently stood in solidarity with Anonymous members, and other protesters in Australia in front of the Sydney Scientology org. He was armed with a microphone and he tried to talk some sense into the members still inside and was addressing them by name. Hopefully they were able to hear him. Click here and watch. More ex members are joining Anonymous and attending protests world wide.

Scientology recently made a ”Crusade” video which was leaked, and is now circulating on YouTube. Several sites have carried the story about this video calling it creepy.

The video features several Scientologists, some actors? (not A-listers) including cultist Nancy Cartwright who was looking pretty darn awful, asking Scientology members to donate more money so Scientology can build more ”Ideal orgs”. They want to rasie money so they can have all their “orgs” (their name for “churches”) bought, built or refurbished by the end of 2010. In the video, Cartwright says and I quote:

“I have a chalkboard in my kitchen….it says donate MORE”

I threw up a little watching this video. Be sure to watch their “Crusade” video, which can be found on YouTube. (if it’s still up) It is beyond creepy. Other parody videos have also sprung up.

Speaking of new orgs…..
Sadly, a couple of new Scientology “orgs” did open. One was in Washington DC. They bussed members in, and members also flew in from all over to make the org look like is was bustling and successful for it’s “grand opening”. Scientology blatantly lied in press releases about the number of people that were in attendance as usual. They do this all the time. They must constantly lie to make it look like they are expanding and still successful. In a press release, Scientology had the audacity to say that 4,000 people where in attendance. In actuality, there were only about 400 people MAX that attended. And yes there is video proof of this on YouTube.

This DC grand opening was hidden by 12 ft walls of curtains, so onlookers could not see inside. They also closed off public streets on a busy Halloween day. This had locals who were not notified of the street closings hopping mad.

Once again, Scientology making more friends enemies.

All orgs that are bought and refurbished, are paid for by Scientlogy member ”donations”. They are constantly scammed into giving m
more and more money. They are continually told they are helping to “clear the planet”.

I have yet to see any evidence of how Scientology is actually helping mankind. Anyone?

Scientology members should go visit the many orgs that were NEVER opened or refurbished, or ones that have since closed. Some of these orgs have been vacant for years are and are falling apart. Some have been vacant for over 9 plus years! And even though some struggle to remain open, they are pretty darn empty. IT’S A SCAM PEOPLE!

Another Tragic story emerged from the Telegraph UK paper.
Scientologist Mother Drowns Daughter Than Herself. A snippet from that story:

Judith Richmond, 41, who was suffering from bi-polar disorder, also known as manic depression, had become obsessed with scientology, and a belief that metal was poisoning her daughter Millie and the whole planet.

I would also like to mention that there were several protesters in the group Anonymous who were assaulted by Scientologists and also assaulted by hired security by Scientology in 2009. Two protesters in DC, one in Tennessee, and most recently one in Canada. Court cases that were filed against Scientology are currently pending.

Isn’t it interesting that all anti Scientology protests in the last almost two years now, have been completely peaceful. With the exception of Scientologists harassing, falsely arresting and assaulting the protesters.

There has NOT been one case of a protester assaulting a Scientologist, even though Scientology calls Annonymous a “Hate Group“.

So who is is the REAL hate group here Scientology?

More and more people and ex-members are starting to understand (FINALLY), that Scientology is the pot calling the kettle black.
Scientology is constantly crying wolf and claims religious bigotry as their defense. It’s pretty tough to cry religious bigotry when you are a money making scam business that lives above the law and continually commits crimes and abuses.

According to founder L. Ron Hubbard, and I quote,

”Scientologists are some of the most ethical people on the planet”

I think their behavior, litigious nature, and their bullying which comes from orders from cult leader David Miscavige, speaks for itself.

And one more zinger for 2009….
Tom Cruise gets sued for Five million dollars for wire tapping Michael Sapir. Oh snap! Yes it is case No. BC251644Tom Cruise allegedly wire tapped Michael Sapir’s phone. Several sites picked up this story.

Who knows what 2010 will bring for Scientology? Their downward spiral continues on a daily basis. Can they can survive the continuing deluge of bad publicity, pending court cases, NEW court cases, ex members writing books, closing orgs, ex members doing interviews, and members leaving weekly?

I hope 2010 is Scientology’s last year. The government needs to step it up and investigate all of Scientology’s front groups as well. Scientology has abused people for the last 50 + years. That abuse continues today. They have ruined many people’s lives and many members have died way too soon.

The time to stop this abuse should have been decades ago. I hold not only our Government responsible, but also all the celebrities and members who continue to blindly endorse this insidious cult. Do not support these celebrities.

Over 50 plus years have passed since Scientology’s start. Still there isn’t any proof of one “clear” or “OT” on this entire planet.
HOW ABOUT SHOWING THE WORLD THE PROOF SCIENTOLOGY?

Don’t you think if there were actual ”clears” and “OTs”, that this world would be an entirely different place? Think about it Scientology members!

So to Scientologists….
Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution. Reconnect with your family and let your New Year’s resolution be to leave Scientology so you can live your life as you want and be free of the financial burden that Scientology causes you.Your money should be going to your family, not “salvation” David Miscavige’s pockets.
You don’t have to pay the rest of your life away trying to “clear the planet”.

You can still practice Scientology if you truly believe that it really works for you, that is your right, but please look at both sides and research what the “tech” can really do to your thinking.

Remember, nobody can tell you who you can or can not talk to, or what you are allowed to read.

My New Year’s resolution…..
I will continue to fight for what’s right and try to help those who are still trapped inside.

If you need help leaving Scientology, if you have doubts or just need some questions answered and someone to talk to….call 1-866-XSEAORG. This is a toll free call.

I wish everyone a Very Happy and Cult Free New Year!

The St. Petersburg Times Airs More Of Scientology’s Dirty Laundry

Queen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:50:26 +0000

This has not been the best week for Scientology.

October has proven to be one of Scientology’s worst months in history. Between being found guilty of fraud in France, celebrity Paul Haggis telling them “see yah!,” the ABC Nightline series with Tommy Davis walking out on the interview, the two new books coming out by ex members “Blown For Good” by Marc Headley and “My Billion Year Contract” by Nancy Many, the many new pending lawsuits, their orgs closing left and right, and with many members leaving….. it’s safe to say, it’s not too cool to be a Scientologist right now.

This past Sunday and Monday, the St. Petersburg Times reported on interviews they conducted
with former members of the cult. Today was their last installment in their three part series. It was the story of a former member, Don Jason who actually had to jump off a ship to try to gain his freedom. We will get to Don a bit later.

The interviews included former member’s accounts of being chased, harassed and followed by private investigators. Ex members explained how they were drawn back in to the cult and convinced to stay, against their better judgment. They thought they were doing the right thing by trying to have a clean slate with the cult, but time after time when they returned, it only made matters worse for them and prolonged their exit. Some members just wanted to simply start their lives over and to be left alone, and they succeeded, but soon they found out they were infiltrated by Scientology plants pretending to be their friends.

The cult hired private investigators to hunt down these members that had left. Once the former members were caught up with, they were convinced to come back and “route out” of Scientology. For more on routing out, click here. These former members were also asked to sign a ”pumped up” affidavit, so the cult would be able to cover their butts if these members were to leave and speak out against the cult.

Well that time has come. Former members who spoke out against Scientology to the SP Times are seeing information which was contained within those affidavits they signed once again.

Scientology spokes-creep Tommy Davis, (actress Anne Archer’s son) has pulled the affidavits out and showed them to the SP Times in the cult’s defense against the former member’s claims and stories. The cult also dug into these former member’s confidential files and put a crazy, allegation-laden, Scientology spin on their information to try to discredit them.

Scientology spokes-idiot Tommy Davis also denied the cult ever hired private investigators themselves, but that the PI’s were hired by THEIR Scientology lawyers. Way to throw your scum bag lawyers under the bus Scientology! What a bunch of cowards.

I would imagine the cult’s top lawyers like Kendrick Moxon, Helena Kobrin and Monique E. Yingling may be getting pretty sweaty palms right about now.

Miserable Kendrick Moxon

FYI… years ago, Moxon’s daughter Stacy Meyer, died at Gold Base in Gilman Hot Springs Ca. She joined the Sea Org at age 16 I believe. She died by electrocution INSIDE an underground transformer vault on the property. The details are too lengthy to get in to. The case was looked into, but not enough in my opinion. No words can describe a person like Moxon.

His daughter was cremated and her ashes were released at sea. Which sounds all too familiar to cult founder and con man, L. Ron Hubbard’s death. Moxon’s daughter’s death remains a mystery, just like other Scientology related deaths that never made any sense. Some day, those who know what actually happened will come forward. Sorry to side track from the SP Times, but now that Scientology has literally thrown their lawyers under the bus, it made me wonder how Moxon will handle these claims by Davis. People would love to hear what Moxon has to say. Isn’t Scientology saying more or less that they are not liable for the PI’s activities that THEIR lawyers hired? Interesting spin.

The St. Pete’s Times had lengthy interviews and also video taped former members while they told their stories. Their body language told me that they were telling the truth. These videos are posted on the SP Times website for all to see.

The name Pat Broeker came up in one of the interviews, and although he declined to be interviewed by the SP Times, this is one man that must have Scientology shaking in it’s boots.

Pat Broeker was L. Ron Hubbard’s personal messenger and was said to be next in line to take over Scientology when Hubbard died. Broeker’s nickname was ”007″.

Broeker and his wife Annie were very close to Hubbard. Towards the end of Hubbard’s life, Hubbard was staying in a 40 ft trailer in Creston. Some excerpts from the LA Times story The Final Days by Joel Sappell and Robert W. Welkos written in 1990,

From Chapter four:

“The church said Hubbard went into seclusion to continue his Scientology research and to resurrect his science fiction-writing career. But former aides have said he dropped from sight to avoid subpoenas and government tax agents probing allegations that he was skimming church funds.

“They alleged that Hubbard skimmed millions of dollars from church coffers while he was in hiding”

“His thin gray hair, with streaks of the old red, hung without sheen to his shoulders. He had grown a stringy, unkempt beard and mustache. His round face was now sunken and his ruddy complexion had turned pasty. He was an old man and he was nearing death.”

Not very glamorous for the revered founder of Scientology. But members of course refuse to believe that any of those reports are true. Hubbard eventually suffered a stroke which left him unable to get out of bed and his speech was impaired. I guess his “OT powers” could not help him.

L. Ron “dropped his body” (kicked the bucket in scio speak) on Jan 24th, 1986. The particulars surrounding Hubbard’s death were very mysterious and many thought he may have been murdered. When the Scientology attorney rushed to get Hubbard’s body cremated, the cremation center became suspicious when they found out it was L. Ron Hubbard and insisted on doing blood tests. Vistaril was found in his bloodstream. Vistaril is a pysche drugs, and using such drugs are violently against Scientology’s beliefs. A full autopsy was not performed due to the cult’s claims of it being against their religion. A cover up perhaps?

Odd.. When John Travolta’s son died, he also had a quickie autopsy and the body was cremated
right away. Very eerie.

Hubbard’s ashes were tossed into the sea from a TINY boat and there were only a few people in attendance. Sound familiar? Both David Miscavige and Broeker where in attendance. And although Scientologists do not make a big deal about death because they believe that a person comes back several times after death… I find it puzzling that the founder of Scientology died in such a mysterious manner and had such a tiny insignificant ceremony with hardly anyone in attendance. Makes no sense what so ever. Another account of Hubbard’s last days can be found here.

Of course Scientology told it’s members that Hubbard dropped his body and went “exterior” (went outside his body) to go study the upper levels of Scientology’s Bridge To Total Freedom, and members of course believed this fantasy hook, line and sinker. Miscavige then took over the cult. Although according to another reliable source, Miscavige had already been running everything four years prior to Hubbard’s death.

So Pat Broeker is definitely a man of interest, to say the least. He must know an awful LOT of juicy things that Scientology would love to keep quiet.

Another BIG thing that is kept quiet? Broeker’s wife Annie. She supposedly got put on RPF (punishment) years ago and was “straightened out”. People have not seen or heard from her in years. Nobody is sure where she is.

That also goes for cult leader David Miscavige’s wife. Shelly Miscavige. For someone who is the wife of the leader of the ”fastest spreading religion” in the world. *SNICKER*, Where the hell is she? There are hardly ANY pictures of her anywhere and she never attends any of the big Scientology “Ideal Org” openings or any of the big IAS (International Association of Scientologists) events.

At the very least you would think that cult members would question where she is after all these years of her being MIA. But nope, they just keep their blinders on and keep their eye on the prize. But sadly, there isn’t any prize, only empty bank accounts, ruined lives and sorrow.

If Broeker was to come forward with all that he knew, it would be the icing on the cake. He holds the key to many questions that need to be answered. Another big question… how did David Miscavige actually weasel his way into becoming the cult leader in the first place? Miscavige blackmailing Broeker is a huge possibility. But that was years ago and now Broeker has a lot more leverage. I hope Broeker has some decency left in his heart and comes forward and sings like a canary. It’s time.

Now back to the SP Times….

Former member, Don Jason, who was the former No. 2 Officer in Clearwater, and the focus of part three. He tells his story of how he was finally able to leave the cult. Although he didn’t just up and leave, he had to ESCAPE by jumping off a ship.

Don was locked in a cabin aboard Scientology’s asbestos laden cruise ship the Freewinds. FYI… The Scientology Freewinds is also guilty of polluting the island of Bonaire and have been caught red handed dumping pollutants as we reported previously.

Don claims there were cameras monitoring his every move. And when he was informed that he had to go on Scientology’s RPF, (Rehabilitation Project Force) he said he had had enough.

Don was without his passport. (Scientology takes all Sea Org members passports ) He luckily had his driver’s license and a few blank checks that he kept hidden from the guards on the ship on arrival.

Don had planned his escape over many months, and finally pulled a “MacGyver” and constructed what looked like a rolling pin, so he can make his way down the ship’s cable like a zip line off the side of the ship.

His getaway off the ship was successful, but it was only the start of a fierce chase by the cult. The cult was trying to retrieve Don back, so he can hopefully stay in and also to sign an affidavit, in which the cult would of course put their spin on it, keep it on file and then use it to cover their butts if he ever spoke out.

Luckily, Don did finally get free from the cult and is speaking out today. And of course the cult was right on cue and pulled out that embellished affidavit that Don signed after they found out he spoke to the SP Times. It was rife with Scientology spin and lies. The cult did the same to other former members who were interviewed by the SP Times.

I don’t understand why Scientology thinks that showing these affidavits that people signed under duress have any validity what so ever. People do desperate things in desperate situations, and Scientology ends up looking less and less credible with each affidavit they pull out.

That is not the only sleazy tactic that they have pulled. The cult also dug into member’s private files which holds intimate details on them which were acquired through auditing sessions and “sec checks”. They dig for anything that they can use to spin, and then printed it in their Freedom Magazine. *shakes head*

For a “church” to boast such trumped up numbers like millions of members and thousands of orgs, and parade their celebutards around… they certainlyact like a bunch of two year olds when they hear any criticism about them. Some of these former members were just telling their stories. They were not bringing them to court. But yet Scientology went totally ballistic on them.

But it didn’t stop there….
The cult has gone as far as taking out Google ads against the SP Times. They are trying to sway people into reading their Freedom Magazine “slam book” against former members and the SP Times by providing a link to their magazine in their ads. The cult’s Freedom Magazine makes the National Inquirer look like the Associated Press. I hope people do go ahead and read it, because it is SO worth the laugh.

To top it off, the cult took out MANY visual ads which appeared on the SP Times website. You may have seen some of their ads appear here on Glosslip from time to time. But those particular ads are randomly generated by Google and appear when there is matching subject content. Glosslip has no control over the ads. But the ads that appeared on the SP Times website were purchased by the cult I believe. Correct me if I am wrong.

How ironic is this?
Scientology spending member’s dollars to pay for what they have called a ”suppressive newspaper” to run their silly promos in defense of ex members telling their stories of abuse. Oh! It’s just too delicious for words!

So keep on doing what your doing Scientology….
In the words of Billy Crystal….YOU LOOK MARVELOUS! *insert sarcasm*

Another really delicious aspect of this coverage, and all the other things that have gone down about Scientology lately, is that pesky little problem with their tax exemption status. You see under tax exemption status 501(c)(3), an organization CAN NOT be involved in ANY illegal activities. Oh snap!

Allegedly, Scientology obtained their tax exemption status by intimidating IRS agents with threats of leaking personal information. This information was obtained by PI’s hired by Scientology. The IRS agents finally caved in and granted them their tax exemption status back in 1993. Or was it Scientology LAWYERS who hired the PI’s to dig up stuff on the IRS agents? The cult lawyers better start planning their exit! Wonder what it will feel like for the hunters to be the hunted?

Let’s see now, according to ex members, the cult obtains personal information through hired PI’s, harass and stalk ex members and their families, hold people against their will, they confiscate Sea Org member passports and hold on to them, they rifle through Sea Orger’s mail, pay Sea Org members below minimum wage, have implemented family disconnection policies, have caused mental and physical abuse, they are operating hundreds of front groups, and have acquired properties and vast amounts of real estate under phony names ….shall I go on? Do I need to go on?

Hey Governments of the world! Get your head’s out of your asses and DO SOMETHING!

To read the ENTIRE Scientology Truth Rundown Series from the St. Petersburg Times, Click here.

Many thanks again to the brave former members who have told their stories and are shedding light on the cult, and also many thanks again to Joe Childs and Tom Tobin for helping to do the same.

And again as always… “9000 internetz” and “caek” to the members of Anonymous and their wonderful Why We Protest website which is always a wealth of information and fun to visit.

If you need help leaving Scientology or you just need someone to talk to:
call 1-866-XSEAORG. (this is a toll free call)

To members still in….
Be part of the solution…. not part of the problem.
After all ….isn’t that why you joined Scientology in the first place? To help people?

Take back your life and your freedom.

ABC’s Nightline Takes a Look Inside The Evils Of Scientology

Queen — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:27:22 +0000

ABC Nightline’s, Martin Bashir interviewed Scientology cult spokesman Tommy Davis (son of actress Ann Archer) last night.

He interviewed ex Scientology members Marty Rathbun, Amy Scobee and Bruce Hines. Ex members Mike Rinder and Tom DeVocht although not present for the taping of the interview, did answer questions for ABC.

Rathbun and Scobee along with ex members Tom DeVocht and Mike Rinder were recently interviewed by the St. Petersburg Times. Their interviews with the SP Times revealed scathing allegations of the physical and mental abuse of Scientology members that they witnessed at the hands of current Scientology cult leader David Miscavige. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

Although there was no mention of why cult leader David Miscavige was not present, Tommy Davis did a pretty wonderful job of looking far from credible. You don’t have to be a body language expert to notice Davis’ constant shifting eyes, how he constantly looks away, the fidgeting with his hair, clasped hands, along with his stuttering to know that he was not too comfortable with the questions that Bashir was asking him.

Bashir and Davis discussed a bunch of allegations levied against the cult, including family disconnection within the cult of Scientology’s Sea Organization, as well as a punishment called the Rehabilitation Project Force aka The RPF for short.

It was great that Davis did not deny that there was an actual RPF within Scientology’s Sea Organization, but Davis claims that the RPF is a VOLUNTARY punishment. This statement sent me through the roof.

Davis said that Sea Org members are put on such a punishment if they fail in their duties. What he didn’t mention, was that a Sea Org member can be put on RPF for something as tiny as looking at someone the wrong way. I also would love to know what Sea Org members would voluntarily put themselves on a punishment which involves lack of sleep, low quality food, not being able to talk to anyone, wearing black clothing to further separate you from others, being shamed, ridiculed, and being forced to run everywhere rather than to walk. The RPF usually means that you will be put on some sort of manual hard labor which can go into all hours of the night and this punishment can literally last for YEARS.

Just one trip to the ex Scientology kids website will validate these claims about the RPF. Or you can pick up books written by ex Scientology members. Books like The Complex by John Duignan and Blown For Good by Marc Headley(which we recently did an article on) are just two examples of ex members shedding more light on this abusive cult. There is also a new book which just came out, called My Billion Year Contract by ex Scientology member Nancy Many who dedicated for 27 years of her life to Scientology.

Nancy’s book title derives from the contract you sign when joining Scientology’s Sea Organization. You must sign a billion year contract with Scientology in order to join the Sea Org. I kid you not. Click here to see an actual copy of Scientology’s Sea Org contract.

So back to the interview….
The ex cult members that were interviewed, dedicated 20+ years of their lives to the cult, and luckilly were able to escape. Although mentally, they are still suffering.

One of the MANY things I found VERY disturbing about this interview, was the subject of family disconnection within the Sea Org. The mention of family disconnection itself is disturbing on its own.

But when Bashir asked Davis about Sea Org members who get married, (this is where Davis really starts to squirm) and if there are controls put in place on how often members are allowed to see their families, Davis said “there are “specific policies” that apply to the RPF which governs what they do and what their schedule is“. Bashir then asks Davis how many times in a week would they be allowed to see their family members and Davis said “he didn’t really know off the top of his head“.

Why would a spokesman for the “church” not know the policies of his own ”church” after being a member of Scientology for practically his entire life? And when Bashir asks Davis what was a fair guess of how many times a week Sea Org members get to see their family members, and asks if it once a week is correct, Davis said “once a week sounded about right“. Davis also said he thought seeing family members once a week was appropriate. LOVELY “church” isn’t it?

Where or where are the family protective services in all this?

If you are horrified, then please also understand this his statement is not entirely true. It’s worse. Some members can go years without seeing their family. Davis is also referring to Sea Org members whose family members are WITHIN the Sea Org and stationed at the same Org. And even then, members still don’t get to see their family. Davis is also not referring to any Sea Org members who have family members that are not in Scientology. There are people who haven’t seen their children in years. The cult fears outside interaction with family members. They fear that family will try to persuade their members to get out of the cult. To cut off members from their families is of course in pure cult fashion.

Sea Org members who are stationed at Golden Era Productions aka Gold Base in Ca., are not allowed to leave that property at all. Hard to believe that this is allowed to happen in the US today. But it does.

Also what Davis said doesn’t apply to many Sea Orgers that have other family members in the Sea Org stationed elsewhere in other countries. Many of these Sea Orgers are not on RPF, they just will never get the chance to see their family period. Members will never be spared the time to do so, nor can they afford to travel on their .25 cents an hour pay. Besides, Scientology is afraid they will flee.

According to ex Sea Org member Bruce Hines, (who was also physically abused by cult leader David Miscavige) gets a little tearful during the interview discussing his past life in Scientology. There were periods of time that he was not allowed to see his son while he was on RPF. He said at times he would wave to his son from afar if he saw him running by. His son was attending the Scientology school near by. Not being able to see you parents is considered child abuse in my book. Thankfully Bruce’s son also left the cult.

Hines also discusses his divorce and how divorce is encouraged in Scientology, and also the disconnection from other family members he still experiences today. How sad is this?

Another one of the ex members being interviewed was Marty Rathbun. He mentioned that cult leader David Miscavige owned a beagle dog, and that Miscavige ordered a custom made military type outfit to be made for the dog complete with epaulettes. Rathbun also stated that if members didn’t salute Miscavige’s dog, then there would be big trouble. And if the dog barked at any member, than that member was considered to be “out ethics”. Amy Scobee also confirmed this claim . And a little visit to the Why We Protest site revealed a comment by BFG aka Blown For Good, aka Marc Headley, in which he also talks about Miscavige’s dogs. Here’s the snipette from WWP:

In terms of the dog – there was actually at least 4 of them. Safi, Jelly, Lucy and Daisy. Lucy was the one that did the barking at “out-ethics” people.

The dogs DO travel with Dave. They at least went to Clearwater all the time. These dogs make Paris Hilton’s dogs look like ghetto strays. Clothes, special food, People to walk them and pick up their crap and take care of them. Those dogs easily have more money spent on their weekly food than 10 RPFers combined!

So correct me if I am wrong…. but it sounds like Miscavige’s dogs live and eat better than the Sea Org members? And the cult spends MORE money on these dogs then their own Sea Org members?
Who by the way are the very people who have to take care of these spoiled mutts. Talk about utter DISGUST and OUTRAGE.

ABC stated that members of Scientology wrote several affidavits denying that Miscavige was an abusive person and that Rathbun was the abusive person. Of course members and staff will do what they are told to do, or suffer the consequences. Rathbun does not deny that he was abusive, but blames Miscavige for his actions.

Speaking of cult leader David Miscavige, where is he? He is the current leader of this so called “church”, so why wasn’t he interviewed?

Perhaps his last defensive interview with Ted Koppel back in 1992 was all he can manage with his “busy” schedule.

You would think now more than ever, that Scientology members would want some reassurance from their “leader”. (I use the term VERY lightly) But Miscavige seems to be MIA. Rumors are, that Miscavige is seeking refuge in Columbia. With all the pending court cases against Scientology, ex members speaking out and with more members leaving, it’s clear that Miscavige is not the “church” leader that he professes to be and is hiding. What could possibly be his excuse for not granting another interview for over seventeen years now? Hiding on Scientology’s Tone Scale is VERY low. *snicker*

Back to wonder boy…

Tommy Davis had the nerve to say that the church is experiencing growth and is flourishing. Stop it Tommy. Just stop it.

On the contrary. There have been reports of Scientology Org buildings laying dormant for years and the ones that are open are struggling to stay open. Some have recently closed. Their silly “Super Power Building” in Clearwater, Florida which looks fine on the outside, still remains unfinished after 10 years and is nothing but an empty shell. Scientology also owes the town over $245,000 in fines and continues to receive fines for in-completion. I wonder how members feel that their “donations” have funded a phony project, and that their money will go towards paying off fines.

Scientology has become so desperate, that they are trying to squeeze every last dime they can out of their members. Scientology is having constant fund drives, and running their library book scams. Which is raising funds from their members for books. The members are told that their “donations” will go towards putting Scientology books in local libraries across the US. Problem is, the books never show up the libraries, or if they do, the libraries don’t want them, and they throw them out or they send them back. Some have ended up in a bargain bin for a couple of bucks. I myself bought Dianetics for a buck! Biggest piece of gobbledy goop I have ever tried to read.

Members are also being pushed to take more courses and give, give, give till it hurts.
But just exactly WHAT are they giving to? Where does all their money go?

It goes to paying for Scientology lawyers, private PI’s, Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs aka OSA whose job is too dig up info on “suppressive people” and fair game them into oblivion. Unsuspecting members think that all their “donations” and all their years of dedication are going towards making this a better place to live and to “clear the planet” (which means having everyone practicing Scientology). They have visions of total enlightenment at the top of Scientology’s Bridge To Total Freedom. Some members will mortgage their homes, disconnect from their families, and as John Duignan was once quoted, “he would have killed for Scientology“.

Doesn’t sound much like a “church”. It does sound like there is an awful lot of abuse and brainwashing going on.

Now ABC only scratched the surface of the abuses of Scientology. They didn’t get into all the horror stories of the Sea Org members, how mysteriously Scientology’s tax exemption was acquired by the IRS, (shame on IRS) fair game activities, Scientology related deaths, child labor, human trafficking, past and current law suits like Operation Snow White and Operation Freakout, their many front groups or the pain and suffering of not only Scientology’s past and current Sea Org members, but also Scientology’s public members. To clarify, Scientology has different types of members. They have staff members, Sea Org members, celebrity members and public members. I know it sounds all very confusing. But keep in mind that is how Scientology works. They thrive on deception, confusion and secrecy, which are some of the main staples of being able to operate as a cult.

Tonight at 11.35 pm EST, ABC airs part two of Inside Scientology. Make sure you tune in. If you are unable to tune in tonight, don’t fret, you will most likely be able to find a copy of it on YouTube or Why We Protest.

Tonight’s broadcast will focus on Scientology’s celebrities. Which by the way, NO other church discusses it’s celebrity members or uses their celebrity members for PR purposes.

Some Of Scientology’s Cash Cows

I hope ABC covers how Scientology has a committee whose sole purpose is to lure celebrities into the “church” and how the celebrities have preferential treatment over other members and also how celebrities practice Scientology in special Celebrity Centers just for them, where they are pampered and catered to.

Scientology celebrities as well as other Scientology members are not only kept in the dark about the dark side of Scientology, they are also brainwashed. Scientology’s “loaded language”, and other careful brainwashing techniques remove a member’s ability to think critically and they are taught to cast aside anything negative about Scientology. Of course this is done so they will continue to fund the cult and stay put in the cult.

Why is this still legal for Scientology to do to?
You got me there. I think the main reason is that sadly the US considers Scientology a “church” and not the abusive business it is. It may surprise you to know that thankfully not all countries recognize Scientology as a “church.”

Go ask your state law officials why Scientology is allowed to continue to ruin lives. Hell! Write a letter to President Obama.

Scientology’s former members are speaking out at protests , on forums, in interviews, in court testimonies, in documented affidavits and everywhere else in between. They speak of how many years it took for them to deprogram themselves and how they still struggle with their painful memories today.

There is a list on the Why We Protest Wiki of ex members who have spoken out and that list has grown to over 750+ names since the last time I checked it. It also contains ex member’s stories, court documents and testimonies, their interviews, videos and their affidavits. Links are right next to their names for you to click on so you can research for yourself.

Or hop on over to www.exscientologykids.com for some heart wrenching stories from ex members who were children growing up in the Sea Org. If those stories don’t break your heart and get you mad enough to want to get involved in helping to shed more light on this abusive cult and fight for members who don’t have the courage, the mental ability or the means to fight back, then I don’t know what will.

Of course ABC can’t cover all of Scientology’s abuses is such a small span of time, but at the very least, they are shedding more light on an abusive cult that has survived under the radar in the US and world wide since the 1950’s.

Glosslip would like to tip their hat to ABC and Martin Bashir for having the courage to broadcast this very sad atrocity that is happening in the US right now and world wide right under our noses.

It’s ok to believe in what you want. But when you believe in something that was achieved by brainwashing you and there is documented proof that your “church” is not only hurting people, but ruining lives, it’s time to bow out. The longer you stay in, the more you are contributing to part of the problem.

Monday we will cover part two of ABC’s Inside Scientology.

Church of Scientology Goes On The Defensive, Reveals Tactics Used To Control Staff, Members

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:29:43 +0000

Scientology’s last remaining sentries are trying desperately to discredit the disturbing, illegal, and immoral allegations being lodged by ex high-ranking officials who’ve finally agreed to speak out against the Church’s leader David Miscavige, but in doing so, the Church is also revealing their own twisted and warped process of terror.

When I first began investigating the Church of Scientology I was overwhelmed with information. The hierarchy and structure of the organization is designed with deception and prevarication at its core. A side effect one might suggest from running an organization designed solely to dupe followers out of large sums of money. When running a ponzi scheme of this magnitude, it’s essential to keep people in line and in check, and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and later sucessor David Miscavige, used fear, manipulation and psychological and physical intimidation to keep staffers close and “on board” with the game plan. And the game plan was to create a world dominate organization which dispensed pseudo-spirituality, while creating billions and billions in profit.

Two names which surfaced time and time again as I researched and spoke with critics and ex-members alike were Miscavige’s high-ranking cronies, Mike Rinder and Marty Rathbun. When I asked my most inside sources how to track these folks down, I was hit with “no way, they will never talk, they know too much and were too deeply entrenched in the most nefarious of Scientology’s illegal actions.”

Time has changed since then, and now with the safety of numbers in their favor and perhaps an internal need to right their wrongs, these two men are speaking out, and even more telling is Scientology’s official response to their heady allegations against Miscavige and Scientology.

From the St. Petersburg Times:

This account comes from executives who for decades were key figures in Scientology’s powerful inner circle. Marty Rathbun and Mike Rinder, the highest-ranking executives to leave the church, are speaking out for the first time….

Rinder and Rathbun speak:

Now they provide an unprecedented look inside the upper reaches of the tightly controlled organization. They reveal:

• Physical violence permeated Scientology’s international management team. Miscavige set the tone, routinely attacking his lieutenants. Rinder says the leader attacked him some 50 times.

Rathbun, Rinder and De Vocht admit that they, too, attacked their colleagues, to demonstrate loyalty to Miscavige and prove their mettle.

• Staffers are disciplined and controlled by a multilayered system of “ecclesiastical justice.” It includes publicly confessing sins and crimes to a group of peers, being ordered to jump into a pool fully clothed, facing embarrassing “security checks” or, worse, being isolated as a “suppressive person.”

At the pinnacle of the hierarchy, Miscavige commands such power that managers follow his orders, however bizarre, with lemming-like obedience.

• Church staffers covered up how they botched the care of Lisa McPherson, a Scientologist who died after they held her 17 days in isolation at Clearwater’s Fort Harrison Hotel.

Rathbun, who Miscavige put in charge of dealing with the fallout from the case, admits that he ordered the destruction of incriminating evidence. He and others also reveal that Miscavige made an embarrassing miscalculation on McPherson’s Scientology counseling.

• With Miscavige calling the shots and Rathbun among those at his side, the church muscled the IRS into granting Scientology tax-exempt status. Offering fresh perspective on one of the church’s crowning moments, Rathbun details an extraordinary campaign of public pressure backed by thousands of lawsuits.

• To prop up revenues, Miscavige has turned to long-time parishioners, urging them to buy material that the church markets as must-have, improved sacred scripture.

Church officials deny the accusations. Miscavige never hit a single church staffer, not once, they said.

On May 13, the Times asked to interview Miscavige, in person or by phone, and renewed the request repeatedly the past five weeks. Church officials said Miscavige’s schedule would not permit an interview before July.

At 5:50 p.m. Saturday, Miscavige e-mailed the Times to protest the newspaper’s decision to publish instead of waiting until he was available. His letter said he would produce information “annihilating the credibility” of the defectors. Beloved by millions of Scientologists, church spokesmen say, Miscavige has guided the church through a quarter-century of growth.

Scientology’s response:

The church says that Rinder, Scientology’s top spokesman for decades, is an inveterate liar. In its ethics files, the church says, Rinder admits that he lied 43 times over the years.

“It was a real problem, Mike’s propensity to lie ….Obviously he had an issue with the truth,” said Davis, Rinder’s successor as spokesman.

After denying Miscavige hit him or anyone else, Rinder is lying now, Yingling said. “He left because he was demoted … He is bitter now and he has in his bitterness latched on to the one allegation he so vehemently denied for so many years.”

Added Davis: “One of the things he was known for saying was, ‘Well, if I’m so bad, why keep asking me to do things?’ You know the answer to that question?… The ultimate answer to that question is ‘Mike, you know what, you’re right. Why keep asking.’ And we stopped asking. And then he left and nobody came for him.”

Like the other defectors, Rinder says he’s sure he wrote whatever is in the ethics files, but he says the admissions are meaningless, they were just whatever his superiors wanted to hear. “All of these things were written to try and get into good graces or curry favor.”

Davis said Rinder has not been able to deal with his fall from spokesman for an international church to his current, workaday job.

“Mike left. I think we can all agree he is bitter,” Davis said. “This is a guy who ran with the big dogs in the tall grass … it’s a very exciting life. And now he is selling cars, and it must be a hell of a shock.”

The church released numerous pages of files it kept on Rathbun. Among them: a 1994 letter that said he had completed a Truth Rundown — one of many types of confessionals — and apologizing for leaving the church briefly the year before; three confessions for striking and verbally abusing staff dozens of times; and documents where he admits that he mishandled situations.

In a 2003 document, Rathbun writes a “public announcement” detailing two decades of flubs, including: making himself out to be more important than he was, making more work for Miscavige, mismanaging staff and messing up major assignments, including the church’s long-running battle with the IRS.

Rathbun says he wrote what Miscavige wanted to hear.

The church made special note of an affidavit dated June 6, 2009 — after the Times asked the church about Rathbun — authored by a Sea Org member whose name the church blacked out. She criticized Rathbun for being violent and abusive and playing a role in her family’s recent effort to wrest her out of Scientology.

Rathbun says yes, he tried to help the family, because the woman voiced strong doubts about returning to Scientology.

Like De Vocht’s, many of Rathbun’s confessions are marked by bountiful praise of Miscavige. He writes, for example, that the leader “single-handedly salvaged Scientology.”

Scientology’s international management cadre lives and works on the church’s 500-acre compound in the arid hills opposite Mount San Jacinto from Palm Springs.

Rathbun orchestrated a “reign of terror” there in 2002 and 2003, church representatives say, masquerading as an ethics officer while Miscavige was in Clearwater handling legal and other matters. They say the leader returned in late 2003, summarily demoted Rathbun and began to clean up his mess.

Rathbun says he was away from the base for almost all of 2002 and 2003, handling lawsuits and other sensitive matters at Miscavige’s behest. When he returned to the base in late 2003, he said, it was Miscavige who had established a “reign of terror.”

The church said Rathbun has inflated his importance in Scientology; they say that after 1993, he never had a title.

But in a 1998 Scientology magazine, Rathbun is featured as the main speaker at a major event at Ruth Eckerd Hall attended by 3,000 Scientologists. The magazine said he was “inspector general” of the entity charged with safeguarding Scientology. Also, the church provided the Times a court document from March 2000 that listed Rathbun as a “director” of the same entity.

If Rathbun’s responsibility was as limited as the church says, the Times asked, how did he get people to submit to a reign of terror? Davis, the church spokesman, erupted.

“He’s the one who’s saying that Dave Miscavige beat these people,” Davis screamed. “And he’s saying that Dave Miscavige beat the exact same people that he beat. And that’s what pisses me off. Because this guy’s a f—— lunatic and I don’t have to explain how or why he became one or how it was allowable.

“The fact is he’s saying David Miscavige did what he did … And now I’m getting a little angry. Am I angry at you? Not necessarily. But I’m g– d— pissed at Marty Rathbun. Because he knows that he was the reign of terror.”

I am only pasting partial excerpts from Part 1 of the series to illustrate what is so obvious to those looking from the outside in. Scientology, despite being run by an evil genius, can no longer continue to defend itself. It’s defectors, risking incriminating themselves for heinous crimes, are coming out and saying “Yes, these events happened. I witnessed them and yes, I took part in them.” Even more ironic, those of us who’ve followed the unraveling have heard these stories retold many times by lesser ranking individuals, and in fact, I have interviewed several of the people who were abused themselves, including Jeff Hawkins, Marc Headley and Maureen Bolstad. Sadly, the stories of abuse are not new to me, but the level of individuals coming forward to lend credibility are monumentally important.

Miscavige’s mouth-piece, Tommy Davis, already known for having a hair-trigger temper and a face which buckles under the weight of his own lies, may finally break down and completely lose it. No one man, despite his fervent loyality, can withstand the pressure of keeping this many lies straight. If men like Rinder and Rathbun are willing to come forward and take responsibility for their part in abusing members and breaking the law, there is virtually NOTHING Miscavige, Davis or Scientology’s billions in ill-gotten gains can do to prevent the flow of truth from spewing forward.

From my perspective, it’s all over but the crying.

Stay tuned for more on this story.

Another Scientologist Arrested For Sexual Abuse

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Alleged Child Toucher, Ben Kasle

Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard was once quoted as saying Scientologists “are the most ethical people on the planet.”

Well, that’s a crock.

Looks like Scientology’s “touch assists” mean something else to 21 year old Ben Kasle. It has been reported that he has been charged with two counts of “gross sexual imposition” based on reports alleging the Scientologist had sex with girl who is now 14, which means she was ONLY 13 when the abuse started. Now that’s what I’d call ethical.

For clarification purposes, the legal definition of gross sexual imposition, can be found here.

Ben Kasle, who grew up with Scientology parents, is said to be married to a woman named Angelina, but clearly this didn’t prevent him from sexually abusing a 13-year old girl. Here’s more from a WCPO report:

A man was arrested today accused of having sex with a teenager at the Church of Scientology in Downtown Cincinnati.

Twenty-one-year-old Ben Kasle is charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition.

Investigators say he had sex with the girl who is now 14-years-old.

Police records indicate the alleged offenses happened at the church on Fourth Street between October 2007 and September 2008.

An attorney representing the church says the church is aware of the investigation and is cooperating with police, however, the church has no comment since the investigation is ongoing.

He is due in court on May 6th.

“The church has no comment”. Well there’s a surprise.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first case of a Scientologist accused of such behavior. Ex-Scientology member Tommy Gorman’s wife Jennifer was raped by the number one top supervisor at their Golden Age of Tech, 11 year staff member, Gabriel Williams. Gorman states:

“Gabriel Williams went to jail for about 1 year and we were really disappointed because the DA convinced her to accept a plea bargain because Gabriel plead guilty to two felonies. Jennifer was told that Gabriel would go to prison for sure. He never admitted to rape but pleaded guilty to sexual battery and sodomy.”

You can read Tommy Gorman’s full account of his wife’s attack and his experiences dealing with the Scientology in the wake of this horrifying event, including ongoing harassment of Gorman and his family.

Another disturbing sexual abuse story involving a Scientologist happened back in January 2008. Broadway actor James Barbour was accused of having criminal sexual contact with a high school student who was an aspiring actress when she attended a performance of “Jane Eyre” in June 2001. Here are few snippets from the NYTimes report on the case:

Under the negotiated deal, Mr. Barbour, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanors, in exchange for a promise that he would be sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years’ probation.

“Barbor told the judge that he had oral sex with the girl in his apartment the next month. She did not come forward with her account for several years.

And he has to get permission from the court or his probation officer to participate in shows employing child actors or to give backstage tours to children. He must also attend sex-offender treatment and cannot visit playgrounds, arcades, amusement parks, school grounds or Internet chat rooms frequented by children without permission from his probation officer.

In a signed statement to the police in April 2006, Mr. Barbour said that he was just acting as a mentor to the girl, that he had done no more than touch her knees and kiss her and that he thought that she was 16.

But in court on Thursday when asked by Justice Scherer, “Were you aware of her exact age?” Mr. Barbour replied, “Yes.”

“What was that age?” Justice Scherer pressed.

“Fifteen,” he replied.”

Wait…what? He was “just acting like a mentor to the girl”. Apparently, in a touchy~feely, creepy, and quite illegal sort of way.

The cases I just mentioned are mere slaps on the wrists! These men got away with scarring a child’s life forever which is just despicable!

Major thanks to the folks at WWP, who were able to dig up Ben Kasle’s Scientology completions (as well as some interesting pics and docs *hint,hint*), please pay special attention to the first two courses on his list, we’re sure they served him well!

Based on the information we have, it seems Ben was, or is, a Scientology Minister. Oh, and of course there’s the wife Angelina, who is from Russia. Glad they caught him now before he was able to harm anymore little girls.

Ben Kasle’s Scientology Course Completions:
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS COURSE – Freewinds 42 2001-03-01
PERSONAL VALUES & INTEGRITY COURSE – Freewinds 42 2001-03-
ABILITY CONGRESS COURSE
COMMAND OF THETA COURSE
THE NEW HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL TR COURSE
HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL UPPER INDOC TR COURSE
HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL COURSE SUPERVISOR COURSE
HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL WORD CLEARER COURSE
HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL WORD CLEARER INTERNSHIP
PTS/SP SPECIALIST COURSE
SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY LEVEL 0
SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY LEVEL I
HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL COURSE SUPERVISOR INTERNSHIP
HUBBARD PROFESSIONAL COURSE SUPERVISOR INTERNSHIP
SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY LEVEL II
SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY LEVEL III
SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY LEVEL IV
KEEPING SCIENTOLOGY WORKING COURSE

I DO know that this current arrest is yet another foot bullet and huge “PR flap” (as Scientology calls it) for the cult, who in the past year, has been accused by so many ex-members of crimes and human rights abuses. Truly if you are able to let all the documented cases of abuse and violations perpetrated by one organization which “claims” to be a religion sink into your brain, it’d be enough to make your head spin.

Ex-members are speaking out and filing lawsuits, people are writing books and Scientologists are leaving in droves. As we reported here, ex-Scientologists Marc Headley is coming out with his book, Blown For Good which details his eye-witness accounts of major abuses as a 15-year member of the Sea Organization, including violent attacks at the hands of church leader, David Miscavige (who’s also Tom Cruise’s best friend).

There’s also a fantastic book out now by John Duignan, called “The Complex” whom we also interviewed for our Glosslip Radio show. You can listen to Marc Headley’s interview here and John Duignan interviews here.

Another major blow to Scientology’s increasingly tainted reputation was an expose done by Nathan Baca of KESQ TV. Baca presented some very damaging news reports on Scientology’s Golden Era Productions compound( aka Gold Base in Gilman Hot Springs/Hemet, California.)

Nathan’s bravery and excellent reporting was instrumental in cult’s spokesperson Tommy Davis admitting the story of Intergalatic Warlord Xenu in OT III, which is one of the levels on Scientology’s Bridge to Total Freedom which we like to call: the Bridge To Nowhere.

Baca’s ground-breaking reports have helped to further unravel more of Scientology’s enigmatic back story, as well as, insight into the abuses which have alleged to occur at the secretive, highly guarded desert compound.

The group Anonymous continues to protest and and chip away at Scientology with monthly protests and “flash raids” WORLD WIDE. They are a thorn in Scientology’s side, and it hurts so good!

Perhaps the most baffling part in this bizarre vortex of secrets and abuses committed by this cult, is our government’s complete lack of interest in shutting them down. In Europe, many countries, including Germany and France, have attempted to ban the group, which many foreign officials deem as a fascistic and elaborate ponzi scheme. Their efforts to do so have been hampered in part, due to our own government’s meddling (claiming religious persecution, as IF) and of course, famous members of the cult like Tom Cruise and John Travolta pressuring the powers that be to stay out of their “church” business.

It has become obvious to us here at Glosslip, the final unraveling of the Scientology will have to come from ex-members and the general public’s continued pressure and exposure, as the authorities have proven themselves to be either useless, or in cahoots with Scientology officials.

We encourage all victims of Scientology to step forward and report the abuses to law enforcement, only this continued pressure will bring about change. So many fear leaving the church out of concern to their family members and loved ones still trapped inside. But like so many corrupt organizations throughout history, the only way to stop the abuse is to be brave enough to speak out. If you or someone you love needs support in leaving Scientology, please call this toll-free number for help 1-866-XSEAORG.

There are those who understand and can help you be free. To read actual stories from ex-members go to www.exscientologykids.com

(posted by Queen, edited by D)

The Fort Harrison Hotel, Where Scientologists Check In… But Minds and Wallets Check Out

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:22:12 +0000

The Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater, Florida was established in 1926. Its Mediterranean Revival style with marble floors and exquisite furnishings made it Clearwater’s most luxurious hotel back in its day. Rich with history, the Fort Harrison survived the Great Depression and World War II.

Eventually it was repurchased by Jack Tar Hotels in 1965, and was called the New Fort Harrison Hotel and this is where the Rolling Stones wrote “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”. Little did the Stones know back then, how those lyrics would ring so true today for its current occupants.

The hotel fell in disrepair in the 1970’s, and in typical Scientology style, the cult type skulked into town in 1975 under the name of the United Churches of Florida and snatched it up. Unethical? Maybe, but considering “Scientologists are some of the most ethical people on the planet” as stated by founder L. Ron Hubbard, what did you expect?

The Fort Harrison hotel is the spiritual headquarters for Scientologists. It supplies lodging, courses and auditing for those who wish to climb the upper levels to what is referred to as Scientology’s “Bridge To Total Freedom”, or what we educated people refer to as the “Bridge To Total Bankruptcy.” It also houses Scientology’s Sea Org members and staff. The Sea Org is Scientology’s para military branch which is alleged to engage a slave labor force and is currently at the center of a major lawsuit brought by ex-member Marc Headley.

Today after a year of renovation the 82-year old Fort Harrison had a 40 million dollar make over. It brags of marble floors from Spain gold leaf moldings, fine rugs imported from South Africa, three restaurants and a Crystal ballroom.

Interestingly, Scientology has announced that the hotels three restaurants and the grand ballroom will be closed to the public. This contradicts earlier claims by Scientology officials during construction:

Church staffers made thousands of custom wood and plaster moldings at Scientology’s local wood mill and workshop.

The hotel has three restaurants — none of which will be open to the public, despite what the church previously said. The ballroom won’t be rented out for weddings either.

And the hotel won’t be hiring because it is staffed by members of the Sea Org, the legion of uniformed church staffers who dedicate their lives to Scientology.

Members of the general public can walk into the lobby for a look, but ultimately this hotel is for Scientologists only.

“This is a religious retreat,” Davis said. “That isn’t to say that people can’t come in and look at the beautiful building. It’s open to the community, but it’s not open for business.”

Did you get that? So the “church” got a go ahead to proceed with these extensive renovations on this hotel, which is central to the Clearwater downtown area, but they didn’t hire any outside contractors and have no plans to hire anyone outside to work at the hotel AND the hotel is not open for use by the community. BUT, the public IS welcome to come in and look around. I’ll bet they leave with a lovely parting gift: Scientology pamphlets and a coupon for a free “personality test.”

Unbelievable. Audacious. Outrageous.

This hotel is for Scientologists only, a group which has taken over this town like some kind of creepy, free-will sucking zombies. As we mentioned earlier in the article, the town of Clearwater was initially skeptical about the new arrivals when they bought the hotel under false pretenses back in the 70’s. A little research on Clearwater and Scientology will yield a slowly turning tide of acceptance towards these strange outsiders, which may have more to do with the large influx of Scientologists to the town, than any real understanding of the group’s purpose or intentions. More from the SPTimes article:

Built in 1927 as Clearwater’s first skyscraper, the hotel was a local focal point for decades. It was vacant by the time Scientology covertly bought it under an assumed name in 1975, sparking years of hostility between the church and the city.

The church has gained greater acceptance over the last 15 years or so, to the point where many local bigwigs felt comfortable attending a reception at the hotel Saturday night. But the church’s own research a few years ago found that many in the area still don’t know much about Scientology and view it as a strange cult.

To renovate the Fort Harrison, the church gutted it, tearing out plumbing, wiring, floors, walls, elevators and unsightly window air-conditioning units.

Now the redesigned lobby opens up to the third floor, where a pedestrian bridge crosses Fort Harrison Avenue to the unfinished Flag Building. A new marble staircase leads up there.

The Crystal Ballroom on the 10th and 11th floors, once a fashionable spot for high school proms, has been completely rebuilt and its patterned wooden floor restored, said Bob Wright, a Scientology staffer overseeing construction.

Church staffers made thousands of custom wood and plaster moldings at Scientology’s local wood mill and workshop.

That’s a fascinating bit of insight. Scientology did a study to determine people’s perceptions of their cult in Clearwater and found most people still consider them a strange cult. That’s a pretty clear signal that something isn’t right with a group if after 15 years of essentially taking over a town, your neighbors still eye you with suspicious. Also noteworthy is the extent of the renovations. That much skilled labor would cost millions upon millions, but when you factor in the expensive materials used, including gold-leafed moldings, marble floors, just to name a few, the $40million spent seems far too little.

Chalk that up to the slave labor force supplied by the Sea Org members who are paid a fraction of what a contractor would earn, and the 100 hours+ a week worked by each individual explains why the building was renovated so quickly. Not so for the huge monstrosity which sits directly across from the Fort Harrison and also a Scientology owned structure, the “Super Power Building.”

Construction on the Flag Building began in 1999, and it was supposed to open in 2002. Work stopped in 2003 and has been at a standstill ever since.

One of the county’s largest buildings, it is stuccoed, trimmed and painted on the outside, but empty on the inside. A big hole in the building’s northwest corner draws curious glances from drivers on Alt. U.S. 19.

Clearwater officials get asked about it all the time.

One would think this kind of unfinished construction would be a major sticking point with city officials. Who wants this kind of eye-sore at the center of their business district? It hasn’t gone unnoticed by residents or those issuing code violations:

The “Super Power” building, is a seven-story, 380,000-square-foot empty shell that encompasses a whole city block. The church gets fined $250 a day for not bringing it up to code, and the fines now total $245,000.

Numerous promises to finish the building have come and gone, but church officials insist that this time it really is next on their to-do list. At this point, church architects and Clearwater building officials say they’re going over some final details.

“We’re ready,” said Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis. “All the money has been put aside, and the plans are in place. As soon as we get the go-ahead from the city, we’ll begin.”

Balancing the needs of the city, its residents and those visiting must be a genuine challenge for those charged with operation the city and they know that people have questions, unfortunately there are very few straight answers from Scientology officials:

“People say, ‘My gosh, why is it taking so long?’ The public doesn’t understand the church’s sense of priorities — why they would leave such a large building unfinished for an unusual amount of time,” said City Manager Bill Horne.

“We look forward to them getting it complete,” said Mayor Frank Hibbard.

And what about all those fines being imposed at $250 a day?

When it’s finally finished, the city’s code enforcement board will review the fines and decide whether to forgive any.

City officials get asked why they’re not taking harsher measures. Horne said the city treats the church like any other landowner: “Our building codes and state statutes give property owners quite a bit of leeway to get a structure completed.”

Forgive my skepticism, but I’ll bet Scientology has other ways of persuading city officials to see things their way.

So what is the Super Power Building supposed to do anyway?

The church says the Flag Building will eventually house the bulk of Scientology’s religious services in Clearwater. It will have about 300 rooms for Scientology’s core practice of “auditing.”

The building is nicknamed “Super Power” because it will be the only place in the world where a highly classified Scientology program called Super Power will be offered. Its upper floors will house special equipment that church officials say is designed to heighten one’s perceptions. The specifics are secret; like much of Scientology training, details aren’t revealed until one pays to take the course.

Wright said the building has cost about $40 million so far, and the church expects to spend $50 million finishing its elaborate interior. He leafed through 800 sheets of construction drawings for it. “It’s been planned to within an inch of its life,” he said.

That’s the watered down version, here’s what Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard has to say about the function and purpose of the Super Power Building:

“A super fantastic, but confidential series of rundowns that can be done on anybody whether Dn [Dianetics] Clear or not that puts the person into fantastic shape unleashing Super Power of a thetan. This means that puts Scientologists into a new realm of ability enabling them to create a new world. It puts world Clearing within reach of the future. This is a parallel rundown to Power in Saint Hills which is taken by the Dn Clear. It consists of 12 separate high power rundowns which are brand new and enter realms of the tech never before approached. Power is still very much in use on the Grade Chart but is for those who didn’t go Clear on Dn.

Confused yet? Me too, so fortunately we have some additional insight about what will actually (supposedly) go down in the Super:

According to the Church of Scientology, the building will contain specially developed equipment which “expand[s] on technology developed by NASA to train astronauts” designed to exercise and enhance an individual’s 57 “perceptics” (senses).These machines will include such things as an antigravity simulator, a gyroscope-like apparatus that spins a person around while blindfolded to improve perception of compass direction, and a video screen that moves forward and backward while flashing images to hone a viewer’s ability to identify subliminal messages.

Oh really? Don’t sprain your eyeballs on that one, this is typical Scientology b.s. After spending $350,000 dollars on Scientology courses, this basically certifies you to fly, travel to distant reaches of the universe with your mind, cure all illness and read people’s minds. I wish this was a joke, but it’s not. In fact, in our second installment in this feature we will talk about the truth horrors of the Fort Harrison: the mysterious deaths which have continued to haunt those marbled, gold-adorned halls.

(Another fantastic submission by Glosslip contributor Queen, edited by D)

Blown For Good: The Man Poised To Bring Down The Church Of Scientology

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:30:03 +0000

Most people haven’t heard of Marc Headley. He’s not a celebrity, but he has met Tom Cruise. In fact, Tom audited Marc during his Scientology training courses at Gold Base. Tom may not remember Marc, but he’ll know him soon enough.

Marc Headley is a former Scientologist who worked at the Hemet, California desert compound called Gold Base. For 15 years, Marc worked long hours at the 500 acre guarded facility, also referred to as Int Base, or International Base. Marc was a member of the Church’s paramilitary group called Sea Organzation, or Sea Org. Sea Org members are recruited from within the organization’s ranks of poorly paid workers and volunteers, they are made to sign a “billion year contract” and are often forced to live away from family and friends doing the type of manual labor typically reserved for slaves, inmates of illegal immigrants.

It is at Gold Base, where the now infamous story of the “flowered meadow for Nicole Kidman” occurred. As the story goes, Scientology President David Miscavige forced Sea Org members to work round the clock creating a flowered meadow for Tom Cruise and his second wife Nicole Kidman to frolic in, simply because Cruise mentioned it to Miscavige as a fantasy he had for the two.

To understand what drove Marc Headley to confront one of the most litigious organizations in the world, you must understand Scientology’s leader David Miscavige. What Miscavige lacks in size (he’s reportedly only 5′2″) he makes up for in blinding fits of rage. Perhaps driven by a deep-seated insecurity, Miscavige uses his power and rage to intimidate and “motivate” those beneath him.

Unfortunately for Miscavige, he underestimated one such subordinate.

Reports of Miscavige abusing Sea Org members are nothing new. Glosslip detailed such first-hand accounts in our interviews with former members of the group, including Jeff Hawkins, another long time ex-member who was also physically abused by Miscavige.. When we interviewed Headley, he corroborated Jeff’s claims, stating he witnessed Miscavige abusing members during his time at Int/Gold Base. Here’s an excerpt of that Glosslip interview (full transcript here):

Well, from the time I showed up at Golden Era Productions in 1990, I had been there maybe a few months when I saw David Miscavige physically beat somebody up. And that was in 1990. So it’s not like this just developed over the past five years, there’s a pattern going on.

All the way up until I left in 2005 I’d say that I saw David Miscavige physically strike somebody or slap as you say or punch in the face, I’d say I witnessed myself at least thirty different occasions, myself. And I heard from other people second hand many more instances that occurred. That was the turning point was for me. In late 2004 I was walking through the main factory facility with David Miscavige and I had made a smart-alec comment in response to one of his questions, apparently he’d not had a good day already and my comment was not well received and he proceeded to unload on me.

He punched me in the face at least ten times and my glasses fell off, I was thrown up against a desk unit, a counter top, and that was the moment right then when I realized I could go no further down than this, to be beaten by the leader of my so-called church. What else could I do that could get me in a lower status than that? And I decided that I would strike back. As soon as he saw that in my eyes, I was grabbed and escorted out of the building and made to take a walk for about an hour or so. He sent several people off to console me, that he really shouldn’t have done that and he was really sorry. While I was being escorted out of the room I heard him say to his staffers, “He was going to hit me back”.

And I thought to myself, “Do you know what? I really was, I really was going to hit you back”. At that point that I started figuring out what I was going to do because I wasn’t going to be staying there much longer. And in January 2005 I left. A lot of people, a lot of Scientologists think that Dave Miscavige is the savior of the church and all those things that he’s done have kept it alive, basically the reason they are still around. That might also be the reason why they’re not going to last, because of the crimes, the physical violence, the emotional and mental torture, that he puts people through, its mind-boggling.”

Marc has written a book titled “Blown For Good” detailing his experiences inside the cult and what has happened to him since he left in 2005. Marc has been fair-gamed (a tactic of intimidation Scientology officials claim they no longer use) and he has been disconnected from family and friends (another tool used to keep ex-members from talking about the abuses they suffered). Marc has many grievances against the Church of Scientology and has a pending lawsuit which is set to blow to lid off of the super-secretive organization. We will be doing a multi-part series on Marc’s allegations against the Church of Scientology in what we believe will be the most damaging blow to Miscavige and his followers since the infamous Time Magazine article titled “Scientology, Cult Of Greed” hit newsstands in 1991.

For those who don’t believe a so-called “church” is willing to break laws to keep its secrets in tact, we offer a police report from the Riverside County Sheriff’s office, detailing Headley’s escape from Gold Base in January of 2005. For a recounting of that day, click here for an excerpt from Marc’s upcoming book.

POLICE REPORT AFTER THE JUMP.

Los Angeles Anonymous May 10th Protests – Confronting Scientology’s Abuse

Mon, 12 May 2008 19:18:19 +0000

Angry Pope Anon calls out to Scientology Org in Los Angeles. I believe I spotted Tory Christmas and Marc Headley towards the end of video confronting “still in” Scientologists. Los Angeles doesn’t mess around, they take it to the streets. See more pics below from Theda Bara:

Tory’s SP letter

Guy Fawkes — Always a sexy look.

Tory and Mark sitting in a tree, SP, SP, ING

Scientology Destroys Families. Period.

Marc Headley Returns To Glosslip Radio, Friday 5/9, 8:30 – 9:30pm EDT

Fri, 09 May 2008 16:10:56 +0000

Glosslip Radio is extremely excited to have ex-Scientologist Marc Headley back for a second interview.

Marc, who spend 15 years in the Church of Scientology’s Sea Organization is working on a major project which will intimately detail his experiences within the church and working closely with RTC president and Scientology leader David Miscavige.

The last interview we did with Marc has reached legendary status, having over 12000 people listen to the show. Tonight’s show will focus on the Scientology cruise ship, the Freewinds and the current scandal surrounding they cover-up attempts by the Church regarding a massive asbestos contamination on that ship. For coverage of this story, see Glosslip’s reports.

Marc will also discuss his personal experience with Scientology’s “disconnection” policy and how this has deeply affected his relationship with family members still inside Scientology. Marc also has some very important information about how the internet activist group Anonymous is negatively affecting the Church of Scientology and their precious “stat” counts, as well as their financial losses.

Please join us for the show tonight at 8:30pm EDT.

To listen to the show, CLICK HERE!

Marc Headley worked at the Scientology International Management Headquarters in Gilman Hot Springs, CA from 1990-2005, working for the media production company owned by the Church of Scientology, Golden Era Productions.

After many years of working in the Manufacturing, Audio, & Cinematography Divisions, Marc ultimately became the Executive Producer at Golden Era Productions.

In early 2005 Marc left Scientology and started his own business. Marc and his wife of 15 years live in California with their two boys, Kaleid – 2 years old and Kaiden – 7 weeks old. Marc has appeared on radio programs and in magazine articles all over the world exposing the activities of the church that go on behind closed doors at the International Headquarters of Scientology.