Leah and I were extremely happy to welcome our old friend Claire Headley to the Fair Game podcast. Claire of course appeared in 2 episodes of The Aftermath -- and she was recently featured on the Netflix home page: I have known Claire and her husband Marc since I first went to the Gold Base -- way back in the 80's. Claire worked closely with Miscavige as an executive in Religious Technology Center. She was the Deputy Inspector General Internal. Claire helped me many times, she is one of the few people I know -- especially at the international level, and even more specifically in … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2020
Uncle Sam Wants to Help Scientology
Every year, scientology rolls out the posters about how the US Government is making it especially easy to give more money to scientology. Unfortunately, this is one of the only true things they ever say. And one of the most galling. The entire US Government is certainly not on the side of scientology. There are many government agencies that do not agree with scientology even being recognized as a tax exempt religious organization, but unfortunately, the most important one, the IRS, seems to be in the minority. Though truth be told, I suspect there are plenty of people in the IRS who … [Read more...]
Predatory Alienation, Religion and the Law
This is an excellent article in the Albany Times Union, prompted by the recent sentencing of Keith Raniere. I saw this and Tweeted it out, but it deserves more attention. Mary Ann hones in on the exact problem that looms like a massive roadblock in the path of justice for victims of coercive and high demand groups. And this definitely includes scientology. The hardest thing to demonstrate is mental/emotional abuse. There is no cauterized brand left on the victim’s body. No canceled checks or credit card debt trail. It would make it far less onerous for victims to be heard in … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
The House of Cards is Collapsing
"Freedom" magazine recently put out this tweet: Curious (?), I clicked on the link. This is what it takes you to -- an article reporting on their supposed accomplishments in 2017! For the "largest private relief force on earth" it is just a little strange that they have nothing to report about for 3 years? No disasters in the intervening period is not the reason -- remember the wildfires in California? The Hurricanes in Louisiana? Just this year.... The real reason for no update is no action. This is a reflection of the fact there are no international … [Read more...]
Episode 16: Jehovah’s Witness Whistleblower Lloyd Evans
It's always a pleasure to speak with Lloyd Evans. He is so knowledgeable, articulate and even-keeled. He helped us put together the Jehovah's Witness special on The Aftermath, and is a valued supporter of our efforts to expose the abuses in scientology, while he carries out his work doing the same with the Jehovah's Witnesses. As always, we had a fascinating chat with him on the Fair Game Podcast this week, talking about the similarities between scientology and the JW's and how the JW's have grown more scientology-like in their Fair Game-style attacks on those who expose their … [Read more...]
“Welcome Home”
How sad is this. "AJ" from Minneapolis just arrived at Flag to join the Sea Org. He just graduated high school. No doubt the child of some long term scientologist or staff member. This is the age I joined the Sea Org -- wide-eyed and enthusiastic to save the world. It won't be long before the promises he heard when they were recruiting him are forgotten and he becomes another drone in the money machine that is Flag. He will soon find out that he now belongs to the organization and his free will is meaningless. It used to be a thing to say "A mind is a terrible thing to … [Read more...]
The Scientology BS is Deep
Tracey McManus article reporting on a meeting David Miscavige had with the Clearwater Mayor and City Attorney last week isn't very revelatory on the surface. But I will try to read between the lines and explain the significance of this meeting based on scientology policy and my experience. The first thing to know is that short of testifying under oath (and even then, good scientologists have no fear of lying if they believe a lie is for the "greatest good"), the real story (either what happened in the past or intentions fo rthe future)is never going to be revealed in … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
One from the archives this week, RB had another commitment.... … [Read more...]
Raffle Mania
Despite the Hubbard policy forbidding this, apparently the desperation for money overcomes all restraints. Though, as CCHR delivers no "services" I supposed they have somewhat of an excuse. But where is the IAS? The IAS repeatedly uses the fact they support CCHR, and announces their "wins" as a reason people should give money to the IAS to "eradicate psychiatry." It is a mainstay of the IAS mantra. So, how come CCHR has to hold raffles to raise money? Of course, the next question to ask about this -- are they fighting for the kids IN SCIENTOLOGY who are being abused? That is of … [Read more...]