Do you think Marisol Nichols has a clue about human trafficking? I don’t.
If she did she would be briefing them on the changes the IAS has enforced at Gold to reduce human trafficking there. After all, why not start at home? You don’t need to go to Africa to find real human trafficking.
To help Marisol identify human trafficking victims, here are some indicia that might be used:
Holding someone’s passport – especially when they come from a foreign country
Restricting access to the outside world through physical means and by mental coercion
Living and working in the same location — especially manual labor
Restricting access to the media
Providing housing and food and little money – so long as the victims continue to cooperate – and threatening to withhold them if not
Informing people that they will be tracked down if they leave and that the outside world is a bad place where they will be homeless/ill/victims of crime
Not allowing un-monitored communications with those in the outside world
Physical abuse, including sleep deprivation
It is the height of hypocrisy for scientologists to be holding themselves out as champions of the victims of human trafficking. At least their campaigns against drugs match the reality of the anti-drug environment in scientology.
But even then, it is still hypocrisy for the IAS to collect money for the work they don’t do to combat human trafficking.
About the only thing that happens is Marisol’s husband, Taron Lexton makes videos that are shown in scientology orgs and at scientology events about the horrors of human trafficking. He is of course paid for his work. And Taron’s mother, Mary Shuttleworth, flies around the world so a video can be shown of her meeting with various officials and speaking to children. Of course, she is paid for this too. The only thing the IAS is really doing with the “donations to support the fight against human trafficking” is apparently supporting Marisol’s husband and mother-in-law (and of course her commissions for anything regged at these events).
I see that 2cents isn’t here today. Conspicuous by his absence?
Off the subject, but this Marisol Nichols is a Scientology “11.” She needs to beware of traffickers herself.
Every practicing scientologist must realize, at some point, that something is amiss, something stinks, and something just isn’t right. Every ex-scientologist made a brave choice to abandon quite a lot, and in some cases, everything. I respect all these ex-members.
If any current member should ever read Mike’s blog, and others like it, I hope the realization strikes them like a bolt… scientology pretends to be something, but in reality is the exact opposite. This human trafficking seminar might make you feel good if you attend, but deep down, you know that you are in an organization that is guilty of the same crimes. Be brave and stand up for what is right.
As with all else in scientology, it’s opposite world.
Your first step in the door of a scientology center, you are miiersed into the opposite of what you are supposedly learning. “Let’s teach you to communicate”, they say. “Sit down in front of this person. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING, just stare at them. Do not react to how the person is talking”. From the moment you walk in the door of scientology, you are trained to not believe your own mind or to speak your own thoughts as they are not the real you, they are “your bank”.
Then you move on to the next step. Bullbaiting teaches you how to not feel emotions. How not to care. By the time you have graduated the first course, the simple little intro course, you have learned how not to communicate and how not to feel and have been made to wrap your mind around the fact that somehow that makes you far superior to those out in the world who actually communicate and feel.
That. That. Is how they get away with the atrocities. They truly do not see them.
Miiersed? Where did that come from? you are immersed
sheesh
I blame it all on Daylight Saving Time
I thought it was a clever mash up of “Immersed” and “Milieu.”
You are miiersed in terror, coercion and doublethink.
Maybe a better spelling would be “miliersed.
I would never sit still for all that. Nor would I have time too. I filled out a questionaire once on line for Cos. Just out of curiosity as I am obesessed with this cult, omg. All the essays they wanted me to write! Hell no. On whatever. Then the endless emails “you did not complete any of your essays properly”
“He is of course paid for his work.”
I see what you did there.
These damn celebrities irritate me more than anybody. They promote scientology and to their best to bring people IN and yet do no do nor do they want to do their due diligence in making sure that what they are promoting isn’t an abusive, human trafficking organization itself.
Well said! They could do so much and yet they remain silent. Could you imagine what would happen if john travolta and cruise held a press conference? Taking off their rose colored glasses?
Don’t forget Kristy Alley.
“Get an in-depth briefing” — code words for we’ll be locking the doors until we meet our target of $$$ collected from you. Bring your cards & checkbook.
“Do you think Marisol Nichols has a clue about human trafficking?” No. She should try
living as a woman in Iraq for a few days.
Or in the Sea org.
Not surprisingly the Sea Org qualifies on every point as a human trafficker. The FBI understands this and their human trafficking division will offer money, food, housing and work (on the tax payer dime) to those coming out of the Sea Org. Amy and I were offered this although we were determined to make it on our own which we did. Unfortunately the IRS couldn’t take the heat and gave Scientology tax exempt status and the legal protection of being a “religion”. Unfortunately Scientology’s charitable contribution to society is only smoke and mirrors. Scientology doesn’t use money to help people, it uses people for their money.
“Unfortunately Scientology’s charitable contribution to society is only smoke and mirrors. Scientology doesn’t use money to help people, it uses people for their money.”
Yes.
Mat – Could you say more about this? This is the first I’ve heard that escaping scientology members can get assistance through the FBI’s human trafficking division. Is this a program that is available to members now who want to escape?
This would be incredibly useful for everyone to know and disseminate.
A Really important point: the FBI is aware of scientlogy slavery!
In europe such a “religion” would be punished. Why not in the US? Tax extempt? Normal for Companies, but for manipulative pseudo-Religions?
I decided to look at the website of the “Foundation for a Slavery Free World” (I’m hesitant to share any links to these hypocritical front groups, but you can Google it if you wish). Her bio on this page had this little gem:
“When Nichols began hearing of specific instances of children having been trafficked, abused and exploited, she had to do something about it.”
Has she never “begun hearing” about these “specific instances” in her own religious organization of children being abused and exploited? Or is she simply going to use the company line of “these stories are from bitter apostates trying to harm a religion that is bettering mankind”? In other words, is she just “blaming the victim” when it’s stories of abuses within her own church? Very hypocritical for her to completely disregard these stories of child exploitation. She should read the book Beyond Belief by Jenna Hill Miscavige (her “Ecclesiastical Leader’s” own niece), then speak to her about her experiences and what she witnessed.
There is also a section on this site called “Modern Day Slavery”. And the following information is listed on their own site:
These are 3 common characteristics of modern-day slavery:
– The victim’s freedom of movement is restricted
– The victim’s control of personal belongings is restricted
– The victim’s fully informed consent is not given
I could go point by point and give plenty of examples, even with my own limited never-in understanding, but I won’t (other folks have even more knowledge of this anyway). But she really needs to educate herself on the practices and policies of her own “church” as it relates to how they “handle” their very own Sea Org members, including children.
Search out these stories Marisa, if this is truly your passion. Ironically, the money you not only donate personally, but raise from others, is allowing this to continue right under your nose……thanks to your very own efforts. Show you’re truly serious about this, and at least investigate and listen to the alleged victims claiming that they were exploited and abused, even those in your own “religious group”. Changing the coercive and abusive nature of your own “church”, will go a long ways in combating human rights violations.
Open your eyes and your ears Marisa. People who refuse to listen to uncomfortable stories of abused victims do just as much damage as the perpetrators in enabling these human rights abuses to continue. With your celebrity platform, you have the ability to speak out and possibly change this in your own “church”…..therefore, you have the responsibility to do so. Anything less is just pure hypocrisy on your part.
Brilliant comments Mick. Again this all boils down to the policy of SCN’ers not being allowed to read anything against their religion or they are hauled into ethics. Further, for those that are in the SO they are so brainwashed they see or feel no abuse whatsoever. Even if they did recognize the abuse there is no way they would divulge this to other non-SO Scientologists.
I went thru 11 years of SO abuse, although no where near experiencing the pain and suffering that exists in the modern SO. When I was in though I was brainwashed to accept it all as the greatest good and helping LRH save mankind. Plus whatever ethics actions I suffered from was because of something I did against the cause. It was my own fault I was eating rice and beans.
With a mindset of an SO member, it makes it VERY difficult to stop them from continually pounding their thumb with a hammer.
I get the feeling you know all this Mick as you have definitely done your homework in regards to SCN. I just wanted to give a personal touch to your well written comment.
Thanks CPO. As difficult as it is for me to accept, I’m slowly coming to the realization that until someone in this mindset comes to the realization on their own that they wish to leave, there’s not much at all that any of us or law enforcement can really do to help them. That’s one of the most frustrating things for a never-in to accept…..that there’s simply nothing we can say to help “wake them up”, no matter how desperately we want to help them get out. They truly believe with complete devotion that the teachings of Scientology are necessary beyond contestation, just like you said Gary.
I should know this already, because I grew up in the Bible Belt of the Deep South (in the US) around some people who were also religiously devoted in the extreme, who professed zero doubts, without hesitation, about the validity of every single scripture of the Christian Bible (a faith I continue to practice). For some folks, there is simply no way to convince them to challenge themselves and question even a single one of their beliefs.
Take that whole M2C discussion on Terra’s post a couple of days ago. I finally asked M2C if he/she truly believed without any shred of doubt whatsoever in the concept of reincarnation, and I was at least somewhat surprised when he/she said yes. Upon hearing that, I had to just disengage from the conversation. As someone who tends to question practically everything (perhaps too much), especially pertaining to matters of faith, including my own religion, it’s virtually impossible for me to have any type of constructive dialogue with someone like that who is unequivocally convinced in the accuracy of their beliefs regardless of the lack of proof. I’m not saying I’m right and M2C is wrong, but there’s just no way for two people like us, whose philosophies are so diametrically opposed, to rationalize with each other on any kind of a logical level.
People in the Scientology bubble appear to have the same level of fanatical devotion to their beliefs. It’s hard for anyone harboring doubts about the effectiveness of Scientology, like most of us here, to rationalize with someone who truly believes in what they’re doing. The philosophy that seems to guide every single aspect of their life is the concept of the “greatest good for the greatest number of dynamics”. Although by the way the “church” carries out its policies, it actually appears as though in reality, their 3rd Dynamic, the “group” (Scientology), trumps all of the other 7 Dynamics combined (their KSW philosophy seems to affirm that).
It’s one of the most difficult things for me to realize that there is simply no “magic bullet” to help them unwind from this mental prison they’re in, especially since I always try to focus on the solutions more than the problems. I wish there was some way we could come up with an easy solution so we could expedite getting them out so people like you and Lois could be reunited with your son. Unfortunately, it seems as though there may be nothing in the world that is as complex (or as unique for each individual) as the human psyche.
Mick, I reserve the right to adopt any belief I please and if somebody seeks to instill doubt in me through their command of logic and reason I may consider them guilty of bad manners. I need no reason for my beliefs beyond the fact that I WANT to believe them. For instance, I happen to believe in reincarnation and I have no doubt in my mind about it. How would I be served by having doubts?
Now, if I assert my beliefs as ‘knowledge’ or ‘facts’ then I impose upon myself the burden of proof and then you are within your rights to put me in the hot seat. If I refuse to recognize or acknowledge logic and rationality then you are also within your rights to throw your hands up in disgust.
Roger you’re right. Anyone has a right to believe whatever they wish so long as it doesn’t harm others. I just naturally harbor plenty of doubts, even with my own faith (Christianity) that I’ve practiced my entire life. I either haven’t found the right religious philosophy for myself or I’m just not wired to accept any absolute truths when it comes to matters of faith (I suppose that’s why it’s called faith, otherwise, I guess it would simply be called science).
But when you asked “How would I be served by having doubts?”, that’s a great question and is the main point I was trying to make. You wouldn’t be served by me or anyone else questioning your beliefs, so I try to refrain from engaging in those types of conversations, even with my fellow Christians (and as a skeptical person, I do have to concede that even I myself might be wrong and that it’s at least possible that you might be right about reincarnation).
Neither would M2C be served by my questions on his unwavering belief in reincarnation the other day, which is why I didn’t continue to engage in that particular conversation. Neither would my aunt who believes in reincarnation herself…or my uncle (her husband) who believes in absolutely nothing beyond this life…or a few other members of my own immediate family who are absolutely convinced 100% without any doubt whatsoever that Jesus Christ is the one and only true way to Salvation and everyone who doesn’t accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior are condemned to spend an eternity in the lake of fire (Hell). I’ve tried to have those types of conversations in the past, and they achieve nothing (except perhaps pissing people off in some cases).
The whole point of my comment is that I’m coming to realize, reluctantly, that the same applies to Scientologists who believe in the absolute infallibility of LRH and his “tech” and DM and the CofS. They won’t be served by having their faith in those entities questioned either, just like none of us would with questions about our faith. Yet the question still remains…..how do we help them “wake up” and get out of this life of pure devotion to an abusive organization?
I’m slowly coming to the realization that there’s not much we can do by trying to sow seeds of doubts in their minds about their faith in Scientology (others with more knowledge and experience than me seem to have already learned this, it just seems difficult for a recently interested, less knowledgeable, never-in like me to accept just yet). It seems that we can only work to increase awareness, keep trying to find ways to get law enforcement involved where appropriate, and be there to support them the day they decide (apparently of their own volition) that they’re finally done with it.
Right Mick. There is no reason to go after subjective beliefs. I only go after objective lies told by people in order to suck people into a viscous cult.
“I need no reason for my beliefs beyond the fact that I WANT to believe them.”
That’s honest, Roger.
Personally, what I like the best is when I simply “know” something is true. It needs no “outside proof,” or reasoning – it’s simply an unmistakable sense of “knowing.” Memories can be like that, or they can be missing a strong sense of knowing, whether they’re past-life memories or from current life.
There is value to objective proof, too, of course. But subjective knowingness can also be valid. JMO
marildi, I’m afraid I’m not on board with you about KNOWING with no need for outside proof based on “an unmistakable sense of ‘knowing’ “.
I place no stock whatsoever in a “sense” of knowing. For instance, my belief in reincarnation for which I entertain no doubts is a BELIEF. I do not KNOW it is true. It may not be true. I acknowledge that it may not be true. I, however, have no doubts about it. I am ‘certain’ of it but certainty is related to believe, not knowledge. The opposite of certainty is doubt. The opposite of knowledge is ignorance.
My ex-wife has an “unmistakable sense of knowing” that Krishna lives in the spiritual Sky with all the gopis and deities. What we “sense” is strictly a matter of our personal likes, dislikes, inclinations and disinclinations.
A “sense” is merely a thought, a fanciful one, that reveals nothing other than the conditioning of the mind that generated it. Some people like to think certain thoughts are piped in from an all-knowing source but that falls into the category of a “belief” for which there is no evidence.
“For instance, my belief in reincarnation for which I entertain no doubts is a BELIEF. I do not KNOW it is true. It may not be true. I acknowledge that it may not be true. I, however, have no doubts about it. I am ‘certain’ of it but certainty is related to believe, not knowledge.”
It occurs to me that it may very well be that we are experiencing the same thing, but our beliefs determine how we interpret the experience.
You also wrote: “A ‘sense’ is merely a thought, a fanciful one, that reveals nothing other than the conditioning of the mind that generated it.”
I would agree that conditioning has a tremendous influence. But a sense of knowing is an entirely different EXPERIENCE than “a thought.”
I don’t mean the kind of “knowing” we experienced when we were in Scientology – that is belief. And it is based on something outside of ourselves – in this case, it was a CONVICTION that Scientology had all the answers.
You seem to have some convictions that are based on your current faith in another teaching. I say that because you assert things like what I last quoted, as if it’s an obvious “everybody knows” – or if not everybody, at least those who are enlightened, or maybe just more intelligent than others.
I challenge you to think about it. 🙂
As J. Krishnamurti said that sunny afternoon in Ojai, “It seems a shame to speak about truth on such a lovely day as this.” 🙂
Cool answer. At least. 🙂
True words. Manipulative and hypnotic slavery. This is worser than slavery by enforcement as you are a willingless Idiot for the cult.
Hmm, haven’t heard much about her in years (since she was on 24). I didn’t even know until today that she was a Scientologist, but researching more about her this afternoon, I also just realized her name is Marisol, not Marisa. I’ve been saying her name wrong for years now. No wonder I couldn’t find her on Twitter (to see if she responded to pedrofcuk’s comment below).
Dave,
Depravity Update:
The drones are being positioned for a hit on North Korea. What makes you think that you are not being tracked by spy satellites for a judicial takedown?
Foundation for a Slavery Free World is registered as a 501-c-3 charity with the EIN number: 47-4575111. (this classification means that none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual).
Charity Navigator cannot provide a rating for this charity because it only files a 990-N tax form (which is practically a postcard).That filing status is limited to organizations with assets and income under $50,000.
(Guidestar, the other popular charity rating organization also lists it as having $0 in assets and income). 990-N forms don’t provide any real financial information on the organization or its assets and how they are dispersed, unlike other foundations and charities which have to file 990’s with some detail (records that can be easily reviewed on line).
I am wondering how this organization operates as an independent 501-c-3 if it is not getting money from somewhere. It would seem that the activities listed above would put it over the $50K threshold. Just the poster above would indicate an event that would cost well over $50K. Not to mention the annual awards event it advertises on its website. And if its principals are getting paid as well, just where is that money coming from and why would it not be reported?
Maybe this is just a thinly veiled PR stunt for Co$, or a way to disguise indirect recruiting events?
The foundation lists organizations it “supports” on its website, as if to imply they provide some kind of monetary help or assistance to them. I’d be curious as to what these organization might have to say as to the nature of the relationship with the foundation.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.profile&ein=474575111
https://www.slaveryfreeworld.org/what-we-do/
So, who’s also making a living from human trafficking then?
This is similar to those doctors and medical professionals who peddle whatever drugs or treatments are the flavor of the month with the reps from big pharmacy, while reaping the benefits of being wined and dined, given inducements, free travel & holidays (sure… bring a friend if you want) for seminars etc. at exotic locations.
The behind the scenes activities of Scientology and the way they treat their SO & staff constitutes one of the worst human rights/trafficking violations of any tax exempt organisation on Earth. The people of the US and the officials of the IRS have been hoodwinked and unfortunately are supporting one of the more disgustingly corrupt organisations which is now firmly implanted on their legally & constitutionally endorsed “payroll.” To have the tax exempt status of Scientology removed would do wonders for the conscience of the United States as a whole and would fast track the dismantling of the Scientology Organisation.
Imagine being a U.S. citizen who works and pays taxes, honestly and in good faith. Now imagine that because scientology gets tax free status, you personally have to pick up the slack and pay a little extra tax.
Really sink your teeth into that thought.
The corrupt, stinking, vile, little asshole Miscavige has a better life than you just because YOUR government treats him better than you and at your expense. And in the meantime human lives are abused and ruined.
Why does this continue? Revoke this tax exempt status! Call, mail, email your politicians and law enforcement. The heat is on this disgusting organization, so every little thing you do will add fuel to the flames.
WOW!!!! I sunk my teeth into your comment and now I have a real bad toothache. I will definitely e-mail my local politicians and urge ev1 else to do so. Looking forward to Leah and Mike’s 2nd season. I’m curious tho, if they close this evil cult down, what happens to all the money and properties they own……..hmmmmm?????? 🙂
State/civic forfeiture. Sell’em with all proceeds going to the victims of $cientology via a class action lawsuit. That would be fun to watch.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! 😀
I sorely hope that someone from the new crop of U.S. Attorneys will act (where previous administrations succumbed to paralysis.)
Scientology’s corruption of law and justice must end.
Historically charities are lucrative business enterprises but all the well-known ones, the reputable ones, are transparent about how much money they receive and where it goes. Can we say the same for Ms. Nichols’ outfit? Let us ask her for such information and see how quickly her ‘glamour shot’ smile turns upside down.
BTW, who is th gal in the photo (I see the name but have never heard of her). She doesn’t look old enough to have founded and be the top exec for any Org of that type.
She was on a TV Show, a small TV star
Ah, thanks Ronit.
Absolutely Positively Disgusting! All concerned should be ashamed of themselves, but wait they are IAS donors so no brains, no heart, no spirit just ice water spiked with Ron/dm forever dousing them in infinite darkness. XO Mike ?
It demonstrates that David Miscavige is very unstable individual at least mentally. A private society such as INT Base can be considered of people travelling on their religion’s founder’s path in life should be easy to co-operate with and accomplish things with, not imprison or abuse. But, David Miscavige emotional clones (or should I say cluster copies) in the church follow him closely and want to be like him. That must really get on his nerves. 🙂
He is unstable, but more than that he’s arrogant. Releasing” slavery free world” when he does ever one of the things on the list. He needs to be locked up in the hole for the rest of his life.
Susan, the Church of Scientology will always have problems as long as they are around. These will manifest themselves in the form of technical misapplications, internal security flaps and major public relations issues. A Dianetics book USED to be the way MOST people got into Scientology. But, reading a Dianetics book will not reveal to its reader how once that person goes Clear the way to maintain the state and make sure they stay Clear. That is not really fair to give people a 20% answer if a person actually took the time and spent the money to find out more about themselves. David Miscavige as David Miscavige will not be around forever either. And the way things stand right now, he spends his time laughing at people he imprisoned in the Hole? Do you think that maybe he should re-do his Objectives? 🙂
When I first saw the title then the “IAS Denver Org” I thought that the IAS was going to announce that they freed the Sea Org slaves…
Oh well.
If a group like the IAS is only there to help confuse people into thinking they are being helped by them, and a person can’t seem to make things go right with the IAS this way and realizes they are being lied to. Is that “victim” now guilty of a crime? I don’t think so. And how can people like the IAS for example then afterwards wind up that they are friends with that person without having first been held accountable for their actions? This is the Scientology Gold standard. 🙂
LO and behold, she didn’t have me blocked on Twitter so I sent her a link to this page 🙂
You my dear have been flying to far below the radar these days if she doesn’t have you blocked. Of course by now she will have you blocked. Kirstie hasn’t even blocked me yet. I’m hurt. I’m also surprised she hasn’t blocked you.
smart and succinct – it is also telling that her glamour shot is the largest photo in the advert….is this about her getting recognition for her work or actually doing it?
It can be two things.
But, no, it’s the first one.