Another scientology press release trying to promote the good works of their front groups.
They are becoming more desperate as time goes on to come up with anything to promote.
This release is a classic — absolutely NOTHING was done except to set up a photo op to try to make it appear there was something worth celebrating. Why they held this event in Reno, where there is no scientology, is hard to understand at the outset.
But the more you read, the worse it gets.
The event was local “philanthropist” Pete Sokoloff, a scientologist for decades and a big donator to the “ideal org” program — scientology is the only recipient of his “philanthropy.”
The subject of discussion was he VM’s at Ground Zero. They’re still trying to beat that dead horse. Nothing of note in the last two decades?
But the biggest tell is the photo they use to headline the story. A few people for a staged shot under a yellow tent.
I count about 30 people in this shot. 5 with yellow t-shirts on. According to their release there were 15 Pow Wow Club members and their families.
That’s it. The Pow Wow Club outnumbered the VMs 4 to 1. This was actually THEIR event it seems.
There are no shots of anyone actually looking t the tent or doing anything. There aren’t even any statements like “many were introduced to the VM program,” let alone actual numbers.
In the face of horrible, relentless press coverage about the crimes and abuses of scientology, this is what they can muster….
My Reno scientology story: I was sent to Reno on a sea org mission back in the early 80s. I was actually on staff at a mission and apparently the sea org couldn’t muster someone to go and ‘handle’ Reno so me and another fellow went for about a week to get their stats up. About all we did was do some ‘body routing’ and drug a few ‘wogs’ into the joint to take an ‘oca test’ and that stat counted as new starts or something like that. No one ever stuck around to do services to the best of my knowledge. We were a glorious success.
Unknown to me at the time, Hubbard was actually on the lam and hiding out nearby in Carson City if I recall correctly. The coolest thing that happened while I was there was a local scientologist went to a flea market and purchased a very early Mathison e-meter. It looked like some sort of Army surplus device. Everyone thought that was incredible and we were all a bit in awe at seeing this historical device. If you want to find out what one of these early e-meters was capable of in the hands of the master hisself, check this out!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CEsS2LaYx0
Pete Sokolov and his wife came to many Santa Barbara Ideal Org events to reg money from the mostly empty pockets of the locals. This was before the brooding thunderbird of doom building was purchased in Ventura.
His smarmy insincerity and smug, “I’m rich, I’m on-purpose, so I donate” vibe was grating even back when I was ‘in.’ One wonders if his FSM commissions exceeded his loud, arm-waving enthusiasm as he wrote his own name on the board as the first donator.
Cynical me wonders did he actually donate that $5, or $10,000 that he wrote on the donating white board? Or was it donated once and then used in the future to drum up the dregs from the fractured faithful?
There were a couple rich folk in the Santa Barbara field. In looking back I saw they donated, but didn’t attend. Perhaps coughing up a couple thou let them off the hook from attending the dreadful fake enthusiasm reg-fests.
Rant done.
Mike my good wishes are with you and your wonderful family.
I just read on Tony’s site that you are going through some tough chemo treatments.
Stay strong Mike – I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this Cancer stuff – prayers sent to you and the family to get through this. You couldn’t have a better partner and family to help you weather this – and you for sure have thousands of friends worldwide who are holding you in their hearts.
Judi Light
Thank you so much Judi.
I just read that Mike is currently undergoing a grueling round of chemotherapy. Sending love and healing thoughts your way. Hang in there, Mike. We need you!
Same here. Chemo is horrible, but apparently these days it actually has good results. We’re rooting for you, Mike, as you go through the nasty after-effects.
We love you, Mike.
What Aqua said. We love you Mike, and sending you and Christie and the family all the best vibes to go with that love.
Everybody have to learn, that Ron has created the world, 75 billion years befor.
The Pow Wow Club website doesn’t mention the Reno event at all. Guess they wish to disassociate from the cult. Smart decision, don’t you think.
Are they talking about the VM’s who tried to disrupt the work of real psychatrists and had to sneak back into ‘Ground Zero’ after being booted out?
Scientology is a criminal organization that pretends to be a church, so they can steal more money.
I seem to recall reading about the VM’s “assistance” at Ground Zero. It amounted to handing out water (that THEY DID NOT EVEN SUPPLY) and doing the famous Scientology ‘Touch Assists” to the real volunteers and rescue workers. I even remember seeing pictures of them doing the Touch Assist. It would have been laughable if it hadn’t been so ridiculously pathetic. “Can you feel that? Thank You”.
On 9/11 there were actual VMs digging through the rubble. Mostly teens and early 20’s kids who probably went for the adventure as much as anything else, but they were there and they did assist. In addition to several who also helped prepare and serve food and drink to the firefighters and other workers on scene. I hate the organization as much as anyone else, but the members themselves do occasionally actually help.