Michael D splains the expasion which is the biggest in history (and yes, he spells it wrong twice in the opening para). He may be an IAS Freedom Medal Winner but it does not mean he can spell (he probably did the Student Hat too — that apparently was no help either).
Of course, it’s ALWAYS the biggest in history…
But let me ask you something Michael. What measure of expasion are you using?
Certainly not the number of new orgs and missions opened. There were none.
Certainly not the number of OT VIII’s made.
Nor the number of new people into scientology.
Or courses completed. Or books sold. Or Well Done Auditing Hours.
And definitely not volume of “theta” media.
Hey, it’s not even square footage of empty buildings opened. Or cubic centimeters of Italian grout carefully placed between the tiles in state-of-the-art, well-stocked toilet stalls.
No, but there are a couple of highest evers in 2017 I would imagine.
Number of people who found out the truth about what scientology really does — through the roof. Number of people who departed scientology, loudly or quietly, epic, unprecedented and a watershed.
Maybe you can spin this into “proof” of the massive expasion — after all, L. Ron Hubbard DID say that the squirrels only scream when you are doing well. But damn, if we a doing as well as the screaming indicates, why does anyone need to give money to the IAS. Everything is just hunky-dory.
Just love the fact the IAS is now responsible for saving the planet. They’ve been saying this for decades. He seems to think it is a new idea? And while we are on the subject, what is the IAS doing about global warming? The war in Afghanistan? Genocide in Myanmar? Capetown running out of water?
But wait for it — he’s got news about the new AO’s! You know the buildings they bought in S. Africa, Mexico and Canada a decade ago… The news is NOT that they are open. Despite the overwhelming expansion and demand, highest in history. No, the news is “they are coming soon”… Never heard that before.
This expasion briefing must have been a beauty.
nxdoyle says
It’s all masturation.
Andrew Jackson says
I guess legally you would have a hard time proving the amount of expasion taking place. Seeing as one cannot define the word with a dictionary. As to toilets being fully stocked… except for toilet paper and maybe soap. These are sometimes on a bring-Your-own basis…
peterblood71 says
Could these cult-monkeys be any more Keystone Koppish, tripping all over themselves and drenched with incompetence? Their motives transparently obvious and humorous as they try in the extreme? So much for having even normal powers let alone super ones.
Chris Mann says
I wish I would have known back when I was in what was truly motivating these IAS guys. I thought the ywere traveling across the country on their own dime to forward the aims of Scientology, sacrificing their careers and businesses to make it go right. It never occurred to me they were making bank.
Phillip says
Everyone put you Left hand on your fleshy seating area and raise your Right hand. Repeat after me.
“I romise to beliebatate everything Michael D Ronberts and Dabid Misscatchitch sayify about expasion.”
There you go, problem solved, do what you want. Nonsensical almost-words to make something that kinda sounds like a sentence to show non-words have NO meaning. Expasion is not a word. 🙂
He misspelled it on purpose.
Lynda Castell-Blanch says
It is very strange that they would misspell expansion….in this day and age with computers it would catch that. Is that letter for real? Besides the misspelling, it is not well written at all. You’d think they would pay more attention to grammar, spelling and content while trying to “promote”.
Joe Pendleton says
“The IAS is now responsible for saving this planet …”
Maud, sweetheart, call up the broker and have him sell all the stocks … We’re also selling the house and buying that place in Tuscany … and get me a drink please … Jack straight up …make it a triple … hell, just bring me the bottle …
Joe Pendleton says
… A Portland CRUSADER????? I’ve been out for 12 years and this letter still kind of embarrasses me … I really don’t even remember this level of idiocy … Honestly, he sounds like he may be actually mentally deranged …
Teen says
Follow the money, basically, is the name of the game for this guy. As he sits and reads the blogs he has come to realize that we all know he KNOWS the truth but cares not. Just wants a paycheck….. Pathetic, immoral, and completely unethical human condition…yet, he continues. You should be ashamed of yourself, Michael Roberts! When will living a life of honesty and integrity matter to you?
Dave F. says
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DJ9Mb9EUEAEHVlt.jpg
Dave F.
Tony DePhillips says
Funny.
unelectedfloofgoofer says
Now that I understand IAS 10% commissions, the tireless event organizers make a lot more sense.
No doubt Michael D. Roberts has to share several percent with the Org.
Andreas says
What makes this less than laughable is the many vulnerable people who still buy into this stuff. Leah, Mike, Paul Haggis or Jason Beghe are nobly taking on the Scientology monster, but thousands of others don’t have a voice. Miscavige and Cruise are doing their best to frighten them into silence while they live the high life. Meanwhile, you have morons like Michael Roberts running out loose splaining spansion.
whatareyourcrimes says
Andreas, thank you for attaching the name of Tom Cruise to David Miscavige in your comment.
All of the Miscavige bashing seen everywhere on the internet, TV, and social media is well-deserved. And if Tom Cruise thinks he can escape from the same laser-focused spotlight by flashing that aging and tired Risky Business grin, he had better fucking wake up.
Sometimes I consider changing my moniker to “Madame Defarge”, but my OT brain tells me to bide my time, before I change my name… it is a pretty dumb brain, as I am only an Operating Tomato.
Meryl Weiner says
I’m in complete agreement about Tom Cruise. I think he’s as much off his nut as David Miscavige.
By the way, Operating Tomaaaato or Operating Tomahhhto (ahhh, let’s call the whole thing off;-)
Alcoboy says
And speaking of Tom Cruise, did you see the cover of Star magazine where Tom is allegedly blowing Scientology so he can be with Suri?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !
Meryl Weiner says
I’ll believe that when it actually happens. It’d be great for Suri, but TC the dumb-ass is too screwed up to get his priorities straight. I hold no real hope that Mr. Pathetic will ever leave. It’d be a very nice surprise if he did, but it ain’t gonna happen.
John Doe says
I don’t think any True Believers really like the IAS or the regges they have to (try to avoid) interacting with.
They just have to pretend and police their own thoughts of negativity about it all.
IAS regging is one of the key components in the shrinking of the church over the last several decades.
It really is that simple.
Aquamarine says
I met Michael Roberts as the seminar leader of my very first IAS “briefing” back in ’85.. He was a good speaker; he had dramatic flair. He held my interest. (Keep in mind this was my first ever briefing of this type) Anyway, 32 years later he’s still at it. Not sure if he’s been doing anything else, any acting, along with being an IAS Sheep-Shearer but one can reasonably assume that its been profitable for him. Travelling as he does to all the orgs since 1984, for the past 34 years, to hold these events, he has to know the truth about cult shrinkage. Makes you wonder how he sleeps at night, don’t it now?
Interested Party says
Beautifully written piece Mike Rinder.
Doug Parent says
Michael D Roberts…..has-been-actor-turned-pimp-for-the-IAS @ 10%. Profiting from keeping people ignorant by pushing IAS lies that are generated by the Scientology FAKE NEWS department. That dude has probably seen and heard enough to be dangerous on the outside. But for now, he’s Michael D Roberts-After-the-Cash. By the way I thought the Sea Org was charged with “keeping ethics in” on the planet, when did the IAS bypass them? Oh thats right, when the IAS was able to collect tax deductable straight donations. I see. LRon would have approved after his 50%.
Pascal Delayney says
I just watched 21 videos on YouTube about the lies that Mike Rinder and Leah Remini feed to people. You won’t get me in your brainwash cult, you stinkers!
Teresa Shook says
Ate you kidding me. All Mike and Leah have done is expose the Church of Scientology for what it truly is. It is a cult. A cult that not only expects, but demands it’s members pay hundreds of thousands of dollars. How much have they gotten from your wallet Pascal? More than you are willing to admit I’ll bet. Their disconnect policy alone has been the cause of many many suicides. So that kind of makes them guilty of manslaughter at the very least. Open your eyes and see them for what they truly are.
Aquamarine says
Breathe, Pascal.
Mike and Leah are EXPOSING the cult’s lies.
Mike and Leah are on YOUR side.
All of us here are very glad you’ll never join this brainwash cult and we wish you well.
Have a nice day.
Lynda Castell-Blanch says
I think Pascal must have heard old videos from when Mike and Leah were defending CoS….or maybe Pascal is being sarcastic? …..strange post.
dwarmed says
This has to be sarcasm, right? That’s how it sounds to me.
Old Surfer Dude says
Hey, Pascal, are you demented? Has a large object hit you on your head? But, defending your cult is going to be a tough gig. Your cult’s reputation is just a shade above Jonestown. Why not Google Scientology? Oh, I forgot you’re not allowed to due to Entheta. Scientology is now a joke.
KatherineINCali says
Oh, Pascal….
I sincerely hope you’re just trolling. If not, you’re a blind fool.
You must be the same moron who posted earlier at Tony’s about Marty’s pathetic, hypocritical, “21 videos” which are full of lies. The asinine shit he says is literally the opposite of EVERYTHING that asshole said about $cientology in the last several years.
Do yourself a favor and do some real research about $cientology…if you dare. My guess is you don’t have the balls.
I Yawnalot says
A figure eleven target has about as much intelligence as a comment like yours.
Aquamarine says
Its possible that this is a question of English being a 2nd language for Pascale, and that he is actually very upset about what he learned with regard to the abuses perpetrated by the Scientology cult and due to language challenges misunderstands Mike’s and Leah’s actual intent to combat same, and is therefore attacking Mike and Leah as being tools instead of foes of Co$ and its abuses.
I mean – its possible 🙂
I Yawnalot says
True Aqua. But it is also possible Miscavige and Rathbun might see the errors of their ways & change by ceasing to hurt people. It’s difficult to live with negativity for a long time, I don’t think it’s healthy but some things need to be called as what they are. I love being optimistic but I still squish spiders if they come into the house – rules is rules!
Chris Shugart says
Stinkers? That hits hard. Whoo, I’m going to have to take a knee for five seconds. Does your mom know you’re trolling the net?
KatherineINCali (aka JaxNGold on the Bunker) says
Lol!…take a knee.
Yeah, I thought the “stinkers” thing was so very like a $cientologist attempting to insult. The OSA troll who goes by the name of “elle” (and other $ci’s) always uses child-like words just like that in her (his?) posts. It’s quite embarrassing.
BOLO-Be On Look Out says
I am one of those that was never involved with scientology but has gained a whole new perspective on scientology. There are a lot of us out there following this destructive cult. And if there are so many scientologists out there, where the hell are they when help is really needed. I see military (current and past) friends, the National Guard, other church groups, but in all I have experienced I have never run across one single scientology group. I get enraged when I see the bullshit of scientology taking credit for so much help yet me nor anyone I know ever sees them actually helping.
Teresa Shook says
Me either. I live in Arkansas snd I’ve never even seen an empty building, much less volunteers
Old Surfer Dude says
That’s because they heard some banjo music and ran away.
Gravitysucks says
HEY NOW. Dont stereotype us Southerners. We play fiddle, spoons and harmonica, too!!
Old Surfer Dude says
Can I join the band?
Gravitysucks says
Yep
Heather says
Best comment ever, Old Surfer Dude!?? Thank you
Old Surfer Dude says
My pleasure, Heather! You have to find something to laugh about everyday.
Meryl Weiner says
Yeah, I haven’t run into any scientology group in New York City. I know there are at least two scientology buildings in Manhattan (not sure about the other boroughs). I’m going to have to make it a point to pass by one day and see if there are actually any people in those buildings. I guess there must be a few, but I’m curious now.
Aquamarine says
“There are a lot of us out there following this destructive cult”.
Made my day, BOLO. Thanks for being here with us, and for your support. It means a lot.
Many brave people — not me – but many reading and posting here and at Tony O’s live with the chronic heartbreak of Disconnection. Its just something they live with, like, say arthritis, or chronic migraines. A kind of persistent mental or emotional pain and its always there. On some days its tamped way down; on others it flares up painfully, and then there’ s every level in between. These people are brave, they are themselves persistent, they don’t give up easily. They’ve taken responsibility for what they’re dealing with now. They know what’s right and they’re not going to give up until there’s justice. they’re not letting the bastards get them down.And they’re creating new and fulfilling lives for themselves to the best of their abilities.
But its been a long slog and it might take another slog or two before the cult dies and/or these exScientologists are reunited with their children. So, for them, just the the knowledge that YOU are out there, you, a Never In, with no personal involvement are out there, just the concept that many others, like you who were Never In,are also out there, following the day to day stuff about the cult, concerned, supportive, interested in seeing that justice is done – it helps!
KatherineINCali says
Aside from the physical and psychological abuse & child abuse, disconnection is the other thing that breaks my heart into a million pieces.
I’m pretty sure I’d never recover if my parents or children disconnected from me. I don’t think I’d be strong enough to overcome the heartache.
To all of you who have suffered this cruel and disgusting abuse at the hands of $cientology, I’m so very sorry. You have my never ending support, empathy and compassion.
BOLO-Be On Look Out says
Thank you Aquamarine. It is my pleasure to help spread the word. The stories I see about disconnection are gut-wrenching. I have watched shows like Going Clear, Aftermath with friends and family. We really had no idea all of this stuff was happening.
Robster says
Lies, lies, more lies stacked on top of lies. Yet the hardcore faithful dig in deeper everyday and want to believe that the lies are true, so, so much. Such a sad scene.
Aquamarine says
“…the hardcore faithful…” Some will go down with the ship, no doubt. Some may dig in so deep, may keep lying so thoroughly and so long that they pass from knowing self delusion into actual schizophrenia ala Blanche Dubois. Thank you Tennessee Williams.
Glen says
I am always saddened when I see Michael Roberts in this position. He was a friend and classmate in high school and was a warm and hilarious person when we were young. I have followed his acting career and how it has now de-evolved into being a shill for $ci.
And I want to say that the English teachers at Washington High School (now Washington Prep) in Los Angeles are not responsible for the spelling errors and the tortured syntax.
Old Surfer Dude says
They tortured a syntax? Isn’t that a protected species? How sad…
Aquamarine says
🙂 OSD. Not in Scientology it isn’t. Talk about your fair game…
Joe Pendleton says
I’m against the sin tax … Just a way the puritans keep trying to keep us from enjoying all our smoking and drinking. But I’m not for torturing it either.
I Yawnalot says
Just more bs in a suit and tie. I wonder if the teeth are his or commission paid dentistry. Got to keep up appearances I suppose. LRH couldn’t be bothered. Oh hum… just another day at the Scientology office.
Old Surfer Dude says
He keeps his second set of teeth in his inside pocket.
exccla says
It’s amazing to me that there are books, the internet, pickets, billbords, tv shows, podcasts. etc. that the sheeple can’t figure it out . Its a scam.Take your kids and $ and run. the staff are all LIARS.the cult destroys families and you’re paying them to do that. Not to mention they fuck with your mind, body and spirit. so dm builds more empty buildings. hey pay me and i’ll build them instead. all cult members should run for the hills-NOW !
Gus Cox says
Yes, new AOs coming soon… after you dig deeeeeeeep into your pockets and give it over!
Briefing = Fundraising.
Aquamarine says
I STILL flinch a bit when reading or hearing that word in all its forms, be it noun, adjective or adverb!
Old Surfer Dude says
Waking up = Fundraising.
Meryl Weiner says
Jeez – they’re saving the planet and don’t even have spell-check on their computers!?!?!?
Teresa Shook says
LOL.. Right.
Old Surfer Dude says
And that surprises you?
Meryl says
I suppose not, but you’d think that someone would at least proof-read their idiocy before unleashing it.
Aquamarine says
LRH says never reward a downstat. They’ll get spellcheck when they learn how to spell. Any other questions?
whatareyourcrimes says
Remember, scientology employs TSR-80 computers from Tandy.
Cutting Edge, people… Cutting Edge.
Chee Chalker says
He wants to give them the news that there will be a Scientology commercial during the SuperBowl that will only air in a few select markets and will be widely mocked on the internet?
I could have told that that in an email
Just Hummin' Along says
Perhaps their expansion is counting the number of new ex-Scientologists & SP’s added to the list. That has most definitely expanded.
Wynski says
Signs of Success!
Of Mike, Leah & Co. that is… LOL
hgc10 says
Perhaps the mission to save the planet is too ambitious for the IAS. I’m thinking that they’re not even up to saving their religion. But I have a mission that the IAS just may be able to succeed at: Review all IAS promotional literature for grammar, diction and spelling before publication. Once they have accomplished that, then I will again trust them to save the world.
Aquamarine says
LOL, hgc10!. Excellent suggestion.
You’re right: this is something the Big Beings of the IAS could confront:
SLAM IN ETHICS on the English language… SALVAGE the Earth’s English speakers utterly suppressed by Ungrammatical, Evil-Intentioned, Slangy Little Us!
Make Grammar Great Again!
My check be in the mail.
Old Surfer Dude says
I slammed ethics once. Knock him out cold.
Aquamarine says
Excellent, OSD. Well, I’m just a woman, so I can only slap ethics in…”How dare you?”…something like that 🙂
Old Surfer Dude says
Well…you can certainly slap the shit out them.
Todd Cray says
Or let’s see their admin “tech” conquer their Central Files. Or their PR “tech” put a dent into all their self-created entheta. Or their confront “tech” allow them to interact with exes without turning tail and running. Or their communications “tech” interact with wogs in ways that don’t appear totally nutso. I’m not even asking for flying ashtrays here…
Aquamarine says
Whoa, Todd!
I’m not into blood sports, but this is a knockout.
Pow! Pow! Bang! Zoom!
To the moon, cult – to the moon!
This lethal comment should go to every org.
Old Surfer Dude says
In the year 2090, they will still be working on the CF.
Cindy says
Good article, Mike. Michael Roberts has been a joke and a puffed up washed up actor for decades. But my question is: does he really believe all this BS he spouts, or do you think he knows the church is not expanding and he is just selling the scam for money?
Newcomer says
How else would he earn a living?
Old Surfer Dude says
He could join the Sea Org…
Deanoftruth says
Lemonade stand? Definitely lemonade stand! Kmart sucks!!
Aquamarine says
Denture commercials?
I Yawnalot says
He’d do well at a ‘smile-a-thon,’ not sure if there’s money in it though.
Doug Parent says
Michael Roberts got into trouble awhile back, had to do amends and figured out along the way he can make bank pimping for the IAS and getting back on the cults good side at the same time. And no I don’t think he believes any of it.
Brian says
“The IAS is now responsible for saving the planet”
These are the thoughts of someone completely ‘in the brainwashed bubble.’
Scientology: the science of making delusional imagination into objective truth.
Scientology: the science of regimenting thought by threat of punishment.