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 do not agree with the decision either, but overcoming the inertia of a huge bureaucracy to get them to take unprompted action rather than just letting sleeping dogs lie is not in their DNA. They require enormous outside pressure to get moving. From the media and from politicians and perhaps other law enforcement agencies.
Just think about this as you pay your taxes which provide the infrastructure scientology uses (even down to taking PPP loans….)
It’s maddening, but that is no reason to stop talking about it. There has to be continuous focus on the truth about scientology. Eventually, justice will be done.
My Recent Chat with Jon Atack:
Well, if “Uncle Sam” is a symbol for the US government, then I would recommend the best way for the US govt to help this scam is to cancel their Tax Exempt Status. Doing that would force this scam to live by the same rules as all other business.
After all, they really are a business and everyone knows the only reason they ever called themselves a “church” was because they figured that was the easiest way for them to make money. That is really well documented and very well known.
So, if anyone here is reading this and if they know of people who are in positions of power in the US govt, then please talk to those people and let them know how important it is for the US govt to revoke that TES. After all, this cult has had plenty of time to grow their business using the “crutch” of TES to help them and now it is time to put an end to that so they can use the money for something useful – specifically, to pay for the lawyers they will need to defend them from all the criminal charges they will be facing as regards all the child abuse and sexual deviations and oh … what’s it called when people engage in white slavery?
Oh yes! Human trafficking and sexual enslavement. It’s only fair for them to face the music for all these criminal excesses in which they have engaged.
To sum it up ……. This cult has had it! Their time is up!
Unfortunately, the intelligence operations that Scientologists get to do, legally protected by a Democratic-Republic’s principles of Freedom of Religion, against other Scientologists in bad standing are done by paid 3rd parties (private investigators and other legally questionable associates).
They are weak losers who could never do this themselves without police protection, paid off government officials, and complete compliance with real intelligence agencies. Nothing but tough talk from sci-fi nerds.
Thank you for the chat with Jon. It’s kinda like we all grow up after we leave ….
I like the shoop Mark did on Tonys blog with you and Jon and the maze. I don’t know how to paste it here so I’ll send you a copy on your contact page.
These chats are therapeutic, thx.
Keep the heat on Mike! We all appreciate your efforts.
Scientology’s tax exempt status adds to the burden of all taxpayers, so let’s end this charade.
A-freaking-men!!
Hello Mike,
I finished the final episode of season 3 of The Aftermath, literally just 30 minutes ago. My family (in Missouri) has been binge watching it for a couple weeks now. I have been saying repeatedly “Man, I like this guy.” You are a necessary and powerful tool for this “campaign”. And you do it well with humility and dignity, regardless of your past. Good for you. Please know that the whole world is rooting for you and Leah, as well as ALL of the scientology survivors. And please let us know how we can help. Best wishes in all your endeavors. Hope to see a Season 4 so we can all see how things are going!!!
Thank you so much
I’m glad Aftermath is on Netflix. It needs to be seen by many people like myself, who knew almost nothing about Scientology beforehand. The Aftermath series not only opened my eyes to Scientology (which I had wondered about but never investigated), but it also cast new light on some of the things I’d been through and people I’d known in my lifetime. I really spurred on more critical thinking on my part.
Mike is like a chameleon. It seems to me that he can sit with anyone in this world and can discuss several important issues with them and he can use what they say in such a way to reach a consensus with them so that, in the end, they all come out with a kind of consensus.
I cannot imagine where he ever developed this talent. But it is certainly a very powerful and unique talent. They don’t teach this capability anywhere in Law School or in any Divinity School. But it is a magical kind of ability that the greatest leaders in this world use with each other to accomplish great things.
For example, if and when this world ever gets serious about establishing a lasting peace in the Middle East, Mike is the man they should get to host the round table discussion that will achieve this peace.
I hope you all will understand what I am trying to say. But I would guess there is only about one person in a billion that is capable of achieving these kinds of miracles and Mike and Leah have extremely different skill sets. But put them together and you get a mystical magical capability that I can only think was arranged by some mystical power to deal the final blow to this horrible cult. I doubt there are two other people in this world that could have ever achieved the same success as Mike and Leah did. IMHO, it is really just mind-blowing how they got together and achieved this. Mind-Blowing!
P.S. I’m guessing that some of you may think I have taken some mind-altering drugs before I wrote this post. But I swear to God that I am perfectly sober and I’m just writing my honest opinion. Just ask yourself this one question: Isn’t it amazing what Mike and Leah have accomplished … given that this monster cult has been going strong since the 1950s and no one has before ever made a tiny dent in this monstrosity? But Mike and Leah come along and a year or two later, they have just kicked the shit right out of this cult. Isn’t that just amazing?
I agree; I’m very grateful for the work Mike and Leah have done.
I heartily second what Skyler states: “Mike and Leah have extremely different skill sets. But put them together and you get a mystical magical capability.”
Massive Amen, and Hallelujah as well.
#LeahAndMikeBFFs #Badassery #EffectiveCause
I wish I could do something to help! This is a cult
cult for sure and I’m aghast that our government allows this kind of financial corruption and these abuses to go unchecked. What the actual hell? I’m not a religious person, but I am praying for good to win this battle. Scientology is definitely on the VERY VERY bad side. You are all courageous! 🙏🤗💙
Oh…and I live in Portland, OR and me and rest of the neighbors got a little Scientology publication and letter in the mail yesterday. They are clearly doing a marketing push. Yikes!
Hello Jen. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to help in the struggle against this cult. In fact, you may already know about The Aftermath Foundation. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping current and former slaves in this cult to break away and to get on their feet again.
If you visit their web page at: theaftermathfoundation.org
You will see several links to topics such as: “How can I help”. There are many ways to help people who are coming out of this cult. The help is not limited to giving money. But if you live in the same city as people who are just coming out of this cult, they usually have real need for help with transportation and organizing their lives. People who were born into this scam often do not know how to do even the most simple kinds of things like: getting a library card or opening a bank account or getting a GED education. You can really be a big help by getting these people started with these basic skills.
These are things that many of us just take for granted. But this kind of help is really needed.
Good luck Jen and please excuse me if you already know these things and it seems like I’m preaching to you. Maybe I should have just said you can go to their site and read about ways you can help?
Anyway, good luck to you, Jen. I’m certain that any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.
You and Leah are absolute heroes stepping up. I had no idea about this cult. You have so many supporters including me. I pray and hope they find Shelly but I feel David as angry and abusive as he is I fear the worst for her. The FBI really need to look in to him on a whole different level. He needs to be stopped.
I was struck by the above ad’s claim that I’ll be securing my eternity by making a donation. It’s like me, as a Philosophy teacher, suggesting you’ll secure your wisdom by giving me money. I read such claims and immediately am suspicious. I had a similar reaction when I heard you two discuss Scientology’s “Us against Them” rhetoric in the video. When I hear a group speak that way, I become suspicious. But, I understand that such techniques are most likely to come out after someone buys into Scientology. So, I’m left with a question. Have you or anyone done a blog, podcast, or show highlighting the rhetorical tricks Scientology uses to get new people hooked? If I remember right, your Aftermath episode on Scientology finances talked about this some. But I imagine it would help to demystify the gimmicks they do to hook new people. I’ve heard you and Leah make references to them hooking people with “practical advice,” and you briefly discussed the personality test, but have you or anyone ever done a blog or episode dedicated to warning people about initiation tricks and gimmicks?
Forgive me if I’m missing an obvious resource. I’m a causal viewer who just started looking here. I’m asking because I teach Critical Thinking classes, and look for practical applications of the skills we learn in the class. I’d appreciate any lead by Mike or anyone else.
Thanks,
Michael
P.S. I appreciate your efforts to challenge their tax status. Good luck!
Michael,
You might want to hop on over to the org and take one of their stress tests. That will give you some reality on one of the most basic hooks. It’s all downhill after that!
Yikes! I’ve never done “field work” like that before, other than make observations during my life’s ordinary endeavors like going to a store. But seek out a controversial experience for the purpose of a class example? It reminds me of Penn and Teller’s old Showtime show “Bullshit.” Interesting idea. I’ll think about it. It does seem demystifying their initiation “sales pitches” would help. Am I paranoid to think I shouldn’t drive my own car there? After binging over a dozen episodes of Aftermath and reading a few things here, I’m inclined to go “full Borat” with an alternate identity. 🙂
In the meantime, if there already are resources, I’d appreciate any leads.
And again, whole heartedly support your efforts to undermine their tax status. It is disturbing.
There is the apparancy that you would be entering Auschwitz but it is actually just kids doing what they have come to believe is ‘the most worthwhile activity in the universe’. I would be worried about my mailbox being stuffed with promo and being lovebombed more than anything on the darkside.
The upside is you might be able to say something to one of the kids that just might, just maybe could get them to look. This could change the persons future before it is too late.
My advice would be to use a different last name and use the address on Ivar St. as your residence! Good luck. I don’t know if they actually do the testing centers/stress tests anymore. I think the public is aware of the ruse and the kids have to endure a lot of ridicule which makes them difficult to control.
Thanks much. It was a curious proposal that I considered. But I just got around to watching the Aftermath episode on The Bridge (I’ve been watching them in random order when an episode’s description grabbed my attention. Between that and some interesting YouTube videos I found, I think I found enough to create an assignment.
As the semester progresses, I like to have assignments that are based on something that students can investigate afterward. In the end, in the context of the class, it’s about helping students see how our skills can demystify experiences like this.
Again, I don’t want to exaggerate the significance of this. I don’t think there’s a “magic bullet” that can protect oneself from getting duped, whether it’s by a car salesperson, a real estate agent, or a Scientologist spokesperson. Much as to do with our emotional vulnerability at the time. But most students do find skills helpful and empowering.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Michael
Dear Michael, For your interest and purposes, this “field work” may have already been done. Look up “Reckless Ben and Mike Infiltrating Scientology.”
These are two young courageous and witty fellas who did, as the title suggests, infiltrate Scientology and created a series of episodes about their escapades.
They are interviewed in Episode 78 on “Life After Scientology,” the Ron Miscavige, Sr. regular webcast out on YouTube.
Thanks much!
At the end of the semester, I give my students more controversial and challenging examples. A subset of that are variations on problematic religious thinking. I’ll use examples from Scientology along with examples of Baptist ministers claiming that an earthquake happened because God was upset at California’s liberal lifestyles. I try to mix it up. This morning I came across a video about Breatharianism. But I think it’ll be okay to have multiple Scientology examples. For all the reasons Mike and Leah discuss in Aftermath, it’s especially important, I think. This lead looks promising. Thanks all! – Michael
And it’s downhill from there all the way down. After getting out and re-establishing your life is the only time things start looking up. Sitting back in retirement and watching the enterprise shrivel up and die is another high spot. Schadenfreude can be GOOD therapy, even it it IS a little mean to those currently trapped by Hubbard’s soul trap.
Jere,
I wouldn’t want my post to be taken as a call for engaging with Scientologists for pleasure. I guess my Penn and Teller reference could have seemed to do that.
I am a Philosophy professor living in California. I have dedicated my life to teaching students how to think critically about life’s ordinary and extraordinary questions alike. It’s a remarkably intimate calling, getting to engage with my students about philosophical questions. I pursue it with reverence.
At the same time, how one thinks about life’s issues matters. For example, not being able to recognize unclear language can leave one vulnerable, whether one’s buying a new cell phone, choosing a college, or joining a new religion.
As I watched Aftermath, I’ve been struck by the degree of emotional devastation associated with Scientology, as well as the emotional courage shown by Mike, Leah, and those who joined them on the show. I would never want to trivialize that.
Rather, when I teach Critical Thinking, I am trying to help my students protect themselves from such experiences. I don’t think the types of skills we learn are enough, but I do think they can help. They can help one, whether talking with a car salesperson or an Org member, catch what the ancient Cynics called Tuphos or “smoke.” In English, we often call it “hot air.” I prefer to call it “Bullshit.”
I hope that clarifies. I didn’t mean to trivialize anyone’s pain. Rather, I care about your college age children and want to protect them from it.
What will it take to get the IRS to investigate whether Scientology still qualifies as a charitable organization?
A section 501(c)(3) organization will jeopardize its exemption if it ceases to be operated exclusively for exempt purposes. An organization will be operated exclusively for exempt purposes only if it engages primarily in activities that accomplish the exempt purposes specified in section 501(c)(3). An organization will not be so regarded if more than an insubstantial part of its activities does not further an exempt purpose.
In addition, a 501(c)(3) “may not have purposes or activities that are illegal or violate fundamental public policy”. Scientology seems to have numerous activities (human rights violations) that violate public policy and those activities are not protected as “religious activities”.
The purchase of useless buildings sounds like money laundering to me.
The Aftermath was awesome. It is not easy to keep people interested while you educate them about a complex situation. The way the information was woven through the stories of the victims was perfect.
Some of the people on the show think the police and government need to “understand what they are dealing with”. I think they have known what goes on there for decades but there is a hands off policy.
It was the general public that needed to be informed. Maybe now, whoever is protecting the cult may start to feel some heat and “disassociate”.
Susan, It’ll take an incontrovertible misdeed by scientology or its official, Dwarfenführer®, before any federal entity can/will call for revocation of scientology’s 501(c)3 certification, even as fraudulently as it was obtained. The first Amendment is pretty ironclad protection for fakers like McSavage, who has built a substantial series of rings of cut-outs and minions who would lay down their lives for him, not to mention they’ve already sold their souls to him, sacrificed for the next Billion or so tears
(I meant to say years, but “tears” may be more accurate.
I think a well documented incontrovertible pattern of misdeeds could do the trick. The First Amendment does not protect anyone from the consequences of illegal acts.
The cult’s own statement about how it obtained exempt status includes:
” The IRS has confirmed that it would not have made favorable determinations if it had found that (i) the Church impermissibly served private interests; (ii) that it had a substantial nonexempt purpose; or (iii) that it had engaged in illegal acts or violated fundamental public policy.”
The IRS may not have had much evidence of illegal acts or violations of public policy back in 1993, but there is plenty of that evidence now.
During the cult’s war on the IRS, it created an arms-length coalition (National Coalition of IRS Whistle-Blowers) and used that group to attack and pressure the IRS.
The opposition to the cult’s exempt status needs to do the same thing. Create a coalition of people that will demand accountability from the IRS. Have that group write an argument that the cult regularly and as a matter of policy engages in illegal acts and violates fundamental public policy, therefore the IRS must revoke its tax exempt status. Attach sworn statements from every witness/victim that has first hand knowledge of McSavage’s violence and abuse, the inhumane treatment (and civil rights violations) in the cult’s prison, the coercion to “donate” money, etc.. and present the complaint to the IRS. Every time a new witness comes forward, supplement the complaint.
I know the SOL bars most former members’ civil and criminal complaints. But for the purposes of showing the IRS that a pattern of illegal activity warrants an investigation, you can submit every bit of testimony you can get, even if the incident happened 30 years ago.
If you want the IRS to open this can of worms again, you have to present them with the kind of documentation they can’t ignore.
Susan Harbison said:
“The purchase of useless buildings sounds like money laundering to me. “
Yes indeed Susan. Many people believe that “money laundering” is a big part of what they are doing. Overall, they are a real bunch of slime balls!
Or, perhaps it would be more accurate to say their leader is a real slime ball because the entire organization is run by a single dictator. No one else really benefits in any tangible way from belonging to this cult.
It is quite amazing that one individual controls all the money and gets all the benefits from this cult. Other people may be brainwashed into believing they are getting some other kind of benefits, but I think you would be shocked to learn just how little anyone ever gets aside from the squirt who runs this scam.
The Sea Org is made up of indentured servants and I don’t know why the cult can’t be forced to at least stop that. I don’t know if the threat of making them repay money is enough to keep any of them there, but in my view that threat crosses the line legally.
I don’t understand how the rest of the staff works.
I would love to find a list of all of the legal challenges that have been brought against the cult. If anyone knows where I can find such a list, please point me to it. Thanks.
Hello Susan. I Googled “list all legal challenges brought against scientology” and I found the following links which you may find interesting:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_and_law
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_controversies
https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/nytimes-partners/omnisky/business_story8.html
https://www.insider.com/scientology-lawsuits-allege-human-trafficking-forced-labor-child-abuse-2019-9
Of course you should be prepared that some of these links will be far more relevant than others. But I suggest you may just skim through them and then spend some time on any that interest you.
I have only listed a few of the leading results found from my Google search. You may find a lot more by trying that same Google search or maybe trying others as well.
Good luck Susan.
Thank you Skyler! There are so many pages with info on this cult and they are scattered all over the place. I have been reviewing the Garcia case and I’m looking forward to seeing the 11th Circuit Opinion.
I suspect the 11th Circuit agrees that it has diversity jurisdiction. If they didn’t, there would have been no need to discuss the merits of the arbitration agreement.
The arbitration agreement must be deemed void. A party can’t be bound by such a vague contractual term. I am very happy for the Garcias and suspect the cult is trying desperately to settle with them.
Judge Whittemore has a good reputation but I can’t understand how he arrived at either of his two decision in this case.
A church has to have an actual government. What is the structure of the cult’s government?
Dictator: David Miscavige Sycophants: Everyone else
Love your succinctness, Mike.
Susan,
WHO says a “religion” has to have a government, or even ranks of officials? Dwarfenführer® would disagree, since he dismantled the organization extant when assumed power.
The IRS uses the following to determine whether an organization is a “church”:
Certain characteristics are generally attributed to churches. These attributes of a church have been developed by the IRS and by court decisions. They include:
Distinct legal existence
Recognized creed and form of worship
Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government
Formal code of doctrine and discipline
Distinct religious history
Membership not associated with any other church or denomination
Organization of ordained ministers
Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study
Literature of its own
Established places of worship
Regular congregations
Regular religious services
Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young
Schools for the preparation of its members
The IRS generally uses a combination of these characteristics, together with other facts and circumstances, to determine whether an organization is considered a church for federal tax purposes.
I think it would be very hard to approve a church that has no government. From what I have read, during the IRS war the cult DID have a specific structure. If that has changed, it should be reported to the IRS.
Also I thought I heard that Hubtard’s policies had to be followed to the letter and that no one can ever change them. If that is true, how can the cult claim it has discontinued the Fair Game policy? And did I hear the cult claims they no longer put minors in the Sea Org? Wouldn’t that be a change in policy?
The argument that they are a church because they follow the sacred word of Hubtard is not going to work if they are not really following it anymore. Does anyone know what would happen to the cult’s assets if it disbanded tomorrow? I believe the IRS requires exempt organizations to make provisions for such a situation. Any chance it is set up to go to some actual charity?
Kudos to you. You have voiced my sentiments and I am beyond happy to hear that you are educAting your daughter so that she will become prey for any cult. Blessings on you, Mary
Not only should all religious sects pay income taxes,they should also pay real estate taxes,if they do not at this point yet.My real estate taxes get raised every fiscal year.Only people who live in the state of Nevada pay no real estate taxes because all of the money spent on gambling there covers everything.
I am watching The Aftermath series for the third time. I am beyond flabbergasted at the things I learn with each episode. My 12 year old daughter has also watched several of the episodes with me. I hope that from watching your show that she never gets pulled into any organization like this.
In my mind to be considered a church you must worship some type of higher power or a God. What God does the Church of Scientology worship? Is RLH considered a God? I have so many questions!!
Quite a shift, from saying all governments are corrupt gangs of SPs to lauding Unkel Sam for making your slog across the unstable log marginally less expensive.
Strong the irony is in that force for greed
Biden should take one from the despots play book and called the CO$ an ‘American Scourge’ and invited the Repubs into the fight. The country could unite under an anti-CO$ banner.
I have sent emails and snail mail to the Biden transition team and asked for an IRS investigation into the way COB has violated the ’93 agreement.
I’ll let you know if they get back to me. My $12 donation should have bought me a lot of clout.
Should have at least gone for a Biden Patron!!!!!!
My position is not popular or accepted. My view is absolutely no deductions for religious organizations of any kind. Charities are different. If the courts cannot accurately define Scientology as a business scam and not a religion, then no deductions for any church or temple whatsoever. Christians, Buddhists, etc. all are on their own. The FREE MARKET will decide what is a religion. This tax deduction is a primary example of government sticking its nose where it does not belong. Church without walls in Tampa was disbanded after the Pastor ordered three expensive sports cars. Paula White, currently special National advisor for religion in Washington, was involved with her husband Randy.
Why not simply require that any entity titling itself as a tax exempt church itemize where every donated penny went? Most churches use their money to support the running of their church and/or help those in need. How many hospitals, orphanages, and homeless shelters were started (and are often still supported) by churches? Not so with Scientology. They spend their money on empty buildings and private detectives (not to mention the lavish lifestyle of a certain 4’13” mini-pope).
I think allowing itemization would be a nightmare. I do not accept the courts at all. Religion was religion in the 18th Century. Today it is a mess. Blavatsky and I agree on this. No tax deductions whatsoever for any religion.
I agree George.
I like the suggestion from Mike where we (USA) institute a similar “public benefit test” to what is used in the UK. Essentially they must prove they provide a genuine PUBLIC benefit (not just their own parritioners) to gain and retain their non-profit status. That is simpler than itemizing and expecting the gov’t to essentially audit them constantly.
George, I agree in a way – I think churches should be treated just like other non-profits and charities, providing of course that they meet the same requirements such as that there isn’t inurement to individuals and that they do engage in charitable activities. And, of course, that they have to provide financial statements.
I think the current mess with groups like Scientology shows that the government shouldn’t be in the business of deciding what is or isn’t a church. I expect it will get worse as other abusive groups decide to try the ‘religion angle’ and that, typically, nothing will change until some sort of breaking point is reached.
I have to agree. After all the bull I saw during these elections and these last 4 years politically, im sorry but I dont feel that they should get ANY tax breaks. When a church is rich and we are poor and suffering, ESPECIALLY during a pandemic….something is wrong. Oh….if any of you scientology pricks are tracking me….step your ass into my yard, I have something for you. I destroy my enemies too, and any enemy of Christ, is my enemy. This is evil evil sick stuff. This is THE example of false prophesy and sad. I feel so badly for those trapped in this. We need to march on Clearwater and run them out. Im very disturbed to see Atlanta now has a scientology center and was even more disturbed to see who supported it.