Alt.religion.scientology
Week in Review Volume 6, Issue 9
6/17/2001
by Rod Keller [rkeller@...]
copyright 2001

Alt.religion.scientology Week in Review summarizes the most significant
postings from the Usenet group Alt.religion.scientology for the preceding
week for the benefit of those who can't follow the group as closely as
they'd like. Out of thousands of postings, I attempt to include news of
significant events, new affidavits, court rulings, new contributors,
whatever. I hope you find it useful. Like many readers of a.r.s, I have a
kill file. So please take into consideration that I may not have seen some
of the most significant postings.

The articles in A.r.s Week in Review are brief summaries of articles
posted to the newsgroup. They include message IDs for the original
articles, and many have a URL to get more information. You may be able to
find the original article, depending on how long your site stores articles
in the newsgroup before expiring them.

Free A.r.s Week in Review subscriptions are available. Subscriptions are
also available on Yahoo. Email weekinreview-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/weekinreview. PDA channel available at
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Week in Review is archived at:
http://www.xenu.net/archive/WIR/
http://wpxx02.toxi.uni-wuerzburg.de/~krasel/CoS/ars-summary.html
http://www.uni-bonn.de/~uzs1dc/scientology/wir.html
http://www.religio.de/publik/arsfaq.html

#####

> Norbert Bluem

Leipziger Volkszeitung reported on June 10th that Norbert Bluem accepted
the Leipzig Human Rights award for his activism against Scientology.

"Bluem received the 'Leipzig Human Rights Award' in the Old Stock
Exchange. He was honored for his involvement against the Scientology
Organization. Bluem was the only federal minister so far who had gotten
publicly involved with Scientology's 'new totalitarianism,' as the sect
commissioner of the Berlin-Brandenburg Church, Thomas Gandow, read in the
decision.

"Rev. Gandow is a founding member of the European-American Citizens
Committee for Human Rights and Religious Freedom in the USA. This
committee is active against new totalitarian movements and functions as
the body responsible for the award. Bluem has already been attacked both
verbally and in court by the Scientologists. So far without success. That
never stopped him in Spiegel magazine, for example, from accusing the
Scientologists of 'psychological warfare' or getting an order to stop them
from running private employment agencies, Gandow remembered. He said that
Bluem was the only high-ranking federal politician who had expressed
himself publicly against the religious community. It said in the award
basis that the the distinction should help support politicians in their
efforts 'to put an end to the human rights violations that are being
committed by the Scientology organization in the USA and in Europe.'

"Leipzig was chosen by the Citizens Committee from among several European
candidates for the award site. 'A totalitarian regime has already once
been brought to collapse from Leipzig,' stated Solveig Prass. For that
reason the award continues to have a picture of the Nikolai Church."

Tilman Hausherr reported from the awards ceremony weekend.

"Saturday there was a press conference with several ex-scientologists from
all over the world. Then we could watch the movie 'The Profit.' It is the
fascinating story of a con artist who later founds his own cult, that
later sets up itself as a religion. What amazed me most is that people
who aren't in the movie business were able to get this job done. I talked
quite a bit with Patricia Greenway (the producer). I explained her that I
watched that movie also in the fear that maybe it would look like a home
movie, or a movie with lots of 'cheap stuff', anachronisms, etc, but no,
everything was fine, like any other movie.

"Next day we first had a workshop at EBI, and then the ceremony at the old
stock exchange. And then he came Dr. Norbert Bluem. His history of being a
cult critic can be dated back to 1981. And he really made a great speech.
1. 'We don't need diplomacy now, now it is time to fight - not with
rockets, but with arguments!' 2. And he sang the song 'The thoughts are
free.' Public was cheering. Several high-level people sent greetings,
among them the federal president."

Birgitta Harrington also posted a report.

"It was both horrifying and moving to listen to what the young Astra
Woodcraft had to say about her life in CoS. It is not fair that any person
ever should have to experience what she has been through, but yet we know
there is many 'Astra-children' inside the Borg who need our help to get
out and get a decent life. Other speakers were Theresa Summers, Pia-Maria
Gardini and Stacy Brooks. What to say more than I felt honored to had
taken the opportunity to meet those good people who are making a
difference in other peoples lives with their will to now help others to
get free from slavery.

"Lots of security surrounded the place. Police cars, men with umbrellas
and people with cameras up in the windows. This place has a special
meaning to Germany because close to it was the Nikolai Church where a
little group of people started to go together to fight communism which
finally had the result that the wall between east and west Germany was
taken down. Doctor Blum was an impressive man with a strong will and
charisma and I took the opportunity to shake his hand and thank him after
the ceremony.

"The Seaside Hotel was the next target. I had just started to accept the
fact that there were no scios left in Germany when Bob saw them through
the hotel windows. Andrea quickly took her camera and out we went with her
running after them in the park, trying to get pictures. I have never seen
such coward OSA, being so scared of just a girl running after them with a
camera."

The text of Bob Minton's award presentation was posted to a.r.s. Some
excerpts:

"When Leipzig was selected as the location for the presentation of the
award, the experience took on added significance, both for the
European-American Citizens Committee for Human Rights and Religious
Freedom and for me. Leipzig is the place where freedom was reborn in the
former East Germany. We are standing in the shadows of the St. Nikolai
Church, where the call to freedom in East Germany began with a handful of
people, then grew to hundreds and finally to hundreds of thousands in the
streets surrounding this Stock Exchange Building, all demanding freedom.
Those events that occurred in Leipzig not so long ago confirm that
obtaining freedom is always hard work that requires courage and sacrifice.
We also know from history that once freedom is attained it must be
cherished, nurtured and protected from those who would strip it away.

"Dr. Bluem, you have been a visionary politician and leader who has
demonstrated a keen sense of history. It was more than 20 years ago, when
almost all the problems with modern sects and cults were regarded as
purely individual or psychological in nature, that you stated we were
dealing with a political challenge. Many people, particularly politicians
in the United States, have yet to comprehend your very important message.
But it is the duty of all of us here to follow your example and help our
politicians to understand the simple fact that Scientology is an aspiring
totalitarian political movement.

"Who, in 1981, made the following statement: 'The enemy of freedom is the
one who today is himself calling for freedom and tolerance. Such calls for
freedom are only masks for slavery and terrorism. Even religious groups,
or those who call themselves such, could be totalitarian; therefore I hear
their messages of world government initiatives and world salvation with
suspicion, primarily because they are connected with efforts for
commercial power. We want to remain a free society.' Yes, I believe we all
guessed correctly that it was Dr. Bluem who made those remarks.

"When you introduced the concept of totalitarianism early on in the debate
about destructive cults you enabled your contemporaries to understand that
the objective of these entities was the transformation and subjugation of
human nature itself. This is not acceptable in a democratic society,
because we can only be equal members of society on the strength of our
collective decision to guarantee ourselves mutually equal rights.

"Through your example and your protection, you have enabled others to
express themselves openly and critically. The members of the committee and
I are also grateful to you for being the patron of the Eastern European
seminar at the Berlin Dialogue Center in 1996, which played an important
role in creating awareness of the new threat of cults in the
post-totalitarian environments of middle and eastern European countries.
You have openly demonstrated many times that you believe public office and
civic involvement belong together of necessity, and your involvement and
patronage of that seminar was particularly important to many of our
friends and partners in Russia and eastern Europe.

"Dr. Blum, you are a protector of freedoms and democratic ideals who has
distinguished yourself by your selfless public service to your country and
constituents, by your clarity of thought and your insights into the
dangers we face, and your courage in speaking openly about the destructive
cult issue when no one else was doing so. We humbly thank you with this
award, which is an expression of our utmost respect for all that you have
done to further the cause of freedom and to protect the human rights of
all citizens."

Junge Welt published an interview with Dr. Bluem on June 11th.

"Q. The European-American Citizens Committee is honoring your courageous
appearances as a politician with the Alternative Charlemagne Award. Why
does that take courage?

"A. It's true that the Scientologists do not exactly deal with their
opponents lighthandedly. They have signed instructions which include
eavesdropping upon and libeling people. Scientology acts on people's
fears. For instance they threatened me by saying they would distribute
their dossier on me to television. They've called me all kinds of names in
their newspaper: the 'Rasputin' of politics, for example. But I don't
worry about that sort of thing. One only has to know that they are
unscrupulous, that they have power and that they will use any means
publicly.

"Q. Why are there so few politicians, then, who work against Scientology?

"A. What we are dealing with here is violations of the mind, and those are
not so conspicuous. If they were to break someone's arm then everyone
could see that, but when the mind is broken, nobody sees that. The
Scientologists' control is noiseless.

"I don't support a ban because that would only make martyrs. I believe
that one has to cut the ground from under their feet with information. And
do it in such a way that their ship will not pull into port in Germany, as
they have planned.

"This is not the old scheme of the poor people being defenseless. Here
even the rich people are at risk. The Scientologists do not target the
recipients of the welfare system as much as they do management levels.
They are looking for people who want to be successful and who therefore
will accept Scientology's psycho-offerings without any criticism. Moreover
I think students are also at risk."

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#####

> Clearwater

The St. Petersburg Times reported on June 12th that Scientology and the
City of Clearwater plan to trade properties in downtown.

"The Church of Scientology and the city have forged a deal to swap land
downtown so both organizations can consolidate blocks of property.
Commissioners will vote June 21 whether to approve the proposal, which
would give the church two vacant parcels now used for parking while the
city would get a smaller lot with a building on it. If the deal is
approved, the church would own an entire block, while the city would own
the majority of another block across the street. The land the city would
get is between the city's police and fire departments. The land the city
would give to the church is on a block where the church plans to build a
parking garage to serve its new Flag Building, which is under
construction.

"After discussing the proposed land swap with the city for months, the
church bought the property - the former Cricket Early Learning Center - in
April for $365,000. The city had looked into acquiring the land
previously, Akin said, but found it to be too expensive."

The Times reported on June 16th that a Scientologist has begun
construction on a housing development in downtown.

"The Laura Street Townhomes - an 18-unit complex on Laura Street a block
off Cleveland Street downtown - are priced at $179,900 and geared toward
buyers looking for high-end features. 'We're really trying to make a start
in terms of development in downtown Clearwater, said William Lazarony, a
Clearwater developer who has been working on the project with Jaren Levitt
of Sarasota. So far, however, only five of the 18 units have been sold.

"The project's close proximity to IMRglobal's downtown office complex as
well as the Church of Scientology's new Flag Building also bring buyers,
he said. Lazarony said that he and his business partner would like to
acquire the next-door parking lot as well as the land PSTA was considering
for its terminal and build up to 120 townhomes."

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#####

> Criminon

The Mirror published an article on June 13th on Scientology's Criminon
program.

"A sect whose members include Tom Cruise and John Travolta is infiltrating
British prisons. Scientologists claim to be in touch with 200 prisoners a
week offering help with drug problems. The drugs charity Criminon UK, run
by the Church of Scientology, boasts in a new newsletter that it wants to
expand into full-blown treatment programmes. Prison groups and anti-cult
campaigners last night demanded an urgent inquiry into the group's work.

"Ian Howarth, founder of the Cult Information Centre, said: 'The Prison
Service should be extremely concerned about the activities of Narconon in
the prison system. 'In my experience over 22 years there are two common
denominators with Scientology - one is to recruit people and the other is
to elicit money from those people. Outside, where you find someone is
getting involved with a group like the Scientologists family or friends
can step in. Prisoners are not just vulnerable people, they have nobody to
blow the whistle for them.'

"A Prison Service spokesman said last night: 'These are correspondence
programmes. If prisoners want to subscribe they can do so as individuals,
but they are not part of the Prison Service's recognised rehabilitation
programme.'"

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#####

> Denmark

Danish newspaper Politiken reported on June 11th that three former
Scientologists are suing for return of money paid for Scientology courses.

"Three women have sued Scientology for the return of course fees of
650,000 DKK [$74,000]. At a court hearing today, the judge will decided
whether or not the three ex-Scientologists and their lawyer Carlo Siebert
can use the french-born psychoanalyst Cyril Malka as advisor.

"Cyril Malka has among other things written a book on cults, and has had
several ex-members in therapy. Carlo Siebert thinks that it is necessary
with this kind of expert assistance in the trial, where he is to prove
that his clients were under such massive psychological pressure, that they
cannot be held responsible for their purchase of increasingly expensive
courses. Scientology does not want Cyril Malka to be used as advisor,
since he is the Danish representative in the European FECRIS-network. This
network is an anti-cult association based in France, and one of the most
influential in Europe."

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#####

> France

The Globe and Mail published an article on June 12th on the controversy
over a new French law aimed to prevent abuse by cults.

"France is moving forward with Europe's severest legislation against
minority religious groups, igniting fears among civil-liberties
organizations that it could invite similar measures by other governments.
Ignoring criticism from mainstream church leaders and foreign governments,
especially Washington, France's National Assembly has passed a law 'to
reinforce the prevention and repression of groups of a sect-like
character.' The French bill is awaiting final passage by the Senate, which
is expected some time in the fall.

"'This law makes the practice of one's religion into a criminal offence,'
said Joseph Grieboski, president of the Washington-based Institute on
Religion and Public Policy. The legislation contains two controversial
parts. First, it creates a new category of crime, carrying a maximum
sentence of five years imprisonment, for abuse of a person 'in a state of
psychological or physical dependence caused by the exertion of heavy or
repeated pressure or techniques liable to alter his judgment.' Second, it
enables courts to order that officially designated cults be dissolved if
two leading members are convicted of crimes such as fraud and child abuse.

"French parliamentarian Catherine Picard, co-author of the bill, said
critics have misunderstood the legislation and its objectives. 'We don't
care about religion, that's not our problem,' she said. 'You can worship
an orange in your kitchen as long as you don't disturb public order, as
long as you don't force people and act in illegal ways.' According to a
recent French poll, 73 per cent of respondents believe cults are a danger
to democracy and 86 per cent would ban organizations such as the Los
Angeles-based Church of Scientology, to which the French government has
been paying close attention for 10 years. 'Right off the bat, I think
they'll nail Scientology,' said Rev. Louis DeMeo, a U.S.-born Baptist
pastor who has lived in France for 20 years."

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#####

> Germany

Ostthueringer Zeitung reported on June 10th on the security clause
required from contractors to the German government.

"A security clause in contracts which are closed by state assembly offices
and city managements with training and consultation companies to train
their own staff is supposed to protect civil service from the influence of
Scientology, the American psycho-sect. That information comes out of a
memo from the state administration office to the appropriate agencies.
Consultation and training businesses now have to sign that 'in fulfillment
of the contract people will not be used who in any way apply the teachings
or technology of L. Ron Hubbard (founder of Scientology).' Violation can
result in termination of the contract without notice."

Badische Zeitung reported on June 6th that Gerry Armstrong spoke before
the Loerrach CDU business council.

"Before the representatives of business and politics, Canadian Gerald
Armstrong reported in the 'canteen' about his experiences with the
Scientology sect. The 51-year-old said that he was employed in a
management position in Scientology for over twelve years and that he was
regarded as a close confidant of sect leader Ron Hubbard.

"He said he ran into Scientology like many others did: he fell for the
promises with which Scientology lures people by the thousands. For example
his communication ability was supposed to be improved and even his
intelligence raised - and all in a scientific setting. Armstrong told
about his career in the organization which is recognized in the United
States as a church. For instance, once he researched a biography about
Hubbard - and in doing so, as he says today, it became clear to him that
'this man had lied in every connection.' Contrary to Hubbard's assertions,
he had never been a nuclear scientist, an engineer, nor a war hero, said
Armstrong about his former companion.

"But mainly his presentation was a settling of accounts with the sect with
which he had been closely connected for years: he said you could not trust
Scientology, the organization operated a sort of private intelligence
agency and even a concentration camp, former members such as him were
persecuted and basic rights trampled upon. The audience asked a number of
questions and wanted to know more and more of the background information
on Scientology and about the status of the organization in the United
States. In Armstrong's eyes that was a commendable starting point, 'I
advise everybody to learn as much about Scientology as possible. Only in
that way can one arm themselves against the organization.' Among all the
questions from participants there was an announcement which caused some
unrest in the hall, 'I am a Scientologist,' said a woman quite openly,
elaborated upon her opinion and emphasized, 'We do not intend to keep
ourselves a secret.' Armstrong reacted calmly. He said that in his time
with Scientology he was not aware of everything either - and that he would
be happy to talk with her."

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#####

> Narconon

A letter to Scientologists on June 11th offered treatment in the Narconon
program in Brazil for $8,000, plus air fare.

"Narconon Brazil has a very exciting offer we would like to share with
you! We are now able to offer the full Narconon program for the incredible
price of $8,000! Air fare will be an additional $700-1,000. Narconon
Brazil recently opened its doors residentially and is able to house up to
10 students. We are located in a very beautiful neighborhood that is calm
and serene. In addition we have a great English, Spanish, and of course
Portuguese speaking staff. Our ED has been fully trained at Chilocco, and
rumor has it that he is the highest trained terminal to go through the ED
lineup ever! A 10% commission will be paid for any referrals that result
in a full start!

"Desiree Silvani
Senior Director for Expansion Narconon Brazil"

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> Tom Padgett

Tom Padgett reported that a court decision will allow his children to
visit him. Tom has been fighting for visitation with his Scientologist
wife for several years.

"From court proceedings on May 11, a Pendente Lite Report and
Recommendation was entered. The report noted the Court did received a
letter from the minor son Beau, requesting summer visitation with his Dad.
The Commissioner noted 'The Petitioner, Scientologist Laura Vannoy
Padgett, has failed to show just cause why the Respondent should not be
allowed visitation during the pendency of this Motion. Additionally, the
child is of such an age as to physically care for himself and to
communicate regarding visitation with his father.' She ordered the father
is to refrain from discussions with his son about 'religion' during their
visit. Ms. McClure has recommended that the older child, a daughter 21,
to accompany her brother to 'supervise' the visitation. The actual dates
of the visitation - July 13 through July 27, 2001."

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#####

> Protest Summary

Bruce Pettycrew reported a protest in Mesa, Arizona on June 16th.

"Kathy and I picketed this morning from 8:30 to 9:30. During that time 6
cars and 1 bike arrived, for a total of 7 adults and 2 children. We
received 9 honks/thumbs-up from passing traffic and gave out 2 leaflets to
pedestrians. At one point a girl, about 9 years old, stepped out of the
building to yell 'You are lying, not us!' I pointed to the Co$ sign and
told her to 'Think for Yourself.'"

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#####

> John Travolta

Scientology celebrity John Travolta appeared on the cable TV interview
show Larry King Live on June 15th. Some excerpts:

"KING: You're able to take something negative. You pass by this newsstand
and see something about you that's a bold-faced lie, or something and look
beyond it.

"TRAVOLTA: To me there, it's like a, like a - nipping dogs at your ankles,
or something. It's not, it's not to be taken too seriously. I've never
taken any of that very seriously. I take bigger issues seriously.

"I think what one of the biggest misunderstood concepts is that, you know,
Scientology is non-denominational. You can be any religion and be a
Scientologist - Jewish, Catholic, Christian.

"KING: But is it a religion?

"TRAVOLTA: It is. But it's a religion on technical concepts, you know. It
addresses you spiritually, and it leaves God as a - up for your religion,
you know. You as a Christian, or you as a Jewish person would interpret
what you wanted from that aspect of your religion.

"KING: Then how did it get all bum-rapped?

"TRAVOLTA: Well, that's probably a long story, and a story, and it could
have happened back in 1950, when 'Dianetics' was first written, and I
think there was an attack on the book, because it really attempted to help
in a mental health way.

"KING: And knocked psychiatry.

"TRAVOLTA: Yes. And I think that could have been the initial, initial
issue, you know.

"KING: What led to FBI investigations? German authorities trying to stamp
it out?

"TRAVOLTA: Well, you know, as you know, you're in a profession that, it's
interpretive how press will kind of release ideas on things. And, you
know, I look at a - the members that I know, the members, the person I am.
It has only done fantastic things for my life. And everyone I know, you
know. We're very strong on trying to rehabilitate people on drugs. We have
a 90, 95 percent success rate in taking people off of drugs. We're
immersed in so many positive aspects of society, you know, as a group. So,
I don't know. The group's motto, 'A world without war, insanity or
criminality.'

"And, a person needs to want to be helped, and I have a very specific way
of helping a person off drugs. So, you have to want that. There's vitamin
programs and detoxification, sweat programs that a person goes on, and
Scientology calls it a purification program. But it's not - you can even
do it outside the church. You don't have to do it there. You can do it
with different organizations. You know, there's a whole wonderful
organization called Narconon, that is just, it just helps.

"Life is overwhelming. Life is not easy. Life is tough. And you need
something that really works and helps you actually, not promises to help
you, then fail. And that's why I've always loved Scientology, because it
offers help, and it works."

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-end-