Australia
David Gerard reported that Narconon has set up a location in Camberwell, Australia. "I was at the Camberwell Markets on Sunday, and they had a stall set up. I spoke with the larger man for about five minutes about Narconon and received the usual talk, that it is a physical therapy and mental training regime with vitamins. I asked what the vitamins were for; it was explained that heroin strips the body of the vitamins, which need to be replaced; as well as removing myelin from nerve fibres, which also needs to be replaced. "I was also told that there were many independent studies showing the effectiveness of the program. I asked for some references; he admitted he didn't have any I asked whether Narconon was affiliated with Scientology, and was told that, apart from sharing Hubbard literature, they were not." Message-ID: 200103221223@xenu.tygger.net
Battlefield Earth
The film Battlefield Earth, based on a book by L. Ron Hubbard, won seven "Razzie" awards, given to the worst films of the year. "Worst Picture: Battlefield Earth (Warner Bros.) Elie Samaha, Jonathan D. Krane and John Travolta, Producers. Worst Actor: John Travolta/Battlefield Earth and Lucky Numbers (Paramount). Worst Screen Couple: John Travolta and Anyone Sharing the Screen with Him/Battlefield Earth. Worst Supporting Actress: Kelly Preston/Battlefield Earth. Worst Supporting Actor: Barry Pepper/Battlefield Earth. Worst Director: Roger Christian/Battlefield Earth. Worst Screenplay: Battlefield Earth Screenplay by Corey Mandell and J.D. Shapiro, Based on the Novel by L. Ron Hubbard." From CBC news on March 24th: "The jurors of the 21st annual Golden Raspberry Foundation had little difficulty selecting the absolutely rottenest movie of the year: Battlefield Earth. The movie starring John Travolta won seven 'Razzies' for worst movie, worst actor, worst supporting actor, worst supporting actress, worst director, worst screen couple, and worst screenplay. "Battlefield Earth was a runaway winner over such dismal contenders as Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 and The Next Best Thing. 'It was actually a cakewalk for jurors. Battlefield was truly wretched,' said John Wilson, founder of Golden Raspberry Foundation. "The Razzies are handed out every year on the eve of the Academy Awards. The trophy consists of a plastic raspberry atop a film can, valued at $4.29 (US)." Message-ID: 99j0ac$a15$1@panix2.panix.com Message-ID: 3ABDFC9F.BAE3F645@sympatico.ca
Faith-Based Groups
The Salt Lake Tribune reported on March 20th that U.S. President Bush assured black ministers this week that he intends to move forward with his plan to allow religious charities to compete for government grants. "President Bush on Monday assured a group of influential black pastors that, despite opposition from some religious conservatives, he will seek government money for social services provided by religious organizations. 'I was overwhelmed by his sincerity,' said the Rev. Frank Reid, of Bethel AME Church of Baltimore, Md. Bush told the black ministers his life had been transformed by faith, Reid said. At the half-hour meeting's conclusion, Bush prayed with them. "Black religious leaders had gone to the White House dismayed by comments from conservatives Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson opposing government aid to church-based social services. Falwell and Robertson fear curbs on the religious character of social programs would deprive them of their essential religious mission. They also worry the government will fund religions they reject, such as the Church of Scientology." Message-ID: 99aft4$nhv@netaxs.com
CCHR
A press release from Scientology's CCHR branch announced a new website targeting Psychiatrists. The web site is called psychcrime.org. "Patient rape, sodomy, child pornography, assault, murder and fraud committed by licensed mental health professionals, are just some of the shocking but factual revelations made public in a hard-hitting report released on the web today by international psychiatric watchdog organization, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). "According to Ms Jan Eastgate, International President of CCHR, the report is CCHR's latest response to the mental health industry's long-term refusal to take responsibility for increasing criminality within their ranks. 'There were more than 180 criminal convictions against psychiatrists and psychologists and other mental health practitioners in 2000, up from 160 in 1999, and 100 in 1998; 53% were for health care fraud and 26% for sexual crimes against their patients. These are not figures that the mental health industry wants known, but everyone from health insurance fraud investigators, state, national and international police organizations and attorneys, to the general public, have a right to know.' "Eastgate said, 'While our first and primary focus has always been the rights and well-being of individuals who suffer abuse at the hands of mental health professionals, our task is made much more difficult because of the criminal impulse in the ranks. The release of this new database signals our international intention, and commitment, to bringing this element where it belongs -- back under the law.'" Message-ID: 99ag3o$nhv@netaxs.com
Clearwater
The St. Petersburg Times published and editorial on March 22nd, criticizing the Chief of Police Sid Klein for allowing Scientology to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to have off-duty officers patrol Watterson Ave. "Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Thomas Penick, who has the unenviable task of refereeing sidewalk skirmishes between the Church of Scientology and anti-Scientology protesters in Clearwater, recently pointed to an arrangement that allows off-duty Clearwater cops to work for Scientology and noted, 'They are coming very dangerously close to becoming a private security force for the Church of Scientology.' Penick was right to call attention to the uncomfortably cozy relationship developing between city police and the church, which has its spiritual headquarters in downtown Clearwater. "As reported Sunday by staff writer Deborah O'Neil, the Church of Scientology has paid nearly $150,000 to 110 officers since January 2000. The Police Department gets $2.50 an hour from the church to cover fees and workers' compensation. The off-duty officers are hired by the church to make sure that no one -- particularly staff of the Lisa McPherson Trust -- messes with Scientologists coming and going from church facilities on Watterson Avenue, a downtown side street where many clashes between the two sides have occurred. "Though Scientology has worked to improve its image and relationship with the city in recent years, the fact is that the church, by virtue of its controversial history in Clearwater and its altercations with the Lisa McPherson Trust, is not like most other Clearwater churches. Also, there is a big difference between providing an off-duty officer to a church to direct traffic after Sunday services and supplying off-duty officers to protect Scientology from its critics every day of the year. "Klein orders officers who work off-duty for Scientology not to take sides. It is naive for him to expect that every officer earning income from Scientology and interacting regularly with its members will always be capable of objectivity. And it is unwise to place officers employed by the church in a position to be first-responders, report-writers and official witnesses when incidents occur between the church and protesters. If Klein sees a need for a law enforcement presence on Watterson Avenue, he should assign on-duty officers to work there, whether or not off-duty officers continue to be employed by the church." Message-ID: 3aba6128.0@news2.lightlink.com
Tom Cruise
The Sunday Telegraph reported on March 18th that Tom Cruise has left Scientology. "Cruise's long-term love affair with the Church of Scientology is now over too. It was Tom's mental and financial commitment to the Scientologists which was said to have increasingly annoyed Nicole, who herself became disenchanted with the movement and returned to the Catholic church last year. However the Scientologists will now have to do without toothsome Tom. 'He has ended his association with the Church for personal reasons,' I'm told. 'He has given them millions of dollars in the past and he has now made a further very generous donation to end his association with goodwill.'" From Dutch newswire ANP on March 18th: "Tom Cruise has left the Scientology Church. That is what a spokesman of the filmstar told the British show biz press agency WENN. To show his goodwill, Cruise - who has donated millions of guilders to Scientology in the past - will donate a last 'very royal' gift." But attorney Bert Fields denies that Cruise has left. From Ananova on March 20th: "Reports had suggested he had quit the controversial religion. Some believe it was one of the causes of his split from Nicole Kidman. But Cruise's attorney Bert Fields has denied Cruise has quit the church. Cruise and other Hollywood stars such as John Travolta and Anne Archer have donated millions of dollars to the religion." From the Daily Telegraph on March 23rd: "Cruise's attachment to the church remains intact: this week, he has issued a statement denying that he has severed links with Scientology. The British wing of the movement has reacted to the Cruise/Kidman setback with a vigorous publicity campaign. Its headquarters and training academy are in Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, a fantasy castle built in the Sixties. The publicity campaign began with 'The Great Exhibition', which ran for 16 days last month in an empty Oxford Street shop, with a jazz band playing outside. Leaflets promised 'free consultation on how to think more clearly' and advice on how to 'remove toxins and drugs from your body'. An invitation to a Sunday service at the Scientology Celebrity Centre in Bayswater, west London, sounded promising. The Celebrity Centre is a four-storey house flanked by hotels. I was greeted by the president, Alison Batchelor, a former opera singer. In the congregation of 25, there was Miss Holland 1993, a pianist who used to play with Ian Dury, and a former princess of Beirut who lost her title when she divorced the prince. There was also a decorator who had started a science fiction novel and a hereditary peer, Lord McNair. "The minister, Tom Harding, read from Hubbard's books and the congregation recited the 'creed'. This is mostly about man's 'inalienable rights' to freedom, but it also declares that killing others is wrong and that man's spirit can be saved. The rest of the service was a 'group auditing session.' The session lasted 20 minutes, beginning with Mr Harding asking: 'Is there a floor there?' Everyone said 'yes' and so it went on, to the walls, ceiling, then feet, legs, hands, and the head. People were asked to 'experience' their body parts and Mr Harding asked: 'Was that better than ever? Is it more real?' "I was certainly not brainwashed but nor did I feel enlightened in any way. The former Miss Holland, Hilda Vander Meulen, who became a Scientologist in 1994 when she signed up for a 'purification' course in Los Angeles, told me that the movement had changed her life: 'I am calm, capable and I can deal with issues now.' She has given up wine, tobacco and all drugs. "There are believed to be 100,000 Scientologists in Britain and eight million worldwide. All of these people became involved through a course that promised a happier and easier life - though some found otherwise. Unhappy ex-members tend to inhabit the internet, where there are sites such as 'Scientology Lies', 'Scientology Kills' and 'Eight Steps out of Scientology', to help people leave Hubbard's movement. I just used the door." Message-ID: 514bbtkjjut8d6849sqdamgr6ja7nk6v68@newszilla.xs4all.nl Message-ID: 9j6cbtshnpl1d5l85p52m3oft69cs4epv7@news.xs4all.nl Message-ID: unbebtg3v5a8gfaosseuijkerc2fnhdhrf@newszilla.xs4all.nl Message-ID: 532nbtk96v5p42belnlajvekuq5mf08nav@4ax.com
Keith Henson
Keith Henson posted two filings in the case in which he is charged with making terroristic threats. The first was a motion to disqualify the Riverside District Attorney's office from the case. "The Defendant asserts that this motion is necessary because a conflict of interest exist that would render it unlikely that the defendant would receive a fair trial. Scientology has long tried to silence and ruin the Defendant because of his persistent, conspicuous and unequivocal criticism of what he sincerely believes to be Scientology's unlawful and inappropriate activities. This current misdemeanor case which is based solely on the information provided by career Scientologists and their agents that they are in fear due to Defendant's actions, continues this Scientology tradition of attacking detractors and is commonly known as the fair game doctrine. It appears to Defendant that the Riverside County District Attorney has given and continues to give preferential treatment to the powerful Scientology machine and its agents thereby resulting in a conflict of interest which makes it likely that the Defendant cannot receive a fair trial. "The District Attorney has filed a motion in limine with the court in this case to prevent the defendant from introducing evidence of the Fair Game Doctrine. This doctrine authorizes Scientologists to destroy a detractor with the blessing of the church. Defendant's opposition to this case, as well as the affidavits filed concurrently herewith clearly show that none or the DA's assertions about the fair game doctrine can be taken seriously and that the Office of the District Attorney is, in essence, an agent of Scientology's attack on the Defendant. We ask the court to take judicial notice of the five California cases cited in Defendant's opposition to the People's Motion in Limine on the issue of Fair Game to show that the courts have clearly taken evidence on this doctrine and found this practice to he alive and well after its alleged demise in 1972 or 1974. One can only take from the People's motion that the District Attorney did not research the issue and/or Scientology wrote the brief for the District Attorney. "The District Attorney agues that this issue of whether all of the 'victims' who are believed to be high-ranking, career Scientologists, have a motive to lie under the Fair Game Doctrine, is not relevant. This is preposterous, and shows that the District Attorney is blind to a quest for truth in this case and is instead looking merely for a victory for Scientology. "A critical issue in this case is the People's attempt to authenticate certain alleged Internet postings by the Defendant. When the prosecutor assigned to the case found out that the Defendant would not stipulate to authentication, as is his right under the United States Constitution and the California Constitution, a Scientology attorney, within days, tried to get the Defendant to authenticate these very postings in a Scientology deposition of the Defendant in the Defendant's pending chapter 13 bankruptcy. A transcript of Defendant's testimony was then given to the prosecuting attorney and presented to the Defendant's attorney as proof of authentication. This is clear evidence of the power of the Scientology machine and the dubious way in which the district attorney was willing to gain an advantage regarding the authentication of certain documents by such tactics. "Defendant and others have tried to get the district attorney to investigate Scientology involvement regarding the deaths of Ashlee Shaner and Stacy Meyer. Apparently when Scientologists or their influential agents contact Grover Trask, Scientology is able to get results in prosecuting the Defendant, even when law enforcement initially sees no evidence of a crime. Defendant is now being prosecuted on 40-year-old hearsay in a book, the Defendant's patent for a 747 to deliver a nuclear payload on Golden Era, and the glaring fact that all victims are high ranking, career Scientologists who are in 'fear,' even though other Scientologists are following the Defendant and trying to keep him from seeing his friends. When the Defendant and others try to have Scientology investigated for two deaths that have occurred in the in this area, apparently the district attorney won't follow the recommendations of the highway patrol or assist Deputy Greer to conduct a further investigation. "The facts set forth above demonstrate that the district attorney has been influenced by Scientology to prosecute the Defendant and to take whatever means necessary to ensure that the Defendant cannot introduce evidence of how he has been victimized by Scientology's fair game doctrine and practices. There is no explanation for this DA behavior and can only be characterized as burying one's head in the sand for the benefit of Scientology" The second motion is to allow the testimony of people who observed Keith's protests at the Hemet, California base and the terroristic threats he allegedly made there. Keith Henson hereby opposes the People's Motion in Limine to exclude and/or limit testimony of Kathleen Pettycrew, Bruce Pettycrew, Barbara Graham Warr, Brent Stone and Arel Lucas. The basis for this opposition is that the Observers will testify to matters within their personal knowledge and observation, and their testimony is highly probative on the issue of whether the Defendant threatened, put in fear of physical harm, or interfered with, the alleged victims. The true facts appear to be that it doesn't matter who goes to Golden Era to lawfully picket, the people enclosed in Golden Era hide from picketers. Therefore, it is for the jury to decide whether the so-called Scientologist reaction to the Defendant is fear of truthful information or fear physical threat. Defendant has the right to show that instead of fearing Defendant's actions, Scientologists fear Constitutionally protected free speech and that due to a cult-like atmosphere, Scientologist intend to keep inhabitants of Golden Era from hearing about the circumstances surrounding certain deaths, about manipulation through the fair game doctrine, about certain religious practices,- and about other maters that the Defendant, the Observers and some of the public are concerned about. "Defendant picketed at Golden Era with no intent to commit, nor did he commit, any act alleged in the misdemeanor complaint. He merely took lawful actions to bring the public's attention to certain deaths at or near Golden Era, as well as to other matters that deeply concern Defendant about Scientology activities. The Observers are believed to have engaged in similar lawful activities and were met with the same result, even though the Observers do not have a patent for a 747 to deliver a nuclear payload into outer space and are not the subject of a book based on patent hearsay about lawful activities 40 years ago that are inaccurately reported in a book. "The Defendant is on trial for his constitutionally protected free speech due to a ruse by the alleged victims. Defendant has the right under the Constitution to prove it by presenting competent evidence on the issue of witness credibility. The Observers will testify from personal knowledge as to what they saw as they picketed at Golden Era; namely, that those enclosed in Golden Era respond to clearly lawful activity in the same manner that the prosecution will try to allege at Defendant's trial." Message-ID: to9ibt09483fsaq41vli0919qos0vjjpqe@4ax.com Message-ID: chtqbtcubbb5oeuuo0enhv8etlqk6unrm3@4ax.com
Fund Raiser
The Los Angeles Times reported on March 24th that a Scientology fund raiser was planned in Pasadena, California. "The Women's Auxiliary of the Church of Scientology will have its third annual fund-raising dinner, 'Evening of Fun and Revitalization,' at 6 tonight at the University Club of Pasadena. Co-chairwomen are Lisa Malm and Nancy Reitze. Auction prizes range from haircuts and Easter baskets to Lakers tickets and autographed movie memorabilia. Fellow Scientologists Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Nancy Cartwright, the voice of television's Bart Simpson, have donated signed memorabilia to be auctioned. The auction will be conducted by Tate Rupert of The Really Spontaneous Theater Company, who will also provide the evening's entertainment." Message-ID: 99ioqf$agv@netaxs.com
LRH Birthday
Scientology issued a press release on March 12th to publicize the birthday celebrations for L. Ron Hubbard. "American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard will be recognized on his birth date in cities around the world for his contributions to education, drug reform and discoveries about the human mind and spirit. The yearly global commemorative event will center around a satellite-broadcasted event which is expected to reach people in more than 60 countries. 8,000 people are expected to attend the event in Los Angeles at the Universal Amphitheater on March 17th. The satellite broadcast will be seen at events in 35 US cities including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Portland and Dallas. Several thousand expected to attend in Clearwater, FL. "During the past year, recognitions have come in again from around the world. Business leaders, teachers, parents, diplomats and government officials acknowledged Mr. Hubbard's influence in many ways, with proclamations, keys to cities, resolutions and awards. Over 100 U.S. mayors honor Hubbard's life of accomplishments by proclaiming March 13th, 2001 as L. Ron Hubbard Day." Message-ID: 20010322030309.20513.00000228@ng-fz1.aol.com
UK
The Kent and East Sussex Courier reported this week that a Narconon participant robbed banks in order to continue his drug rehabilitation. "A career bank robber was jailed for life after he admitted a string of armed raids in West Kent and East Sussex to pay for private drug rehabilitation treatment. Terence Stone, 37, claimed he fell back into heroin addiction after the Home Office cut funding from a drug programme run by the Church of Scientology. Stone robbed half a dozen banks, building societies and post offices last year collecting over 21,000 pounds to pay for treatment in private clinics. Now a member of the cult he claims that the church's Narconon programme was the only thing that ever worked for him during his last spell behind bars. But the treatment was withdrawn due to lack of funding and he soon fell back into heroin upon release. "His barrister Ben Hargreaves said Stone's need for the cash would have been 'Farcical if it had not been so serious. Mr Stone spent thousands of pounds in private rehab centres to rid himself of his drug habit. 'He had to pay huge sums of money to attend them. He got that money by committing robberies. It was a vicious circle he found himself in that he found he could not break.' "Sentencing Judge John Reid, QC, told him: 'It appears you were a drug addict and wished to accumulate money for the purpose of receiving treatment. 'You were deprived of the assistance which the Church of Scientology could have given you'. But the judge said he had to sentence Stone to life under the so-called 'two strikes and you're out rule.' He added that it will be at least seven years before Stone could be considered for release by the parole board. "After the hearing, Narconon Trustee Sheila MacLean told the Courier: 'Terence Stone learned of the Narconon drug rehabilitation method - a secular programme developed by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard - and was making good progress on the programme before it came to light that he had committed criminal offences that needed to be put to rights. 'Sadly, he was unable to continue on the rehabilitation programme, as he had been able to complete it whilst in prison, statistics show that he is unlikely to have reverted to either drugs or crime.'" Also from the Kent and East Sussex Courier this week, an elderly Scientologist has been reported missing from Saint Hill. "An elderly Scientologist from Crowborough has sparked a massive police search after disappearing on Monday. John Harvey, 77, of Walshes Manor, Walshes Road, went missing after leaving Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead to post a letter, say police. His fellow Scientologists carried out a search and found out Mr Harvey had not got back on the bus and his car was still in Crowborough and alerted the police. "Officers scoured the area straight away with a police helicopter but no trace was found of the 6ft tall, well-built man who has been a member of the Church of Scientology for the past 30 years. He is described as about 6ft tall, well built with short grey hair, and his front two teeth are missing. When he disappeared Mr Harvey was wearing the Church of Scientology staff uniform of blue trousers, light blue shirt and a navy blue jumper with the Saint Hill logo. Church of Scientology spokesman, Graeme Wilson, said: 'We are concerned for Mr Harvey and we hope he turns up safe and well.'" Message-ID: GALq65.5yB@bath.ac.uk Message-ID: GALqBH.6CK@bath.ac.uk
Switzerland
Sda reported on March 20th that the newspaper Tages-Anzeiger has won a decision in a case Scientology brought to force them to reveal confidential sources. "Journalists do not have to reveal their sources even if those affected by the accusations of the informant are not able to respond without being aware of his identity. Protecting the source in founded cases takes precedence over the obligation to complete revelation of sources. "With that the Press Council dismissed a complaint by the Narconon Association against an article by sect specialist Hugo Stamm in the 'Tages-Anzeiger' about the controversial drug therapy at Narconon. In it was quoted an anonymous informant who ended her therapy because, in her opinion, questionable methods were being used. The president of Narconon filed a complaint against this article with the Press Council. It accused Stamm in particular of having had no direct contact with the person cited and of using non-genuine quotes. The Press Council found, on information presented to it by the newspaper, that Stamm himself had spoken with the informant. Stamm refused to reveal the identity of his informant to Narconon. This was, according to statements from the 'Tages-Anzeiger,' due to annoyances from representatives from the area of Narconon and Scientology in connection to the publication of the article." Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1010325073127.118B-100000@darkstar.zippy
A.r.s. Week in Review is put together by Rod Keller ©
This collection is organised for WWW by Andreas Heldal-Lund.
Only edits done by me is replacing word encapsuled in * or _ with bold and underscore, and made links into HTML.
