Belgium
Reuters reported on November 29th that Scientology is suing Belgium for its classification as a sect. "The Church of Scientology said yesterday that it was suing the Belgian state for moral damages after a 1997 parliamentary report qualified the organization as a 'sect.' The organization, which has about 2,000 members in the country, said it had filed a lawsuit against the state in a Brussels court, seeking a symbolic one euro in moral damages. The first hearing is to be held on Dec. 13. Martin Weightman, director of human rights for the organization in Europe, said the label breached the European Human Rights Convention. Weightman said the report had later been used 'to incite numerous incidents of intolerance and discrimination' against Scientologists. Message-ID: ht6f0usss3fiq5c77guvnuc4lrtf8gii89@4ax.com
CCHR
New Truth & TV Extra reported on November 30th that a web site by Scientology's Citizen's Commission on Human Rights lists the names of 11 New Zealand psychiatrists who have been convicted of various crimes. "The names of 11 Kiwi psychiatrists with criminal convictions are listed on a website designed to expose 'evil' psychiatrists worldwide. The site was launched by an international organisation called Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), which warns that convicted and jailed psychiatric professionals skip cities and even countries to continue practising and says they must be stopped. The list is regularly updated and so far features 646 names. "South African-born Bouwer, 51, was last week sentenced to life imprisonment for poisoning his 47-year-old wife Annette. Bouwer was found guilty of administering drugs to his wife that replicated the effect of a pancreatic tumour. "Other claims made on the site are: At least 10 percent of psychiatrists admit to sexually abusing their patients - internationally that's more than 15,000 rapes. Psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists have the dubious distinction of having laws specifically designed to curtail their tendency to commit sex crimes against those in their charge. They have a poor track record in improving literacy and drug and criminal rehabilitation." Message-ID: 3c099ea3.5111845@news.xs4all.nl
Clearwater
A letter to the editor of the St. Petersburg Times blamed Scientology for the demise of Club More, which once hosted a benefit concert for the Lisa McPherson Trust. "I am amazed at what downtown Clearwater considers vitality. The fact that Lee Arnold is going to build luxury condominiums downtown is a joke. Once the Scientology 'super power' building is complete, Clearwater will be even more of a destination (and second home) for none other than wealthy Scientologists. The luxury condominiums will be needed for those who are above living 10 to a room in one of the many hotel and apartment complexes occupied by the lesser-ranking Scientologists. "If you speak out against Scientology, not only can you be refused service at many establishments in downtown Clearwater, but the same folks who are promoting downtown may take away your business. I am talking about the city lot that we at Club More used for our customers to park in the four years we were open. A letter from the city engineer in January confirmed the plans for a paved, metered lot. This is one of the major reasons we opened our kitchen at Club More. "But no, sorry, not only can you no longer use the parking lot, now you won't have any parking for a lunchtime business; and you've just wasted $50,000 putting in a kitchen. I believe it's because I have continually spoken out against Scientology. Then Club More hosted a benefit for the Lisa McPherson Trust. - F. Charles Gordon, Clearwater" 3c0956bc.2701701@tyrannewsaurus.xs4all.nl:
Netherlands
NRC Handeslblad reported on November 23rd on a Scientology exhibit in Amsterdam. "I received a hearty welcome from broadly smiling staff, who were obviously very successful at the work. A dark girl stepped towards me and pointed at the walls, on which there were large colour photos with texts. 'You know what Scientology is?' she asks. We stopped to look at a sign that with a large triangle. Above was the word 'Communication' and at the base, the words 'Affinity' and 'Reality'. "'We think it's important to see how your ARC is doing,' the girl said. She pointed at the word 'understanding' in the middle of the triangle. 'If one of the three parts of your ARC is not doing well, there's also too little understanding. Then in the triangle gets smaller and smaller.' 'What would you most like to improve'? I blindly chose 'Communication,' can't miss. 'Then I know someone who can help you,' she said and she quickly led me to another room, where a rather aged lady, unfortunately, gratefully received me. We walked through a room in which six sweet Scientology children were receiving a lesson from a serious Scientology teacher, and sat down at tables in the adjoining room. She proposed the best remedy of all: a communication course, based on the works of L. Ron Hubbard. Forty lessons for 150 euro. "'I want to think about it at home,' I said. 'What can you think of at home that you can't think of here?' she asked. The tone was sharp for the first time. 'I could also try psychotherapy,' I said. She sniffed disdainfully. 'Psychotherapy? All rubbish.'" Het Parool reported on November 26th and 28th that Scientology has launched a recruiting drive which concentrates on young people in Amsterdam. "The Scientology movement is involved with a large recruitment drive in Amsterdam. Despite agreements with the police, they are also persuading juveniles to visit the Scientology exhibition in De Clercqstraat. Inside, visitors are introduced to the Scientology philosophy, after which courses and books are offered for sale. Even to juveniles. "The head of external affairs of the Scientology Church Julia Rijnvis brushes aside luring in juveniles as incidents. 'We have agreed with the local police not to target anyone under age. It is certainly not our target group, but sometimes one slips in.' "On all four corners of the junction with Bilderdijkstraat, members of Scientology are standing asking passers-by to come inside. The Dutch branch of Scientology has its headquarters beside the police station on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Seventy staff members work full-time there for the organisation, that says it has several thousand members in Holland. Scientology calls itself a Church, but is regarded by critics as a cult that brainwashes people and rips them off. In Dam Square, Scientology this weekend campaigned against drugs. This campaign was not advertising openly its link to Scientology. People were however encouraged to go to the exhibition." "The 14 year old wasn't asked more. 'Just come inside.' Scientology and her traveling exhibition What is Scientology? settled on the Clerqstreet in Old-West. The 14 year old David (not his real name) walks along on our request, for the door-entrance policy of Scientology is rather unselective. Also minors without parental escort are taken into the building. In that manner two accidentally passing boys of about the same age as David are brought inside. "Once inside, the Scientologist introduces David directly to Sam, a bit older man with grey hair and a pair of jeans. David: 'He said 'How nice, we both have a biblical name. Then now, I will tour you around.' First he showed me a couple of paintings. On one you saw a black landscape and also there was one with green hills and a very bright sun. 'How do you see the world?', he asked. He pointed at the black painting. 'We try to open for you the bridge to that beautiful part', said Sam. "As Sam continues the tour, David lets him know he has an appointment later. Therefore Sam guides him fast to an apparatus standing at the heart of the maze-like line up. With this 'E-meter' your emotions are measured, tells Sam. David has to hold two metal handles that hang from the measuring equipment. He has to think something nice. The meter strikes out. He has to think something nasty. The meter strikes out again. Is everything all right at school? David indicates, it is not going fantastically. 'On that they went on. They were looking for something to retain my attention.' "Sam walks away to return with a small woman, who introduces herself as Ruth. 'With an American accent she said 'This is a lesson book, through which you could be learning better.' Just like Sam she kept on touching me all of the time. 'It will all go better,' she said constantly. Ruth says that David can buy the booklet 'for nine ones' ($3.60). Then only for the first time he is asked for his age. 'When I mentioned that, she muttered something about parental consent needed, but immediately thereafter 'If you have the money, you can just buy it.' Then she started about the course of 59 guilders ($24) through which I would understand the booklet much better. She would have preferred to continue talking, you just could notice that, but I wanted to leave.' Without further hindrance David walks to the exit." "Owner Ahold says it was misled by Scientology about the substance of the exhibition in the building on De Clercqstraat, that was explicitly stated to be an exhibition against drugs. This description is also in the rental contract. However the exhibition is now called 'What is Scientology' and concentrates on the idea is of Scientology and selling books and courses. "Combating drugs is an important part of the ideas of Scientology. However Scientology takes a very different attitude to the negative effects of drugs and how drugs can be combated from Dutch policy. Last night, questions were posed in the local council commission meeting about tolerating the campaign and the fact that juveniles were being invited in. Last week, questions were posed after complaints from the area, but according to local VVD leader Robert Flos, yesterday's publication in Het Parool gave grounds for more questions. "Weevers confirms that he had allowed the exhibition to go ahead. The reason is, according to the council executive, that preventing the exhibition would have cost more time and money. He said he would ask the police to take further measures. Weevers said that Scientology had repeatedly broken its agreements with him and that the exhibition had obviously caused more nuisance than foreseen. "The police said it was very difficult to find legal measures to combat the exhibition, but it is planning to keep a very close eye on it. 'Unfortunately we cannot regard the door 24 hours a day.' The Greens have asked questions in the commission about and juveniles being asked in and the nuisance caused." Message-ID: Xns9165A52E755ADmartincleavernl@194.109.133.20 Message-ID: Xns9165A5573444martincleavernl@194.109.133.20 Message-ID: 3c065807.4927412@news.xs4all.nl Message-ID: Xns9166967BDD32Bmartincleavernl@194.109.133.20
Germany
Spiegel reported on November 30th that Microsoft has offered to share the source code for Windows with the German government to counter suspicions that software written by a Scientologist-owned company could spy on the user. "In Unterschliessheim near Munich on Friday, the German branch of the world's largest software company offered Parliament and the Federal Interior Ministry access to Windows source code, which normal Microsoft customers don't have a chance of seeing. This is Microsoft's response to the discussion about alleged hidden functions in the Windows operating system. "In Parliament, the aging Microsoft Windows NT 4 system is currently installed on about 5,000 office computers. A debate has been ongoing inside Parliament for months as to whether it will next be equipped with the new Microsoft Windows XP or with the open-source Linux system. "Supporters of the Linux solution, such as SPD Representative Joerg Tauss, have specifically mentioned that Microsoft software posed a security risk because the majority of computer viruses are distributed through holes in the Microsoft system. The discussion specifically included integration of the 'Diskeeper' program into Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP versions systems. That software for data maintenance was developed by a US corporation managed by a professing Scientologist." FP reported on November 29th that Scientologist Kurt Fliegerbauer has been fined by the city of Zwickau, Germany for failure to obtain renovation permits. "The Schloss Osterstein Verwaltungs GmbH business manager will have to pay 51,100 marks in fines, according to the city court, because he renovated buildings without construction permits. City management had intended, however, to get 650,000 marks from the Scientologist. Because the case went to court when Fliegerbauer contested it, the city will not see a single dime. The fine is going to the benefit of the state. "The judge said [Fliegerbauer]'s admissions of guilt to the city management were not an excuse, but an 'escape by moving forward.' On the other hand, the judge held the real estate mogul's 'outstanding construction work' to his advantage, from which the City of Zwickau had also profited, as well has the fact that he had confessed to his guilt and had only formally violated regulations. On top of everything else, 25 of the 27 construction projects had since been properly licensed. In contrast to the city managers, the city court was not interested in discussing profit-skimming. This would have had to do with Fliegerbauer gaining financial advantage from his premature starts on construction." Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1011130201514.118C-100000@darkstar.zippy Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1011130201431.118B-100000@darkstar.zippy
Gold Base
The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported on November 22nd that Scientology is shooting a movie at Gold Base, near Hemet, California. "A booming cannon shoots toward a row of cottonwood trees on the lush, grassy fields of 17th-century France. Fifteen minutes later, the fire lands among a cluster of charging soldiers wearing goatees, creamy white cravats and feathers in their hats. Three of them drop. Then they get up and try it again. "When it's finished, Golden Era Productions will have an educational video showing how war never solves mankind's real problems. Golden Era Productions, located in Gilman Hot Springs northwest of San Jacinto, makes educational and training films for the Church of Scientology. Staff members who work on the 520-acre site do everything from sewing costumes to acting and filming. The film will be used for educational purposes in Scientology churches all over the world." Message-ID: l1e50ushm0m5upslc3uihji04k8lhuidtr@4ax.com
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Times reported on November 27th that a Scientology choir will participate in holiday celebrations in Montrose, California. "Musicians and singers will stroll along Honolulu Avenue on Dec. 8, 15 and 22 to help shoppers and diners get in the holiday spirit. The Crescenta Valley High School Singers will appear from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 15, followed by the Church of Scientology Choir from 1 to 2 p.m. Valley Brass Quintet will perform from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by the Wilson Middle School singers from 4 to 5 p.m." Message-ID: 3c05a2bd.4854548@tyrannewsaurus.xs4all.nl
Protest Summary
Caroline Letkeman reported protests against Scientology in Vancouver on November 24th and 28th. "Yesterday I did my first picket, with Gerry Armstrong. Gerry did the Cavalry Charge on his mouth trombone. Gerry's sign has the following messages: 'Scientology: Let Our People Go' and 'Thank God Hubbard was Dead Wrong.' My sign says, 'Scientology: Let My Daughter Go' and 'Scientology: Give My Money Back.' For a picket flyer, I handed out copies of my 11/13/2001 letter to David Miscavige et al, that I posted to a.r.s. under 'Demand for Refund.' "Early on in the picket, we noticed an OSA agent taking photographs of us from across the street. When I started walking toward him to get a better photograph of him, he escaped quickly, going west on Hastings. "One group of people came around and someone asked pointedly, 'Yeah, we know Scientology is a fraud, but,' nodding at my sign's message about my daughter, 'what is your story?' I told them about my daughter and that she was not allowed to talk to me. They were appalled and commensurately very supportive of our effort." "Picketing Celebrity: 'Bogie' Boudewijn van Ingen accompanied by Gerry Armstrong and Caroline Letkeman. We arrived at the Vancouver organization about 11:05 a.m.; picketed for about 45 minutes and then we took a warm-up break at a coffee shop nearby. Returned to picket for another 1/2 hour or so. Bogie was really upstat and distributed 47 flyers. We also gave out copies of my Demand for Refund letter to David Miscavige. "Numerous camera flashes were observed coming from across the street and also from inside the organization. Two people, who were quite green, took a Xenu flyer on exiting the org. Wogs saved at least $600,000 today! "There was a guy who came out of the org and came up to Gerry and with what were practiced TRs, asked, 'Why are you here?' To which Gerry replied, 'Why is a raven like a writing desk?' Then the young man said, 'You should leave.' And in a number of comments, ordered Gerry to the other side of the street. Black Techie #2 came out of the front door of the organization and planted himself right on the edge of the building property. For the length of time he was in this position it appeared that he was 'doing TRs' on us. A few minutes later, James Wood popped his head out the front door and motioned for BT #2 to return inside." Roger Gonnet reported a protest in Paris on November 24th. "The largest picket ever against the criminal cult has been held Nov. 24th, 2001, before the new building of the Scientology CC. In fact, it is not really new, it is another part of a building touching the ancient one. The main organizer was the president and staff of the two years old association 'Attention Enfants', some 400 persons were present before the clam location! "My friend Mathieu Cossu, who is an ADFI member said that the spokesperson of the cult, Daniele Gounord came to him and said: 'Do you know that they have arrested someone with a gun?' But evidently, she was practicing her TR Lie. No evidence has been brought that any of the parents and Parisian mayors, deputies and senators present for the picket, had taken a gun with him." John Ritson reported a protest in London on December 1st. "Eight or nine suppressives, accompanied by the cute little dog 'Duke' assembled near the Tottenham Court Road 'org'. The 'org' seemed fairly downstat. No students going in or out - only staff members. They were handing out copies of 'The Volunteer Minister's Newspaper - Issue 1.' This contains L. Ron Hubbard's 1976 'Role of the Volunteer Minister' in which he says that 'a society to survive well, needs at least as many Volunteer Ministers as it has policemen'. Pretty soon the dustbins were full of this 'yellow journalism'. Passers-by were very supportive, even though they risked the terrifying 'death stare' from poor little Paolo. One young lady came over, took a leaflet and thanked me for what we were doing. Paolo stared fanatically at her back as she walked away. When not on microphone duty I was able to demonstrate how SPs are 'at cause' over Scientologists by moving Paolo back and forth along the pavement as I handed out leaflets, before I told him how I was demonstrating how obedient Scientologists can be, whereupon he stopped playing. "They tried to drown out our boom-box by playing music through one and then two loudspeakers, but SP-tech beats Hubbard-tech every time. One passer-by started asking the Scientologists questions, then went into the 'org,' asked more questions, then asked one of their 'newspaper' distributors questions. The poor chap was getting lost when faced with L. Ron Hubbard's handwritten OTIII material from the Xenu leaflet, when a more senior staff member came out to tell him to come inside to answer a telephone call. I was able to tell the passer-by to watch out and see if there was any telephone being answered, and we started laughing when he re-emerged without ever leaving our sight or touching a telephone." Tory Bezazian reported a protest in Los Angeles on December 1st. "There was Graham Berry, Tory, Jeff Jacobsen, phr, Snefru, John, Chris and Donna came from Bakersfield and Richard from Riverside. Graham had his 'Scientology Kills' t-shirt on, I had on my red devil horns, Chris had on a Xenu.net hat, and Donna who was with him had a hat with a xenu doll on it. Graham stayed on the sides of the orgs, and we headed down L. Ron Hubbard way. It was amazingly empty. "I saw the ED of LA org, Mellony, who I used to know and be friends with for years. As I said, 'Hi Mellony' from across the street, as she was eating, I could see her mouth move saying 'unbelievable' in disgust. I saw another old friend who I've known for years. She is blind, so I leaned over and said, 'It's Tory'. As soon as she recognized my name she sneered and walked on. She went blind sadly while on the Purif. years ago. "As we got behind LA org I could see someone had come to talk to Jeff and Snefru and a few others. He was telling Jeff how he was 'PTS.' So I said 'I used to believe that too, until I realized I'm now SP and happier than ever!' I said, 'Herem read about my story.' Finally he said to Snefru, 'Don't you recognize me? I'm Craig Brown. I've lost 100 pounds.' There was a little re-union between them, as Snefru had known him as a 'handler' in earlier years. "At 12:30 it was time for the students to arrive for course. So we stood by the driveway as they drove in, looking off, ignoring us. I saw John Woodruff, who again I had known for years. He used to be the ED of the Orange County org, and LA ORg, for a few years. "Around 1:00 we decided to move onto the Hollywood Guarantee Building. It is where INT is at here in LA, and where all the International offices are for the Sea Org. Also right next-door is the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. There was TONS of foot traffic, so we gave out over 100 flyers all about 'why I picket' by Rod Keller, and 50 by me on why I picket. It was truly AMAZING to hear how many people hate Scientology. "Most of the Sea org skulked in quickly trying to avoid us. At the front door a man stood with his back to us, and his arms holding the doors. Graham saw a van pull up with all of the Sea Org on the floor. I told him it was probably so they cannot see our 'entheta' signs. "The snotty girls at the life Exhibition would jump out quickly and try to pass out some tickets to the museum, and then jump back inside. As they would, we'd hand the person a flyer and tell them to 'Find out the real truth. Make sure to read BOTH sides of the story and make up your own mind.' "One Scientologist who looked and sounded like Mary DeMoss, walked by and screamed 'I LOVE SCIENTOLOGY' to which someone driving by yelled, 'Scientology Sucks!' There were many with the latter view and only about two with the first. We were picketing up and down the streets, and across the street, as there's The Hollywood Literacy Deal. Snefru and I strolled over and had a long talk with another lady who thanked us for what we were doing. "Many times we would stop to talk, so of course Scientology called the police. The man was VERY nice, and I could tell he was WAY on our side. He just said, 'you all need to keep moving.' So we agreed to, and we did. Person after person would come up and tell me how much they hated Scientology. "We met another man whose wife had just died and left him with 4 kids. He had just bought Dianetics, so I spent a long time talking with him about how things really work. He took a flyer, and returned saying he wanted to go in the museum and ask them about my flyer. We told them what they'd probably say, and I gave him my e-mail address to write if he has any questions. "We walked in front of the Xmas display where people were singing. Kay Connally (Head of PR) Came right up to me frowning seriously and said, 'Can't you take your hatred somewhere else?' I told her she looked and sounded pretty hateful, actually." Christopher Wood reported a protest in Toronto on December 1st. "Picketers: Me, Gregg Hagglund, Keith Henson, AndroidCat, the Unknown Picketer. Leaflets: No Science in Scientology / Scientology's Founder: Con Man, and Gregg's Xenu Special. We started just before 11:00 AM, went about an hour and a half, and then went back after lunch for about another ninety minutes. "The pretend-victimhood emanating from inside the Toronto org is showing some cracks. Scientologists kept walking past and standing close to picketers. Al Buttnor called the police (the usual whine about suppressive persons, but in non-Scientology language). However, he went outside and stood near Gregg to do so, pointing out to the world that Buttnor doesn't mind standing near Gregg. "The same Scientologist who, last time, was asking Gregg to be quiet because 'you're disturbing the students' went into dramatic mocked-up victim mode. She stood in front of Gregg and then backed away in exactly the same direction that he was proceeding, declaiming about how Gregg was harassing her. The second time, the Scientologist waited until Gregg had passed the org main entrance, and then did the exact same thing vis the backing away, but this time claimed that she was only going to her car. Then, after having repeated the backing-away performance, walked back across the front of the org, to cross the road and go down Isabella street, which is right across the road from the org's front entrance. "Later on in the afternoon, Keith Henson got part of the goon squad over staring at him. It's nice of Scientologists to keep approaching Keith, reinforcing the fact that they're not intimidated by him. In the afternoon, a couple sitting in a car beckoned me over and asked me at some length about Scientology, and why we were picketing, and so forth. I went into things at some length, and I'm reasonably certain that I made a good impression." Mike Krotz reported a protest in Clearwater on December 2nd. "It was an excellent opportunity to inform a large crowd of younger concert goers, as there was an all-day rock concert in downtown's Coachman Park. Hundreds of music fans of all ages and hairstyles mobbed the downtown area across from Scientology's Sandcastle and near their Osceola buildings. We mainly stood near the Osceola Street entrance to the park, after a brief stand near the Ft. Harrison. About 300 fliers were distributed, we used Kristi's '$cientology Hurts People' backed with 'What Judges Say,' and most reactions were very appreciative and enthusiastic at our being there. The cult had a small canopy and a table in front of the Osceola fountain, with a table full of Hubbard books and a few of them were handing out free personality tests! I tried to give people who were given one of those a flier, to properly balance things out. I noticed many of the personality test fliers ended up on the ground near the concert entrance, yet only a few of our fliers seemed to get tossed. "We were there from about 11:30 a.m. til about 1:45 p.m., and for the majority of the time we were under surveillance by the khaki-clad OSA security dudes. Paul Kellerhals was spotted early on, and the security guys mostly stayed near the police that were handling traffic and crowd control for the concert. "I wore my shirt with Lisa McPherson's autopsy report on one side, and Stacy Myer's death certificate on the other, with letters in red 'Blood on Scientology's Hands.' One guy was standing near us a while as he waited for his son to arrive at the concert. We talked, and he seemed fairly well informed about Scientology. He came up to me to point out the camera pointed at us by Scientology's OSA, and he asked me what they would say if he asked them why they were filming us. I suggested he go ask, which he did. He said they were mostly noncommittal, saying that they were taping us because we were 'troublemakers.' He suggested that it was actually an attempt at intimidation." Arnie Lerma reported a protest in Washington, DC on December 2nd. "Lottah foot traffic. As a half dozen to dozen folks would line up to cross R street at Connecticut Avenue I'd start explaining to them 'Did you know that YOUR body is infested with the spirits of dead space aliens and Scientology knows how to get rid of them for only $360,000. Read all about it.' "One fellow wearing a Freewinds" shirt came out and said 'why don't you just give it up?' I said 'You haven't given up waiting for OT, if there was just one OT in Scientology we wouldn't be here. "OSA Thierry came out and took Joe Cisar's picture. They wouldn't even let their folks watch us, cause the crowd on the street was so supportive. Locals referred to it as The Martian Embassy - being near Embassy Row." Message-ID: iod30uolj41jvapffpdkad6nlvgo1tko2d@4ax.com Message-ID: 9tsqbg$fvp$1@news2.isdnet.net Message-ID: q81e0u0vqc5ogdic5t0uhpe9u8j94uomni@4ax.com Message-ID: fQL9BuDebTC8EwKS@jritson.demon.co.uk Message-ID: 3c09c8dc@news2.lightlink.com Message-ID: 3c0a6b90@news2.lightlink.com Message-ID: 3C0A8C90.4010700@fornikulture.com Message-ID: 3c0adec0.260609342@news.bellatlantic.net
Food Donations
The San Jose Mercury News reported on November 24th that Scientology is collecting food to donate to children. "Church of Scientology is seeking powdered milk, peanut butter, canned meats, tuna, cereal, soups, canned meals, fruits and fruit juices to help children stay healthy during the winter season. Food drop-offs can be made at the Church of Scientology, 80 E. Rosemary St., San Jose." Message-ID: 3c034a38.1391930@news.xs4all.nl
Switzerland
Der Tages-Anzeiger published an article on November 29th describing Scientology's response to an airplane accident in Switzerland. "Scientology is always jumping up on stage. The series of disasters in the USA and in Switzerland has animated the sect to build an operational unit by the name of 'Volunteer Ministers.' The 'Volunteer Ministers' were widely activated after the collapse of the World Trade Center and in the recent airliner crash in New York. Then the Swiss Scientologists showed up, as if someone had called them, for the Crossair accident in Switzerland on Saturday to prove their usefulness during catastrophes. "But they arrived too late. The wounded were already in the hospital and the airport's Care-Team were already long at work. Even if the Scientologists had appeared at just the right moment at the crash site, they still would have had to watch idly. 'We do not accept the Scientologists as helpers,' categorically stated Hans Baltensberger, press spokesman for the canton police. The Hubbard disciples were not only unwanted in Bassersdorf, they will be put on their way if the show up again. Rescue management at the Crossair crash had warned the Care-Team about uninvited helpers, said Baltensberger. They already had bad experiences with people who called themselves assistance personnel during an attempted murder on a train. Whether those were Scientologists or not, the police spokesman could not say. "Firefighters were not happy either about the volunteer helpers. 'They hurt more than they help,' said Willi Ehrbar in the capacity of commander of the Zurich professional firefighters. The rescue teams are set up to work with each other. Unfamiliar personnel without assigned tasks only get in the way. He said there was even a case where the volunteers fought over who got the patient. "Scientologist feel they are especially capable of helping victims of disaster. To that end, sect founder Hubbard propagated a simple method of help called a 'touch assist.' It is a sort of laying-on of hands, and Hubbard described it as a true worker of miracles. His method allegedly alleviates pain, accelerates healing, dissolves fear, and helps overcome feelings of loss. "An official of the (American) National Mental Health Association stated it bluntly after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, 'the Scientologists are using this tragedy to recruit new members.'" Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1011130201400.118A-100000@darkstar.zippy
UK
CNS News reported on November 29th that Christian organizations are opposed to a UK anti-terrorism bill that would criminalize criticizing a religion. "The Christian Institute has urged its supporters to write to members of the House of Lords to argue that the religious incitement portion of the bill is an assault on free speech. Simon Calvert, the institute's deputy director, said that adequate protection against incitement already exists under U.K. law. 'Creating a special category of victim goes against the doctrine of equal protection under the law and will harm our freedom of speech,' Calvert said by phone Thursday from the group's headquarters in the northern English city of Newcastle. "Calvert pointed to examples of a newspaper calling Scientology a cult or a Muslim imam speaking out against Israel's territorial claims as two acts that could be banned under the law. The group is also concerned that Christians could be targeted." From the Times on November 27th: "So urgent is the need for this massive piece of legislation that the Commons has been allowed only three deliberating days before Christmas. And, looking at the Bill, one can see why ministers have been Scrooges with time for scrutiny. This legislation is one of those Bills which is known as a Christmas tree measure. The Government can hang on to it any bright thing which takes its fancy. "If it is passed as it stands, this Bill will overturn the principle of habeas corpus to permit the detention of foreign nationals, on the basis of ministerial fiat. This will occur after a hearing before a tribunal never designed to decide on detention, without individuals knowing the evidence against them and with only the most limited powers of appeal. "There is no doubt that he errs in his proposals to make incitement to religious hatred a new criminal offence. It is already, and has always been, a criminal offence in common law to incite another to commit a crime. But under the proposal as outlined it will be bodies of ideas, rather than the bodies of individuals, which are protected, no matter how foolish those ideas are, how exclusive their claims or how deserving of robust criticism. The bizarre doctrines of L. Ron Hubbard's creation, Scientology, would be protected and the artistic endeavours of a genius such as Salman Rushdie open to prosecution. "This Bill is a monstrosity. It does not even contain the one change to our law which is urgently needed--effective reform of extradition procedure. Unless the illiberal, unnecessary and counter-productive measures with which it is festooned are stripped away, the Lords should tell Mr Blunkett that his Christmas tree is only fit for the fire." Message-ID: 9u7v07$k68@netaxs.com Message-ID: r0jc0ukah85vr914orhmuref832t7qlg31@4ax.com
Wichita
The Wichita Eagle reported on December 1st that an ex-Scientologist tried to have his wife killed by hiring two men to attack her in her home. "Don Michael Bannon and his wife, Kim, were denied services from the Church of Scientology in October 2000 after neither would make changes to help solve their personal problems, a church official said. On Friday, police said, Don Michael Bannon tried to have his estranged wife killed. Kim Bannon, 38, who was beaten by two men who broke into her home in the North Riverside neighborhood, suffered multiple lacerations and a fractured skull early Friday. "Don Michael Bannon, 36, was booked into jail Friday night on charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He remained at the Sedgwick County jail on a $500,000 bond Saturday. "The Bannons had sought help from the Church of Scientology in Kansas City after unsuccessful sessions with the Wichita branch, said Bennette Seaman, director of special affairs in the church's Kansas City branch. 'Occasionally you have situations of individuals that will not handle the issues in their lives,' she said. 'Unfortunately, that appears to be the case. We're just horrified that their situation escalated to the degree it is now.' "The Bannons have been married for six years, according to their personal Web pages through the www.scientology.org Web site. The personal Web sites may be up to 2 years old, said Nick Havel, Wichita executive director of the church. Posted on Don Michael Bannon's page is information about his success with Scientology: 'I'm more productive and happier than ever before. I went from a guy who wanted things to happen, to making it happen, and with conviction. Scientology saved my marriage, enabled me to handle everyday problems and become a leader who can help other people.'" Message-ID: s7hk0usl7bih1mlg9pa872hngvbd7uq5uq@4ax.com
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.
