CCHR
Cybercast News Service reported on March 4th that Scientology is publicizing its battle against psychiatric drugs using celebrities. "'Why are we pouring billions of dollars in here to label kids as mental disordered simply because they may not have been taught to read?' asks Marla Filidei, vice president of the Los Angeles-based Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a group affiliated with the Church of Scientology. Filidei counts actresses Anne Archer, Priscilla Presley and Kirsty Alley as allies in the fight against giving children mood or personality-altering prescription drugs like Prozac and Ritalin. "The Citizens Commission on Human Rights 'have been generally opposed to psychiatry for some time' because of their Scientology roots, according to Dr. David Fassler, M.D., of the University of Vermont. 'There's a long history.' When it comes to diagnosing mental illness and disorders in kids, 'I actually see the opposite problem, that the majority of kids who have problems are not being diagnosed and getting the help they need,' said Fassler. 'I don't think that there are incentives in the legislation, and I don't see schools over-diagnosing kids. Medication can be very helpful and even life-saving for some children,' he added. 'But in my opinion, medication alone is rarely an appropriate treatment for these kinds of child psychiatric disorders.' "The federal law that Filidei identifies as a major part of the problem is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Since its inception in 1975, Congress has expanded the scope of the IDEA to include a broader range of disabilities, including more recent conditions like attention deficit disorder. The law requires schools to provide special education services for disabled students and sends $50 billion per year in federal tax dollars to help cover the extra cost. According to Filidei, of the 5 million plus kids who are now covered under IDEA, 3.2 million have what Filidei calls 'subjective learning disorders.' "'If no one can prove any physical abnormality within these children, you give them 'mathematics disorder,' 'learning disorder,' 'nonspecific learning disorder;' Filidei said. 'Two-point-eight million children are categorized under nonspecific learning disorder.' "Congress faces a difficult task when it takes up reauthorization of IDEA this year. The IDEA has been the subject of heated fights over the years because it has never fully funded the mandate it imposes on state and local governments. Sen. James Jeffords (I-Vt.) cited the lack of funding as one of his primary reasons for leaving the Republican Party in 2001, a decision that cost the GOP control of the Senate." CCHR has announced a new web site and the presentation of their annual awards. "Visit www.fightforkids.com. Get your video copy of CCHR International's 33rd annual Human Rights Award Banquet. See for yourself as CCHR honors three amazing individuals who have helped influence legislation and media across the nation, leading to legislative reforms such as the Connecticut law that now prohibits school personnel from coercing parents into placing their child on psychiatric drugs. The awards were presented to an investigative journalist who never backed down in her quest for the truth about psychiatry fraudulently labeling and drugging children, a mother who took this issue from the classroom of her son's school to the steps of Congress, and a doctor who took on the psychiatric industry to save children's lives and authored the best selling book, No More ADHD." The American Psychiatric Association and the drug manufacturer Novartis announced this week that the last of several Scientology-led lawsuits against them for lying about the possible benefits of Ritalin has been dropped, and one case that was dismissed is on appeal. "The plaintiffs in a New Jersey class action lawsuit filed against Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and Novartis, the manufacturer of Ritalin, quietly withdrew their lawsuit on February 5, 2002. Said Gerald Zingone, legal counsel for CHADD. 'Judge Walsh made it clear that he was highly skeptical of plaintiffs' allegations of conspiracy, and he also expressed concern that the plaintiffs' lawsuit was hampering CHADD's first amendment right to speak freely concerning Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and its treatment.' "The New Jersey lawsuit was one of five class action lawsuits filed in 2000 alleging that CHADD conspired with Novartis and the APA to improperly broaden the diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder thereby increasing Ritalin sales. Three of those lawsuits have now been voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs who filed them. The other two were dismissed by federal court judges after hearings on motions to dismiss filed by the defendants. One of those dismissals, of a case pending in California federal court, was appealed by the plaintiffs. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is set to hear argument on that appeal on March 6, 2002. "'The baseless claims against CHADD through these lawsuits have not for one minute deterred us from our mission of serving individuals with AD/HD,' said E. Clarke Ross, CHADD Chief Executive Officer. ' Now, more than ever, we stand in an even stronger position to share with the public the evidence-based, science-based information so central to CHADD's mission.'" Message-ID: vr178u0so4r055ul8coa6pqd2691feljt5@4ax.com Message-ID: a61ccj.3vve82t.1@We_put_the_bzzzzz_in_ECT.hbd7c3b5d.invalid Message-ID: 20020306173333.04661.00000036@mb-fk.aol.com
Presley / Alley
The National Enquirer reported in its March 12th issue that Scientology celebrities Lisa Marie Presley and Kirstie Alley are taking Scientology courses to help them fine compatible mates. "Feeling that they're unlucky in love, Scientologists Lisa Marie Presley and Kirstie Alley slipped away to the Church of Scientology retreat in Clearwater, Fla., to take up studies that will help them find men who are life soul mates." Message-ID: aard8u4mphjiuatqst60eb315fcep2nrv4@4ax.com
Denmark
Rob Clark reported this week that a Scientologist's personal web page described a Danish day care center as Scientology-related, contrary to descriptions last week by Scientology officials. "'My name is Virginia Lindskog, I am 27 years old and live in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am a mother of two small children, Nicklas who is 2 years old and Patrick who is 4 years old. I have just opened a kindergarten and nursery for Scientology families. We are 11 children and 3 adults as well as 2 volunteers (children range from 1 to 5 years old). We are planning to move to a bigger and better quarters to be as soon as we find them. My whole purpose right now is to expand Lillekilde (our kindergarten) so there is place for all the children who want to come in and make it a safe and happy environment for all children to be in.' "The cultists have changed the page. Now it no longer mentions the kindergarten by name." Jyllands-Posten reported on March 1st that Copenhagen city officials want to stop official support of the school. "If it is up to the officials, the Copenhagen Municipal will no longer give State aid to the integrating of the day care centre Lillekilde in Valby. In a recommendation to the political board it is now certain, that they do not think Lillekilde can live up to the guidelines of the service law and that the institution is thoroughly soaked with the methods of Scientology. "The Scientology principles run all the way through the pedagogical lessons of the children, in the dialog with parents and in the supply of courses in which the staff is participating. Without State aid from the municipal, Lillekilde will have to close down within 3 months. Christine Astrupgaard, who is the mother of a child in the institution is furious. 'If there was any doubt, that this was not about Lillekilde but about the prejudice of the municipal ownership, there could be no doubt any more,' she says. "Michael Rosenmark (V): 'I can hardly imagine that 20 couples of parents wish to send their child to an institution where something could damage the development of the child. As a starting-point I value the parents wishes more than the criticism from two pedagogical advisers,' he says. "Family and labour market mayor Bo Asmus Kjeldgaard (SF): 'We are in an awkward position, where on one side we have some parents, who like the place and on the other side we have a municipal ownership, who finds that the institution does not live up to the law. If we can reach a string of conditions by which we can get a guarantee, that Lillekilde will live up to them, then I am more positive if the institution may continue.'" Message-ID: isq58ugqo3uhjesii9fgi0tsof1cvj2kgh@4ax.com Message-ID: etq58ug4fifbv3n5tts01it6f1d3tqur9a@4ax.com Message-ID: a63dla$d1u@netaxs.com Message-ID: 3c88f4f2@news2.lightlink.com
Germany
Hamburger Morgenpost reported on March 5th and 7th that a proponent of Scientology's Narconon drug rehab program has been lying about his military career. "Henry C. Randmark. He dances at all the balls. And talks with a perfect German accent about his well-done deeds. About 'good friends,' like the crown prince family of Bismarck. About his executive job in graffiti-removal and how he scoured the Alsteranleger and the Louvre. About the time when, as a US colonel he led drug investigations in the Vietnam war. And about the medal that was bestowed upon him for that. But everything on his uniform that glitters is not gold. The most important medal he received, as 'Sir Henry' meekly commented, was given to him by accident at the cleaners. "The businessman has been president of the Hamburg Chapter of the 'American-German Business Club' since June, 2000. What the club does is not exactly known very well in this city. You cannot reach it at all by telephone. The last heard from the AGBC was a Valentine's Day invitation to the US Consulate on the Alster. The theme was combating drugs and the rehabilitation of addicts. Speaker: Chris Brightmore, former officer from Scotland Yard. "You could have knocked over many of the 100 guests with a feather once it became clear that Mr. Brightmore was advertising for Narconon. That is the 'quasi health and welfare department' of Scientology, explained Hamburg's sect commissioner, Ursula Caberta. Drug experts uniformly describe Narconon as unprofessional, dangerous and 'junk medicine.' "Randmark contests being a Scientologist. Although he was a guest at the most recent Scientology show in the Cafe Seeterrassen. Randmark makes no secret of his acquaintance with Interior Senator Schill. The businessman says he gave him financial support, as well as ideological: 'I advised in on the issue of combating drugs, because I have had rather good experience in the field,' revealed 'Sir Henry.'" "Medals that adorn his uniform from the good old days as an alleged US colonel were obviously put on there by mistake at the cleaners, he said. That's not the only crooked thing about Henry C. Randmark. A Pentagon spokesman confirmed that Randmark's uniform and decorations were entirely incorrect." "Randmark wore medals on his uniform that had never been bestowed upon him. Such as the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, for example. The Silver Star is the third highest honor awarded for bravery in the USA, and is presented only for heroic acts. The Purple Heart is given 'for Combat - Action only;' those who get it were wounded in battle. Randmark said he was a Colonel from 1968 to 1971 in the Special Forces in Vietnam. 'I was not on the front lines. I was in the drug investigation unit in Saigon.' "Randmark found a simple explanation, however, for the fact that the Silver Star appeared on the clasp for medals, 'Last year, when I brought the uniform to the cleaner's, I did it together with the military attache. Perhaps they got something mixed up. I don't know.' "Trendsetter Juergen Hartman stated, 'If the accusations prove true, Randmark is done for in Hamburg society. Those Hanseats won't let him get away with that.'" Hamburger Morgenpost reported on March 7th that Randmark has falsely identified himself as a Sky Marshal. "It was on the 11/11 Karneval flight from Palma de Mallorca to Hamburg. With a practiced American accent, Randmark told the flight attendants that he was a 'US sky marshal.' On grounds of flight security, he would have to have a seat forward. The stewardesses made arrangements for Randmark's wish. Then Randmark wanted to inspect the cockpit. The Captain refused. After the plane landed, the airline notified the US authorities. Response: 'Sir Henry' was anything but a sky marshal. Randmark will be charged. "As President of the 'American-German Business Club,' Randmark did more than have speakers chat about Scientology programs; he also shamelessly exploited the club members. One former club member told MOPO, 'He was able to have the annual meeting at the Hotel Hafen Hamburg, where the Club could eat for free. In spite of which Randmark demanded 50 marks from each member to cover expenses.'" Rheinische Post reported on March 5th that the U.S. State Department has again criticized Germany in the annual human rights report for its treatment of Scientology. "In its annual report, which it published in Washington on Monday, the State Department was especially critical of Russia for violations of human rights in Chechnia, and of China, Iran and Iraq. The German judicial system was accused of discrimination against the Scientology organization, among others. In France several cases of abuse of prisoners and excessive use of force by the police and investigative authorities were cited." Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1020307114304.141A-100000@darkstar.zippy Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1020307114344.141B-100000@darkstar.zippy Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1020307114422.141C-100000@darkstar.zippy Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1020308115240.120C-100000@darkstar.zippy Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1020309164208.112A-100000@darkstar.zippy Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.1020310112346.117A-100000@darkstar.zippy
#WISE
Prosperity Magazine for February 2002 reported news from the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises, including the opening of new facilities in Los Angeles and the establishment of a new Hubbard College in New York. "CUTTING THE RIBBON ON A NEW FUTURE - The New Hubbard College of Administration Special Grand Opening. Photos: Mrs. Peggy Hilgers, President of the Hubbard College of Administration and host for the Grand Opening. Mr. Richard G. Polanco, Senate Majority Leader of the California State Senate. Master Buddhist Kai Chien from Taiwan. Mr. Sky Dayton, founder of Earthlink. Senator (Ret.) David Roberti is presented a set of the Management Series Volumes by Mr. Fred Harris and Rev. Heber Jentzsch. Mayor Gusztav Radoczi of Gyomro, Hungary. Mr. Craig Jensen, CEO of Executive Software International. Mr. Don Drader, President WISE International presents a set of Management Series to Ms. Laurie Milam of KCAL-9 Television. Mr. Larry Gershman, six-time winner of the prestigious 'Promotion of the Year' Award and former Executive Director of Ogilvy and Mather Worldwide. "Mr. Sky Dayton, founder of Earthlink the largest independent Internet Service provider in the United States, was the first speaker. 'By diligently applying Mr. Hubbard's administrative technology; from setting my original life goals to constructing the plans and organizations to achieve them, I have been able to make my dreams a reality. The Hubbard College will graduate and endless stream of managers and administrator who know the laws of organizations and how to win the game with intelligence and integrity. This has the potential not only to change the face of business and government, but also of society' "Mr. Craig Jensen of Executive Software International said, 'The administrative technology alone created such an impact in our industry that over 1,000 people have come to tour Executive Software just to see it in action. I know this technology works - I'm living proof of it. All people have to do is learn it and apply it.' "Mr. Richard G. Polanco, Senate Majority Leader of the California State Senate said 'I am here this evening because I know that the teaching principals and curriculum offered by the Hubbard College are training today's and tomorrow's leaders with an unprecedented record of success. I am profoundly moved by the works of L. Ron Hubbard and I am taking this knowledge back with me to the Senate to put it to work for California.' "Proclamations from US congressman Xavier Beccerra and California State Assemblyman Dario Frommer were also delivered. "Ms. Peggy Hilgers then invited Ms. Priscilla Presley, representing the 23 Founding Advisory Committee members, Mr. Robert Johnson, Executive Director of the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, State Senator Mr. Richard G. Polanco, Mayor Gusztav Radoczi and Mr. Gerald Peissl, Executive Director of HCA International to the stage for the ribbon cutting. "Almost 16 million people live in the greater New York area. The repercussions of Sept 11 have taken a widespread toll. The response from WISE was swift with the establishment of a new Hubbard College of Administration New York! An economic disaster recovery seminar entitled: 'New York: Back in Business' was held, echoing the calls of the Mayor of New York and US President for New Yorkers to return to their jobs and become active. President of the Prosperity Corp., Harvey Schmeideke, arrived from Los Angeles, while WISE Regional I/C Karen Berg flew in from Washington DC. They immediately began preparations for the seminar which included an in-depth study of the local scene. "A location for the Hubbard College New York was secured on WEST 24th Street in Chelsea by WISE member Lee Hopp. Upon arriving at the new premises for the Hubbard College a neighbor noted: 'Oh, you're here to help the local businesses. We really need it.' "Thousands of fliers were distributed promoting the local event; call in carried on through the day and into the night. Local opinion leaders were contacted and invited. Veteran disseminator Lynn Irons arrived from Clearwater, with consultant Jeff Lee. Jay Spina, Harvey Schmiedeke and Lynn Irons did the delivery for this first seminar which was at the Marriott Marquis on Broadway. Feedback was excellent with public signed up for courses and many prospective students found. "As Lynn Irons put it 'There are no real barriers to dissemination, as I have found out by working all over the world. there is only our considerations, our own limits on our reach. Engaging in these fourth dynamic activities is a life-changing experience, guaranteed to extrovert you and put you in comm with your fourth dynamic and get you contributing.'" Message-ID: 3a5c00ceb631821c92917324819a9204@remailer.segfault.net
India
A Scientology flier is soliciting donations for expansion into India. "Last year, Scientology pioneers were invited to take part in one of the largest religious celebrations in the province of Mysore, India. The invitation was initiated by a very influential religious leader who after having viewed the Orientation film and purchasing several Scientology books, wanted to have Scientology disseminated to his people in India. Referred to as 'His Holiness,' this religious leader influences over 10 million people in relation to their religious and secular lives. The result of this visit was nothing less than spectacular, with over 200,000 Indians introduced to Scientology and over 30,000 people toured through the LRH Life Exhibition. "Through January and early February 2002, 'His Holiness' is hosting two religious events expected to draw half a million participants. We have again been invited to attend and introduce Scientology to his people. In attendance will be several other influential religious leaders from India, religious scholars, monks, officials, political representatives and hundreds of thousands of followers of Hinduism. In addition to seminars and lectures that Scientologists will be delivering, the LRH Life Exhibition will begin touring India on a permanent basis. "Our Sea Org delegation, who will be traveling to India to attend this events, need lots of LRH materials to present to this religious leaders and hundreds of thousands of attendees. With your donations to this project, you will be directly helping to get people into Scientology at a faster rate than ever and expand Scientology's reach in a country where we encounter no psychs or psych-drugs and where people are already on a higher spiritual plateau." Message-ID: a62t2c$jna$2@news2.isdnet.net
Kyrgyzstan
The BBC reported on March 5th on the state of religious freedom in Kyrgyzstan. "There are officially 1,338 mosques in Kyrgyzstan, 43 Orthodox parishes and a rising number of Western Christian organizations, quoting the head of the State Commission on Religious Affairs, Omurzak Mamayusupov. There are also two nontraditional faiths active in Kyrgyzstan - the Church of Scientology and the followers of Rev Moon, sometimes called the Moonies. Mamayusupov also said that Kyrgyzstan enjoyed favourable conditions in terms of religious freedom. "From the text of the report by Kyrgyz newspaper Vecherniy Bishkek on 3 March entitled 'There is no prophet in our fatherland:' "Two nontraditional faiths are also practised in the country, even though they are not welcomed in many other countries. They are the Church of Scientology and a community of Rev Moon that are operating in Bishkek using several public organizations as a covers." Message-ID: a65isb$l00@netaxs.com
Tom Padgett
Former Scientologist Tom Padgett reported this week that the appeal of his conviction in Kentucky family court has been overturned. "The appeal of the Scientology backed felony conviction of Thomas C. Padgett of Massachusetts was overturned in the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Tom Padgett is no longer a convicted felon. The Scientologist mother who was the ONLY complaining witness in this criminal indictment case that advanced to a conviction without a jury trial, can no longer tell her children that their father is a convicted criminal to drown them in more cult thought reform efforts." Message-ID: af7713bf.0203081243.6fd1f9d2@posting.google.com
Slovakia
TASR reported on March 5th that the U.S. State Department human rights report criticized Slovakia for its treatment of Scientology. "The Slovak government respected human rights in general last year, the US State Department says in an annual report. But although there was improvement in some areas, problems remained in others, says the report. The constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this in practice. The government monitors religious cults and sects, although, in general, does not interfere with them. However, last year the government put pressure on the Church of Scientology and its members, and media carried several stories criticizing companies with links to scientology. "The report also notes as a continuing problem violence and discrimination against women, and cites cases of child abuse and discrimination against disabled people. There was several anti-Semitic incidents, and ethnic minorities, in particular Roma, face social discrimination. Trafficking in women and children is also noted, especially among the Roma minority." Message-ID: a65ipm$l00@netaxs.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.
