Cult News

In a precedent setting decision The Court of Appeal in the Hague overturned lower court rulings and cleared the way for an Internet database in Holland to continue to make public “secret Scientology documents” reports The Register.

Karin Spaink of Amsterdam was sued by Scientology for allegedly violating its copyright by posting supposedly protected material on her website.

But Spaink’s site is now “legally approved” and beyond the grasp of Scientology’s lawyers.

This represents a major defeat for Scientology.

Historically, the controversial church has experienced many setbacks in Europe.

So anyone interested in reading the so-called “secret” teachings of Scientology need not pay the church for the privilege, nor endure its often long, tedious and expensive process of instruction.

Instead of paying for pricey courses like Tom Cruise or John Travolta you can find out about Scientology’s basic beliefs for free, by simply visiting Spaink’s website.

Apparently Scientology wanted to keep its basic foundational religious beliefs behind closed doors.

This does seem a bit strange for a purported “religion,” and appears to be the equivalent of Christians hiding the New Testament and refusing to disclose the role of Jesus within Christianity.

Spaink says, “Scientology does not want their followers to know what’s in store for them.”

Why would Scientology want to keep its salvation plan a secret?

Doesn’t the truth set you free?

Stories about vast unknown conspiracies that involve CIA operatives and criminal underground societies, seem more like tired themes for formula films, rather than a subject for serious discussion.

However, as summer ended in New England such subjects became the focus of a conference staged by “abuse survivors” at a hotel in Hartford, Connecticut.

Narratives about secretive Satanists were everywhere at the gathering sponsored by S.M.A.R.T. (Stop Mind-Control and Ritual Torture).

Maybe Scott Peterson’s lawyers should have attended to take notes, which might help fuel their speculation concerning the alleged “cult” they say may have taken the life of Laci Peterson and her unborn child.

Anecdotal stories abounded everywhere at the conference with various villains. Besides the usual Satanic suspects there were accusations against Freemasons, secret CIA programs and the so-called “Illuminati.”

This event was reported with a dose of much needed skepticism by the Hartford Advocate.

“I was going to be part of their satanic world-domination plan,” said one self-proclaimed “survivor.”

“My father handed me over to the cult; I was like his gift,” explained an attendee.

“We were brainwashed by the cult and made to kill firstborn children,” claimed another.

Why were all these victims together in Hartford rather than within a witness protection program?

“Sharing like this is the best way to rid ourselves of…toxic memories,” stated the conference organizer. And of course there are always conference fees, not to mention books and tapes for sale at such events.

Being a “survivor” can become a kind of cottage industry for some.

And for those that think this is funny and comparable to a group of UFO believers waiting for their next “abduction,” think again.

People have suffered, but not from supposed “satanic ritual abuse.” Some stories told by “survivors” have led to false charges and criminal prosecutions that destroyed lives.

This includes witch-hunts like the McMartin pre-school case in California. Taxpayers spent $15 million dollars to find out there was no Satanic abuse at the school, but it ruined the McMartin family.

And there was an alleged “sex ring” in Wenatchee, Washington that was ultimately proven to be bogus after multiple arrests of innocent residents.

Even a police officer was falsely accused in Canada. He was eventually cleared and paid a large settlement for his suffering.

These are the real survivors, falsely accused and damaged by spurious charges and prosecutions.

The FBI once investigated claims of human sacrifice and a network of criminal Satanists. But a report concluded there was no objective physical evidence to substantiate anything.

So why do people want to believe such nonsense and play the role of “survivors”?

According to respected researcher Elizabeth Loftus it’s an “explanation for everything wrong in their lives.”

The noted psychologist sees conferences like the one SMART recently convened as an opportunity to “get together…reinforce each other…give each other a sense of importance.”

And the stories of “survivors” appear to confirm this.

Often their tales put them at the center of some vast and evil conspiracy; its central character, hero or heroine, somehow essential to the plot.

But in the end even those that spin such stories fail to see their own authentic suffering and real situation.

Obviously they are in need of ethical and constructive counseling from objective mental health professionals. But many instead rely upon “repressed” or “recovered” memory therapy and are often estranged from their families.

They “stay unwell and never get help” lamented Loftus.

Revelations about Scientology stars potentially signing away their basic human rights for religious rites at their church is spreading.

Now NBC News in the “Windy City” has picked up the story.

The Chicago station cited controversial contracts that reportedly prohibit “‘any psychiatrist, medical person, designated member of the state or family member'” from placing any stars that may sign in a hospital or psychiatric facility.”

Instead Scientologists that sign the documents “subject themselves to church rituals that may prohibit them from visiting family members and friends.”

Should this be considered the ultimate “cult” contract?

The story about Scientology and its rather scary documents or release forms, that members are apparently expected to sign, has hit New York.

The New York Post headline reads “Scientology: No Rights Please.”

The Post examines the content of Scientology’s recently revised and exposed contracts, which appear to trade civil rights for religious rites, or what the controversial church often called a “cult” prefers to label “spiritual assistance.”

Dr. David Touretzky of Carnegie Mellon University first exposed this paperwork on the Internet. And now everyone can see what Scientology celebs like Tom Cruise and John Travolta may be giving up for their faith.

Melvin Sembler, a historic Bush buddy, big donor to the family’s political campaigns and subsequently twice appointed as an ambassador by Bush administrations, is not a happy fellow reports the St. Petersburg Times.

A man went through Ambassador Sembler’s garbage and found a pump apparently once used to help him function sexually. It’s a kind of penis pump to assist the ambassador in achieving and/or maintaining an erection.

Dumpster diver and activist Richard Bradbury is a former member of the now defunct drug rehab program called Straight, which was once enthusiastically promoted and sponsored by Sembler and wife.

Straight was eventually shut down amidst an avalanche of bad press and lawsuits. Some former members claimed the program engaged in cult-like “brainwashing.”

Bradbury in an apparent attempt to humiliate Sembler publicly put the ambassador’s penis pump up for auction on eBay.

The former Straight devotee said he was horribly victimized within the residential treatment program.

It seems that Sembler will never shake off the stink of Straight no matter what he does.

But a judge has ordered the alleged stalker to back off and give the ambassador back his penis pump.

However, Melvin Sembler will never be able to pump Straight back up. Nor can he erase the nightmares endured by Straight’s many victims or the legacy of infamy left in its wake.

Note: For more information about Sembler and Straight see Wes Fager’s website The Straights.com.

Convicted murderer and fanatical anti-abortion extremist Paul Hill was executed yesterday reported Newsday.

Hill was the first anti-abortion zealot to be executed in United States history.

The man who murdered a doctor and an abortion clinic escort with a shotgun in 1994 saw himself as a martyr and died unrepentant.

However, despite his delusions Hill will no doubt go down in history as a killer and fanatic.

David Trosch another zealot seemingly cast from the same mix of religious fanaticism that molded the mind of the executed murderer was still ranting.

Trosch told a reporter, “What Paul Hill did was absolutely justified. It was not murder. It was taking the life of a murderer who intended to commit further murders.”

Attorney General Janet Reno once named Trosch and his hero Hill as two of the most dangerous radical anti-abortionists in the US.

That list turned out to be prophetic.

Another man identified by Reno was Matthew Trewhella, who once headed “Missionaries to the pre-born” in Wisconsin.

Perhaps the execution of Paul Hill like that of another self-styled martyr Oklahoma bomber Timothy McVeigh, will be a message to the radical fringe that spawned him.

Crimes committed in the name of God will not go unpunished. And such fanatics can expect similar consideration in sentencing as other convicted criminals.

Since the capture, conviction and execution of Timothy McVeigh many radical anti-government groups called “militias” have dwindled and even disbanded.

Hopefully Hill’s execution represents a climactic point for anti-abortion violence and terror.

Today Fox News picked up the story about bizarre new release forms Scientology has started using in an apparent effort to stave off future lawsuits and liability.

“Tom Cruise claims to have been dyslexic…Let’s hope that he can read the fine print…” quips Fox reporter Roger Freidman.

It seems Scientology expects its members to relinquish some of their civil rights and rights to privacy in exchange for “spiritual assistance.”

Rights for rites?

A Scientology spokesperson offered few details to Fox News other than the usual polemic about the practice of psychiatry, which the group attacks religiously.

However, it is important to note that the designated spokesperson also made no denial about the purpose of the reported “contract[s]” and/or their specific provisions.

So does this mean that Travolta, Cruise and other Scientology celebs are routinely signing off on such papers to afford their church a legal prophylactic before it has intercourse with them?

Or is this just something that grunts and common members sign off on before the church possibly screws them up, like it allegedly did Lisa McPherson?

No comment yet from either the Travolta or Cruise camps.

Potentially embarrassing documents from within Scientology have found their way onto the Internet.

Recently revised release forms offer a startling look at how those involved in Scientology may be signing away basic human rights to obtain “spiritual assistance” from the controversial church often called a “cult.”

A form that must be signed by Scientologists seeking advanced training states they are “not eligible for spiritual assistance unless [they] sign [a] contract…[and]…forever [give] up [the] right to sue the church, its staff…for any injury or damage suffered in any way connected with…Scientology.”

So it seems that Scientologist superstars like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and wealthy patrons such as Lisa Marie Presley may be signing away rights most citizens within free countries take for granted.

A document titled “Agreement and General Release Regarding Spiritual Assistance” states; “Others may think that I need psychiatric treatment…I instead desire to receive Scientology spiritual assistance…”

The same release form prohibits “any psychiatrist, medical person, designated member of the state or family member” from placing the Scientologist that signs into a hospital or facility for psychiatric treatment under any circumstances. And explicitly authorizes Scientology to “intercede” if they do.

So if Cruise, Travolta or Presley crack up or have a breakdown Scientology is apparently their only hope for comfort and/or care. And of course this would seemingly apply to regular members too.

What “spiritual assistance” would Scientology likely provide to replace professional psychiatric care under such circumstances? They have something called “The Introspection Rundown.”

According to Scientology the “rundown” is “an intensive, rigorous Religious Service that includes being isolated from all sources of potential spiritual upset, including but not limited to family members, friends or others…” The subject is then [surrounded and supervised by] “Church members…24 hours a day at the direction of [a] Case Supervisor [who will]…determine the time period [the subject]…will remain isolated.”

Each Scientologist who signs the newly revised release form now accepts “without reservation, and without condition…all known and unknown risks of injury, loss, or damage…and specifically absolve[s] all persons and entities from all liabilities of any kind, without limitation, associated with…participation or their participation in [the] Introspection Rundown.”

Sounds like Scientology has found a pretty good legal prophylactic for having intercourse with its members.

Presently Scientology is now being sued for the wrongful death of Lisa McPherson, who allegedly died in the midst of an “Introspection Rundown,” after an apparent mental breakdown.

It is just such legal fallout from its “spiritual assistance” that seems worry Scientology.

The controversial church also keeps files on all its members, which can be a nuisance when lawyers are in the process of discovery or officials conduct investigations. These files include every member from John Travolta to its full-time workers in what is called the “Sea Org.”

In another document recently made public titled “Agreement Regarding Confidential Religious Files” Scientology once again seems concerned with covering its backside regarding potential legal problems.

This revised release form pertains to “folders containing its notations [regarding]…spiritual progress, known as a ‘Preclear Folder’ or ‘PC folder.'”

Scientologists are now apparently obliged to “specifically acknowledge and agree that…PC Folders…are the sole and exclusive property of Church of Scientology International.”

Each person that signs this release further acknowledges that their “PC folder,” which often contains deeply personal and otherwise private information obtained through counseling sessions Scientology calls “auditing,” is ” not mine.” And that they subsequently “…have no legal, ecclesiastical or other rights whatsoever with respect to them.”

According to Scientology the “disclosure” of what is written up within these “folders and files…would be spiritually damaging” to the subject “not only in this lifetime, but in future lifetimes as well.’

Historically, Scientology’s Sea Org members have signed “billion year contracts,” obligating them beyond this life and for future incarnations to the organization. A strange twist combining a belief in reincarnation with Scientology’s own rather rigid work ethic.

The issue of the files is so important that the controversial church expects its members to “forever abandon, surrender, waive, and relinquish without limitation any and all rights of ownership, possession, custody, control, access, copying, and viewing of my PC folder or Folders.”

That “abandonment…is unconditional and irrevocable and applies equally to anyone acting or purporting to be acting on my behalf or for my benefit, whether…alive or dead [like Lisa McPherson]…disabled or incapacitated, and under any and all circumstances foreseen or unforeseen, in perpetuity, without exception or limitation.”

This comprehensive document appears designed to preempt any lawyer or public official from meaningful discovery regarding its member’s files, even posthumously.

The form states; “Anyone acting or purporting to be acting on my behalf or for my benefit ever seek access to any of my PC Folders…this Contract…a complete and sufficient basis for the immediate denial of whatever access is being sought…”

Watch out Tom Cruise. Anything you say to Scientology may be used against you. And if you sign this form it becomes the exclusive property of Scientology forever.

These revealing release forms have come to light through Dr. David Touretzky, a research professor in the Computer Science Department and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition at Carnegie Mellon University.

Touretzky’s area of expertise is computational neuroscience, which means he uses computers to study how the brain works.

But since 1995 the professor has also devoted considerable time to the issue of free speech on the Internet and often focused upon efforts by Scientology to squelch such freedoms.

Touretzky maintains a website filled with information about Scientology.

What rights does Scientology now want to squelch regarding its own membership?

What basic rights have Scientology stars and celebrities signed away?

Have Scientologists around the world relinquished human rights as a requirement for membership in Scientology?

A newborn child died needlessly from an infection that apparently could have easily been dealt with through antibiotics.

The unfortunate infant had parents who are members of the General Assembly Church of the First Born, a controversial group that teaches its members to avoid doctors and eschew medical care.

It seems the couple stood by as their child suffered and died.

Parents in groups like this have been prosecuted and laws were enacted in Colorado specifically regarding this issue to avoid further tragedies.

But it appears that in Indiana such fanatics are safe and may be allowed to essentially kill their children.

Indiana’s child neglect law “allows parents to provide prayer instead of medicine” reports WISH TV.

However, the question still remains, are these parents guilty of infanticide?

And if the laws of Indiana don’t protect children subjected to such seemingly wanton and criminal neglect shouldn’t the law be changed?

Increasingly it is becoming apparent that nothing ever really changes in the land that Brigham built.

Despite demographics that show Salt Lake City (SLC) is becoming less Mormon, the Mormon Church (LDS) essentially still dominates everything.

Forget that contrived image created for the Summer Olympics by LDS leaders through a slick public relations campaign. They wanted tourists to believe that their city was somehow a modern cosmopolitan place, a pluralistic experiment within largely ethnocentric Utah.

The first proof of this false image came when LDS stamped out free speech for dissenters around its historic temple in downtown Salt Lake.

More cracks in the Mormon PR façade are now showing as the church makes clear it has its own master plan for SLC, even when it comes to shopping.

The Mormon Church is now defining Salt Lake City’s Planning Commission policy regarding anchor stores proposed for a new shopping plaza reports the Salt Lake City Tribune.

Maybe it is God’s will that city residents should not have a Nordstrom or Target?

The same LDS attorney who cut the deal with the city to silence free speech around Temple Square is now busy working the latest church demands concerning potential shopping destinations.

It seems the Mormon Church has a salvation plan, even when it comes to shoppers.

SLC Mayor Rocky Anderson has already learned the hard way that bucking LDS is an easy way to lose your job. And so he is dutifully waiting to receive the latest LDS commandments from on high.

However, one developer said these latest church edicts are “going to send a chilling message to retailers across the country” about coming to Salt Lake City.

But LDS doesn’t seem to care if the city’s shoppers lose out.

The salient point is simple; the Mormon Church rules SLC. And if you don’t do things its way, there’s always the highway out of town.