Thank you – looking it up now and definitely will keep that in mind. (I told that to his mom also… No probing questions or undertone at this point since she doesn’t want to risk disconnection.)

In my experience it’s bad to argue or second guess your lawyers. Especially if they are paying costs ans working on contingency. You can question what’s going on, but it’s best to defer to their legal judgement. I have been in many legal battles over the years and found this to be true. IMO Rathbun seems to have blown it.

The book “Cults Inside Out” has chapters on “Coping Strategies,” “Assessment” and Scientology that can be helpful. It’s important to avoid any argument if and when there is any communication.

I have changed a lot over the years since I left the cult after reading your blogging and I have supported you on every blog I was ever part of such as Ex Scientology Message Board, The underground Bunker, Facebook, and all of the others. I followed you as you met and married your wife and had a child all the time wishing you the best success in your endeavors. I felt empathy for you when you were attacked by the PIs and the “Squirrel Busters”. From the very beginning you made it safe for people to post their disagreements and true feelings about Scientology and David Miscavige by pointing out that Scientology did not have enough resources to attack all of us. I have to admit in the beginning after watching the Truth Rundown I was afraid to comment and speak out against the beast we know as Scientology but you and Mike Rinder made it safe for me and others by taking on Scientology yourselves.

I do follow Tony Ortega and the Underground Bunker and I am thankful that it exists. I usually agree with the reports and news I read there and Ortega’s opinions. I followed the court case that you and Mosie were bringing against the Church and David Miscavige and was always happy to read of the successful actions that were occurring with it and your attorneys beating COS attorneys. I just didn’t understand why you and Mosie fired the lawyers and seemingly stopped what appeared to me to be a winning strategy against David Miscavige and the COS. Admittedly I do not know all of the facts of the case and actually it isn’t really my business but I would have liked to see you and Mosie continue your suit on Miscavige and the cult and win it big time with a huge financial reward. I can only imagine how much time and energy the two of you must have had to spend on all of this while at the same time trying to earn a living and grow in your relationships.

Thank you for everything you have done and I wish you and your family the best in the future.

PS – I’ve been reading a lot of your work lately. Sadly my “bonus son” (a close family friend I’ve helped raise) is in way deeper w/COS than he’d let on and he’s very in now. His Mom got sucked into LA Church of Christ & the follow-up version after that pastor was ousted years back, too. So thank you for ALL your research, writing, speaking, etc. I know there’s not a lot I can do right now (he’s disconnected from me as of last week) but the analyst in me feels productive learning as much as I am able so when opportunities arise I am prepared to make the most of them.

Sorry for late reply! I’m curious beyond reason…. Not my business but something is just not “right” if you will, so it’s piqued my nosiness! There is no doubt in my mind that the legal team served them well. I’m certain he tried to “steer” things and didn’t like being told no (not used to it) but that doesn’t mean they made wrong decisions, just different from how he’d have played it. And… They were winning! Sad situation all around because I don’t think being isolated and disappearing is going to go well for him. He had too much invested in being a big part of the ex-community.

I’m sorry for anyone you’ve lost yourself. I mean most of mine were because of issues stemming from TBI and PTSD from service in the Armed Forces (25 of us a day too many), but in a way it makes it tougher because they volunteered but didn’t know the real risks. No Army or Marine Corps recruiter’s going to tell you that you’re probably going to be exposed to explosive overpressure enough times that you’ll suffer irreparable damage to your brain tissues. Yes, the Navy and Air Force get exposed to it too, but only with certain jobs and not anywhere near as much with the possible exceptions of Navy EOD and Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

That’s likely why I’m so vocal in opposition to Scientology, I initially opposed it because of Lisa McPherson’s death before I even knew about the mental illness angle which infuriated me when I found out.

Mental illness is a very real thing (I have slight PTSD from an Armed Robbery/Home Invasion, the Army actually isn’t the cause of mine, plus Dysthymic Disorder but Ive had that probably my entire life and it doesn’t bother me much) and to deny treatment to people who need it is simply barbaric and unneccessary.

I’m sorry for your friends you have lost. I have lost my share, too. It’s why I get so furious over Scientologly’s (and anyone else’s) mistreatment of the mentally ill. The depression place is an awful place to be and no one should be ridiculed for it, but above all should have treatment. That’s all. (Same for schizophrenia)

I think we should take up a collection to pay Jeffries. Not just because it’s right, but because we want him to keep doing this sort of thing, and not decide it’s less aggravating to stick to writing wills and contracts.

Can’t believe people chipped in for the defense, the lawyers worked free, it was all going well, and they just spat in this guy’s face like this. Bad people. I was never happier to have Tony running this site. Wrath-burn should not be the main face of CoS opposition on the Web.

Welcome 😉