AUDIO: Scientology fundraising throws in a little conspiracy-mongering for effect

New York City school infiltrator, NYPD gladhander, Queens dentist, and Scientology Freedom Medal winner Dr. Bernard Fialkoff just never rests.

We’ve been following his antics for more than five years now, and we have to give him credit for the energy he pours into spreading L. Ron Hubbard’s quack drug-abuse propaganda in the Big Apple’s schools and with the help of New York police and politicians who are too busy, apparently, to look up what Dr. Ben is really on about.

Maybe this recording will clue them in a little.

Fialkoff pretends for New York officials that he promotes a legitimate anti-drug abuse program and not a sneaky front operation for the Church of Scientology. After all, what would a legit anti-drug warrior be doing leading a straight up Scientology fundraiser, right?

Hello, Buffalo! This is Dr. Ben Fialkoff, IAS Freedom Medal Winner, I’m coming to your org on the 17th of November for your IAS event. I’m sure that you or someone that you love has been adversely affected by the drug situation currently plaguing this planet. I’m going to tell you the WHO behind the drug epidemic. I’m going to tell you what they’re planning, but most importantly we’re going to go over our solution. I look forward to meeting you all at the IAS event on the 17th of November at 6 pm. See you there!

We don’t expect this recording to make much difference to the willing dupes at the NYPD and the city’s schools who love receiving awards from the Fialkoffs for being anti-drug “heroes.”

But maybe one or two will get the message: Ben Fialkoff is going to Buffalo to spread some nutty conspiracy about the ‘who’ behind drug abuse in order to help the Buffalo org convince more members to turn over their life savings to fund Scientology’s billion-dollar slush fund, the International Association of Scientologists (IAS).

Thank you to the tipster who forwarded us this message. It reinforces what we’ve been saying for years. And maybe some supposedly smart New Yorkers will finally begin to get the picture.

 
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Michigan Catholic couple engage in Twitter convo about their Narconon plans

In yesterday’s story, Rod Keller explained that a Michigan Catholic couple, Greg and Lori Hetzer, put up a Narconon sign outside their house to welcome Narconon representatives as they plan to turn their large home into a drug rehab. But their zoning permit application was turned down, and it was unclear if the rehab had started taking patients. Rod pointed out, however, that it appears that Narconon is training people for the new facility, and the Birch Run couple will probably try again for a permit.

Then, Greg Hetzer himself reacted to the story by tweeting at your proprietor last night. We thought you might want to see the full back and forth that resulted.

 
Greg Hetzer: I’m ever indebted to Narconon fresh state it gave my catholic son another chance at life !! I dropped to my knees and look up and said !! FATHER !! show me the way !! And 24 hours later my son was in Warner springs California attending fresh start a all natural detox family home

The Bunker: Then you know that Narconon doesn’t deliver drug counseling (as it promises) but instead offers Scientology training. Why the deception? Why not be upfront to parents?

Greg Hetzer: Tony my friend how it is and how it was and how it is to be is today !! How we handle this drug crisis is going to determined as a nation and a community and civilization if we survive !! unity trust and love for one another is important !! I’m just telling my experience only !!

The Bunker: Nice dodge. Now that you’re getting in bed with Narconon, are you going to be honest with prospective clients and admit that the program is based on Scientology training materials?

Lori Hetzer: Hi Tony.. this is Lori Hetzer I’m not on twitter but just wanted to answer your question. Narconon does have counseling. They also have a life skills course which teaches you how to live in this world.. sober.. it is an amazing rehab and it saved my sons life and thousand others.

The Bunker: So why not be upfront and tell prospective clients that these “life skills” — such as yelling at an ashtray — is precisely the same exercises that Scientologists do in a Scientology church? Why the deception?

Lori Hetzer: There is no religious affiliation pushed on anyone. They have transportation for the church of your choice. I have read all the negative things online and they are just not true. Different people need different types of ways to be sober.. but in my opinion this is the best

The Bunker: Another dodge. Narconon is a Scientology program, it uses Scientology training routines, and it sends money to the Church of Scientology. Patients are never told this going in. Why not?

Lori Hetzer: They have places for detox with drs and nurses on site. My son was in a different location during that time and then went to Freshstart. They in no way allow you to detox without medical assistance.

The Bunker: And yet their Oklahoma facility had three deaths in a nine month period, in part because there is no medical personnel at a Narconon facility itself, even though parents are told that there are. What will you tell parents?

Lori Hetzer: Not dodging anything.. absolutely those ideas on addiction are from Ron L Hubbard. No one has ever denied that to my family. But the ideas people have that they push people into Scientology is not true.. my son is a better Christian because of this place.

The Bunker: So what do you make of the fact that L. Ron Hubbard said in 1968 — on tape — “There was no Christ.” And that Scientology proposes to make gods of its members? How does that jibe with your outlook? Again, will you tell patients Narconon’s program is based on Scientology training?

Lori Hetzer: It’s ok that you don’t believe me.. the people I have met and myself just want to save lives from this horrible drug epidemic. As a Christian I don’t judge others religion even if I don’t agree with them. I just look at their heart and compassion for others

The Bunker: People who sue Narconon consistently say the same three things — they weren’t told it was Scientology, they were promised drug counseling and got Scientology itself, and they were told medical personnel would be on hand, and wasn’t. What will you tell parents?

Lori Hetzer: Never said I believed in an alternate religion.. I believe Christ is my savior period!! Even though all the people I have met that work there are Christian also. Only 20percent of people that work for Narconon are Scientologist. But Christ also says thou shall not judge.

The Bunker: Just curious, what did Narconon International tell you it is prepared to do to overcome opposition by local officials? Were you unaware that the Narconon brand has become toxic in the last few years after numerous patient deaths and dozens of lawsuits?

Lori Hetzer: I will show them Christ’s love by being Christlike and not being cruel and judgmental. That is how you lead others to Him

The Bunker: When a patient, however, asks you the justification for why the Narconon program asks them to instruct an ashtray to levitate, will you admit that this is actually a part of the Scientology ‘religion’?

Lori Hetzer: I will tell their parents the truth.. as I was told. It is based on L Ron Hubbard’s teaching on addiction. There is drug counseling!! And medical personnel. I’m sorry but I experienced it firsthand.

The Bunker: I guess we’ll find out if you submit more materials for a local permit. Your first application didn’t mention Scientology at all. How forthcoming of you.

Lori Hetzer: My son claims the only people there that were negative were the ones who weren’t ready to change their lives. 90pct of the people there with him are well functioning adults today and he keeps in touch with many of them. He now owns his own business bought a home and is engaged

The Bunker: Again, if it works so well, why not be up front about the Scientology connection? Why wouldn’t you say on your application that you’ll be sending licensing fees to the Church of Scientology? Why aren’t patients told BEFORE they enroll?

Lori Hetzer: Each center is independently owned and http://operated.no license fees go to church of Scientology. Who isn’t upfront?? I knew before I flew my son 2,000 miles away that it was based on the beliefs of LRonHubidea of addiction but other than that had no religious affiliation

The Bunker: Are you denying that your facility will be paying licensing fees to Narconon International/ABLE? Are you unaware or simply not telling the truth that these are wholly owned subsidiaries of Scientology?

Lori Hetzer: I will tell their parents the truth.. as I was told. It is based on L Ron Hubbard’s teaching on addiction. There is drug counseling!! And medical personnel. I’m sorry but I experienced it firsthand.

The Bunker: Stacy Murphy died because there was no medical personnel at Narconon Arrowhead. Patrick Desmond died because there was no medical personnel at Narconon Georgia. Will your Narconon really the first with a doctor on hand?

Lori Hetzer: Why would I have to mention Scientology?It’s called Narconon and if you look it up which I’m sure all concerned parents do there it is in black and white. So if I open a business but I’m catholic do I put on application that it’s a catholic business even though it’s nonreligious

The Bunker: You think parents might not like to know that the 9 booklets in the Narconon program are taken entirely from Scientology ‘religious’ practices? Would a Bible-based rehab try to keep secret that it was using Bible verses in its program?

Lori Hetzer: I’m sorry you feel this wayI’m trying to be as forthcoming as I canI’m just telling you what I have seen and learned firsthandNot sure if you have dealt with addiction but it’s not easy and Narconon was the best choice for my son doesn’t mean it is for everyone but why the anger

The Bunker: I’d like to see you ask that of Stacy Murphy’s parents. Or Gabriel Graves’. Or Patrick Desmonds. But Scientology paid them all to keep quiet after their children died at Narconon facilities. Oh well.

Lori Hetzer: I am listening.. just also replying. He is getting his info from the internet. I’m getting mine from experience

The Bunker: Actually, it’s the other way around. The Internet gets a lot of its info from my website. Because I have actually talked to attorneys who represented dead Narconon patients, and their families. And I have the documents.

Lori Hetzer: Unfortunately people die from addiction.. it’s horrible! If you look up other rehabs it’s the same. I definitely don’t agree with the “oh well”

The Bunker: So when will you be submitting your new application for a permit? And has Narconon International supplied you with a lawyer to help out yet?

Lori Hetzer: She died from an overdose from oxymorphone after she went for a home visit then came back. This is very sad. We visited with our son and he was allowed to leave with us for the day. We could tell he was over that hump so we took him for the day but we also was cautious

The Bunker: She died because she had an overdose inside a Narconon facility and they had no one there qualified to treat her. As in other Narconon rehabs, there is no medical personnel on hand. Are you, like other Narconons, going to lie and say you have medical personnel on the premises?

Lori Hetzer: Also Patrick’s was an overdose..my sons biggest complaint was how they check your belongings and the privacy factor.. but as you see with these cases it has to be done but unfortunately it’s not foolproof

The Bunker: In Patrick’s case, Narconon Georgia was running an illegal residential program after lying to a Florida judge about it. Also, drug use was rife inside the Narconon, just as it has been alleged in dozens of lawsuits. Why does Narconon have such a problem with telling the truth?

Lori Hetzer: Unfortunately people die from addiction.. it’s horrible! If you look up other rehabs it’s the same. I definitely don’t agree with the “oh well”

The Bunker: “She died. People die.” Funny how much you sound like David Miscavige here, talking about Lisa McPherson. You might want to look that up to, as long as you’re Googling.

Lori Hetzer: Because I know it works for addiction. I know people that have went to sacred heart in midmichigan and went back several times and still addicted. The same with state ran facilities. Narconon has a high success rate. They are going for their addiction to drugs not religion

The Bunker: Actually, we have court documents showing that Narconon International’s own attorney advised them to stop saying they have a high success rate because it’s not true. I can send you a copy if you’d like.

Lori Hetzer: Don’t need one..my son talks to many of them who are successful. Now I’m starting to feel argumentative and I am not that type of person. I’m just telling the truth and I’m not sure why you are so against a facility that wants to save lives.. but that’s ok.

The Bunker: So when will you be applying for a new permit with local authorities, and is Narconon International lending you a lawyer to help with it?

Lori Hetzer: People do die from addiction!! It’s a fact!! That is why I want to help people get off of these evil drugs!! What are you doing to try and help?? Anything?? This is the worst epidemic in history and is only going to get worse!! Let’s not judge other people who are trying to help

The Bunker: But why is Narconon incapable of operating without being deceptive? If its motives are pure, why lie about its connection to Scientology, about having medical personnel on hand, and about the nature of the counseling? And why shouldn’t your neighbors be concerned about that?

Lori Hetzer: I know I’m telling the truth and so is my son that’s all I can say Tony

The Bunker: And yet your first application for a permit didn’t mention Narconon or Scientology. Why not be more forthcoming if you’re telling the truth?

Lori Hetzer: I don’t believe they are deceptive. As soon as you look on a Narconon site it says it is based on LRonHubbard.they do have medical personnel on hand but you have to understand they come there after detox and there is no medicine on site

The Bunker: You’re being pretty deceptive here. At a Narconon facility itself (not a medical detox facility, which is something else) there is NO medical personnel. And yet, in dozens of lawsuits, parents alleged they were told the opposite, that nurses and doctors would be on hand.

Lori Hetzer: And no I don’t believe neighbors should be concerned.We sit a half mile off-road surrounded by trees there is 24 hour security and they do not accept any court ordered drug offenders.which is another reason I sent my son. Most people there want help and not there cause a judgesay

The Bunker: Trout Run in Maryland and the planned rehabs in Australia were also very remote — but were stopped by local opposition. I think you will soon learn how popular the Narconon brand is in Michigan.

 
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Scientology’s celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs’ — now with comments!

We’re building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs.’ We’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them, in order to build a record and maintain a watch as Scientology continues its inexorable decline — and yes, we finally have comments working on these new pages! Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.

Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!

Today’s Ideal Advanced Org: Chatswood (Sydney), Australia!

 
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Now on sale: Twice the Miss Lovely!

 
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. What a pleasure it is for us to work with her on this after we wrote about her ordeal as a victim of Scientology’s “Fair Game” campaigns in our 2015 book, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, which is also on sale in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions.

 
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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Tonight on ‘Leah Remini’: Scientology’s front groups, including Narconon, get a special look
[TWO years ago] Leah Remini schools us on what motivates Scientologists to toe the line
[THREE years ago] Countdown to Room 174: Remembering, in real time, Scientology’s grimmest scandal
[FOUR years ago] Scientology Photoshopping: Erasing L. Ron Hubbard’s second wife from ‘The RON Series’
[FIVE years ago] Bruce Hines Joins Us As Claire Headley Keeps Us Moving Through Scientology’s OT Levels!
[SIX years ago] Scientology Desperately Wants Your Children: The Cruise Ship Come-On

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 12, 2018 at 07:00

E-mail tips and story ideas to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We post behind-the-scenes updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our book, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2017 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Undergound Bunker (2012-2017), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Learn about Scientology with our numerous series with experts…

BLOGGING DIANETICS: We read Scientology’s founding text cover to cover with the help of L.A. attorney and former church member Vance Woodward
UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists
GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice
SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts

Other links: Shelly Miscavige, ten years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

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