May 1991. You Scientology historians know what a crossroads that was for the organization built on the ideas of L. Ron Hubbard.
Hubbard himself had died five years earlier, and in that time the new leader, David Miscavige, had consolidated his control. But also in those years after Hubbard’s death a marketing campaign for Dianetics (remember the erupting volcano TV ads?) had taken Scientology perhaps to its greatest extent, to about 100,000 members worldwide, former top execs tell us. (Scientology has never had the “millions” it claims).
By May 1991 Miscavige was firmly in control, membership was at its height, and the years-long war with the IRS was wearing down the agency and nearing its victorious conclusion for the church.
But it was also on May 6, 1991 that a bomb hit Scientology: The Time magazine cover story by Richard Behar that called Scientology a “thriving cult of greed and power.”
It was a body blow that in some ways Scientology has never really recovered from. Today, the organization is just a shell of what it once was, with a worldwide membership of only maybe 20,000, staffing problems at orgs, and near constant drubbings in the media.
But that long slow decline lay in the future. That May, a video was produced for Scientologists (not the general public) about a briefing held at the Fort Harrison Hotel, Scientology’s holiest spot, and featuring Ray Mithoff, Scientology’s Inspector General for Technical. In that briefing, he announced that under the direction of Miscavige, Hubbard’s original writings had been consulted in order to produce a new, more pure set of materials for three of the highest, secret auditing levels, Operating Thetan Level Five, Six, and Seven.
The hotel’s ballroom was stuffed full with Scientology OTs to hear the briefing, and we couldn’t help noticing lovely Tory Christman sitting in the front row (and making the most noise!).
And not only the size of the crowd marks it as a thing of the past. We were also struck by Mithoff’s plodding style and how dull this video is. Miscavige would abandon that for a zippier style you see in later videos, with a more driving soundtrack.
This thing crawls, and for that reason we’ve broken it in two parts. Today, you’ll get Mithoff on OT 5 and the success stories he reads to the audience. (Heaven help us.) In part two you’ll get to hear the secrets of OT 6 and 7, and some testimonials from OTs themselves, including an adorable Tory.
We’re especially interested in what our oldtimers can tell us about the secondaries they’re having watching this, and what they can tell us to help us decode Mithoff’s message.
As for Mithoff himself? Mike Rinder once told us that Mithoff was the first person he personally saw Miscavige physically attack. “Ray is tall and Miscavige had him sitting in a chair where he couldn’t defend himself. This was 1995. Shortly after that, Miscavige put Ray on the RPF. When he returned a few years later, he was reinstated to Senior C/S International, but would repeatedly get in trouble and be pulled off post. He was the last person to audit Hubbard and was charged with the responsibility of compiling the upper level materials, which he could never manage to get to,” Mike told us for a 2012 Village Voice piece.
The last public sighting of Ray we know about was in this 2001 video. He’s been in The Hole at Int Base since early 2004. Yes, seventeen years now as a prisoner in David Miscavige’s concentration camp near Hemet, California.
Remember the good times, Ray?
“Funny thing is, after all the hoopla mentioned in the event about perfecting all the upper tech, they had to revamp it all just five years later for the first Golden Age of Tech in 1996,” says the former church member who shared this video with us. “And everyone had to buy all new services all over again, of course. I did not. I quit and walked away after realizing the church was run by financial crooks.”
What memories does this 1991 video bring up for you?
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“Now be god as an infinite blackness, concentrated upon you, a thetan. Get how all powerful and how out-swelling you are, concentrated upon you, a thetan. Get what your regard for this thetan is. Now be very saintly as you crush its life out, and trap it forever. Oh, be saintly about it. OK. ” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 10, 1954
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“Now that we know about 3rd Dynamic Admin TRs it becomes obvious to see where they are out. LA area falsifies its stats by double-including bounced checks — once when first offered, once when collected. With no Debit invoice in between. Out TRs in accepting such a check. Out TRs in the simple matter of confronting an invoice enmest area. Out TRs in telling a Treasury staff member to DO IT RIGHT. Nobody even goes in and yells. Wherever there’s a lousy mess, somebody’s admin TRs are out. Getting something done is basic confronting. You can’t string beads well behind your back.” — The Commodore, February 10, 1971
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“I’m interested in hearing CBR’s conspiracy theories. Apparently they are epic. I’m already aware that there are alien and interdimensional intelligence operations going on here on Earth. New Agers are onto these things, but I’d like to see if he’s right or not. David Icke for example is a victim (but like a good victim) of spirits affecting him in order to help him awaken humanity. He gets telepathic comms. This is what I mean by an interdimensional intelligence op by the way.”
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1997: Scientology held a press conference at US Representative Donald Payne’s office on Thursday, Feb 13th. They announced the introduction of a resolution for the Congress to criticize Germany’s treatment of Scientologists. “Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress continues to hold Germany responsible for protecting the rights of German national and foreign visitors in Germany, including people from the United States who are performing, doing business, or traveling in Germany, in a manner consistent with Germany’s obligations under international agreements to which Germany is a signatory; condemns the actions and statements of Federal and State officials in Germany who have fostered an atmosphere of intolerance toward certain minority religious groups.”
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“This idea that we’re going to gently coax these people out of the cult is rubbish. Let’s say there are 15,000 to 30,000 left in the world, do you realize how long this method would take? Your average ‘good’ Scientologist isn’t interested in having a conversation with any wog any more than your average ISIS, Taliban, Al-Qaeda member is interested in having a conversation with an Infidel. A fanatic is a fanatic.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Masterson arraigned Jan 20. Next conf to set prelim, March 24.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing delayed to March 2.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Charged in Brooklyn federal court on Feb 4. Arraigned on Feb 9.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District. Petition for review by state supreme court denied Dec 11.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Dec 30, Judge Kleifield granted Scientology’s motions to compel arbitration. March 8: Status conference.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
Concluded litigation:
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs.
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
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SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks
The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Another dog poisoned: Bobette Riales says harassment worse since suing Scientology
[TWO years ago] An Austin Powers Scientology party? Sure, anything to get locals to fork over cash
[THREE years ago] Come on, people. Even Star mag’s own article doesn’t claim Tom Cruise has left Scientology.
[FOUR years ago] Can a celebrity Scientologist like John Travolta really commit murder under the rules?
[FIVE years ago] On the 8th anniversary of the Anonymous protests, more signs of Scientology’s desperation
[SIX years ago] ‘You encourage people to leave the Church of Scientology’: The Mike Rinder deposition
[SEVEN years ago] MEDIA ADVISORY: Stop saying that Scientology is infested with big movie stars already
[EIGHT years ago] Tom Cruise Can Raise the Dead! …And More Scientology Sunday Funnies
[NINE years ago] Scientology vs Debbie Cook, Day 2: More Live-Blogging by the Voice
[TEN years ago] Inside Scientology’s Labor Camp That Benefits Tom Cruise: The Photos
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,208 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,712 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,232 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,252 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,143 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,450 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,318 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,092 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,896 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,212 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,778 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,697 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,865 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,446 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,707 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,745 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,458 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,983 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 338 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,513 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,064 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,213 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,533 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,388 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,507 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,863 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,166 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,272 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,674 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,546 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,129 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,624 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,878 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,987 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on February 10, 2021 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post 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 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. Our book about Paulette, 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, 1995-2020 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2020), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | 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 | Shelly Miscavige, 15 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
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
