Last month we told you that, thanks to a “reply all” accident, we’d learned that some in the Dutch government consider Scientology a “controversial” organization and are keeping a wary eye on its floating cathedral, the vessel Freewinds, as it spends time in Dutch islands of the Caribbean.
But not everyone is so skeptical. A reader brought to our attention a recent lovefest for the Freewinds that its ambassadors experienced thanks to the St. Lucia Police Force.
St. Lucia is a former British island that went independent in 1979. The Freewinds used to sail there on occasion, and we remember that it was St. Lucia that quarantined the barge when it turned out to have a crew member with measles in 2019. As far as we know, the ship hasn’t been there since.
But that didn’t keep Scientology from sending over some Freewinds representatives to make happy with St. Lucia’s finest.
We used to see a lot more of this kind of thing before the pandemic, and maybe that’s why it seems kind of startling now: This kind of “Way to Happiness” schmoozing has been on hold for a while.
But otherwise it’s the usual thing. For those just joining us: After Scientology was raided by the FBI in Los Angeles and Washington DC in 1977, and then eleven of its top executives went on trial for burglarizing federal agencies in 1979, Scientology was in the news a lot and the public wondered what this “church” in so much trouble was all about. So in 1980 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard came out with a slim booklet titled “The Way to Happiness” that repackaged a lot of anodyne moralisms. The Golden Rule, for example, became precept #19: “Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you.”
It was a way to peddle the idea that Hubbard, and by extension Scientology, was a familiar moralizing force, and not a past-life therapy soaked in pulp-era space opera that had been caught infiltrating government offices in a vast domestic spying operation.
Anyway, the most alarming thing about this Facebook post from late February, which was made by the St. Lucia Police Force’s Community Relations Branch, is that it was so moved by the presentation by the Freewinds people, that it plans to put these booklets in the hands of every child on the island.
Um, yikes.
Today the staff of the Community Relations Branch comprising of Insp. Chicot, Sgt.311 Hippolyte, WPC 177 Lubin, and SPC 145 Pascal met with Ken Weber, Jessica Anderson and Hilde Hattenbach representatives of Freewinds Cruise Ship
We were introduced to a life changing book called “The Way of Happiness.” It is the intention of Community Relations Branch to deliver these life changing lectures to students in Primary and Secondary School islandwide.
We would like to thank Mr. Wang Sonson, Director of the Boys Training Center for creating this wonderful partnership with Freewinds Cruise Ship.
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“DAILY REPORT: Well, we got out of there all right. This rocking and rolling is done to condition people for the latest dance — The Wriggle and Dive. TWO WAY COMM: It was stated in yesterday’s OOD that Two Way Comm was out in Div 2 and Qual. But it even got typed wrong. ‘Ack’ was used instead of ASK. The sense of it was nobody in Div 2 or Qual ASK (not ack) anybody what it’s all about. So Two Way Comm was out all around. But all joking aside this, the most basic process we ever had, dropped out and must be gotten into action.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 18, 1970
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“Flag auditors are easily the best in the world. They don’t kid around with cases. They know what they can do. The people audited on Flag go out of here to confront the ohs and ahs of their former areas on how changed and great they are. Any org could eventually achieve this stellar level of result. That isn’t just what FLAG does. It’s what any org could do if they really taught their courses and crammed their HGC auditors. Flag is a shining example of what CAN be done with Tech. Not new tech. Just tech. We saved a life last week with 1956 tech and an excellent auditor. That’s the way it must be, will be over the world if we here on Flag do our jobs.” — The Commodore, March 18, 1971
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“The RPF was created to remove every one of the good guys who could recognize that the doppelganger was not LRH. Outside of the RPF were only new people who did not know LRH or could be cheated or agents of the enemy. The motorcycle accident helped to keep off people from ‘LRH’ as ‘he was in pain and screaming.’ Who would dare to disturb ‘LRH’ if he was so in pain and crying? Not even family members: ‘LRH’ once shouted ‘Get out of here!’ to his wife, when she was at his door.”
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1999: ZDF-Magazin Kennzeichen D reported on an anticipated advertising campaign by Scientology in Germany. “Information released by the Federal Office of Constitutional Security indicates that the Scientology Church is planning a new campaign against critics in Germany in the amount of $40 million. President of the agency, Peter Frisch, told Kennzeichen D that American officials would also support Scientology in Germany. ‘I regret that to an exceptional degree,’ stated the agency president. In his release, Frisch emphasized the anti-constitutional endeavors of the Scientologists, ‘Scientology wants to build a new civilization in which basic rights, as provided for by our fundamental, liberal democratic order, would not be valid.'”
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“I found a notebook on the street back in the 90’s and it was the diary of someone who was obviously mentally ill, probably schizophrenic, and in parts it read just like a lot LRH’s ‘writings,’ like the stuff in today’s article. Looking back, I’m guessing most prophets were either schizo or con men or both, like LRH. That would explain a lot history-wise.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next pretrial conference May 31. Trial scheduled for August 29.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference March 25 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for April 8.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Hearing held on February 15, awaiting ruling.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Valerie’s motion for reconsideration denied on March 15.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Scientology has said it will file an anti-SLAPP motion.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
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 BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. 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] Clearwater City Council denounces ‘Cult City Tours,’ expresses shock at operator behavior
[TWO years ago] Scientology in the time of plague: Turning to Hubbard’s words on radiation for guidance
[THREE years ago] Michael Jackson and Scientology: When the Hollywood Celebrity Centre went on lockdown
[FOUR years ago] Help us dig through this financial disclosure by Scientology’s sneaky front groups
[FIVE years ago] Scientology goes into full smear mode in reaction to Leah Remini getting 2nd season
[SIX years ago] Monique Rathbun waives a response: Will the TX Supreme Court take up Scientology’s appeal?
[SEVEN years ago] Another ‘Secret Lives’ outtake: The neighbor who knew L. Ron Hubbard and his first wife
[EIGHT years ago] DOX: Monique Rathbun’s response to bid by Scientology to stop the Miscavige deposition
[NINE years ago] Former Executive’s Tell-All Adds to Scientology Rehab Program Meltdown
[TEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: RON the Encyclopedia — Get Yours Now!
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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 2,607 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,112 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,632 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,652 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,543 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,850 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,718 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,492 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,823 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,296 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,612 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,178 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,097 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,265 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,846 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,107 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,143 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,858 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,383 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 738 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,913 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,464 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,613 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,933 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,788 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,907 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,263 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,566 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,672 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,070 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,946 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,529 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,024 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,278 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,387 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 18, 2022 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, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
