Mark ‘Warrior’ Plummer, Scientology critic and archivist, 1951-2024

One of the highlights of our 2015 book tour was a stop in Austin, Texas, when we finally got a chance to meet a legend, a former Scientologist who had made a name for himself amassing one of the most comprehensive collections of Scientology archival material anywhere.

His name was Mark Plummer, and he was known as Warrior. As in, the relentless pursuit of exposing the Church of Scientology, an organization he joined as a member in 1973, served in the Sea Organization from 1975 to 1983, and then left in 1988.

During those years, like any Scientologist, he had been issued numerous certificates and commendations and receipts. But unlike others he had not only kept those documents, he posted them to the Internet along with vast amounts of other information in order to help outsiders understand what it was like to be in thrall to L. Ron Hubbard.

“I got involved with Scientology because I wanted to help make this world a better place for all. After continually being lied to and betrayed over and over for years, I realized that Scientology is not what the organization claims to be,” he wrote on one of his many posts to alt.religion.scientology, a crucial Usenet locus of Scientology news where he became a fixture in the late 1990s.

Mark had also become a valuable asset to this website, where he contributed Scientology documents that helped, for example, explain how children had been exploited in shocking policies that treated them like little soldiers. He was particularly focused on this, he said, because of his own struggles as a parent in the Sea Org.

He was so concerned about it, he wrote to L. Ron Hubbard about it in 1977 and actually received a reply.

Last year, we interviewed him and learned more about his path into and out of Scientology, and it was an emotional journey. In private conversations, he told us that he had struggled with some health issues, but that he was improving.

Yesterday, his daughter Alisha announced on Facebook that he had died. A family friend told us that Mark passed away early in the morning of January 10 after a difficult case of the flu. He was 72.

News of his death has us looking through his excellent repository of Scientology documents again, and reading his fiery words about Scientology from his ars days.

We thought that this message, from 1997, helps to capture how Mark had only gradually decided to speak out, and how, in the mid-1990s, that was so much more risky.

I am a relative newcomer to ars. Back when I was just a lurker, I kept on reading things on ars and would start to reply. Every time, I would let my fears get the better of me. Finally I decided that if I get attacked or sued for what I post to ars, then I will have to stand up for my freedom of speech. After all, I am not posting, and have not posted anything of an infringing nature upon Scientology’s purported copyrights…

I am definitely a critic of Scientology. I am not a Freezoner. And I am not part of the ‘independent field.’ I am simply an ex-Sea Org member who was severely betrayed by L. Ron Hubbard and his organization, Scientology. In my posts I am sure you have seen my use of Scientology terminology when I am writing about Scientology. I am mentioning this here because I want everyone to understand to the best of my ability, the mindset of Scientology and Scientologists.

Also, in many of my posts I am using Scientology’s own language, their ‘tech’ and their ‘reasoning’ to show Scientologists how absurd or insane or dangerous or hypocritical or disgusting their founder’s philosophy and practices are.

One spokesperson for Scientology (Leisa Goodman?) said that Scientology supports freedom of speech. I doubt this statement very much. What I have seen to be true is that Scientology supports freedom of speech so long as what is being said or written is not critical of, or an attack upon Scientology, and in fact Hubbard did say something like ‘So long as one does not attack Scientology, one is safe.’ A good case in point (there are many) is Jon Atack’s story. I owe a debt of gratitude to Jon, as well as to Bent Corydon, Arnie Lerma, Dennis Erlich, Tom Klemesrud, Karin Spaink, Gerry Armstrong, Paulette Cooper, Nibs Hubbard, Bob Penny, Larry Wollersheim, Grady Ward, Keith Henson, Gabe Cazares, Joseph Yanny, Margery Wakefield, Steve Fishman, Andre Tabayoyon, Vaughn Young and Lisa McPherson, just to name a few. Had they all not had the courage to come forward and tell their story, I very likely would not be here on ars today.

More than anything it is due to my reading Jon Atack’s excellent book A Piece of Blue Sky, and the publicity caused by the raids on Arnie Lerma (which I first heard about late one night on CNN Headline News), and the raid on Dennis Erlich that I have decided to ‘come out.’ Had Scientology not done their actions on these individuals, I most likely would be spending my time on something else.

At any rate, I will be on ars for as long as it takes to tell my story, to say everything I want to say and to answer any questions that come my way.

One of my primary purposes for being here on ars is to let others know my experience in the hopes that they may avoid having to learn the hard way (as I did) what Scientology really is all about without the PR, lies, half-truths and ‘acceptable truths’ that Scientology pushes upon the world through the various media.

Everyone who works to expose Scientology’s controversies has benefited from that decision by Mark Plummer to come forward, to speak out, and to document so comprehensively what it was like to be betrayed by L. Ron Hubbard’s organization.

We are privileged to have known him.

 
——————–

Technology Cocktail

“We know all the attributes of Clear and Operating Thetans. In the history of this universe there has never been a true Clear or true OT. Every Clear ever encountered in this universe was a Keyed-out Clear — a Release. He still had all his bank, GPMs and engrams. They were simply keyed out and not influencing him. We have known that for some time. But here is a new one. Every Operating Thetan in the history of this universe was only a KEYED-OUT OT!” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1965

 
——————–

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 as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

 
——————–

THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman

 
——————–

Source Code

“And this is what? Eleventh of Jan. The mystic month. And we are finding ourselves in the middle of — no, it’s at the beginning — What cycle are you in? Well, anyhow, it’s on a planet, on a twelfth-rate sun, and it’s the beginning of the, it’s shortly after the winter solstice. Saint Hill Special Briefing Course. Well, if you lived right and if you knew what you were doing and many other unlikely activities, you have it made. But we have to assume, we have to assume that if none of you have grown wings in the last 24 hours and you actually have had a PC on an E-Meter as an auditor and the PC hasn’t grown wings in the last 24 hours with all the tools which you’ve got, we must assume that there is some faint disconnection between what I am trying to teach you and what you are doing. I would say there’s some small gap. Maybe not a large gap. Maybe only a light year or two.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 11, 1962

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“The Auditing Completions are starting to roll in. With a wow and a hurrah! Some important people have gotten some lovely gains lately. At the other end of it, 2 of those leaving came through it. We have the planet by the tail.” — The Commodore, January 11, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“It’s a choice or at least a potential choice to introvert or interiorise into an alternative theta line at a particular point in time, or to view the past from the future, future from.the past and to zone in on a specific concurrent moment in an alternative universe. Perhaps if the person is OT 30, then OT1 — when they are actually trying to get their case handled — acts like an interiorisation. As far as I am concerned the entire phenomena reduces to unresolved theta programming as Static which is only aligned with the rehabilitation of Spiritual Reality and Native State. If instead the person chooses to plummet back into MEST, that’s their choice. In doing so they also plummet back into MEST case factors and automaticities which are only resolved at a theta level exterior to both MEST and Static.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1999: Bob Minton and Stacy Brooks announced changes to the organization of Factnet, and the establishment of a sanctuary for former Scientologists to come to put their lives back together on Vashon Island, Washington. “Lawrence Wollersheim is taking a one-year sabbatical from his official duties as a director. After eleven years as a member of Scientology and eighteen additional years working to expose its criminal nature, Lawrence has made a decision to devote time to his family and his personal life for the next year. Grady Ward has just recently come on board as the FACTNet webmaster, so watch for substantial upgrades to our website in the coming months. We are also making plans for the establishment of a sanctuary. This will be a safe house where former Scientology staff and Sea Org members will have a chance to recover physically and mentally from their experience in Scientology while learning the basic skills they need to survive in the real world. Such things as how to create a resume, how to set up a bank account, how to establish credit, and other basic skills will be available for them to learn. Our vision is for these people to work at the sanctuary and earn money as they recover, so that by the time their stay is over they will have not only the skills but also the confidence and wherewithal to re-enter the real world as a functioning, contributing member of society. We plan to raise the funds to send as many people as possible to Wellspring, a therapy program run by people who are extremely knowledgeable about the cult experience and who have extensive experience in helping former cult members generally, and former Scientologists specifically. Our plan also includes organizing a conference for critics and former members. It is time to pool our resources and energy in an organized conference, and we hope it can happen in 1999. All who are interested in helping make this conference a reality please let us know.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“If Scientology could, then based solely on the words of L Ron Hubbard they would be gladly killing ‘infidels’ who refused to convert.”

 
——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, motion to strike/anti-SLAPP motions by Scientology to be heard January 9, 2024.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Discovery phase.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Why the Golden Globes is joking about Tom Cruise, Shelly Miscavige, and Scientology
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s Los Angeles center is rumbling again, and we’re here for it!
[THREE years ago] Scientology celebrates even more wealthy donors, and we’re happy to lend a helping hand
[FOUR years ago] Sonya Bianchi, 1927-2020: Hubbard’s first ‘Clear’ who vanished from Scientology history
[FIVE years ago] Kansas City: Don’t panic. Your skyline is screwed, but Scientology isn’t taking over.
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s ‘scripture’ includes a thoroughly debunked mammoth-meat hoax
[SEVEN years ago] Last night’s family on ‘Leah Remini’ found themselves targeted by Scientology attack site
[EIGHT years ago] David Bowie, 1947-2016
[TEN years ago] Yes, that was a Scientology ad you saw during the football game — we told you it was coming!
[ELEVEN years ago] Blogging Dianetics, Part 2: The State of Clear!

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on January 11, 2024 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, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), 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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone