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Watch Elena Cardone teach Scientology to Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA

 
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology’s good friend US Attorney General Pam Bondi got the heave-ho yesterday, but the church has other ways to influence the White House and its supporters. Still, even we were a bit stunned to see this footage of Elena Cardone outright teaching Scientology to Erika Kirk! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

 
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Technology Cocktail

“The Ethics Officer or the MAA in a Sea Org Org conducts ethics interviews as an HCO function, gets PTS (Potential Trouble Source) A to J checks done and sometimes does full PTS interviews. Students or pcs, where out-ethics is obvious or suspected, are interviewed to determine the extent and nature of the outness so the correct ethics gradient can be applied. The interview should include bringing the person to an understanding of ethics and the conditions and guiding him through any needed ethics handling cycles or correct application of the conditions.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1981

 
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Source Code

“The whole US civil defense system is based on the idea that there is a thing called the government which is composed of people (which already is silly) and they’re going to take over the country at the moment of an attack, see? They aren’t there now. They’re not part of the people, and they’re not human, you see? And they’re parked up someplace in Canada along the DEW line or down in Mexico or out on some island, and they don’t exist there now. And at the moment of an attack, nobody is supposed to do anything but be taken over by the government. That’s what you’re supposed to do in an attack. Consider it absolutely fascinating! It’s just as bad as Eisenhower’s design for the Normandy landing. I mean, there was nothing worse than that. I didn’t know this until the other day. I’m going to write a book on it. I’m going to call it The Great Myth. You see, I was a Pacific amphibious warfare officer before these Normandy landings occurred. And there’s certain ways you’re supposed to make landings. Well, they didn’t make them that way at Normandy. They killed men instead.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 3, 1962

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“Our trouble has been isolated to the British Government. It uses British Consuls, Lloyds and reporters as part of its intelligence service. It has been revealed that reporters in the UK, particularly those operating outside it, are members of their intelligence service while still being reporters. The US health societies, groups, foundations and agencies are all members of SMERSH which is an English takeover of the work of Clifford Beers to bring protection to mental patients. By blackmail, corruption and pretense of being ‘the very best people’ this group had the British government in its palm. It appointed the health ministers of both parties in England and throughout the Commonwealth and even Switzerland. SMERSH is a world takeover type group, full of preposterous plans. It is now actively destroying western nations whose governments look to them to dispose of malcontents without realizing SMERSH’s degraded technology is violently opposed by Western peoples. If we are careful, keep good security and continue to attack, SMERSH will collapse as they are trying to be a police state without either the police or army on their side. We must be alert to the Intelligence factors of SMERSH and safeguard against their penetration of our security. On our shoulders alone rests the possibility of freeing Mankind from the horror of one of these police states which could destroy Mankind. The rest, like sheep, have been taken in wholly.” — The Commodore, April 3, 1969

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“Scientology got into bad hands starting in 1972, and it was not done by the young David Miscavige at that time, but by the IRS, CIA, FBI and other such criminals with vested interest to hold down Clears and OTs and grab the tech of ‘remote viewing’ for themselves.”

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Past is Prologue

2000: The Wall Street Journal published an article on Franchise Pictures and Battlefield Earth. “Big stars usually have to cut their fees by half or more, accepting instead profit-participation that in some cases reaches an enormous 40%, after costs have been recouped. Mr. Samaha’s strategy is just weeks away from its biggest test yet, the May 12 release of a science-fiction epic called ‘Battlefield Earth.’ The film is the pet project of John Travolta, whose superstar clout failed to get it made for a dozen years. Script problems and a projected $100 million budget were often blamed, but many movie executives thought another big factor was the film’s source materials 1982 novel by L. Ron Hubbard, late founder of the controversial Church of Scientology, which counts Mr. Travolta as a longtime member. ‘Battlefield’ is the first screen adaptation of any Hubbard science-fiction work, an achievement Mr. Travolta says is ‘like putting Tennessee Williams’ first works on the screen. It’s a big deal.’ Mr. Samaha, he adds, was ‘smart to trust the artist.’ ‘Everyone thought I was crazy or mentally retarded’ for tackling the project, Mr. Samaha says. Though the film has nothing to do with Scientology, some feared the Hubbard connection could provoke a backlash and make the film difficult to sell in places such as Germany and France, where Scientology has come under government attack. Even Mr. Travolta, Mr. Samaha recalls, warned that ‘lots of people are going to come to you and try and persuade you and be negative about it.’ Franchise got it made by using a formula usually reserved for tiny independent films. Imperial Bank in Los Angeles provided loans to pay the production costs, which were slashed to a planned $50 million, but about 80% of that was to be covered by the presale of foreign distribution rights. Mr. Travolta had been keen to make the project since the mid-1980s, when he first lent his name to screenplay adaptations of the 1,050-page L. Ron Hubbard novel. Mr. Elwes and others say that the Hubbard tie is the main reason ‘Battlefield’ has never been made. Asked if he believes that the Hubbard connection placed extra hurdles in the film’s way, Mr. Travolta says: ‘I’ll never know.’ He adds that, ‘If it were an issue secretly to someone, it would not be politically correct to voice it.’ The Scientology question was raised numerous times and batted down by Mr. Samaha, who says he would bark: ‘This is what the movie is about: It’s ‘Planet of the Apes’ starring John Travolta. You’re either in or you’re the f—— out.’ Intertainment President Barry Baeres says that, given the controversy over Scientology in Germany, ‘at first sight, you would say no to it.’ But he succumbed to Mr. Samaha’s insistence that ‘Battlefield Earth’ was Scientology-free. Mr. Travolta has contributed some of his own money – more than $5 million, according to Mr. Samaha.”

 
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Random Howdy

“We Farsecians are not evil. We are the Knights Templar of the Universe. We are the Keepers of the ARC of the Covenant.”

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

Criminal prosecutions:
Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. Appeal now fully briefed, waiting for 2nd Appellate District court to set a hearing date. Masterson has also submitted a habeas corpus petition.
‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Pleaded guilty on Nov 10 to a 17-year prison sentence (eligible for parole in two to three more years). Awaiting transfer to state prison.
Aaron Matthes charged for SA of child under 12 years old: OT Scientologist facing multiple mandatory life sentences. Next pretrial court hearing set for March 9.

Civil litigation:
Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal, which is now fully briefed. Awaiting the setting of an oral arguments hearing.
Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ 15 days of arbitration completed, Val waiting for further word from the IJC.
Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Appeal fully briefed. Motion to replace Jane Does’ AI-tainted brief denied by court. Oral arguments hearing on March 3.
Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

 
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Other links: The prosecution of Danny Masterson. Leah Remini’s Fair Game Podcast. Leah Remini’s A&E Series. Scientology’s Celebrities, from A to Z. Bryan Seymour’s suppressed series, 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] Wow: TWENTY new billboards targeting Scientology going up in LA
[TWO years ago] Not so fast: Judge Hammock questions David Miscavige’s challenge to step down
[THREE years ago] WACKY: Scientology flack Ben Shaw’s unhinged letter denying ties to Clearwater developer
[FOUR years ago] Another reason to watch the CA supremes: Danny Masterson is petitioning his rape case
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 3: The judges
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s new attempt to force ‘religious arbitration’ on Danny Masterson’s accusers
[SEVEN years ago] A stunning Scientology call to arms for our politically divided times on this dirt ball
[EIGHT years ago] Newly released documents: Scientology leader L. Ron Hubbard tried to ‘buy’ an African nation
[NINE years ago] Scientology leader David Miscavige launches new personal attacks at Leah Remini
[TEN years ago] David Miscavige and a bussed-in crowd cut the ribbon on Atlanta’s new Scientology ‘Ideal Org’
[ELEVEN years ago] How Scientologists are dealing with the popularity of Alex Gibney’s film ‘Going Clear’
[TWELVE years ago] We asked David Miscavige’s tailor for his exact height — and here’s what he told us!
[THIRTEEN years ago] LEAK: Scientology’s Rehab Went from $5,000 to $2.5 Million in Insurance Revenue in One Year

 
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.

Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,587 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 4,091 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,597 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,147 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,137 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,523 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 3,018 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,322 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,973 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,191 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,745 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 5,086 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,657 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,573 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,740 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,322 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,581 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,333 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,898 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,213 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,388 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 5,070 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,407 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,260 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,376 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,738 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,149 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,537 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,421 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,985 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,497 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,757 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,861 days.

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on April 3, 2026 at 07:00

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Our book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

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