Rod Keller gets us into the protest held in the Canadian city of Guelph yesterday as the locals let Scientology know that its “CLO” is not welcome there.
It was a rainy day yesterday in the city of Guelph, Ontario as residents protested the new Scientology office at in the downtown area. 15 protesters braved conditions at the new 40 Baker Street Continental Liaison Office, or CLO, which is a management office that coordinates and directs the orgs and missions in the Scientology “continent” of Canada. CLOs are not recruiting locations and they are staffed by Sea Org members who have signed a billion year contract to serve Scientology in this and all future lifetimes.
It’s traditional for Sea Org buildings to have the symbol of the Sea Org prominently displayed. L. Ron Hubbard wrote that it is the symbol of the Galactic Confederacy; the laurel stands for victory, and the star symbolizes alignment with “source” which in Scientology is L. Ron Hubbard. So the symbol means “victory through the power of L. Ron Hubbard.” If such a sign is planned for Guelph, it hasn’t been installed yet.
Frank Malott, one of the protest organizers, tell us “There are two reasons I’m protesting. One is Scientology’s racism. Part of it my father side is African American and my ancestors came to Guelph by the Underground Railroad to the church on Essex St. The other part is the poor children and the brainwashing; they have no life. It’s not a religion, it’s a business.”
Protester Mark Lawson tells us “I am against their policy of disconnection. That they do not permit members to take meds for mental illness, which in some cases have led to deaths. Also their ‘Fair Game’ policy. Does a REAL religion carry on like this?”
Several workers were seen through closed blinds, but Scientology did not confront demonstrators or respond officially to the protest. Protesters are planning a similar demonstration at the Cambridge Ideal Org, which is close to the new CLO.
— Rod Keller
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David Miscavige goes Dutch
You know the routine. Tight security. Lavish renovation of a big building. (And this one was really big.) Some music. Some local shills as speakers, and then C.O.B. himself, David Miscavige, throws out a few Dan Sherman-penned platitudes about the local traditions and then it’s release the ribbon time. Man, these are becoming so rote — and three in three weeks!
Let’s take a look at a few of the official church photos from yesterday’s “Ideal Org” grand opening in Amsterdam…
Whenever Miscavige shows up to these events, we invariably see people talking about how unhealthy or aged Miscavige looks. But this photo should settle that. This is a 57 year old guy. Looks pretty healthy to us. That pampered lifestyle shows.
And here are the local gladhanders Scientology managed to scrounge up: Maarten Lubbers, Chairman, Together One Amsterdam; Sheela Vyas, Chair of the Women’s Council of Amsterdam; Ari Van Buuren, Chairman of the United Religion’s Initiative Netherlands; and Michael Van Gils, Senior Police Officer, Dutch Regional Police (Ret.).
Hey, that is a very narrow space! How many people can they actually squeeze in there?
And here’s an overhead shot. That’s a tiny crowd. Maybe 500? Perhaps some of our experts can get an accurate count. What is Scientology claiming? Their press release says 1,300 — there’s no way.
How many of these were just flown over from the previous week’s party in Birmingham? Ah, what a racket.
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Bernie Headley has not seen his daughter Stephanie in 4,917 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 63 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 1,126 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 1,900 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 2,674 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 2,020 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 2,514 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 1,554 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 1,266 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 792 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 4,881 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 2,021 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 2,341 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 2,316 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 672 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 4,974 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 1,080 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis for 1,483 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 1,356 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 937 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 1,442 days.
Mary Jane Sterne has not seen her daughter Samantha in 1,686 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 12,795 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 29, 2017 at 07:00
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The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2016 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Undergound Bunker (2012-2016), 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 | Scientology’s Private Dancer | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | Scientology boasts about assistance from Google | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Our Guide to Alex Gibney’s film ‘Going Clear,’ and our pages about its principal figures…
Jason Beghe | Tom DeVocht | Sara Goldberg | Paul Haggis | Mark “Marty” Rathbun | Mike Rinder | Spanky Taylor | Hana Whitfield