Anderson Cooper Responds| Anderson Cooper Responds | | Print | |
| Thursday, 25 March 2010 09:00 |
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Anderson Cooper just posted the following on his blog which you can see at: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/25/scientology-a-history-of-violence/
Scientology: A History of ViolencePosted: 10:28 AM ET Anderson Cooper | BIO Next week we begin a four-part investigation into allegations made by a number of former high ranking members of the Church of Scientology. The allegations are about physical abuse they say took place within the Sea Organization, the international management branch of the church. These former members, many of whom dedicated their lives to Scientology, allege that the leader of the church, David Miscavige, has used physical violence against a number of Sea Organization members. The church adamantly denies these allegations, and back up their denials with numerous affidavits and testimonials defending Mr. Miscavige and attacking those who are speaking out. Interestingly, the church spokesman, Tommy Davis, admits there was a history of violence in the Sea Organization, but the people he blames for it are those who are making the allegations against David Miscavige. He says they were demoted by Mr. Miscavige, and are bitter and disgruntled. Some of those making the allegations admit they did engage in violent acts, but say it was at the urging of Mr. Miscavige.
There is no real proof offered by either side, but viewers can make their own assessment. We have spent several months working on this series, and believe it is a fair look at the allegations and the counter claims made by the church. I have already received a number of emails from church members complaining about the series, and accusing me of attacking the church, its beliefs, its membership, and its activities. Given that the emails are all very similar in content, I assume this is some sort of organized email campaign. None of those writing the emails have seen the series, but I appreciate hearing from all concerned viewers, and I certainly understand any church member, of any religion, being concerned about the portrayal of their beliefs. For the record, I just want to point out that this series is not about the beliefs or activities of the Church of Scientology. It is not about the religion or the vast majority of Scientologists. This series simply has to do with what some former high ranking church officials say went on within the upper management of the church, and what happened to them when they left the church. - Anderson Cooper Reprinted courtsey of Anderson Cooper's blog at: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/25/scientology-a-history-of-violence/ |
"Scientology has been taken over by a self-appointed dictator, David Miscavige, who has turned the Creed of the Church of Scientology, the Code of a Scientologist, and the Credo of a True Group Member on their heads and instituted the virtual practice of Reverse (Black) Dianetics..." 
Comments
I was a member in good standing with the Church of Scientology for 20 years. I left because of the corruption of the religious philosophy that I still support. You are correct that all religions are sensitive to perceived persecution and tend to lash out at anyone who is critical. The last thing I want to see is a hatchet job on any religion, but when there is corruption it needs to be exposed. In every conflict involving accusations and counter-accusations it is important to look at the credibility and potential motivation of each side. David Miscavige has unopposed dictatorial power over an organization filled with dedicated and capable members. He has untold millions of dollars at his disposal with no checks or balances from anyone including the IRS. If you put any credence in the old adage that "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" then you have your guide to pursuing the story.
I have been a Scientologist for 23 years and spent 18 of those at the Int Base working with David M. I was in charge of all the Church translations, escaped from there a few years ago. DM is all you will say he is, I am sure. I know all the people who helped you from the Base, we've worked together for many years, I am sure you got it right. There is just one thing that I would really like to come through loud and clear: Scientology is NOT DM and DM is NOT Scientology. Scientology is a totally valid philosophy and a system of practically applicable processes that work miracles in improving lives of those who want to use them. You have a responsibility in getting the story across in such a way that anybody who wants to use Scientology is still able to do that after you are done with DM. Thank you very much and all the best.
Michael
One of the lynch pins of a functioning democracy is freedom of the press. This cult opposes that concept. I am a former member and absolutely know that this cult destroys families and ruins them financially. It is totalitarian in nature and the current leader, David Miscavige, abuses his staff for his own enjoyment. This cult is as much about religion as Nazism was. In Germany, the government passes out pamphlets warning the pubic of three dangerous groups: The neo-Nazis, fundamentalist Islam & Scientology. Your path is clear. Thanks for speaking out!
In view of gathering all the facts straight, I believe that Tommy Davis is not in position to tell what did or didn't happen at the time.
I'm sure that if you ask many of the former Scientologists from the Int Base they will back up the fact that Tommy Davis was not there when those events happened.
If you are going to listen to Church spokesman, Tommy Davis, why not interview church critic, Nancy Many. Ask her about Lisa McPhearson. Balanced and fair reporting, that's what people want to hear. Ms. Many
can give you an interesting story, and document it.
Sorry little Davey, your crimes is already exposed internationally. You can not hide any longer!
"The church adamantly denies these allegations ..."
You mean Tommy Davis. I wonder if the blokes up at Int had a voice whether or not it would be denied. I am waiting for the day when someone like ED Int gets up on stage during a live event and says "everything you've read about David Miscavige is 99% true, he has physically attacked me and others!" The silence in the room would be deafening as the crowd awaited his next words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-Sh3hLn6PM
Great initative! Back in the 80's I learned once from L. Ron Hubbard that anyone in fear cannot learn or progress. This 'formula' has been misused throughout by Scn Mgmt. Up to including changing spiritual technology content. So far the internals.
But there is more. The root may be elsewhere, not inside the Org. So we all may enjoy discharge this time, however, the basic incident must be discovered. And to this day, it isn't. If it were, then we wouldn't be posting here.
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