This week, it’s answers about Scientology destroying evidence for the Masterson trial, my thoughts on criticism within the ex-cult world, how cult leaders learn their tricks and a lot more. Enjoy!
(1) After listening to your podcast with Ciprian Ivanof about the Danny Masterson case and the question of the use of PC folders in court, do you think that while the Church keeps all the folders, there might be a chance that they would destroy any folders to get rid of evidence that might harm the church? I would think LRH would have believed in getting rid of anything that might affect the church’s credibility.
(2) I’m just curious if you’ve seen Jesse Prince’s open letter to Leah on his Facebook page? I’d love to hear your thoughts. On one hand I do understand why he has trust issues with Mike given the Fair Game he received during his time with the Lisa McPherson trust, but I do have to say I am a little concerned for Jesse’s mental well-being given some of the stuff he brought up just seems so out of character for him.
(3) The more I learn about cults and other coercive groups, the more obvious it is that the leaders appear to operate from the same playbook. Do you think the majority of cult leaders actually study techniques of coercive control, or do these practices come naturally to them because of whatever pathology they may have? To the average person who is not a sociopath, it seems totally alien that someone would instinctively know how to methodically break down their followers. Is it more likely that such an individual admires other cult leaders and seeks to emulate them by learning how they exerted control?
(4) In re-reading Jesse Prince’s excellent book “Expert Witness,” I was surprised that the most senior level Sea Org executives at the Int Base could afford what were clearly luxury goods and actually had leisure time to enjoy them. For example, Jesse mentions that during his travels he would buy his wife jewelry and perfumes. He collected high-end stereo gear and had a variety of music tastes. Those vinyl albums were not cheap even back then. In addition, he describes how he and other top staff took karate lessons in their time off, and graduated with black belts. Norman Starkey apparently had a fully-stocked wet bar in his apartment. Vicky Aznaran collected horses. You see where I’m going with this. What kind of wog-level salary plan were those senior executives on? They must have received some pretty nice bonuses. And when did they have time to enjoy their stuff?
(5) We are living in a time when it is extremely easy to research, via the internet, the background and criticism of high control groups whether they are cults or multi level marketing schemes. Nevertheless, they seem to proliferate globally. Why is that?
(6) Pretty much every Scientologist says that Scientology is the fastest growing religion in the world, but we all know that’s BS. What should I say next time I hear someone say that? I’m afraid they will come up with the “false data” argument if I simply tell them ”That’s not what google says”. I think this could be a great way to make them question their religion.
(7) Do the targets of “fair game” by Scientologists have any protections or recourse while it is happening? Can they legally stop their harassers – has this happened? Have any successfully seen their harassers punished by suing them or having them arrested? I’m wondering if the poor poll workers who do not have “secret service” to protect them could apply any such devices.
(8) I heard someone ask you what it would take to get TC to leave Scientology. Well I do wonder what will happen to Tom when Miscavige “drops his body” will someone else give Tom such royal treatment? Or would he be demoted to the lesser celebrity status that others like Travolta and Kirsty Alley share?