The Wayback Machine thing sucks, as do so many other Scientology actions against the net, but frankly I'm a little more concerned about how Scientology's actions affect people's rights out in the non-virtual world.
The FBI raids in the late 70s turned up evidence of the frame-ups of Cooper and Cazares, along with evidence that Scientology had infiltrated numerous other government offices, such as the California Attorney General's office, as well as newspapers like the Clearwater Sun, law offices like Sidley & Austin, and other organizations, such as the Clark County Mental Health Agency. A Scientologist on the San Diego police force was fired for passing police information to Scientology.
A typical response from Scientology spokepeople is "that was years ago." (We never did that, and besides, we don't do it anymore.)
There are also disturbing signs that Scientology is continuing to infiltrate government offices and businesses. A motion was filed just a couple of weeks ago alleging religious discrimination in the case of a woman who was fired from the Greenwich Housing Authority after Scientology management systems were introduced and employees were required to attend Scientology courses, paid for with thousands of dollars in public money, and the EEOC recently took action in a Texas case in which employees at a dental office were fired after refusing to attend Scientology classes. The Sacramento News & Review did a story not long ago about a publishing house that uses Scientology management techniques, run by Scientologists Dennis McKenna (who, as a Scientology spokesman, defended what Scientology did to Paulette Cooper) and Don Pearson (who gave extensive Scientology training to Allstate employees until management finally stopped it); the company, eRepublic, publishes a magazine on the use of technology in government (and another on the use of technology in education) and consults to governments on technology issues. The magazine includes ads for business training - never mentioning that it teaches Scientology principles - offered by people like Arte Maren - long-time Scientologist, co-conspirator in the 70s government infiltration case, and trainer in the Greenwich Housing Authority case.
I'm concerned that people confronted by Scientology training in the workplace don't know their rights. I hope the EEOC will vigorously defend people who are being illegally subjected to Scientology training at work - and I hope journalists will keep a closer eye on Scientology's continuing infiltration in government and business.
At my Scientology Lies site, I document my correspondence with Google about ads for that site. Google's policy is not to run ads for sites that are critical of a person or organization, so it's impossible to advertise consumer information sites warning people about unethical or illegal practices by any organization, be it Scientology or McDonald's.
When I pointed out that one of the sites Scientology advertised was bashing psychiatrists, though, they didn't feel that ran afoul of their policy.
As for shenanigans, there's an excellent analysis of just how successful Scientology's attempts to spam search engines have been.
They've changed the policy wording; now they're saying "we are not running ads for sites that advocate against an individual, group or organization."
They ran an ad of mine this morning, then refused the very same ad a few hours later (after my initial run of hits ran out).
I've written back to them, asking why they're still running ads for Democratic party sites that seem to advocate against an individual, group, or organization... and when they're going to update their terms and conditions to reflect the new policy.
In my initial post, I said that my home address has never been on the web.
A few nice folks have e-mailed me to point out that they could see my Fillmore St. address on my web site and in the whois database.
Thing is, that is NOT my home address. That's a mail drop. (I run an indie record label that had an open demo submission policy for ten years. I didn't want enthusiastic band members showing up on my doorstep.)
My HOME address is on a different street, several blocks away.
Nevertheless, Scientology managed to find my home address with no problem. That's where they picket me.
I might also point out that, when I started picketing, I used a nym, since I was aware of their tendency to harass their critics. It only took them 2 1/2 months for them to let me know they knew who I was (by dropping my name on a.r.s.); 2 months after that, they began picketing my home and handing out the libellous fliers with my name on them. Interestingly, the first revenge picket occurred at my San Francisco home in retaliation for my picketing them in Los Angeles that day. They knew I wasn't home, but the picketing effort was coordinated enough that they responded to a picket in LA with one in San Francisco. After their first revenge picket, I posted to a.r.s. to acknowledge their outing and reclaim my name.
(Why do they picket me when I'm not home? I'm not sure, but I think they're attempting to turn my neighbors against me. Since I have long-term, good relationships with my neighbors, that strategy backfired.)
Anyway, to clarify - my HOME address, where I've been repeatedly picketed by Scientology representatives, has never been in the phone book or on the web. The one you can find on the web is a mail drop.
Keith was offered something like five years' probation for pleading guilty to one of the lesser charges. One of the conditions would have been unannounced home visitation and searches with Scientology representatives present.
Everybody who'd cop that plea (even assuming you could stomach pleading guilty if you knew yourself to be innocent) raise your hands.
Shades of the Scientology agents' presence during the 1995 raids.
Does anybody know how often anyone other than the parole officer is permitted to be present at a parole home visit like this? It seems mighty weird to me.
Just a rumor, mind you - but maybe the Riverside DA, Grover Trask, would care to comment? (909) 766-2370 .
> Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart Simpson, is a Scientologist! I found her name on a list of Scientologist celebrities at this page Sob, sob...
Tis true.
She recently came to San Francisco on her book tour, giving us an opportunity to picket the Borders where she was speaking. It was great - instead of the run-down Tenderloin area where the Scientology org is, we got to picket in crowded Union Square, destination for loads of shoppers and tourists (including lots of Europeans, who often have a better understanding of Scientology's totalitarian tendencies than my countryfolk).
>> We all know that Kristi is one of your criminal gang and very active in committing hate crimes like you...
> Now this is libelous - open and shut. You should file suit, then submit a/. story and ask for donations to your legal fund.
Heh. Don't think it hasn't occurred to me.
Of course, the courts are Scientology's favorite playground, so a person who's been libelled has to think twice (at least) before pursuing matters there.
But it's certainly an option I continue to consider, and of course every month, at every picket, they hand out more libellous fliers, resetting the clock on the statute of limitations.
I've had a very interesting chat with the Small Claims Court advisor on just that very thing. And my handlers' regular presence at my pickets would certainly make serving papers easy.
I've been picketing Scientology and running the Scientology
Lies web site for a few years now.
I currently picket Scientology once a month (first Saturday of every
month); I picketed a little more often when I started out.
I make every effort to be courteous, cheery, and non-confrontational
when I picket. I greet the Scientologists I know, especially the handlers
who come out to try to distract or provoke me, with a friendly "Hi! Nice
to see you!" but I don't try to discuss confidential Scientology doctrine
- or indeed, anything - with Scientologists who don't want to talk to me.
I'm there to educate the public and to encourage people to contact public
officials about Scientology's continuing pattern of illegal acts.
Although I have never had any legal hassles over my web site - no claims
of copyright infringement, despite my tiny bits of fair-use quoting, and
no trademark or libel threats - I have been followed after pickets (both
by car and on foot), been verbally provoked (including being slandered
with accusations of hate crimes and statutory rape and of being on "psych
drugs", and being called a bitch and told "you can suck my dick") (... and frankly, the obscenities don't bother me - I just think it's strange behavior for representatives of a church to display to the public), and
had regular revenge pickets at my home, with Scientology reps videotaping
anyone who came and went from my apartment building. (My home address has
never been publicly available, not in the phone book, not on the web.)
Scientology reps have distributed libellous fliers to my neighbors. As
part of the biggest denial-of-service attack in net history, they forged
disgusting racist a.r.s. posts in my name (which, of course, they did to
dozens of other critics as well). Those posts have been resurrected at
google.
Recently, three different Scientologists have implied that I'm next
to be charged the way Keith was. The first was in e-mail.
The second was at a picket; as I was leaving, I playfully called out
to my handler, Craig, "Will I see you later?" (asking if he was planning
to come revenge-picket me, as is his wont). He asked, "Is that a threat?"
I said, "How could asking if I'll see you later possibly be a threat?"
He said "It sounded like a threat to me."
(After what Scientology did to Gerry Armstrong, I carry a visible tape recorder
with me at all pickets. Some day I might get a helmet cam, but for now
at least I have audio of these types of exchanges.)
The third was in a recent post to a.r.s., which you can find by searching
"kristi slatkin thetans outfit" on Google. In part, it says,
"We all know that Kristi is one of your criminal gang and very active
in
committing hate crimes like you. Her postings and her website are loaded
with
hatred against the Scientologists. Now that you are passing out
her hate
propaganda, look likes she'll be the next one to face 422.6."
I have a page at my web site explaining that I don't hate anyone; Scientology
disagrees.
I believe that informing people about Scientology's dark side - and
criminal acts - is education, not bigotry; Scientology disagrees.
I think people should have access to all the information, so they can
come to their own understanding of an issue (which is why I link to Scientology's
own site from Scientology Lies); Scientology disagrees.
I consider peaceful public protest to be constitutionally protected
free speech; Scientology disagrees.
I believe everyone has the right to express their opinion.
Slashdot Mirror
The Wayback Machine thing sucks, as do so many other Scientology actions against the net, but frankly I'm a little more concerned about how Scientology's actions affect people's rights out in the non-virtual world.
This is an organization that has framed critics, including journalist Paulette Cooper, who was indicted for sending bomb threats which, in reality, Scientology had sent to themselves. Scientology also attempted to frame Clearwater mayor Gabriel Cazares (for hit-and-run), U.S. District Judge Ben Krentzman (for solicitation and drug use), attorney Michael Flynn (for cashing a forged check), BBS operator Tom Klemesrud (for battery), attorney Graham Berry (for child molestation and battery), author Russell Miller (for murder), and former Scientologists Martin Hunt (for Internet posts; his report of the police officer's visit didn't mention what was being alleged about the posts) and Gene Allard (for grand theft - Allard won a 1974 malicious prosecution suit against Scientology).
Numerous instances of making false reports to police have been reported.
This is an organization that has seen 11 top-ranking executives go to jail in the U.S. for infiltrating government offices to steal and plant documents. In the similar Canadian trial, three Scientology executives and the Toronto church organization itself were found guilty of similar crimes.
The FBI raids in the late 70s turned up evidence of the frame-ups of Cooper and Cazares, along with evidence that Scientology had infiltrated numerous other government offices, such as the California Attorney General's office, as well as newspapers like the Clearwater Sun, law offices like Sidley & Austin, and other organizations, such as the Clark County Mental Health Agency. A Scientologist on the San Diego police force was fired for passing police information to Scientology.
A typical response from Scientology spokepeople is "that was years ago." (We never did that, and besides, we don't do it anymore.)
Well, there were five frame-up attempts that I can count in the past 3-4 years (Keith Henson, successfully framed and now a fugitive in Canada; Mark Bunker, acquitted; Bob Minton, acquitted twice but now apparently extorted into testifying for Scientology; Jesse Prince, hung jury).
There are also disturbing signs that Scientology is continuing to infiltrate government offices and businesses. A motion was filed just a couple of weeks ago alleging religious discrimination in the case of a woman who was fired from the Greenwich Housing Authority after Scientology management systems were introduced and employees were required to attend Scientology courses, paid for with thousands of dollars in public money, and the EEOC recently took action in a Texas case in which employees at a dental office were fired after refusing to attend Scientology classes. The Sacramento News & Review did a story not long ago about a publishing house that uses Scientology management techniques, run by Scientologists Dennis McKenna (who, as a Scientology spokesman, defended what Scientology did to Paulette Cooper) and Don Pearson (who gave extensive Scientology training to Allstate employees until management finally stopped it); the company, eRepublic, publishes a magazine on the use of technology in government (and another on the use of technology in education) and consults to governments on technology issues. The magazine includes ads for business training - never mentioning that it teaches Scientology principles - offered by people like Arte Maren - long-time Scientologist, co-conspirator in the 70s government infiltration case, and trainer in the Greenwich Housing Authority case.
I'm concerned that people confronted by Scientology training in the workplace don't know their rights. I hope the EEOC will vigorously defend people who are being illegally subjected to Scientology training at work - and I hope journalists will keep a closer eye on Scientology's continuing infiltration in government and business.
Kristi
Scientology Lies
At my Scientology Lies site, I document my correspondence with Google about ads for that site. Google's policy is not to run ads for sites that are critical of a person or organization, so it's impossible to advertise consumer information sites warning people about unethical or illegal practices by any organization, be it Scientology or McDonald's.
When I pointed out that one of the sites Scientology advertised was bashing psychiatrists, though, they didn't feel that ran afoul of their policy.
As for shenanigans, there's an excellent analysis of just how successful Scientology's attempts to spam search engines have been.
Kristi
They've changed the policy wording; now they're saying "we are not running ads for sites that advocate against an individual, group or organization." They ran an ad of mine this morning, then refused the very same ad a few hours later (after my initial run of hits ran out). I've written back to them, asking why they're still running ads for Democratic party sites that seem to advocate against an individual, group, or organization ... and when they're going to update their terms and conditions to reflect the new policy.
In my initial post, I said that my home address has never been on the web.
A few nice folks have e-mailed me to point out that they could see my Fillmore St. address on my web site and in the whois database.
Thing is, that is NOT my home address. That's a mail drop. (I run an indie record label that had an open demo submission policy for ten years. I didn't want enthusiastic band members showing up on my doorstep.)
My HOME address is on a different street, several blocks away.
Nevertheless, Scientology managed to find my home address with no problem. That's where they picket me.
I might also point out that, when I started picketing, I used a nym, since I was aware of their tendency to harass their critics. It only took them 2 1/2 months for them to let me know they knew who I was (by dropping my name on a.r.s.); 2 months after that, they began picketing my home and handing out the libellous fliers with my name on them. Interestingly, the first revenge picket occurred at my San Francisco home in retaliation for my picketing them in Los Angeles that day. They knew I wasn't home, but the picketing effort was coordinated enough that they responded to a picket in LA with one in San Francisco. After their first revenge picket, I posted to a.r.s. to acknowledge their outing and reclaim my name.
(Why do they picket me when I'm not home? I'm not sure, but I think they're attempting to turn my neighbors against me. Since I have long-term, good relationships with my neighbors, that strategy backfired.)
Anyway, to clarify - my HOME address, where I've been repeatedly picketed by Scientology representatives, has never been in the phone book or on the web. The one you can find on the web is a mail drop.
Thanks to those who mentioned this to me.
Kristi
Scientology Lies
Keith was offered something like five years' probation for pleading guilty to one of the lesser charges. One of the conditions would have been unannounced home visitation and searches with Scientology representatives present.
Everybody who'd cop that plea (even assuming you could stomach pleading guilty if you knew yourself to be innocent) raise your hands.
Shades of the Scientology agents' presence during the 1995 raids.
Does anybody know how often anyone other than the parole officer is permitted to be present at a parole home visit like this? It seems mighty weird to me.
Just a rumor, mind you - but maybe the Riverside DA, Grover Trask, would care to comment? (909) 766-2370 .
Kristi
Scientology Lies
> Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart Simpson, is a Scientologist! I found her name on a list of Scientologist celebrities at this page Sob, sob...
Tis true.
She recently came to San Francisco on her book tour, giving us an opportunity to picket the Borders where she was speaking. It was great - instead of the run-down Tenderloin area where the Scientology org is, we got to picket in crowded Union Square, destination for loads of shoppers and tourists (including lots of Europeans, who often have a better understanding of Scientology's totalitarian tendencies than my countryfolk).
I wouldn't picket her just for being a Scientologist, but she promotes Scientology on her website, as I mention in the flier I gave out at Borders.
Kristi
Scientology Lies
> Now this is libelous - open and shut. You should file suit, then submit a /. story and ask for donations to your legal fund.
Heh. Don't think it hasn't occurred to me.
Of course, the courts are Scientology's favorite playground, so a person who's been libelled has to think twice (at least) before pursuing matters there.
But it's certainly an option I continue to consider, and of course every month, at every picket, they hand out more libellous fliers, resetting the clock on the statute of limitations.
I've had a very interesting chat with the Small Claims Court advisor on just that very thing. And my handlers' regular presence at my pickets would certainly make serving papers easy.
Kristi
Scientology Lies
His minor daughter. (You know what LRH says about omitted data, Zinj!) I think harassing a teenager is pretty low.
Maybe not as low as having Bob Minton's grade-school-age daughters followed. Maybe not as low as sending a PI to stalk the mayor's 12-year-old son in the public library. Certainly not as low as locking a little deaf-mute girl or a 4-year-old boy in the chain locker of a ship.
Pretty damn low, though.
Kristi
Scientology Lies
I currently picket Scientology once a month (first Saturday of every month); I picketed a little more often when I started out.
I make every effort to be courteous, cheery, and non-confrontational when I picket. I greet the Scientologists I know, especially the handlers who come out to try to distract or provoke me, with a friendly "Hi! Nice to see you!" but I don't try to discuss confidential Scientology doctrine - or indeed, anything - with Scientologists who don't want to talk to me. I'm there to educate the public and to encourage people to contact public officials about Scientology's continuing pattern of illegal acts.
Although I have never had any legal hassles over my web site - no claims of copyright infringement, despite my tiny bits of fair-use quoting, and no trademark or libel threats - I have been followed after pickets (both by car and on foot), been verbally provoked (including being slandered with accusations of hate crimes and statutory rape and of being on "psych drugs", and being called a bitch and told "you can suck my dick") (... and frankly, the obscenities don't bother me - I just think it's strange behavior for representatives of a church to display to the public), and had regular revenge pickets at my home, with Scientology reps videotaping anyone who came and went from my apartment building. (My home address has never been publicly available, not in the phone book, not on the web.) Scientology reps have distributed libellous fliers to my neighbors. As part of the biggest denial-of-service attack in net history, they forged disgusting racist a.r.s. posts in my name (which, of course, they did to dozens of other critics as well). Those posts have been resurrected at google.
Recently, three different Scientologists have implied that I'm next to be charged the way Keith was. The first was in e-mail.
The second was at a picket; as I was leaving, I playfully called out to my handler, Craig, "Will I see you later?" (asking if he was planning to come revenge-picket me, as is his wont). He asked, "Is that a threat?" I said, "How could asking if I'll see you later possibly be a threat?" He said "It sounded like a threat to me."
(After what Scientology did to Gerry Armstrong, I carry a visible tape recorder with me at all pickets. Some day I might get a helmet cam, but for now at least I have audio of these types of exchanges.)
The third was in a recent post to a.r.s., which you can find by searching "kristi slatkin thetans outfit" on Google. In part, it says,
"We all know that Kristi is one of your criminal gang and very active in
committing hate crimes like you. Her postings and her website are loaded with
hatred against the Scientologists. Now that you are passing out her hate
propaganda, look likes she'll be the next one to face 422.6."
I have a page at my web site explaining that I don't hate anyone; Scientology disagrees.
I believe that informing people about Scientology's dark side - and criminal acts - is education, not bigotry; Scientology disagrees.
I think people should have access to all the information, so they can come to their own understanding of an issue (which is why I link to Scientology's own site from Scientology Lies); Scientology disagrees.
I consider peaceful public protest to be constitutionally protected free speech; Scientology disagrees.
I believe everyone has the right to express their opinion.
Scientology disagrees.
Kristi Wachter
Scientology Lies