I just read this thread, then I read Dillatante's last post where he/she was celebrating the freedom and scariness of being allowed to think their own thoughts, say things and be critical, honest, open and emotional because of ESMB. It reminded me of why this board and every effort we make, every discomfit we endure is so important.
Thank you Emma, again, for all that you have done and endured to provide this safe space for us. You don't have to endure this alone, whatever you need, you ask for it.
Thank you to the moderators who have wokred over the years of ESMB supporting Emma and the rest of us in keeping the board working, and to all those who have put up money to keep it going.
Thank you to all of us who have posted and are posting and encouraging people out of the trap, bring up the issues, challenging the old chains of hubbard's ideas and the Church's abuse so that we can emerge into the real world and retake our soverignty of thought and emotion. And to thse who provide enough fluff anf fun so we can also play and enjoy friendships and silliness and cute kitties.
The Church is crashing, the end is in sight and they are desparate.
We are stronger than ever, individually, as a group and as those who say "No more lies, the truth is coming out."
Legally, ethically, with care for those who need to escape we bring sunlight to the rotten practices and history of this corrupt religious group. We are relentless.
We enable people to ask the real questions, in as much annonymity as they feel they need, of others, and of themselves without pre-written answers or hidden agendas of making money or self agrandizement. In a forum where they can be sure to be listened to and answered honestly, without judgement or condemnation or personal attack, that costs them nothing.
We empower people to make their own choices and respect them when made (if not in our hearts, at least in our words).
We are not in it for power or money, for the opportunity to demean others or make ourselves feel superior.
We are the opposite of the Church of Scientology.
We may well be exceptionally fine examples of a great many of the values they say they embody but which they betray everyday. Truth, respect, openness, sincerity, action, freedom, real communication, healthy dynamic balance, a team... It may be one reason they are so frightened of us, and with good reason. Evil cannot continue when good men and women do the right thing. The Church just wont survive when the governments recognise the Church's lies, illegal activities, and destructive effect on the community. When it is demanded the COS follow the laws designed to protect individuals they will be unable to comply. Now that we are standing up for the rights of those still inside the COS these people begin to see the abuse they have endured for what it is. We all have, that OT VIII did, and so are people inside every day, every hour. The last straw, for each individual and for the group will be when the fundamental lies :"You are flawed" "We know better than you" and "We have a way for you to be perfect/importal gods" are just too clear to be ignored.
Emma, whatever you need, when you need it. You know it is here.
Those coming out of the trap, we are here for you and are going to be here for you until Scientology is just a story that people use as a cautionary tale.
Natascha
(very D&M and not so many emoticons now huh?)
interesting...
Thanks (honestly), but no thanks. I've read (some) of his posts back in the ARS days. 
