The worst single thing about Scientology...

[Gadfly]

Ah Blippy, I will try to explain. It is the pomposity of the altitude that justifies the criminality. That is how what you call "inherent criminality" is spread by otherwise honest and moral people.

All criminal behavior in the cult is justified or excused based on the importance of the work.

It's possible that the cult attracts those who feel superior. I think it's more likely that it attracts those who need to feel superior. That subtle difference keeps the whole operation afloat. We were naive beyond belief and needed to be needed and important. Not falling down the delusional rabbit hole would burst the bubble and make us feel like mere mortals playing a meaningless and dangerous game.

In my experienced and educated opinion, of course.

Yes, in terms of cause and effect, the "inherent criminality" is NOT "basic". It is a (almost necessary) by-product of the attitude that "we are the topmost in intelligence, awareness and TRUTH" in all of the universe.

Scientology "data" tells any adherent that YOU are the "best", because you AGREE with the "best". There is no doubt that Scientology appeals to people who need to somehow feel that he or she is "superior" to the rest of garden-variety degraded and ignorant humanity.

POMPOUS - a great word that well describes Hubbard and many of his followers. Though, pompous ass" says it more accurately for me.

The result of such elitism is that Scientologists tend to segregate themselves off and away from the rest of humanity. As another poster mentioned, this results in "exclusion". This results in separation from others. It results in an inability to practice compassion or empathy - because all others are "NOT YOU".

I found this aspect of Scientology so very distasteful and so very contradictory to any sense of "spiritual brotherhood" with others. The philosophy of Hubbard's makes the "embracing of all others" a complete impossibility. Of course, this factor alone negates any possible value Scientology might have as a path of "spiritual development".

I remember reading where Hubbard talked about how Buddhism was so cool because it allowed anybody, with any beliefs, into its ranks, and it was entirely tolerant and embracing of a diversity of views. I agreed with Hubbard about that point. I liked what he said (whether he meant it or not). For awhile I falsely assumed that because Hubbard pointed this out that it must have meant that Scientology possessed the same attributes of being all-embracing and tolerant. Except that, as I came to discover, Scientology was NOT that at all.

It was another of Hubbard's many statements that functions as "bait" (part of the "bait and switch"). Once again, Hubbard stated something that WAS/IS TRUE, that really had NOTHING to do with his subject or practices, and he tricked members into somehow accepting (through the association of ideas) that what he described WAS "Scientology". By the way, Hubbard does that often - he puts out some nice or good idea, states it clearly, and then gets others to imagine that Scientology IS THAT (but it's not). Marty makes that same mistake very often - where he accepts Hubbard's statements, and forever fails to compare the assertions and claims with actuality.

A great example is Hubbard's statements in the Creed of a Scientologist or where he says that the goal of Scientology is to create a world without war, criminality or insanity. Some of the ideas are great, and many somewhat dumb adherents mistakenly ASSUME that Hubbard meant what he was saying and/or that Scientology could actually realize such goals. First the goals are not REALLY any of Hubbard's goals, and second, even if they were, application of all of Scientology will NEVER enable anyone to reach any of these "ideals" and "visions of a better tomorrow". Hubbard casually tosses, all throughout the subject of Scientology, "positive" and/or "nice " ideas and ideals that just about ANYONE can "agree with". THAT is a good part of the "trap".

One reads, understands and AGREES with a "good" or "positive" ideal or statement like "all reactivity gone from my mind and existence", or "man is basically good". But then in some all-encompassing manner Hubbard gets you to then associate OTHER statements and ideas of Hubbard's that are far more questionable. It is like he "gets you agreeing", and then some people tend to keep on agreeing with Hubbard's stranger ideas and claims (i.e. "we are Earth's only hope", "all other paths to spiritual salvation were/are invalid", "anyone who is against us MUST be a criminal or evil SP", "only I figured it all out", etc.)

As Mark Baker recently pointed out in another post, and as I see it this is a COMMON PROBLEM with Scientology, one substitutes one's HOPES for reason. And, really, these hopes exist more along the lines of absurd dreams, hallucinations and delusions.

Hubbard's trick is in getting mostly kind-hearted people to attach their own "decent ideals and aims" to his flawed soul-sucking system.

 

[guanoloco]

Hang on a sec. Would someone please explain to this dumb wog why "altitude" is worse than "criminality". There are plenty of people in this world who assume "altitude" and believe that they are better or holier or mightier or richer or in some obscure way superior to the general hoi pilloi. But they, generally speaking, are not criminals, just odd.

No. I say the inherent criminality is the single worst thing about Scientology. The fact that it is criminal, I suggest, attracts those who feel superior and gives them a playground in which to extract maximum satisfaction. Sure, there are the suckers who buy the bullshit and believe in Xenu and all that and probably get to feel special or something, but what binds Scientology, what makes it persist is that it presents the ideal situation for the mendacious venal to prey upon the trusting.

Hmmm.

Seems to go like this: you learn the altitude because Scientologists are the smartest, sanest, most knowledgeable, most capable, most ETHICAL (and that is the biggie) group out there. Also, at ALL levels Scientologists are expected to and DO sacrifice their dynamics to save the planet and humanity while the rest of humanity are clueless of what's at stake. Many work two or more jobs, many go without personal time or pay or personal "enhancement" (Scieno tech benefits).

You learn that what is commonly considered rational thinking is actually reactive insanity and that the planet is the graveyard of the long gone at the bottom of a trillions of years dwindling spiral and a dumping ground for the undesirables and a complete spin bin loony bin insane asylum where people are a hypnotized conglomerate of criminals, circuits, overts, implants, valences, dramatizations, BTs, evil purposes (evil purps), GPMs, missed withholds, misunderstoods, yadda, yadda, yadda. Suffice it to say that the average person is such a convoluted twisted consortium of out-points that only Scientology, EXACTLY and 100% standardly applied, can hope to sort this labyrinth of problems out.

Now, while this wonderful super space-age tech is being learned and applied to address and correct the reactive mind and reactive content that very same reactive mind and reactive content is booby trapped to attack any technology that will improve it or correct it - in this case dismantle and as-is it. Also, the dramatizing [STRIKE]psychs[/STRIKE]...er...SPs go frothing-at-the-mouth mad when any condition is seen or implied to improve.

Therefore, since everyone here is actually and factually institutionalized/incarcerated as an impatient to a criminal/insane asylum for being keyed into and dramatizing an out of present time whole track and all that spin bin stuff how sane and rational will be anything that comes out of their mouth?...or mind?...or what sort of "society" or "culture" or "art" or "philosophy" or "religion" or "law" or "justice" or "government" or "philosophy" or "human rights" will this planet have?

Since it is all booby trapped to worsen conditions and trap us further into a dwindling spiral and collapse us from survival and all that it will automatically attack and vilify Scientology and it's great discoverer the Source-rer, L. Ron. What "rights" should a madman have? What "rights" should a culture of madmen have? What "laws/justice" will madmen create? Should these "laws" be followed? Especially when they threaten survival and the only and last chance for every man, woman and child for all of eternity?

It's sort of an intervention thing - would you be willing to curb the "rights" of a loved one alcoholic if it got them into treatment?

Maybe a better analogy would be, say, a scientific technological society like the present United States coming across a stone-age voodoo technology of, say, prehistoric times. Then this scientific society found out the stone-age society was on the verge of imminent death due to some plague that could be easily cured with a vaccine. When going to administer this wonderful vaccine the stone-age culture reverted to its superstitions and attacked the very people who were saving them from death - EGAD!!! So the only RIGHT thing to do is for the advanced culture to step on any and all "social" taboos of the stone-age culture in order to ensure the survival and administering of the vaccine for their own good. These taboos are silly things born from superstition and mumbo-jumbo, anyway. Key tribal leaders that were opponents would be squelched by any means in order to not insight further riots, etc. There would be no way or time to educate the masses to save themselves so the ethical thing to do is to save them in spite of themselves.

It's also important to know that when Scientologists take advantage of others or attack others or bully or muscle it is usually not done to benefit the personal Scientologist. Instead, it is that "most ethical" thing at work where these various crimes are generally conducted for the good of all others...including, and this is the convoluted crazy part, the victim of the crime! When Paulette Cooper was attacked it was for her own good...it actually helped her - see? Since the Scientologist is not gaining anything personally it is seen as a Jesse James act where to break the suppressive law or the ignorant wog law that inadvertantlly protects the suppressive is just and justice. (The sad thing is that the ignorant wog law usually winds up protecting the suppressive Hubbard monstrosity, the Co$.)

I think you get the idea...Scientologists think they are setting man free and free from himself as well.

 

[Jachs]

I remember reading where Hubbard taked about how Buddhism was so cool because it allowed anybody, with any beliefs, into its ranks, and was entriely tolerant and embracing of diversity of views. I agreed with Hubbard about that point. For awhile I falsely assumed that because Hubbard pointed this out that it must have meant that Scientology possessed the same attributes of being all-embracing and tolerant. Except that, as I came to discover, Scientology was NOT that at all.

Hey Gadfly, do you know where you read that?

Great point, why wouldn't we assume that Hubbard thought that way, he says one thing and does the other.

This is the type of mind persuasion ive tried to express previously when challenged by people who have said, "it was your choice to stay"

 

[Lamb]

Thanks! I bump into it often in Scientologists in the form of the ever-present subliminal message "You need handling and correction". Scientologists who are "going up the bridge" have that little engine always running in the background for everyone, including themselves.

Humans acting like advanced, "knowing" beings. It's not fun to be around.

I hate to sound heartless and cynical about it but I have also concluded that...

The advanced spiritual state of OPERATING THETAN is not really a state. It is a "knowing" smirk.

That and then at the same time feeling like such a lowly DB when you can't cough up the reg. $$ or are in the MAA's chair.....talk about schizophrenia inducing!

 

[Gadfly]

Hey Gadfly, do you know where you read that?

Great point, why wouldn't we assume that Hubbard thought that way, he says one thing and does the other.

This is the type of mind persuasion ive tried to express previously when challenged by people who have said, "it was your choice to stay"

I read it in one of the books. I don't know where off the top of my head.

People, at least naive, young and overly trusting people, tend to believe that people ONLY say or write what is true. I spent the first 25 years of my life SIMPLY ASSUMING that people always said what they meant, and meant what they said. Who knows why, but I did. I suppose it was because I always tried to say what I meant, and mean what I said. I simply assumed everybody else did the same!

I think it is something people need to mature into - into realizing that first, some people say things intentionally that are NOT true, for some desired end, and second, many people believe certain things to be true, that aren't, but they communicate these things as if they ARE true because they BELIEVE them to be true. One needs to learn to evaluate EVERYTHING one reads or is told. EVERYTHING. For me, it is now a common trait, basically second-nature to do so.

But, when I was involved in Scientology, I had NOT yet arrived at that point. Interestingly, it was some of Hubbard's data on "looking", "observing", "verify dones", "verify it personally", "look don't listen", "personal integrity" and other notions that HELPED ME to improve at NOT accepting things at face value. I examined much of Scientology through the same lens and it often came up short.

Anyway, Hubbard makes many claims and assertions, about all sorts of things, through all his books, writings and lectures, and too many people simply fail to evaluate the possibility or probability of the veracity of much of what Hubbard states as being "true" (History of Man, OT abilities, state of clear, efficacy of Scientology bridge, KSW, etc).

There are MANY of his statements that are GOOD or USEFUL by themselves, or outside the framework of the organized scam (Church of Scientology). I mean, it is a great idea to "know how to know". It is cool to possibly be able to "be three feet in back of your head". I wouldn't mind being able to locate myself, as a thetan, by postulates. I would like a world without war, crime or insanity. I would like a world where all men have rights (Creed of a Scientologist).

The problem is that many of this statements or claims are ONLY IDEAS, ideas that have little or nothing to do with any practical result of applying Scientology. It takes TIME for any person involved with Scientology to figure THAT out. And, NOBODY in Scientology is going to tell you that.

Also, modern society is FILLED with claims and assertions by all sorts of authorities that are based on little more than wishful thinking (not unlike Scientology) - just listen to a few speeches by Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve. And, people accept and believe all of his bullshit too.

I am one of those who maintains that for ANY person to stick it out for an extensive period of time in Scientology and donate HUGE amounts of money over many years, well there has GOT TO BE something wrong with YOU (too)! I also say that "it was his or her choice to stay". People don't HAVE to remain stupid and blind to the scam. Past a certain point, I am sorry, there is no excuse.

It is common on Earth for people to believe hopes, dreams, claims and assertions INSTEAD of observable events and actualities. THAT is NOT unique to Scientology, though I suspect Hubbard took knowing advantage of that common human flaw. Hubbard himself stated in some policy that "a person will accept just about anything if spoken with authority, repeated, and even if simply WRITTEN IN A BOOK". And, he was right about that, AND he used that to his benefit because he wrote and stated MANY things that NEVER had the slightest shred of evidence or proof, yet MANY "wanted it to be true".

Past a certain point, I am sorry, there is no excuse to keep stepping in the pooh-pooh. I saw my way through the BS BEFORE the Internet really took off, and far before the abundance of information NOW available to ANY person with the slightest desire to learn more about Hubbard and the Church of Scientology. People often get what they need or want, and for some people, Scientology sure "gives it to them".

I know people who have been in the C of S over 30 years. They have "donated millions" over the years. These people are NOT "stupid", but they are doing it to themselves. I have ZERO sympathy for them. The CHOOSE to stay in and play THAT game. I told a few of them over 10 years ago about MAJOR problems and contradictions with Scientology and Hubbard. They didn't want to hear it. THAT was/is THEIR CHOICE.

People have the right and freedom to be idiots. :confused2:

Granted Scientology is a "class act" as far as scams are concerned. But, in the end, it takes TWO to tango.

 

[LongTimeGone]

<snip>

It still fascinates me that Scientologists pretend to be so far above "homo sapiens".

<snip>

And most "homo sapiens sapiens" could squeeze their pimply little heads.

LTG

 

[HelluvaHoax!]

...


The thing that used to bother me the most about Scientology was the relentless lying.

Lying about Clear and OT.

Lying about having the key to Eternity.

Lying about their non-financial humanitarian motives.

Lying about their crimes and covert terror campaigns.

Lying about lying.

Why is all this lying necessary, one wonders?

I truly believe it all originates from that first fatal lie--the ASSUMPTION OF ALTITUDE.

Try it some time.

Make an announcement to all your friends and family and business associates that you are the Messiah.

Then try to not lie when they ask you questions.

 

[Free Being Me]

...


The thing that used to bother me the most about Scientology was the relentless lying.

Lying about Clear and OT.

Lying about having the key to Eternity.

Lying about their non-financial humanitarian motives.

Lying about their crimes and covert terror campaigns.

Lying about lying.

Why is all this lying necessary, one wonders?

I truly believe it all originates from that first fatal lie--the ASSUMPTION OF ALTITUDE.

Try it some time.

Make an announcement to all your friends and family and business associates that you are the Messiah.

Then try to not lie when they ask you questions.

This site depicts some of Hubtards propensity for lying. Hubtard lied so well $ci was born.
http://www.ronthenut.org/

 

[Gadfly]

...


The thing that used to bother me the most about Scientology was the relentless lying.

Lying about Clear and OT.

Lying about having the key to Eternity.

Lying about their non-financial humanitarian motives.

Lying about their crimes and covert terror campaigns.

Lying about lying.

Why is all this lying necessary, one wonders?

I truly believe it all originates from that first fatal lie--the ASSUMPTION OF ALTITUDE.

Try it some time.

Make an announcement to all your friends and family and business associates that you are the Messiah.

Then try to not lie when they ask you questions.

Hey now, LYING IS THE LOWEST FORM OF CREATIVITY. (per LRH)

In that regard, Ron was a VERY "creative" fellow!!!!!!!

The "'ole man" splurged on it!!!!!

Lies - fictions - make-believe - fabrications - empty assertions - baseless claims ad nauseum

 

[HelluvaHoax!]

Hey now, LYING IS THE LOWEST FORM OF CREATIVITY. (per LRH)

In that regard, Ron was a VERY "creative" fellow!!!!!!!

The "'ole man" splurged on it!!!!!

Lies - fictions - make-believe - fabrications - empty assertions - baseless claims ad nauseum

Well, on the positive side, Ron started out telling the truth in 1950.

At least the first 2 words.

DIANETICS: THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH
​

After those first 2, he kinda just...made it up as he went along.

And Scientologists kinda just... went along as he made it up.

 

[Operating DB]

Well, on the positive side, Ron started out telling the truth in 1950.

At least the first 2 words.

DIANETICS: THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH
​

After those first 2, he kinda just...made it up as he went along.

And Scientologists kinda just... went along as he made it up.

Oh God! I was at an ex scio friends house this evening along with other exes for a get together. Another ex noticed that he had a couple shelves of scio books. One of those books being DMSMH. I got all cringy and got the willies. I haven't seen an lrh book in decades. I opened up the book to a random page and started reading. Jeez! What I was reading did not make any sense! No wonder I burned my copy after leaving the cult!

A little later we made a fire outside in the fire pit. I suggested we get all my friends books and use them for kindling.

 

[Infinite]

Got it. Thanks all. Contrived Altitude is #1 Worst Thing about Scientology.

Wouldn't Scientology make a great Board Game? You can earn money and altitude depending where you are on the Bridge, and suffer demerits via a set cards - (think Community Chest and Chance) - called Ethics and Obscure Policy. The winner is the first person to either complete the Bridge and/or assume control of RTC. Possibilities are endless.

 

[Good twin]

Got it. Thanks all. Contrived Altitude is #1 Worst Thing about Scientology.

Wouldn't Scientology make a great Board Game? You can earn money and altitude depending where you are on the Bridge, and suffer demerits via a set cards - (think Community Chest and Chance) - called Ethics and Obscure Policy. The winner is the first person to either complete the Bridge and/or assume control of RTC. Possibilities are endless.

Yeah. But it's not as fun as it sounds.

 

[HelluvaHoax!]

Got it. Thanks all. Contrived Altitude is #1 Worst Thing about Scientology.

Wouldn't Scientology make a great Board Game? You can earn money and altitude depending where you are on the Bridge, and suffer demerits via a set cards - (think Community Chest and Chance) - called Ethics and Obscure Policy. The winner is the first person to either complete the Bridge and/or assume control of RTC. Possibilities are endless.

This message just came in from Target II...

Originally Posted by L. Ron Hubbard
Dear Infinite,
You have taken an enormous step on your Bridge to OT by cogniting about "contrived altitude". In order to become full OT, you should continue applying Scientology tech until you blow the "contrived" part and then you will achieve real OT altitude, like myself. I am way above you and the other wannabe OTs down there on Earth and I invite you to follow the road I have carefully laid out for you. If you stay focused on what I tell you to do, you can join me here at Target II. You can't imagine the fun it is to be here, no kidding. Hurry up, I miss you and can't wait for you to drop your encumbrance and experience total freedom with me. ML, Ron

 

[J. Swift]

Ultimate Altitude is Ultimate Attitude:

"Some people, well, if they don't like Scientology, well, then, fuck you. Really. Fuck you. Period."
-- Tom Cruise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFBZ_uAbxS0

/////

 

[Tiger Lily]

Oh wow -- this thread is just amazing. I really thought I was "over" Scientology -- I have very little attention on it any more (except for the annoying daily phone calls of course). I just checked in today to see how it was going on ESMB and caught this thread. . . .blew me away for some reason, and just took off another layer.

I wonder if it's possible to ever truly get rid of this Scientology thing, but I'm another step closer. Great OP, Hoax -- great posts/responses. I love ESMB!

 

[Boojuum]

...I am one of those who maintains that for ANY person to stick it out for an extensive period of time in Scientology and donate HUGE amounts of money over many years, well there has GOT TO BE something wrong with YOU (too)! I also say that "it was his or her choice to stay". People don't HAVE to remain stupid and blind to the scam. Past a certain point, I am sorry, there is no excuse.

Interesting point. I find it hard to make that accusation. I think most humans are pretty flawed and joining a group and giving it your all is very much part of human nature. LRH figured it out but so did the Boy Scouts and virtually any civic or religious group. Leaving the group that needs your help is the tough part. One knows that they sure aren't perfect and are willing to tolerate less than perfect behavior in the group. Look at all the severely flawed marriages that survive for decades! I've seen insanely dedicated behavior in private industry from people making very little money, being exploited in fact. Still, the humans plod along happily being devoted to something.

Looking back at my Scientology experience, I wouldn't have left if only a few policies were different. But maybe I'm one of those people who has something wrong with them?

 

[GoNuclear]

Well, on the positive side, Ron started out telling the truth in 1950.

At least the first 2 words.

DIANETICS: THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH
​

After those first 2, he kinda just...made it up as he went along.

And Scientologists kinda just... went along as he made it up.

That calls for a repost.

Pete


DMSMH
(parody of Strangers in the Night)

DMSMH, not worth one glance at,
Reading it at night,
There’s little chance that, you’ll be still awake,
After a page or two.

Something in that book, is just so boring,
Something in that book, will have you snoring,
Something in that book,
Is meant to con you, too!

DMSMH, the flakey people,
Who hack DMSMH,
Up to the tear-page,
And then just like a retard,
Mail in that tear-card,
Soon have clams come out their way,
To love-bomb all their doubts away and -

Then they get on course, and become Rondroids,
They become ass-pains, far worse than hemorrhoids,
Fished by LRH,
With DMSMH.

(instrumental)

Soon have clams come out their way
To love-bomb all their doubts away and -

Then they get on course, and become Rondroids,
They become ass-pains, far worse than hemorrhoids,
Fished by LRH,
With DMSMH.

Doobie doobie do,
Do doobie da da,
Da da doobie da …

 

[Operating DB]

Oh wow -- this thread is just amazing. I really thought I was "over" Scientology -- I have very little attention on it any more (except for the annoying daily phone calls of course). I just checked in today to see how it was going on ESMB and caught this thread. . . .blew me away for some reason, and just took off another layer.

I wonder if it's possible to ever truly get rid of this Scientology thing, but I'm another step closer. Great OP, Hoax -- great posts/responses. I love ESMB!

That's the problem with ESMB. There are so many threads that it's easy to miss new ones. But it's always a pleasant surprise when you run into a great one that heretofore you didn't know existed.

 

[Good twin]

I was in for over thirty years. I donated hundreds of thousands (maybe millions) of dollars. I don't disagree that something was and is wrong with me. It was not simply of my own free will though as you say. I was lied to and duped systematically over time. I was brainwashed nearly thoroughly but gradually, like boiling a frog.

I will NEVER blame those who are still in. While some may have serious and even tragic character flaws, so do most people who never join a cult. They are people and they do what they do because they believe truly and deeply in what they think they are accomplishing. They also are addicted to the way it makes them feel.

Have a heart Gadfly. There are a whole lot of good people who stayed in for less than nefarious reasons.

I read it in one of the books. I don't know where off the top of my head.

People, at least naive, young and overly trusting people, tend to believe that people ONLY say or write what is true. I spent the first 25 years of my life SIMPLY ASSUMING that people always said what they meant, and meant what they said. Who knows why, but I did. I suppose it was because I always tried to say what I meant, and mean what I said. I simply assumed everybody else did the same!

I think it is something people need to mature into - into realizing that first, some people say things intentionally that are NOT true, for some desired end, and second, many people believe certain things to be true, that aren't, but they communicate these things as if they ARE true because they BELIEVE them to be true. One needs to learn to evaluate EVERYTHING one reads or is told. EVERYTHING. For me, it is now a common trait, basically second-nature to do so.

But, when I was involved in Scientology, I had NOT yet arrived at that point. Interestingly, it was some of Hubbard's data on "looking", "observing", "verify dones", "verify it personally", "look don't listen", "personal integrity" and other notions that HELPED ME to improve at NOT accepting things at face value. I examined much of Scientology through the same lens and it often came up short.

Anyway, Hubbard makes many claims and assertions, about all sorts of things, through all his books, writings and lectures, and too many people simply fail to evaluate the possibility or probability of the veracity of much of what Hubbard states as being "true" (History of Man, OT abilities, state of clear, efficacy of Scientology bridge, KSW, etc).

There are MANY of his statements that are GOOD or USEFUL by themselves, or outside the framework of the organized scam (Church of Scientology). I mean, it is a great idea to "know how to know". It is cool to possibly be able to "be three feet in back of your head". I wouldn't mind being able to locate myself, as a thetan, by postulates. I would like a world without war, crime or insanity. I would like a world where all men have rights (Creed of a Scientologist).

The problem is that many of this statements or claims are ONLY IDEAS, ideas that have little or nothing to do with any practical result of applying Scientology. It takes TIME for any person involved with Scientology to figure THAT out. And, NOBODY in Scientology is going to tell you that.

Also, modern society is FILLED with claims and assertions by all sorts of authorities that are based on little more than wishful thinking (not unlike Scientology) - just listen to a few speeches by Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve. And, people accept and believe all of his bullshit too.

I am one of those who maintains that for ANY person to stick it out for an extensive period of time in Scientology and donate HUGE amounts of money over many years, well there has GOT TO BE something wrong with YOU (too)! I also say that "it was his or her choice to stay". People don't HAVE to remain stupid and blind to the scam. Past a certain point, I am sorry, there is no excuse.

It is common on Earth for people to believe hopes, dreams, claims and assertions INSTEAD of observable events and actualities. THAT is NOT unique to Scientology, though I suspect Hubbard took knowing advantage of that common human flaw. Hubbard himself stated in some policy that "a person will accept just about anything if spoken with authority, repeated, and even if simply WRITTEN IN A BOOK". And, he was right about that, AND he used that to his benefit because he wrote and stated MANY things that NEVER had the slightest shred of evidence or proof, yet MANY "wanted it to be true".

Past a certain point, I am sorry, there is no excuse to keep stepping in the pooh-pooh. I saw my way through the BS BEFORE the Internet really took off, and far before the abundance of information NOW available to ANY person with the slightest desire to learn more about Hubbard and the Church of Scientology. People often get what they need or want, and for some people, Scientology sure "gives it to them".

I know people who have been in the C of S over 30 years. They have "donated millions" over the years. These people are NOT "stupid", but they are doing it to themselves. I have ZERO sympathy for them. The CHOOSE to stay in and play THAT game. I told a few of them over 10 years ago about MAJOR problems and contradictions with Scientology and Hubbard. They didn't want to hear it. THAT was/is THEIR CHOICE.

People have the right and freedom to be idiots. :confused2:

Granted Scientology is a "class act" as far as scams are concerned. But, in the end, it takes TWO to tango.