I was "In" for about 3 years in Los Angeles, CA.
I joined Scientology at the San Fernando Valley Mission in North Hollywood in 1970's.
I sought them out-I was Not Recruited.
I was dabbling in lots of practices.
In many ways I was on a spiritual quest.
Being in my mid twenties I was looking for purpose in life. I was
delighted with the results of the Communication & HQS courses (Hubbard Qualified Scientologist) and my Life Repair
auditing.
I soon took out a loan for $6000.00 and began my path on to Clear and subsequently became an interned Dianetic Auditor. My wins on auditing were few and far in
between-but I figured the pay off was waiting for me at the end.
The mission was a small storefront whose clientele were middle and upper middle class professionals in the suburbs primarily in 18 to 40 yo range.
Lots of pretty girls and friendly faces.
This was my new religion where it was perfectly acceptable to smoke-drink and date the girls as well. Life was good.
We really didn't even know what an Org or the Sea Org was except by rumor.
I had nothing to lose as I was told my money would be
refunded if unhappy with any services.
The missions were known by some as franchises. This was part of
a 5 mission franchise chain in Southern California owned by a fellow named Carl
Barney. He made a fortune. During this time I also volunteered for staff in the Santa Barbara Venture.
Along with about 10 other guys we built the Santa Barbara mission from the
ground-up; 3 floors. We lived in and renovated an old hotel on De La Guerra for the summer long project. I
received no pay but was happy to be in Rons good graces for my efforts.
My brother was also on lines with me.
I attested to a well and "happy human being" having achieved "Dianetics Case Completion" I was actually depressed about the results. But I
continued into the grades when one day my brother and I were talking and
decided that the auditing results were unsatisfactory for both of us.
We applied for refunds and were denied. Our attorney threatened to sue and we won-they blinked-gave us full refunds ($6000.00 each) before the matter made it to court.
I then purchased a copy of Robert Kaufmans scandalous book "Inside Scientology"-it
was the very first book to expose OT3
and the clearing materials. I was so shocked and angry about all the space opera crap that I took the
book to Tom Snyders "Tomorrow Show" producer Bruce Mckay as they were doing a 2 part
show on the cult for syndicated late night TV in Burbank. I served as an unpaid consultant, pre-show.
Unknown to me at the time is that this was the first national prime time
expose on this organization.
I was also a "member" of what would years later morph into part of the LA Freezone.
We were critics who left but still had an interest in socializing, auditing etc.
In my particular case I picked up some extra money there by selling a E-meter
when I could get my hands on one, and resell it there.
We met at the home of a man named Leonard "Spook" Fussellman-an older Ex
associate of LRH. We were also sharing/creating various processes.
During this whole fiasco I was followed and a car was parked out front of my
apartment in North Hollywood..on and off for about 2-3 months with a goon staring at me through my living room
window. (why?) Intimidation was the goal imo. I recognized him as Carl Barneys 2nd in command, a robotic
OT type.
Looking back, I had no idea of the potential danger I was in.
They literally stole every single copy of
*Inside Scientology* (Kaufman) from the Los Angeles county library system. It was the first book to ever publish OT3 and the Clearing Course materials.
I thank my lucky stars my older brother "dragged" me out of this now nefarious cult. My life may have been forever changed-and for the worse changed had he not.
I have a Love Hate relationship with Scientology. Through it all I don't regret the experience. I advocate radical Reform. Restructure of management, pricing, elimination of Ethics Dept along with deceptive front groups..and much more.
Although I was one of the Lucky ones...I do not advocate anyone joining this organization in it's current form.
"Don't become friends with the elephant keeper unless you have space in your home for an elephant"
Umike
I joined Scientology at the San Fernando Valley Mission in North Hollywood in 1970's.
I sought them out-I was Not Recruited.
I was dabbling in lots of practices.
In many ways I was on a spiritual quest.
Being in my mid twenties I was looking for purpose in life. I was
delighted with the results of the Communication & HQS courses (Hubbard Qualified Scientologist) and my Life Repair
auditing.
I soon took out a loan for $6000.00 and began my path on to Clear and subsequently became an interned Dianetic Auditor. My wins on auditing were few and far in
between-but I figured the pay off was waiting for me at the end.
The mission was a small storefront whose clientele were middle and upper middle class professionals in the suburbs primarily in 18 to 40 yo range.
Lots of pretty girls and friendly faces.
This was my new religion where it was perfectly acceptable to smoke-drink and date the girls as well. Life was good.
We really didn't even know what an Org or the Sea Org was except by rumor.
I had nothing to lose as I was told my money would be
refunded if unhappy with any services.
The missions were known by some as franchises. This was part of
a 5 mission franchise chain in Southern California owned by a fellow named Carl
Barney. He made a fortune. During this time I also volunteered for staff in the Santa Barbara Venture.
Along with about 10 other guys we built the Santa Barbara mission from the
ground-up; 3 floors. We lived in and renovated an old hotel on De La Guerra for the summer long project. I
received no pay but was happy to be in Rons good graces for my efforts.
My brother was also on lines with me.
I attested to a well and "happy human being" having achieved "Dianetics Case Completion" I was actually depressed about the results. But I
continued into the grades when one day my brother and I were talking and
decided that the auditing results were unsatisfactory for both of us.
We applied for refunds and were denied. Our attorney threatened to sue and we won-they blinked-gave us full refunds ($6000.00 each) before the matter made it to court.
I then purchased a copy of Robert Kaufmans scandalous book "Inside Scientology"-it
was the very first book to expose OT3
and the clearing materials. I was so shocked and angry about all the space opera crap that I took the
book to Tom Snyders "Tomorrow Show" producer Bruce Mckay as they were doing a 2 part
show on the cult for syndicated late night TV in Burbank. I served as an unpaid consultant, pre-show.
Unknown to me at the time is that this was the first national prime time
expose on this organization.
I was also a "member" of what would years later morph into part of the LA Freezone.
We were critics who left but still had an interest in socializing, auditing etc.
In my particular case I picked up some extra money there by selling a E-meter
when I could get my hands on one, and resell it there.
We met at the home of a man named Leonard "Spook" Fussellman-an older Ex
associate of LRH. We were also sharing/creating various processes.
During this whole fiasco I was followed and a car was parked out front of my
apartment in North Hollywood..on and off for about 2-3 months with a goon staring at me through my living room
window. (why?) Intimidation was the goal imo. I recognized him as Carl Barneys 2nd in command, a robotic
OT type.
Looking back, I had no idea of the potential danger I was in.
They literally stole every single copy of
*Inside Scientology* (Kaufman) from the Los Angeles county library system. It was the first book to ever publish OT3 and the Clearing Course materials.
I thank my lucky stars my older brother "dragged" me out of this now nefarious cult. My life may have been forever changed-and for the worse changed had he not.
I have a Love Hate relationship with Scientology. Through it all I don't regret the experience. I advocate radical Reform. Restructure of management, pricing, elimination of Ethics Dept along with deceptive front groups..and much more.
Although I was one of the Lucky ones...I do not advocate anyone joining this organization in it's current form.
"Don't become friends with the elephant keeper unless you have space in your home for an elephant"
Umike
Last edited: