Arnie Lerma Retiring From the Fray

Arnie Lerma Withdraws from the Fray

Posted to alt.religion.scientology and at Xenu.net, Operation Clambake forum on August 24, 2007:

My first postings about scientology were in the spring of 1993 so it has been 14 years of battle to bring scientology's true nature into the public eye.

I would like to thank all the people who have inspired, helped out,provided insight or support or provided a laugh over the years. Including but not limited to the following names and Usenet nicknames, and chat board names: Alert, Anabaptist Jacques, Andreas Heldal-Lund, Ariane Jackson, Android Cat, Antique Hoax, banchukita, BatChild, Bent Corydon, Betti Gefecht, Bird, Bonnie Woods, Brigitta Dagnell, Bob "da Sloth" Bingham, Bob Penny, Caroline Letkeman, catarina, Chip Gallo, Chuck Beatty, Chris Lethiser, Chris Owen, Claus Wunderlich, Curtis Anderson,Cyril Vosper, Dan Garvin. Dave Bird, Dave Touretsky, David Gerard, David Mayo, Det. Dennis Marlock, Det. Seargant Tom Miller, Det Seargant Ray Emmons, Dick Cleek, Dilbert Perkins, Dr. Donna Shannon, Don Lindsay, Doug Johnson, Dr. Ed Lottick, Ed Hataway, Erin-is-a-Goddess, ex-Mudder, FACTnet, Formerlyfooled, Frank Rich, Va. Sen. John Warner, Fred Rice, Freimann, Fred Durks, Funkmaster, Mayor Gabe Cazares, Gary Weber, George Malko, Gerry Armstrong, Graham Berry, Greg Beha, Gregg Hagglund, Hana Eltringham, heffer, Homer Wilson Smith, Ida Camburn, James Lippard, Jeff Filbert, Jeff Jacobsen, Jeff Lee, Jens Tingleff, Jim Bebee, Joe Cisar, Joe Harrington, Johan Wevers, John Dorsay, John Ritson, Dr Jolyon "Jolly" West, Jon Atack, Karin Spaink, Keith Henson, Kim Baker, Kim Palmer, Kristi Wachter, ladayla, Ladybird, Lagniappe, Lawrence Wollersheim, Lars Westgarten, Lee Strope FDLE, Cong. Leo Ryan, LTRICHA1, Maggie Council, Margaret Huffstickler, Margaret Singer, PhD, Marion Delgado, Mark Bunker, Mark Dallara, Mark Ebner,Mark Plummer, Marina Chong, Martin Hunt, Martini, Martin Poulter, Maureen, Michael Gormez, Michael Pattinson, Michael Tilse, Mike O'Connor, Monica Pignotti,Morsicle, Nan Mclean, Neail C., Wieber , Out_of_the_dark, Pat Humphrey, Patrick Jost Ph.D.Paulette Cooper, Quaoar, Phineas Fogg, Phil Scott, Praxis, Prignillius, Rasta Robert, Ray Randolph, Raymond Hill, Rev Norle Enturbulata, Richard Behar, Rich Leiby, Rick Ross, ripodb, roan, Robert Minton, Rod Keller, Roger Gonnet, Ron Newman, Russel Miller, Shelly Thomson, Shmoodles, SchwimmelPuckel, Sponge, Stacy Young, Steven Hassan, Steve Whitlatch, Stewart Lamont, Stickwork, Suzette Hubbard, The LMT, Tilman, Tom Klemesrud. Tommy Gorman, Tom Pagett, Tony Bosnakoudis, Tony McClelland, Tory Christman, Ulf Brettstam, M.D,, Wayne Whitney, Valerie Emmanuel, Vaughn Young, Volney Mathison, wbarwell, Yohjimboh!, Zenon Panoussis, Zorrosblade. Xenuotter.

In Scientology Hubbard created the epitome of selfishness - everything for the sake of scientology, and the only thing that scientology produces is more scientologists.

Our planet provides enough for all mans' needs, but there never is enough to satisfy greed, and we cannot afford the expensive indulgence of creating so much nothing, as in scientology.

The only good to come out of the Scientology experience, is to use it as a case study, a living laboratory project, to teach people, how to determine what is true and what are mental manipulation for profit or slavery. Scientology is both.

The experience and information learned over the last 14 years has achieved this for me, I hope you get as much out of your efforts.

Having watched scientology's most recent performances, I no longer consider them a worthy opponent. Due to their extraordinary ineptitude and the vast degree of public awareness achieved in the last decade, Scientology no longer requires my assistance to come to an end.

I hereby officially pass the baton, and withdraw from the field.

August 24th 2007

"Ten thousand lies -
won't change a single truth
about Scientology

at Lermanet.com Exposing the CON
WE COME BACK FOR OUR FRIENDS and FAMILY to get them out while they are still alive!

Get Involved!
http://ocmb.lermanet.us/discussion/viewforum.php?f=36
http://ocmb.lermanet.us/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=381

"He exuded evil, malice, and stupidity"
Gore Vidal on meeting L Ron Hubbard

My children and family are so glad
to have me back and I'm glad you,
have your site to help people like
us! - from an "OT" still in "good
standing"

Comments received:

Arnie,

Thank you for the difference you've made over the years. If you ever get to travel to Norway you know there is a bottle of nice Italian wine and a guest room waiting for you here. :)

Take care, my friend.

Hugs,
Andreas Heldal-Lund # http://spirous.blogspot.com/ # www.xenu.net
Phone: +47 88 00 66 66 # Address: Postboks 131, N-4098 Tananger, Norway

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Each of us does what we can do. Our obligation is to do it as well as we can, with as much grace, dignity, integrity and honor our egos can
tolerate."
---------------------------------------------[Robert Vaughn Young]-----

Arnie, your presence will be missed, but I hope your body of work that is catalogued on your website will still be available to the general public. Unlike some other websites that are selling on eBay, yours has original content and value for researchers.

-maggie, human being

I'd like to echo what Maggie said here. Your website is a priceless resource.

I'm sorry to hear this news. Thanks for all you've done.

Beth

Seconded (or is that thirded?).

Be well, and thanks for all your excellent work.

Best Regards
Jens

Arnie,

In my short time here I have come to not only know you but I have come to respect you as well. I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do next in your life. Thank you for all you have done over the last 14 years. You made a difference.

Jerald

Kind of a shock, but I wish you the best. You gave a lot of your life to Scientology, then a lot to exposing it. You should leave some time for the rest of the world out there too. Thanks for all you've done and thanks to the net, it will be out there for this and future generations.

Jeff Jacobsen

I wait in anticipation for the COS news about this announcement. I imagine it will go something like this:

"After a hard fought battle that lasted 14 years we finally won--we drove Arnie into oblivion!"

Arnie is right, they have become a toothless opponent. Even when they lose, they insist they're winning. They remind me of the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. All the while they're hemorhaging out of all of their limbs, they still believe it's just a scratch.

"Have at you!"

murray.luther

Thank You.

Z zeeorger

Yeah Mr Lerma..I often wonder how much bigger scientology would be if not for SP's like you( and so many named and un-named in your post). Youve sacrificed a LOT (as have many like you) and the only benefit was educating people about the cult of scientology.

No matter who bows out, there will always be more than one to take up the baton and run with it. Kinda reminds me of the ending of V for Vendetta.

RVY was right about the relay race, but I guess he didnt invision, how, for when one of those was passing on the baton, it would be thousands that took up the next leg.

Enjoy retirement Arnie, it must feel great to know that scientology cannot recover and manifest into Orwells 1984.

Thank YOU

Alert

Enjoy your life Arnie!

BigBeard
Katana ko chi, Spsoo

I totally understand where you're coming from.....you've worked VERY hard for many years, and have helped T O N S of people "See the light".

Now it's time for you to go play, knowing, for the most part, the work has been done.

I will always wish you well----and we'll all miss the words and thoughts from arnie lerma. I hope you take a breather and return, but IF you must go, take care, be well, and have fun!

Take care my friend, and may the wind be at your back---

Tory/Magoo~~:)

You will be missed friend. Enjoy your life and keep in touch - you have done much to be proud of.

Passing the baton is an honourable thing to do - your work and time you have given to scientology and to exposing the con will long be remembered.

Thank you Arnie

Kim P

Take care, and be well. I'm glad to have been your friend for our last 32 years. I tip my hat and salute you. Stay in touch.

Warrior - Sunshine disinfects
"Scientology: it's about deception."
http://warrior.xenu.ca

Sad to see you go.

What will happen with your webpage?

Tilman

Arnie,

Thanks for your friendship and inspiration over the last few years. Your hard work and integrity helped pave the way for me to think Myself out of the "scientology" mind-control box. I'm still working on it. Never forget that you helped so many. Never forget that you are loved.

Take care, friend, I'll be in touch.

Michael Tilse

Arnie, while I will miss you and your posts, I wish you all the best!!

Butterflygirl

Aw Gee, Arnie. Don't go. I sure hope that it is not poor health that has induced you to leave us. You have been, and will always remain, a true-teller of the invidious nature of Scientology. We will miss you big time. There's an old lyric that I wish for you " I wish you shelter from the storm, a cozy fire to keep you warm, I wish you health and more than wealth, I wish you love".

jana ( la)

Hi Arnie,

Thanks for all you have done. Its a big world ... go enjoy it.

VooDooMooGoo

Allthough you say you are withdrawing, you will not be gone! Live well, enjoy life and my deepest and longest bow to you for all that you have done for thy fellow men.

Ulf Brettstam,MD.

True greatness consists in the use of a powerful understanding to enlighten oneself and others.
Voltaire

"What can we say to a man who tells you that he would rather obey God than men, and that therefore he is sure to go to heaven for butchering you? Even the law is impotent against these attacks of rage; it is like reading a court decree to a raving maniac. These fellows are certain that the holy spirit with which they are filled is above the law, that their enthusiasm is the only law that they must obey."
[Voltaire, 1764]

Arnie. You have done a GREAT deal to help people who have to one degree or another been abused or otherwise taken advantage of by "the church". And I know you have done this often times with little or no support from others and dispite many physical hardships.

I just wanted to say "thank you" for all you have done, that I consider you a friend and that I wish you everything good in your future.

Larry (SME)

Arnie I was hoping you'd write a book before you left. Maybe that's a surprise you have coming our way.

I always admired your insight into the church. You seemed to uncover all those black secret holes the church tried so hard to keep hidden from everyone.

Please be sure all your work is preserved for generations to come. It will be needed if another COS like cult raises its ugly head.

Thank You
Thank You
Thank You

ShowMe

Thank you Arnie for being my friend. You helped to fill the giant gap in my life brought on by LRH's organization.

Keep well
Be Happy

lov
Ida Camburn

Dude, you were one of the people I knew was a "real" critic. I guess all things must come to a end.

I agree with Magoo.. Take a breather and if you are so inclined, return to the fray! I think you will always be welcome here!

alf...

Arnie,

This is quite a surprise but I respect your decision.

You are correct. It's obvious the church is on it's way out and cannot compete with the work you and others have made available to others on the internet.

Besides your remarkable history of research, interviews and postings, and web site, you stand out among the top critics as someone who has made it possible for members and ex-members to have a trusted resource to go to for advise and help in stepping out of the mental trappings Hubbard, DM & and scientology created to contain us. I am one of those people and I am truely grateful for the time you gave me. I'm especially grateful for the time and advise you gave me when I finally I got up the courage to make my first call to you.

You answered many questions and directed me on what to read and where. After I found my way on a.r.s. and saw who really contributed and who just made problems, I could not help but come to your defense when others would attack you or minimize your contributions. You are a good man, Arnie Lerma, and you deserve no less than that.

You have helped & informed many, many people. You have stood the test of time against the cult. I'm not going to speculate here on why you are leaving because I know that if anyone deserved a vacation from being a critic, it's you.

What's clear to me is that a.r.s. and the critical information that exists on the internet today have rapidly evolved from the foundations you and other oldtimers here have set in place and kept in motion. The internet is keeping these foundations in motion and there is NOTHING CoS can do about that. That is the definition of success. So I can appreciate the idea that you'll enjoy spending more time with family & close friend and less to none here but please remember that you will be missed.Pop in now and again and let us know how you're doing.

Thank you, Arnie.

That's a kickass retirement speech, Arnie.

You have amassed a lot of positive karma over the past 14 years, whether you or I believe in it or not. (I'm undecided at this point.)

You put in monumental amounts of work on your website, and as a matter of fact the historical stuff is pretty comprehensive at this point anyway. One more letter from Volney M. won't matter.

And yes, I agree with you that the battle is mostly won. At this point, potential new victims steer far, FAR clear of the streetcorner stress and personality test crack whores.

However, I agree with Kevin B. that your low voltage current / duration theory about the e-meter is suspect and may even be total bullshit... although then again, you and William Burroughs still might have had a point or two about that trickle cujrrent's immediate effect on the brain via the neural backchannel or whatever. We can discuss that later if you wish to reappear as a Critic Emeritus.

I also agree with Gerry that Scientology is still wealthy, psychotic, vindictive and dangerous -- but those attributes alone don't make it effective for much longer. The current nasty attacks may just be the death throes of a reptilian sci-fi creature generated by special effects.

Surely, as wannabe civilized humans, we shouldn't agree on everything anyway. If we did, what would we have to discuss as intelligent human beings?

In closing, I will remind the above "thetans" that intelligence has very little correlation with religion, acculturation, education, gullibility, charisma or sanity. Intelligence is just the speed of the latest chip.

However, moral sense and raw virtue can affect all of those attributes, and Arnie is living proof.

EldonB123

Thanks Arnie, your website will always be there for people to read and learn. For many years, you have acted as the voice for those who had information, as the posting and litigation regarding the Xenu Story highlights a persons bravery to speak out.

In any neighborhood where crime and fraud are to be watched for, or information is shared from victims, it is well known that community policing or neighborhood watch advocates end up being the same few to "get more responsibility" as a result of taking that stand to speak out on their behalf. There are victims. There is awareness - and through education comes prevention and reduction of crime and - it is everyones responsibility, Enough cannot be said on how important it is for everyone to have a place to get involved.

The information warfare that ensues today is what you said, years ago -

"The Internet is $cientology's Vietnam."

And everyone can see that connecting the dots on past or present schemes, to piece together what $cientology tries to revise because they are so at risk to lose their posh and comfortable tax exemption as the biggest running scam right in front of everyones eyes. Sharing and putting together the information in this collective brings great distraction, and the Internet continues to count their lies, daily.

As a part of educating and teaching others, you have become the listening ear for many who have left the $cientology cult, and others who observe them from the community they live, and there is indeed a need for people to do this everyday. People come on line to share these things daily.

What I don't think others realize is that everyone is responsible for making the decision to fight fraud, scams. By the way people have left in past years, or step forward to share information, I don't think the public realizes that they have partaken in helping discover the motivation and evidence of the operation of such a large criminal organization. People are coerced, people help everyday to move money around to unknown places without questioning, and the view from the outside of this organization have people work effortlessly to reach our elected officials to act on these findings.

One person cannot do this all, for it takes a collective of information and thinking people. We all come on our own, to find some niche and help to connect dots and keep putting information out, so that eventually it becomes more a collective of prevention than a collective of victims.

Arnie has definitely put forward a great effort in this collective. And especially to make this collective grow. This is not a loss, this is a recognition of inspiration to do something. Nothing is lost when there are things to pass down to our children and our children's children, generationally. Things can only be gained if we have read and understood the writings on Lermanet.

If anyone has learned anything from Arnie, it's to do something - to any degree, what he has - in order to keep the sharing collective going. Because in any group, for as many that speak up and do anything, there are always more that talk, have ideas, and never do anything themself.

We are all human beings and we do what we can. Every person who adds something, does something helps in the long run. We are all capable, and are not losing anything by Arnies leaving the fray. We all have what we came with, and still have something to share. There is no doubt of the inspiration gained by the effort that Arnie has put forth.

One thing I don't think that anyone realizes, is that besides the amount of information that has been shared on Lermanet, Arnie talked and counseled many people with questions, or members who leave, and on any given day, the telephone could ring nonstop. For all the demands that

Most of the answers, and healing or action as a result, is realized by a person reading and realizing the strength in each person to act upon inner thoughts, feelings and ideas. Going to forums where members help other members, identify or validate that strength to go on, is in every person, and a gift to share. If a person learns by another to use the smarts and talents they have, that too is something that passes from generation to generation.

Sharing the information and getting the information out in the information war is what Lermanet is all about. Discrediting will always happen to people, but the information will not change, so nothing can be lost in the information we bring forward to criticallt discuss and continue to post to the Internet.

The Internet is deprogramming people. From $cientology and even other subversive and delusional groups propaganda techniques.

What's true is that the amount of information already there, that continues to grow on the Internet is helping. The best way to thank Arnie or anyone that helps with such information is to keep adding to the collective.

Everyone has a special gift, so keep on keeping on to give it and support others to keep fighting $cientology and other mentally manipulative scams.

Best to you Arnie,
Maureen

You're 5 stars Arnie Lerma!!!!

Don't disappear. Your site is priceless and must not fade away!

Just today, my relatives asked about the Crowley and LRH connection, and I am referring them to your site!

Take a year or two off!

Thanks for your decade plus of hard work!!!

Don't be disappearing though! You gotta still be reachable for consultation!!!

Best, Chuck Beatty

Agreed. I'm sorry to see you leave Arnie. You've been great and I consider you an example to be learned from. As others have said, if you choose to comeback, you will be welcomed and respected as you are now.

I think you are right, that the "church" (cult) of scientology has made it's own enemies, continues to make more, and is it's own worst enemy. It is ultimately self-destroying.

Hopefully though, the critics will keep fighting anyway, not to destroy (it will do that itself) but to redeem. Hopefully they (dare I say we without sounding self important) will rescue many people from it's grasp before it collapses. That way there will be fewer people to pull from the wreckage.

Good luck in whatever you do.

Respectfully,

WolfyRik

"The Matadors"

The dirty money and the sleazy heart
swell with fiesta brava;
in cheap sol, dear sombra, sit the greedy
strong-armed with expendable cokes and cushions-
missile-rebukes of buyers to the bought:

pig-eyed, big assed, the princes of peseta,
tycoons of horses, tycoon of billets,
knowers of the greasy ropes, the skid:
aficionados of the tide that turns:

the bloodshock of the trumpets,
the celestial suit, the very sand,
under the sole of the slipper
crying, what is sold a man
if he lose his profit?

Yet it is silly to say
that their blood and their wrists have not spoken,
the fighters with names like lights:
El Espartaro, Manolete, Josalito, [Lerma].
They speak to us.

The bulls were always there;
in the moonlit pastures, moving through shadows
the blacker shadows.

They speak,
the matadors. To us.
'Right-thinking' cannot hush
them, nor the crowds, their enemy;
nor the gentle wish.

They will speak and we will answer.
Unless someone is born
who has not set himself
before the dark horned shape

alone,
set his feet in sand
calling softly, hoarsely,
"Toro, toro, Venga!"

Bob Dylan - It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
[YouTube Dylan_performance]

lyrics snip>
You lose yourself, you reappear
You suddenly find you got nothing to fear
Alone you stand with nobody near
When a trembling distant voice, unclear
Startles your sleeping ears to hear
That somebody thinks
They really found you.

lyrics snip> An' though the rules of the road have been lodged
It's only people's games that you got to dodge
And it's alright, Ma, [Arnie] can make it.

lyrics snip>
A question in your nerves is lit
Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy
Insure you not to quit
To keep it in your mind and not fergit
That it is not he or she or them or it
That you belong to.

lyrics snip>
Although the masters make the rules
For the wise men and the fools
I got nothing, Ma, to live up to.

lyrics snip>
While them that defend what they cannot see
With a killer's pride, security
It blows the minds most bitterly
For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes
Must get lonely."

It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
[Full lyrics/Bob Dylan]

Darkness at the break of noon
Shadows even the silver spoon
The handmade blade, the child's balloon
Eclipses both the sun and moon
To understand you know too soon
There is no sense in trying.

Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn
Suicide remarks are torn
From the fool's gold mouthpiece
The hollow horn plays wasted words
Proves to warn
That he not busy being born
Is busy dying.

Temptation's page flies out the door
You follow, find yourself at war
Watch waterfalls of pity roar
You feel to moan but unlike before
You discover
That you'd just be
One more person crying.

So don't fear if you hear
A foreign sound to your ear
It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing.

As some warn victory, some downfall
Private reasons great or small
Can be seen in the eyes of those that call
To make all that should be killed to crawl
While others say don't hate nothing at all
Except hatred.

Disillusioned words like bullets bark
As human gods aim for their mark
Made everything from toy guns that spark
To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It's easy to see without looking too far
That not much
Is really sacred.

While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred-dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have
To stand naked.

An' though the rules of the road have been lodged
It's only people's games that you got to dodge
And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.

Advertising signs that con you
Into thinking you're the one
That can do what's never been done
That can win what's never been won
Meantime life outside goes on
All around you.

You lose yourself, you reappear
You suddenly find you got nothing to fear
Alone you stand with nobody near
When a trembling distant voice, unclear
Startles your sleeping ears to hear
That somebody thinks
They really found you.

A question in your nerves is lit
Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy
Insure you not to quit
To keep it in your mind and not fergit
That it is not he or she or them or it
That you belong to.

Although the masters make the rules
For the wise men and the fools
I got nothing, Ma, to live up to.

For them that must obey authority
That they do not respect in any degree
Who despise their jobs, their destinies
Speak jealously of them that are free
Cultivate their flowers to be
Nothing more than something
They invest in.

While some on principles baptized
To strict party platform ties
Social clubs in drag disguise
Outsiders they can freely criticize
Tell nothing except who to idolize
And then say God bless him.

While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society's pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole
That he's in.

But I mean no harm nor put fault
On anyone that lives in a vault
But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him.

Old lady judges watch people in pairs
Limited in sex, they dare
To push fake morals, insult and stare
While money doesn't talk, it swears
Obscenity, who really cares
Propaganda, all is phony.

While them that defend what they cannot see
With a killer's pride, security
It blows the minds most bitterly
For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes
Must get lonely.

My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards
False gods, I scuff
At pettiness which plays so rough
Walk upside-down inside handcuffs
Kick my legs to crash it off
Say okay, I have had enough
What else can you show me?

And if my thought-dreams could be seen
They'd probably put my head in a guillotine
But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only."

Take care, Lerma Pagliarini. May fair winds always be on your back ;-)
[Bob Dylan: "Mr. Tamborine Man (YouTube)]
Recorded at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964

lyric snip>
Though I know that evenin's empire has returned into sand,
Vanished from my hand,
Left me blindly here to stand but still not sleeping.

My weariness amazes me, I'm branded on my feet,
I have no one to meet
And the ancient empty [ARS] street's too dead for dreaming."

Z-blade

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave"
--Dakota proverb

"But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
--Matthew 19:30

Well, maybe you won't be so active anymore BUT you might still "keep your finger on this pulse" and still post once-in-awhile. Maybe consider this a semi-retirement? (Are you getting married or something?)

Have fun,
Larry

Arnie,

You deserve whatever good things are coming your way or which you'll be pursuing next.

Thank you for everything.

I have learned a lot with your help, principal being... lermanet_com wrote:

Best wishes in all your endeavors.

Love,
Roan

Ahh...I was just looking around in the Opinions and Debate forum, wondering why you hadn't posted this on OCMB! I didn't think to look here first.

I'm kind of stunned by this news.

moontaco

Arnie, sounds like a good moment for me to pipe in and say that, although I don't post much I do read, and the information you've disseminated has been very helpful to me in understanding what goes on in Scientology. Thank you so much for all you have done to free people from the cult and to educate the general public. I wish you great happiness.

deb_thang

Despite any differences we may have had over the years I still want to thank you for your efforts and wish you well.

I hope you will keep lermanet.com available to the public. Your site, along with xenu.net and a few other key sites were the catalyst in forcing me to face the truth about Scn.

itsaline
Next to the prosperity of a good person, I am best pleased with the confusion of a rascal. - unknown author

It were Arnie's website and Xenu.net that taught me about the evil sides of the CULT.

Thanks Arnie! Enjoy your life!

"THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CONTROL PEOPLE IS TO LIE TO THEM."
- L. Ron Hubbard

http://www.scamofscientology.nl

In the wake of the recent "historical" release of the "new" LRH books I hope I'm not over-estimating the intelligence of many veteran Scios. I'd like to think that there are still are a lot of Scios who haven't lost their faculty of critical thinking. You can withdraw into denial only so long until sense and logic prevails.

Couple that with the prevailing public attitude about Scn., and I think the defections will continue. Scn is its own worst enemy. One needs only to allow the Scios to be who they really are and the decline will continue.

Hey, wait a minute. "Find out who you really are." That's the Scn ethics condition of Enemy. Ironic.

Murray Luther

Thank you for your huge insight into the cult. Arnie. You will be missed for sure. Please pop in from time to time to at least say hello and let us know you are well.

Kilia

http://www.carolineletkeman.org/writings/soulhackers.html

Arnie

I wish you all the best and lots of fun in what ever you'll do in the future.

Thank you for everything you've done to expose the true nature of the cult.

You've helped lots of people and I am one of those people.

Opter

I totally understand where you're coming from.....you've worked VERY hard for many years, and have helped T O N S of people "See the light".

Now it's time for you to go play, knowing, for the most part, the work has been done.

I will always wish you well----and we'll all miss the words and thoughts from arnie lerma. I hope you take a breather and return, but IF you must go, take care, be well, and have fun!

These are all thoughts I have when I think of you.

Take care my friend, and may the wind be at your back---

Tory/Magoo~~

Arnie,

I always took you for granted. You were there and would always be. The thought that you at some point needed a life didn't even occur to me. You belonged to the first group of critics I met. I'll never forget you and your big megaphone at Ft.Harrison. "No OT's there!" Your good sense of humor. Immediate responses to e-mails. I learned tremendously about the cult through you and your website.

Thanks you so much for all the hard work you've done, the research and the knowledge you've passed on. Thank you for never letting Bob down too, I figure you were one of the true friends he ever had. Have a wonderful life now, keep the website up so your legacy can go on!

Love
Freeway xx

Dear Arnie:

Thank you very much for your kindness showing the true face of this Cult. You were the first person that I spoke, when still in shock, I came out of the Cult. You supported me, and were a true friend, although I did not even know you. Your site is an inspiration, and I hope you do not close it down, because it has valuable information. You helped many families with your crusade, and help to save many more lives who would join the Cult, if not for your true stories. I will always be grateful to you.

All the best my friend, I wish you well.

Sunshine

Arnie

The work you have done over the years is very much appreciated. Thank-you so much for all the years you have dedicated to exposing the truth. I wish you all the best and enjoy your free time.

Do you plan on keeping your website up? There's lots of good info there.

All the best,
Kookaburra

arnie

thanks for the work done and all the people I am sure you helped and still help and also the humour and the good questionning the sharp investigation I do use your informations and work most of the time I give you my best regards anytime you may come to europe don't miss paris I'll take you for a good meal and wine we go go along with roger

hat off from zorro

que la farce soit avec vous (may the farce be with you) zip ,zip ,zip

I also enjoyed talking on the phone to Arnie!

I'll miss your input alot, Arnie! What a contribution! Bravo!

Snow White

SHIT!!!!

SchwimmelPuckel

Ask not what Scientology can do for you, ask what the F*arck! is going on.

I too would like to thank you. You had done a remarkable job and have been an inspiration to the rest of us. I would like to acknowledge the passion you have displayed and continue to display throughout the decades in the battle with the Cult of Scientology. And the certainty you had that the battle will be won.

And Arnie, I agree with you, in your assessment that the battle has been won, and it is purely a mopping up operation now.

Again, thank you Arnie for everything.

Regards, David Graham.

xenuphobia: The fear of failing to follow the teachings of Scientology.

arnie.....

Thank you. Your pressure all those years on the cult called co$ has really hurt them. Although you are retiring, you have inspired others to keep this pressure on this criminal and destructive cult... which is obviously in its death throes. co$ have nothing to celebrate from your retirement..... there are many others inspired by you who are taking up the baton and waving it in the face of the silly cult.

Take care, enjoy your retirement. Yours is a job well done.

The venusian traindriver and crew ( ... The fatter controller, Sleeper Dan, "Twin Bumpers" Vanessa, Fireman Sam, Whistlestop Willie, ..and various others who assist discretely...)

Mr. Arnaldo Lerma,

It is your courageous and intelligent work that kept me correctly focused and guided me to finally arrive at what Scientology was about.

I don't think I would have made it without you. While many may consider you go too far with your accessment of Scientology, I believe it is them who need to catch up with you.

...and eventually, that is what will happen because you have spoken the truth. The horribly ugly truth that is hard to confront and accept.

Antique Hoax

"Scientology: It's worse than you think"~Arnie Lerma

lermanet_com wrote:

I couldn't agree more Arnie. You and several other key critics started the dwindling spiral that scientology is now trapped in and I truly hope that DM and the lawyers will see their day of justice in your lifetime. Please know that there are many people out there who appreciate all the hard work you've done.

The only sure fire way one can attain immortality is by doing so many good works here on earth that their names will remembered for generations to come. Arnie, you have achieved immortality not through scientology, but by exposing its abuses. Job well done.

RIPODB

"People with too many arguments should always be approached with suspicion. Dialectic and endless reasoning are usually used as resistance against disagreeable truths"
A. M. Meerloo, M.D. "Delusion and Mass-Delusion" (c) 1949

Arnie, nice work.

You will be missed.

I'mglib

Arnie,

thanks for all the great work you've done and good luck to you.

Take care! MissDorfl

I can't imagine I'm the only one thinking clearly about this. Sometimes I think I'm taking crazy pills. - Phil Plait

Somehow, I doubt you're going to stay away permanently. You've put too much of yourself into this. You care about this issue too much.

I will say, however, you have earned yourself a well deserved vacation from being a critic. Take a year off.

Focus on Arnie for a while. Enjoy life. Stop spending so much time sitting infront of your computer.

Take up a hobby. Painting... Cycling... Gardening... Anything.

But whatever you do, don't feel guilty for taking a year off.

The only thing that should bring you back is the news headline--David Miscavige Arrested, but anything other than that, just feel good knowing you've done more than your fair share.

Take care,
mb

Arnie,

You deserve to have a life without $cientology. You have certainly earned it.

I will be forever grateful to you, for your guidance and your great website which really does "expose the con".

You have made a BIG difference to many people.

Enjoy!

Dr. Donna Shannon

"There's a place up ahead and I'm goin'
just as fast as my feet can fly
Come away, come away if you're goin',
leave the sinkin' ship behind."
-John C. Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Dear Arnie

A person never has something to do with another person without holding some part of this person's life in his hand. It may be a very small matter, involving only a pass- ing mood, a dampening or quickening of spirit, a deepening or removal of some dis- like. But it may also be a matter of tremendous scope, such as can determine the very course of his life.

L�gstrup KE. (Danish philosopher)

Thanks
Dorthe

Right! - We're playing spooks and spies with OSA! - If you didn't know they have all the advantages, so you better know!

With Arnie resigning there'll be shiftings in the underground. Maybe some OSA characters will pop up with a posting strategy. They'll throw apples into the flok of crows to see who jumps.

Arnies websites will NOT be discontinued! - I have assurances of that..

Also, in keeping with Ron's famous words, that 'you beat a dog lying down' (They think Arnie is lying down.. And they also think he's a dog btw.. He isn't!) we expect to see Cof$'s PR usage of this new situation. Further demonizing of Arnie and gloating that they 'won' the fight with him is certain.

The game's afoot!

Stick your foot out Watson!

SchwimmelPuckel

Arnie,

During the many years before the advent of the internet with its websites and message boards, you and a handful of others fought to expose Scientology for the con that it is -- often at great personal cost. For your steadfastness, courage, and integrity, many people owe you much!

I am grateful to you for your insightful posts here and for the splendid website that you've created for the benefit of all -- during the days before leaving the cult, I read and read and read the material that was available on lermanet.com because YOU had spent the time and effort to make it available. And during the days after leaving the cult, my husband and I were touched by your kindness when we phoned to talk with you.

Thank you, and well done! Go have some fun!! And best of luck in whatever comes next for you.

Mary Ann

Arnie,

your site was the first site I found about the cult. Even though I don't post here much, I took your advice and focus on writing to congress and senate about the atrocities of $cn. I hope you have a good break and return here from time to time. I learned a lot from you. Best of luck to you.

whatntha

Arnie,

When you told me you were retiring I didn't respond because I didn't want to feed the idea. I had hoped you'd change your mind and stick around. No one has done as much as you in undressing scientology's covert hypnosis.

Please forgive my selfishness in wanting you to stay. Thanks for all your hard work and great website.

Think of us once in a while when you're lazing around the pool and don't forget to send some Sooper Dooper OT Mind Waves our way.

Hubbard's Mushroom

Rest easy. You did way more than "your bit." Thanks.Wieber

Wieber

Recommended reading: Combatting Cult Mind Control and Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves by Steven Hassan. scientology is a cult.

Arnie your a great guy that helps so many people and your a great friend. Where are you going and what helped to make you do this ? Thank you for everything you have done for everyone. I will email you k. I will see you soon again. I will keep telling the true harms of scientology.

Stay safe my good friend Arnie Lerma.

tommygormanxenu

This is my own opinion. I'd rather die speaking the truth about the harms of the cult of scientology than hide and be afraid.

http://www.lermanet.com/tomgorman/jeffreyquiros.htm

Arnie,

You were the first "SP" I ever spoke to on the phone, yours was the first site I ever read that was anti-Scientology, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have opened a lot of eyes to the truth about Scientology and helped people like me break free and actually do something with our lives. I hope you are well and I wish you the best of luck in your future- I do hope this is not the last we will hear of you though!

Love,
Serenity Now

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."- Joseph Campbell

"Life's not a journey to the grave
with intentions of arriving safely
in a well-preserved body.
But rather to skid in broadside,
totally used up, totally worn out,
and loudly screaming
WOW...what a ride!"

And what a ride it's been!

Thank you for all that you did, and for the many people that you helped.

Love
Desert Rain

The Two Most Powerful Weapons In The Universe Are Love and Truth.

http://www.whyaretheydead.net/
http://www.lermanet.com
http://www.torymagoo.org
http://www.xenutv.com

Arnie,

It will take a while to get used to your retirement from OCMB. I agree that CoS is no longer a "worthy opponent." They have spread themselves too thin and too far which is a fatal tactical error. Your work as a critic has brought this to the public's attention. Now you can just relax with a cool one, prop your feet up and observe from a distance as they continue to self-destruct.

Judith Anderson

Thank you Arnie

I hope you compile your story in a book - it becomes a big movie - you get the millions you declined due to not selling out - and you have years & years of an amazing well-deserved, awesome, peaceful and joyous life.

I will miss you.
Carol

carol wrote:

Thank you Arnie

I hope you compile your story in a book - it becomes a big movie - you get the millions you declined due to not selling out....

That's a terrific idea, carol! If Arnie wrote a book, I for one, would surely buy it.

Kilia

I'll buy a bunch of Arnies book! - I did learn that in Cof$!

SchwimmelPuckel

dear Arnie

My first impulse was that withdrawing from the field of being an oppoient to Scn is fine.

But today I fell like; what the hell is going on. Is this for real. I need an explanation. Why are you all of a sudden withdrawing.

Are you ill?
Is it too much?
Have you found another issue to persue?
Have you decided to put your attention else where?

Please Arnie, I think it is fine to withdraw for almost any reason, but I can't help wondering why you chose to withdraw now.

I'dont understand. WHY - Please explain.

Dorthe

Dorthe wrote:

dear Arnie

My first impulse was that withdrawing from the field of being an oppoient to Scn is fine.

But today I fell like; what the hell is going on. Is this for real. I need an explanation. Why are you all of a sudden withdrawing. Are you ill? Is it too much? Have you found another issue to persue? Have you decided to put your attention else where?

Please Arnie, I think it is fine to withdraw for almost any reason, but I can't help wondering why you chose to withdraw now. I'dont understand. WHY - Please explain.

Dorthe

Arnie said:

'Having watched scientology's most recent performances, I no longer consider them a worthy opponent. Due to their extraordinary ineptitude and the vast degree of public awareness achieved in the last decade, Scientology no longer requires my assistance to come to an end.'

JonDoe

Mind Control Made Easy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnNSe5XYp6E

How can one thank another for what they have done in the fight against something so inherently evil?

Words fail Arnie.

Youve paid a high price in your exposing the con of scientology.

BUT!

the ultimate reward is yours my friend.

Reap the seeds you have sown, as the fruit is sweet from the Liberty Tree and enjoy the coming feast.

'Alert'

Thank you. Vaya con Dios.

"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously"

Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-1978)

Sorry to see you go Arnie . . . but if that is your wish, so be it, you have touched many people lives over the years and have a lot to be proud of and to be thanked for.

I too like the idea of you writing a book about $cientology, and I hope you will consider it, it will be the icing on the cake of exposing their criminal activities, and will provide you with some money to compensate for at least some of the hardship you have endured thanks to them.

I am sure however that you will be back when we will all be finally saying goodbye to $cientology and its "tech" in the way it so richly deserves:

My very best to you.
Gladiator

" The worst slave is the one who loves his chains. "

BTs2Free

Dear Arnie,

Thank you for everything you've done over the years. It is sad to see you go however, you are so right about the fact that Scientology is at the point where it's taking itself down. All I can say is to grab the hot dogs and beer, sit back and watch the remainder of the show.

Cheers to you and thanks again for everything you've done to expose the CON. Take care! You will be missed.

Love,
BTs2Free

Hammering out of existence incorrect technology would include $cientology itself!

I can't say that yours was the first website we visited after getting out, that was xenu.net, but yours was the second (and we spent many days there...). I have to say that the info we found there was absolutely invaluable to both of us for vindicating the feelings that we both had about the cult and making us right for the decision that we made to leave.

It is possible that without that info, we may both have doubts about whether we made the right choice. Thanks to you, we are absolutely certain that we did, and I for one am eternally grateful.

I have been reading your words for the last year & a half... they will be sorely missed. Great job!

Kelli

kelliayed wrote:

It is possible that without that info, we may both have doubts about whether we made the right choice. Thanks to you, we are absolutely certain that we did, and I for one am eternally grateful.

I have been reading your words for the last year & a half... they will be sorely missed. Great job!

If these were the only people (which I am sure they are not), that Arnie helped leave the the Cult, then he did a terrific job.

Arnie, congratulations on all you have achieved. You will be missed.

Let us know how you are doing from time to time.

PTS

Quote:

In Scientology Hubbard created the epitome of selfishness - everything for the sake of scientology, and the only thing that scientology produces is more scientologists....

That's absolutely spot on.

Quote:

Good luck for the future and thanks for the inspiration.

Best wishes

Blue Streak

Dear Arnie:

You more than deserve time to yourself. I know what you have been through in those 14 years, all the Private Investigators checking your garbage, all the harassment you endured as many other critics, and the Cult was saying all along, and showing with printed material that Fair Game was cancelled. What a lie?!?!?

Everything you did againt the Cult were incredible!!!

I remember when you put an Ad in the Capitol Hill Newspaper and they were really shitting in their pants. WITH $CIENTOLOGY, THE CAT IS ALREADY OUT OF THE BAG IN SEVERAL CONTINENTS, thanks to all people who decided to write in the Net about their experiences, Court cases, etc.

Also, many Countries already know that they are a Cult seeking people's money.

I thank you for saving soooooooooo many people!!!

The Cult is making enemies daily, and will destroy itself because they harass people, use Private Investigators, tap ex-members telephone numbers, and those things can only get them in trouble. It does not matter the money that they have reserved to harass people, with the Internet, people will continue to come out and say the atrocities publicly. They can not stop that!

God Bless you!!!

Sunshine

Keep telling the true harms of Scientology!

Wow. Didn't see this coming, hope you are okay, some day it would be so interesting to read how you felt about walking out this door.

Quote: lermanet_com wrote: Having watched scientology's most recent performances, I no longer consider them a worthy opponent. Due to their extraordinary ineptitude and the vast degree of public awareness achieved in the last decade, Scientology no longer requires my assistance to come to an end.

Totally agree with that without disremebering! your major contribution to this spectacular ending.

We have had our differences, too, and I commend you for "arguing fair."

The critic movement wouldn't have been the same without you. Simple.

Happy trails, Arnie. Peaceful trails.

Braveheart's Girlfriend

BotA!
http://theunfunnytruth.ytmnd.com/
http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/
Tell Tom Cruise How You Feel

To answer your prior question re negativity... and comment in general

If every person who left scientology recovered for themselves and went on their merry way, scientology would grow and flourish, causing more pain, McPhersons, suffering, heartache and death than it does at its present size.

Further, those that LEFT who did nothing to help end it, would, by that inaction, still be continuing to practice scientology - they would still be practicing the selfishness that is instilled by scientology.. by bean theory... the scientology version of the Ferengi doctrine of exchange and all the rest of Hubbard's toxic rubbish for narccisistic minds. They would be in debt to everyone who went before him and found a way out and dared explain how it's done.

The last step of the 8 Steps Out of Scientology speaks for itself. LINK

Added:

And contrary to my portrayal on Scientology's dead-agent websites - after I left in 1978 I did all of the material things to fit the definition of getting my life in order. I had the house, the kid, the cat, the car and medical insurance, homeowners insurance, and a nice little electronics business.

I had wrapped up all the scientology 'stuff' in a wad, in layers of opaque "don't look here" wadding.

Until, one day I realized, that I was not being honest with myself, and when I looked at where my heart was supposed to be, there was something missing...At that instant, I decided that I would try to help do something about scientology, so that maybe somewhere there might be a 17 year old kid, that would NOT get tricked into wasting what he thought were the best ten years his life chasing Hubbard's lies across fields of torment.

To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them.
Hamlet III.i.64-68

Who is Arnie Lerma?

Gore Vidal on meeting L Ron Hubbard
"He exuded evil, malice, and stupidity"

lermanet_com wrote: Further, those that LEFT who did nothing to help end it, would, by that inaction, still be continuing to practice scientology - they would still be practicing the selfishness that is instilled by scientology..

Roan wrote: Here's where you lose me. I think it's enough for many people to just walk away and get on with their life: smell the roses, make some money, love some women, dandle a kid on their knee, etc., etc. I think if they stop practising Scientlogy it's unfair to them to say they are still practising Scientology.

This is somewhat of a tricky question. I tend to agree with Arnie, that one has a duty to fight that scamcult. I wouldn't want my kids to make that mistake. Or anyones kids.

I can only make these demands on myself though. I can argue my opinion, and I will.

But there's an unavoidable suspicion about someone who don't speak up and seemingly live their lives forgetting about $cientology. - That is this: Hubbard and the cult conditioned us all to keep quiet! - Inside the cult we learned how bad and evil the SP's was. We learned of fair game and penalties for lower conditions. On leaving we are at the other end of those guns! - And indeed the PTS/SP course taught us just how bad that is!

So someone keeping quiet.. They may be intimidated to keep quiet. Cult policy working as designed! - In a way they ARE doing what policy says. Keeping $cientology working...

But not at all because they don't care or are indifferent. And certainly not out of agreement.

I have but to recall what I felt like when I kept quiet.. Not good, and I did feel an obligation to do something active.

SchwimmelPuckel

Roan wrote: Not speaking as a Moderator here, just as me... little old Roan.

There's a couple of points you make here Arnie, that I would like to take the time to express disagreement with. Let me begin this way:

lermanet_com wrote: one day I realized, that I was not being honest with myself, and when I looked at where my heart was supposed to be, there was something missing...At that instant, I decided that I would try to help do something about scientology, so that maybe somewhere there might be a 17 year old kid, that would NOT get tricked into wasting what he thought were the best ten years his life chasing Hubbard's lies across fields of torment.

Roan wrote: IMO, you making that decision was a watershed event in the decline and fall of Scientology. If, in the end, it is ever written about, "historians" will have to conclude that you were in the top 3 or 5 people who have leveled the most damage to this dastardly cult. I know you've done so at sometimes great personal cost to yourself and I admire that, I just don't think that if someone doesn't make a similar decision to actively oppose Scientology they are somehow "helping it." Some people just need to walk away and get on with a normal life, sans Scientology, in any form.

Well, some folks are not capable of dealing with it, and I think the 'helping it implication' comes below, it is a matter of doing the best one can. If you did the best you could, then there is no issue.

lermanet_com wrote: If every person who left scientology recovered for themselves and went on their merry way, scientology would grow and flourish, causing more pain, McPhersons, suffering, heartache and death than it does at its present size.

Roan wrote: I started to disagree with you here, figuring among other things that I don't get the math on it. But then it hit me: the key word you use is every.

Unfair? Thier blood sweat and tears helped run the machine for consuming innocents. Walking away WITHOUT doing something, is unfair, and perhaps karmic suicide. It's a karmic thing, the gifts I feel Ive received are priceless, I wouldn't have it any other way.
And
Well.. yeah it IS unfair, but to walk away, it is unfair to the folks still in scientology, and to the kid that gets sucked in cause they didn't do something. Because they were better? or above it all? Were they ubermen who desrved special treatment?? Were they better or more privileged than their fellow man so had no need to right that wrong?? Were they STILL taking more than they gave from life itself??

lermanet_com wrote: They would be in debt to everyone who went before him and found a way out and dared explain how it's done.

Roan wrote: A debt of gratitude, yes... but not obligation. When we pass things on to the ones that come after us, we give it away for free... it's a gift, freely given.

Absolutely, I actually paused while writing the answer above to make sure this sounded proper, and I did not want anyone taking this personally from me. It is a matter between that person and their conscience.

Roan wrote: Arnie, you've done many things, so that some ex-Scienos never have to even think about it again if they don't want to (once they have recovered). Your skill and persistence has made a difference in a lot of lives.

Regards,

Roan

Perhaps I am growing just a bit too tired, and it is time for me to go away and heal? If I did, I would have no guilt. That's priceless. and thanks for being Roan.

Who is Arnie Lerma?

Gore Vidal on meeting L Ron Hubbard
"He exuded evil, malice, and stupidity"

Arnie Congrats! You deserve time off and all the peace that is to follow!

You have helped so many! The work you have done will remain and be carried on. You have created a permanent mark debunking the cult of Scientology ... that is the truest gift to mankind!!! LRon and unfortunate scienobots put that in your pipe n' smoke it!

Thank you for helping me through my "detangling" of the insanity! I am always forever thankful and grateful to you!!!!!!!

Tons of peace & love to you Arnie!!!

xoxo lucy

http://www.xs4all.nl/~kspaink/cos/essays/rvyoung_inside.html
http://www.whyaretheydead.net/krasel/Funky.html

I don't post often but I do read. Thank you Arnie for all you have done. Thanks for your website and your many informative postings. YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

Winston Smith

Carl Sagan provides some insight:

http://www.carlsagan.com/revamp/carlsagan/baloney.html

Winston Smith wrote: I don't post often but I do read. Thank you Arnie for all you have done. Thanks for your website and your many informative postings. YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

Hi, Winston. I think I audited you in ASHO's HGC? Either way, I'm glad to see you posting here.

Dear Arnie,

Gee i've been in counseling over 2 years now, and have begun to heal alot. Its been a long journey now for me since walking away. Losing friends .... worrying about my son who is now fairly inoculated and really doesn't like his fanatical scientology step mother.

Over and over as i described experiences I had to the counselor and tried to make what sense I could of them. He kept saying saying it sounds like the religion of narsicsim (sp). And hehehe the kinda of people that stay with it and stick with it are borderline personalities. Another words they really cannot survive out in the world without something like that to cling to that is regimented and makes sense of the world for them. Kinda as Robert Young said. A very abusive and dysfunctional relationship as Irecall reading that in one of his writings.

Its like so hard to describe how much sanity and joy I have reclaimed in my life over time after having left. And am trying not to feel like such a sucker for ever being involved in it. How I would I love to write more about it and will one day ... when I know my son who is your son's age is safe.

Ya know sometime last year I helped a woman whose 17 year old daughter nearly got involved in it with information and my personal experiences to keep her away from it and the girl lost interest and is in college now. They nearly got her with a personality test right outside of a Target. She bought the book and they were emailing, calling etc .... My friend called and said she was a minor and they had better stop contacting her and they did! I kinda felt relieved and good about that. Guess that makes me an SP but I happily will take that title now cause well I dont give a crap what that evil organization thinks of me.

I don't find myself using scientology terms either mentally or outloud anymore and wow what intellectual freedom. Not to be in that black box trap. I enjoy people more and actually get along better with people and am so less judgemental and that is rather liberating too :)

I saw your post of passing the baton. Sad as I was I so wish you well. You fought one of the most succesful battles and for my part helped me alot. Hehehe I was so scared to talk to you that first time and found a man with a great sense of humor and a great heart. You are and were a true warrrior for a great cause and did good alot of good.

Take care and best to you.

People spend their whole life searching for immortality when all they really have to do is find themselves