David Miscavige's pet project, establishing huge monuments in various cities called "Ideal Orgs," took off like gangbusters as the enthusiasm whipped up by Scientology PR inspired members to donate as much as they could afford.
But, it's never enough. Having been squeezed beyond tolerance, Scientologists still avoided discussion amongst themselves. That would be "nattering," and there would be consequences. The only discussion allowed is how great the tech works.
The shutdown on free discussion is beginning to crumble as concerned followers begin to take note.
I wish to introduce you to Debbie Cook, ex-high level official within Scientology, Inc. and still a true believer in L. Ron Hubbard's teachings.
How are these Ideal Org projects coming along?
As of December 2011, the Ideal Org project has been struggling in the UK.
In Northumbria, they purchased an old nursing home, a massive old pile on Windmill Hill, famous for high winds. Since that time, the building was left unguarded and open to the loving attention of squatters and vandals. Pictures of doors breached and broken windows show the ease with which one could enter to swill a few cans and bust a few windows. A fire took the roof off, finally moving local officials to make some demands of the Scientologist owners. This beautiful old building is now a deteriorating mess, and it's back on the market.
Plymouth Scientologists bought an Old Sailor's Home, the former Royal Fleet Club. It stands unoccupied, unrenovated, and is also slowly deteriorating.
Birmingham and Manchester have also purchased piles far out of their price range. These stand unoccupied and neglected.
In the US, things have not been that great either. The Cincinnati Scientologists put out a desperate call for people to staff the Ideal Org they purchased. Their Grand Opening is coming up soon, and they only have 86 staff out of an estimated 200 needed.
Boston Scientologists purchased the Ivory Bean building, and then neglected it until it was shedding bricks down to the sidewalk, at which point the city demolished it.
In New Haven CT, the Ideal Org building has gone into foreclosure after years in Scientology possession.
San Diego got a little help purchasing an old technical college campus. One of the pet richies donated the remaining amount needed to buy this $9 million, 8 acre property east of town. Yet the local org couldn't keep up with taxes and maintenance, and the parcel is now back on the market.
There are other examples, all very similar. However, the Ideal Orgs that have been established, renovated and occupied are empty. Few staff roam around, picking lint off the glossy jackets on Hubbard's books, still anticipating the sudden influx of new people seeking guidance from a mediocre science fiction writer.
Imagine being one of the members who gave more than they could afford, or sold their toys to contribute! In many cases, your org cannot afford the upkeep, or has been lost because your org couldn't afford the property taxes.
The Ideal Org you've worked so hard to acquire gone, suddenly you're being told it's because that building "wasn't suitable," and you must now donate to purchase another one.
Not only that, you're urged to donate to the International Association of Scientologists and their many PR programs; Narconon drug education outreach, The Way to Happiness Foundation, and many more drives that have nothing to do with your personal progress "up the Bridge," which isn't cheap, as well as being the reason you joined in the first place. Yet, here you are, pouring your donations into programs that only benefit the corporation.
At what point do you say, "Enough!"
Update, Sacramento Ideal Org Grand Opening:
SACRAMENTO. Calif, -- The Church of Scientology opened its new location in Sacramento Saturday afternoon.The church held a private grand opening.
The church purchased a permit for 3,000 people, according to the Sacramento Police Department.
This is from kcra.com, whose coverage of the event dealt mostly (and rightly) with street closures downtown. No estimates of attendance, but mention of a permit for 3000. Odd.
For Debbie Cook, a true believer in L. Ron Hubbard's work, that moment finally came. She kicked off 2012 with a New Year's present for Anonymous; a scathing email sent out to 12,000 active Scientologists. In it, she criticizes leader David Miscavige's increasingly demanding calls for money.
Debbie Cook is, or was until her email went public, a highly respected public Scientologist. She used to be the head of Flag Land Base in Clearwater, and many people regarded her as a model of what a Scientologist should be. You can read her annotated email hereat the Village Voice, where writer/editor Tony Ortega has been relentlessly covering all things Scientological for months now.
Ortega's superb piece, 'What is Scientology?' was meant to be the New Year's intro, but it got bumped into obscurity by Debbie Cook's astounding email. If you're not familiar with the organization, his article is an excellent place to begin.
Ms. Cook's email has caused ripples inside Scientology, Inc. and a number of people have left because of it. The pressure to give, give, give has gotten ridiculous. One ex-member related how he donated 50,000 pounds (that he couldn't afford) to IAS. After enjoying the fanfare on stage, he resumed his seat in the audience, only to be joined by a string of Scientologists urging him to donate to their particular program.
They believe that, even if someone says they cannot afford to donate, they have at least $20,000 set aside, and they will go after it. They will also go after pensions, inheritances and heirlooms. Nothing is overlooked.
By bringing this issue out into the open, Cook made members focus on it. Many agreed. Some quit.
The timing is damaging to Scientology, Inc. With new Ideal Orgs opening, there is a great need for staff and funding. Amusingly, when Cincinnati brought up the need for staff in a Facebook thread, most people either wished them well or left the conversation. This indicates that there is a rebellion brewing amongst practicing Scientologists who are getting tired of having their pockets picked.
This problem has been growing as bad publicity turns people away from Scientology offerings, leaving the true believers to take up the slack. Not only does this include manning the org, volunteering to fill in when needed, manning the Free Stress Test book sales tables, and donating. Give, give, give, and when you're tapped out, the friendly Scientologist assigned to the position will help you extend your credit line, mortgage your home, take out a loan, get another credit card.
When a highly regarded Scientologist breaks protocol and criticizes management, people listen. Debbie Cook has stated that she only sent the email to a few people. Someone sent it out to 12,000 active Scientologists.