Jason Beghe, Scientology's newest critic; Norway joins the fray

I've been on a hiatus from the Scientology vs. the Internet story, but enough threads have been spun in the past week that a refresher is in order. 

First of all, there's the Jason Beghe Conspiracy (Village Voice), wherein the well-established character actor tells all about his none-too-enlightening experience as a Scientologist.   The video -- it's f-bomb laden so I can't link directly -- was picked up and widely circulated after it was published by venerated Scientology critic Mark "Wise Beard Man" Bunker on his YouTube channel. After Bunker posted the first part of the Beghe interview on YouTube, his 10,000-subscriber account was yanked.

The reasons for Bunker's YouTube suspension are somewhat Byzantine (Dawn at GlossLip tries to make sense of it, as do the forumheads at Enturbulation). It has to do, apparently, with an earlier instance where Bunker had used unlicensed video from "The Colbert Report." But the timing -- so soon after he posted the Beghe video -- has people asking questions.

Norway has now signed itself up for a role in the Scientology saga too. The picture at left is the cover of Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.  The Norwegian press is reporting that the daughter of a member of the nation's Parliament committed suicide not long after taking a Scientology personality test in Nice, France. (The cover at left reads:  "TOOK HER OWN LIFE," and the quote at the bottom is from Parliament member Inga Marte Thorkildsen, who says, "All indications are that the Scientologist sect has played a direct role.") Here's an account in English, in which a Scientology official notes that millions of people have taken the test without a similar result, and "pointed to Ballo's earlier eating disorder and suggested that she had a history of psychiatric problems." 

Note to commenters: kindly focus your discussion points on the article at hand, rather than posting generalized statements in support of, or in opposition to, Scientology.

Comments

[Anon]

Excellent video series by Mr. Beghe it tells it from a celebrity viewpoint that is getting all the special treatment. He's the cash cow this cult tries to milk.

The human rights abuses within the sea organization are well documented. www.exscn.net is a good place to start if you are uninformed.

OSA the militant arm of scientology which specializes in character assasition and has been criminally convicted under it's previous incarnation the GO is still well at work.

In the meantime while we wait for the federal government to wake up and take out this cult join us at the preorder party around the world on may 10th.

See details here http://www.battletoadspreorder.com/

[Justananon]

Co$ is trying hard to suppress the truth about its crimes, but thanks to thousands of leaderless anons out there, Co$ in its present form (pyramid scheme - brainwashing deadly cult) is counting its last days. I can't wait for the day when Co$ leaders will have to face justice and answer for their crimes.

[observer]

From the English account:

"He [Matthias Fosse, information chief for the Church of Scientology in Norway] also pointed to Ballo's earlier eating disorder and suggested that she had a history of psychiatric problems."

This is exactly why they should not be practicing medicine. They are not prepared to handle someone with serious emotional and/or mental issues. They are so brainwashed, they just don't get it.The COS is not a religion. They have no regard for human rights. This test is nothing more than a scam designed to draw you in and steal your money.

[TerryEO]

Thank you Jason, I've been so afraid to speak out.

[Lilly von Marcab]

I hope that Beghe's speaking out will make it easier for thousands of other uncertain and frightened Scientologists to make the break. As for the Norwegian Scientologist's response to the girl's suicide: This is so typical of the cult, to viciously attack any criticism. This approach is as Hubbard intended. He advised to "always attack, never defend." Disgusting. This pyramid-scheme/mind-control cult should be completely exposed and its leaders put in jail where they belong.

[Anonymous]

Jason,

After reading up on scientology doctrine and the life of Hubbard, I have been an active critic of Scientology. I always knew that in my crusade for free speech and the rights of those whom CoS has blunted, to always make a distinction between the individual scientologist, and the corrupt organization he is a part of.

In this interview you talk alot about how much individual scientologists 'just want to help' .thank you for humanizing the 'boots on the ground' 'true believers' for myself and those who share my convictions about the crimes of CoS.

I have no beef with people 'who just want to help', but false imprisonment, tax fraud, extortion, illegal practice of medicine. . .

[anonydog]

Jason Beghe's interview is a must-watch for anyone who does not understand how seemingly intelligent people "choose" to allow themselves to be entrapped into abusive organizations, political movements or relationships.

The point is, that in the beginning, the signs of the abuse or insanity are not readily apparent (i.e., an abusive man wines and dines the woman; she has never felt more seen or validated in her life). Then when the cognitave dissonance sets in, it is so hard to make the break, because one has invested so much. Not just money, but time and emotional energy. It is really hard to come to terms with the fact that the best part of you (in Jason's case, the desire to "know thyself" and to live an authentic life) has been coopted and perverted into a cheap fascimile of what one knows "should be."

Jason needs to hook up with some psychological folks who study PTSD. Because I think that he is suffering from this on some level, and his intense honesty and self introspection can help a lot of other people suffering for other reasons (like you sign up to fight the war on terra and end up with a brain injury in Iraq, a place which had nothing to do with 9-11. Talk about cognitive dissonance).

I hope to see a lot more from Jason Beghe, both as an actor and as a human being who has something important to share.

[Graham S. Richardson]

Jason Beghe's interview is incredibly fascinating - a very honest and insightful look at how normal people can be manipulated into giving up their money and their lives for something that is truly empty. I hope anyone thinking of becoming a Scientologist watches this first, it is important they know what they are getting into.

What happened to the Norwegian lady is tragic. The personality test is part of the Scientology recruitment and sales strategy. Essentially, the test is rigged to find flaws in a person's character. The stress tests are similarly used to find what Scientologists call a person's "ruin." When the person is in a state of vulnerability and low self esteem, the Scientologist then presents Scientology as the solution. This is used to sell books, courses, and Scientology auditing to potential recruits.

[mistegirl]

You can watch the whole interview here: http://xenutv.wordpress.com/ It's great

[Gumby]

I applaud Jason Beghe for coming out and sharing his story of his involvement with scientology. I am happy he and his family are no longer a part of this global scam. Jason was unbiased in his summation.For this, i thank him for his candor.

[Plupsyeah]

This is extraordinary stuff. Even if Jason weren't the first celebrity to speak openly about the CoS, his powerful insight - even insight into his own frailties, his authenticity and his capacity to articulate some pretty arcane material sensibly makes for gripping and devastating viewing. Because Jason is the thoughtful and intelligent person he is, and because of his character, what he has to say will blow the lid off Scientology. Thank God. And Jason.

[Snoware]

The 'Church' of Scientology is not a walk-in clinic. They do not have the medical expertise to recognize someone in crisis. Performing a stress test on someone with the medical history that the Norwegian girl had was criminal. I look forward to manslaughter charges being laid.

[anon@anon.penet.fi]

Amazing. The juxtaposition of stories: the "rebirth" of a man by leaving Scientology, and the sad death of a young woman by reaching for Scientology. That in itself speaks volumes.

www.xenu.net

[Christine]

It's about time someone with a media presence spoke out against this dangerous cult. Kudos to both Jason Beghe and Mark Bunker. And it's about time major media picked up on this. So, Kudos to the L.A. Times, too.

[Plupsyeah]

Thank you for highlighting the tragedy of Kaja Ballo's death just hours after taking Scientology's "personality test". Former Scientologists have told how they are taught to emphasise the negatives in the "results" of the test, to find the person's "ruin" - the thing which is causing them the most unhappiness - and to cause them to "cave in" and buy Scientology courses and materials.

A trained psychologist or psychiatrist would - as well as using a more up-to-date and reputable test - have been alert to the emotional well-being of the individual and been very careful about how and what they said - with the wellbeing of the person the highest goal. Instead, Kaja reached out to an organisation that sets itself as "the authorities on the mind", but which delivers the arcane, unscientific rantings of a mentally ill, science fiction writer.

After Kaja's death - AFTER HER DEATH - a disturbing poster turned up in Scientology promotional material (emails). It has since been removed from the relevant host website (where I myself saw it hosted), but you can still see it here: http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/8739/66174731gi6.png

[William Buddusky]

Beghe is truly a man with courage. The Scientology leadership has a long, documented history of harassing, intimidating and destroying detractors by every means possible. They do this to avoid the truth of the scam they're running from coming to light.
Thanks to the frank and detailed descriptions of people who were on the "inside" and the fearless anonymous protesters, the tactics this cult has used to supress information can no longer be used to hide the truth.
Scientology is a fraud of immense proportions. The leaders of this cult will stop at nothing, including murder, to line their pockets. Beghe also points out that most Scientologists are people of good will who really believe they are doing the right thing, people who make large personal sacrifices to do so. They are completely unaware of the cynical and destructive abuse they have fallen into and are propogating.

[Anonymous]

Now if I am not mistaken, a well known Scientologist claimed that Scientology is the "authority on the mind". So why is it that when someone with mental problemsturns up, they get turned away? One the one hand Scientology is claiming that they can fix your head, on the other hand they lay blame on the fact that someone's head is broken. Which on is it then?

[Bgodley]

As an ex-Scientologist I can attest to everything Jason has said about the lies the Church of Scientology is built on. It's unfortunate these same lies have now taken the life of a vulnerable young woman. Who knows if we would even know her name had she not been the daughter of a politician. Scientology has certainly been able to bury stories of this nature in the past. It is an important sign that the LA Times is willing to report on these significant developments without fear of retaliation.

[Evey]

I hope you have actually watched the interview. The preview was ladden with f*bombs but the overall video is pretty good. PG-13 at worse.

Jason speaks clearly of his view within the corporation of Scientology and his views now that he has become reacquainted with the rest of society. Its an interesting and genuine look into life "inside."

I'm shocked you all as reporters haven't done more stories on this subject. Does it have to take another Jonestown to take place before you all step up to grab the story? Lets have some humanity.

I would assume you would go to Xenu.net to read the legal documentation of them infiltrating U.S. Government agencies, harassing Journalists, stalking and harassing critics, having the equivalent of slave camps on their premises, encouraging ABORTIONS in their Sea Org, etc...the list seems never ending.

You all should do more indepth research on the abuses and the reality of this organization, and man up and do some real reporting instead of just saying Jason's experiance is "none too enlighting."

Do some real reporting...people have died...just like that poor girl in Norway. They are being banned and raided by cops in other countries and yet America seems oblivious. Do some reporting and get to the bottom of this.

Perhaps you are biased, you are in Los Angeles, which is one of the central's for Scientology. Use Jason's story as a spring board and get to some investigating and stand up for Human Rights. You have the power of Press, stand up for the people and do the right thing.

[anon]

What i find remarkable about the video is how clearly it illustrates the kind of person that can get into scientology. Intelligent, articulate and morally good. These are the kind of people that want to make a difference in this world. In some ways that makes them special, in others vulnerable. It illustrates the truth that 90 percent of scientology is good people, with good intentions. And as one walks the bridge to total freedom, as their own ideals get replaced with those of scientology, such as their crusade against modern psychology, the passion and righteous indignation of these people is wasted.

Jason hits on the fact that a scientologist having reached the state of clear is someone who is capable of believing whatever he is told. When you become clear, you do not question the fact that you do not have the powers you were promised, such as a total recall memory. You have been conditioned to accept explanations, that someone close to you is against scientology, and that this potential trouble source is robbing you of your ability. You accept it because you have invested so much time and money, the idea that you have been scammed is so terrifying that you simply reject it as a concept. It is the emperors new clothes.

What saved jason, was the fact that at his core, he is a critical thinker. He wanted both sides of the psychology argument, and was not buying the looping logic that is fed to those who do.

And the really terrifying thing is, the sheer number of scientologists that will believe whatever they are told, simply because scientology says so, it is a directive to never question the text, never think outside the box, and always presume the individual is at fault not the system, the same methods being pushed into public schools by scientologys applied scholastics program.

What makes the jason interview so staggering i think, is that i think this is a man who can reach a lot of scientologists. He is a man who speaks in the voice and terminology of a scientologist, but who, standing outside the lie, can communicate the logical fallacies of it to those within with crystal clarity. All it takes as he says, is a snap realisation. For any clear to say. Where is my perfect memory??Why was I told going in that this is what I would get, and I didnt get it. But for a scientologist gone clear, thats probably the hardest question you could ever ask yourself.

[Tin]

There may have been many people who have taken the Scientology free stress tests or free personality tests without incident but that misses the point. The point to be made that should concern everyone is the fact that the death of one person should matter when there is an organization trying (and failing) to replace legitimate medical and psychological treatments.

They are sending people out on the streets with carts like that of a hotdog vendor to peddle books and administer these tests. They present them in such a way as to lead people to believe they have some manner of scientific or medical validity which they do not. The people that give these tests are instructed to find or create fault in the test results. Therefore the person taking the test, no matter how brilliant or well adjusted, will find himself being told he or she is in some way faulty. The reason for this is so that the peddler/test giver can sell them what they call the cure - Scientology.

It is a cold, sometimes cruel, sales and recruitment tactic presented as science and it needs to be stopped.

[Steve Daly]

My word, I've watched this interview in its entirety, and having done so I have many questions as to the "convenient" timing of Mr. Bunker losing his YouTube account coupled with the release of the teaser for Mr. Beghe's interview. I congratulate Jason for being willing to step up and speak these truths that have obviously hurt him deeply. If this is par for the course in Scientology, then I fully encourage this video's distribution to everyone so that we may be better educated against the crimes of this "church".

[Buddy]

For those looking, you can find the full 8 part interview here:
http://xenutv.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/jason-beghe-interview/

[orlando]

GREAT JOB JASON.....scientology will need several firetrucks to put out this fire, and that will be a losing battle, because there are bad dogs nipping at their heals.

[Mary McConnell]

Jason Beghe is a very brave man for doing this. MAny people will be helped by it.

Regarding Norway, for the readers, here is a link to the google english translation of the related story : "Kaja, 20, commits suicide in Nice: Scientology called into question"
http://tinyurl.com/3z2geb

Scientology can do nothing to help a person's mental health. In this case, which is certainly not an isolated one, if a person has a history of any asssociation with the mental health industry, they are turned away from the church or made to 'volunteer' their life away showing that the psychs are evil.

Poor Kajja Ballo took the free personality test and talked CONFIDENTIALLY to the test evaluator and was told she was too messed up by psychiatry to be able to be helped.
Scientology professes to be a religion that holds confessional sacred but that it far from the truth. Confessionals of any information can and wil be used aganist members, as the Kaja Balla demonstrates . Celebrities need to listen to this interview because Beghe is correct that scientology records via video tape the counseling sessions. And as wll, the written worksheet of the counselor are supposed to be " confidential' but they are not. Just ask any former member who is a named critic.

During the initial hours after her death, Kaja Ballo's father says that in response to the family's questions, which were legitimate, the spokesman for Scientology in Norway saw fit to "sully the memory of my daughter", presenting her as "a sick person, addicted to antidepressants" saying that over the last ten years she reportedly made incessant trips to Psychiatry. Presuming that Mr Ballo is an enemy because he asks questions, the task of scientology become attack, in the form of 'fair game'. One can look that up at Wikipedia

Let's be clear here: This test was created to guide the staff in finding areas of problems people had so they could sell they scientology services. So here we have Kaja Ballo, devasted by her test results which were worthlesss to scientology because they would not bring MONEY into thecoffers. Kaja was not a money prospect because of her admissions. They handed her her test results, an act done only with those not allowed back in, and she went home feeling as if her world had been ripped apart. In fact, it was.

What kind of church besides Scientology does something this? Well, I lost a dear friend under similar circumstances when I was in Scientology. Her name was Dale Bogen, formerly of Philadelphia . She believed Scientology was her only hope. So over the years they made many promises to her and took all her hard earned money and when the practices of scientology began to have an ill effect on her, they sequestered her instead of getting her appropriate mental heath medical care. What happened next is either one of two versions, both equally gruesome with a common result being death. The circumstances of her death are too much for the family to death with and I respect their wishes. But one day I will know all the terrible details, more than I was told by the church and I will share her story with the world so that her death can help prevent others.

In the meantime, Kaja's death, the death of a young innocent girl pulled in off the street by a cult with no conscience, stands are evidence tht scientology is a con game, a deadly con game. May she rest n peace and may Scientology be held accountable for her death.

Mary