Tom Cruise, Scientology and Larry King Live

[RichardR]

Did anyone see the Tom Cruise interview on Larry King live last night? He was allowed an unquestioning (of course, it's LKL) promotion of Scientology, including (from memory):

- Hubbard's (LRH as he called him) "technology" can get people off drugs

- It can also clear the body of toxins. (Apparently, toxins reside in the fat cells where they will stay if you don't follow scientology)

- The firefighters and others who worked at ground zero are being offered scientology to help them recover from toxic poisoning and the like (haven't these people suffered enough already?)

- Scientology helped Cruise to read – he was incorrectly diagnosed dyslexic before scientology solved the problem.

- There was a general diatribe against conventional medicine and prescription drugs.

(Also, both Larry and Cruise remarked that Hubbard was an incredible science fiction writer. Bwaaahahahaha)

I expect a few people will be impressed by that and will consider signing up to learn more. I seem to remember a debate here a while ago where the claim about getting people off drugs was debunked. Anyone remember the details?

Transcript here (http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/28/lkl.00.html)

[corplinx]

Did he plug his new movie "Five-foot-Five Samurai" ?

[wert]

I used to work at the second largest Hotel in California and we would often host conventions for $cientoligies "Narconon" group.

What a joke. They couldn't control these people and they ran rampant all over the hotel, causing costly damage every year.

Eventually, the Hilton got fed up with this and broke their contract with $cientology.

[Aoidoi]

Originally posted by corplinx
Did he plug his new movie "Five-foot-Five Samurai" ? You know, in feudal Japan he'd probably be considered tall... :D

[Yahweh]

If Tom Cruise has a sense of humor, he'd add the word "KA-CHING" before every instance of the word "Scientology"...

[nyarltep]

i saw him and that director hawking their pathetic movie on oprah after the show
a woman from the audience asked him two questions
who are the three most beautiful women
and where could she find information about scientology
she said she looked on the web and couldnt find anything
he answered the second question first
saying to search for the church of scientology and then went on to talk about how proud he was that CoS techniques are being taught in public schools and promoting ABLE
the woman responded saying that if CoS produced such a wonderful person like cruise then she wanted to explore it more
it was then that i realized she was a CoS plant
because if anyone puts scientology into a search angine they will find plenty on the net about them
it was an obvious lie and just asked to allow cruise to plug CoS
those clams are such morons they think everyone is as retarded as they are
xenu curse them!

[thaiboxerken]

It would be nice if someone would ask about Xenu and the Thetans on one of these shows. Showing just how absurd scientology is will do wonders to stop people. I wonder if anyone will ever mention the fact that scientologists have starved people to death.

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

Irrational woo-woos crumble when faced with the critical observation of intellectually superior skeptics!

[thaiboxerken]

Originally posted by !Xx+-Rational-+xX!
Irrational woo-woos crumble when faced with the critical observation of intellectually superior skeptics!

You have that right. Isn't "irrational woo-woo" a rather redundant term?

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

Its unfortunate how dumb woo-woos can still cling to their delusional views with all of the elite skeptical inquiry out there!

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

It’s only those with critical observation and a skeptical approach who have a monopoly on “right thinking”!

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

!
"We can only dream of a perfect world where popular kids in the "in crowd" will be those with a skeptical approach and a materialistic world view, the rest will be stupid outcasts! The outcasts will be rejected and occasionally dry humped by crazy people!

The only problem with this is dreaming is irrational for intellectually superior minds such as myself and most skeptics who happen to have a monopoly on "right thinking"!"
!

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

“Open minds are empty minds.” - Dr. Lewis Wolpert (chairman of COPUS the British version of CSICOP)

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

Science always tells us that skeptics are right, to think otherwise would be illogical and unscientific!~

:crazy:

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

Skeptics are the great defenders of science so to question their objectiveness is to make a direct attack on science itself!

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

This is the true origen of woo-wooism!

http://inappropriatewebsite.com/carwhistle.wmv

[Ratman_tf]

Wow. Seven replies in a row. Thank you ignore filter! :D

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

Originally posted by Ratman_tf
Wow. Seven replies in a row. Thank you ignore filter! :D

You can feel comfortable censoring yourself from my rational posts with your precious filter but it will never protect you from the crab people! I know you can’t resist reading this!

[RichardR]

Originally posted by !Xx+-Rational-+xX!
Skeptics are the great defenders of science so to question their objectiveness is to make a direct attack on science itself!

http://www.spam.com/assets/hp/GoodGone3_animation.gif

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

Originally posted by RichardR


http://www.spam.com/assets/hp/GoodGone3_animation.gif

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/spamaroundworld.gif

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

To understand the mind of a skeptic would be to understand the nature of reality and the great scientific method in its purest most objective form!

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

It should be evident that the essence of science lies within skeptical criticism this is something not even the deluded quacks can take away!

[!Xx+-Rational-+xX!]

To choose the unjustified path of the believer is to exist in total ignorance of prevailing rational views scientifically made indisputable by exceedingly intelligent skeptics!

[Yahweh]

Apparently !Xx+-Rational-+xX! becomes a Philosopher whenever he gets high...

At least his signature doesnt take up a browser window...

[Stimpson J. Cat]

You're the worst character ever, towlie.

[tracer]

Originally posted by thaiboxerken
It would be nice if someone would ask about Xenu and the Thetans on one of these shows.
If you did that, the Scientologist would just look at you with a stony expression and say, "I don't know what you're talking about." That's what the CoS trains them to do when anyone asks them about anything the CoS says is special knowledge only available to those above the questioner's "operating Thetan level."

[SteveGrenard]

According to this weeks Commentary, Paulette Cooper, author of The Scandal of Scientologywill be a guest at TAM2.

Paulette's book is available online at:

http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/tsos/sos-aut.html

Randi was kinda short on details so I thought this would be a good place to give more info.



For people who don't know much about this cult, her book is a work by a serious investigative journalist and is well referenced.

She was harassed and sued repeatedly by the Scientology people and even indicted in NYC for her going after them but the US Attorney in NY moved to dismiss her indictment and it was dropped. This was over scientology attributing (a frame up if there ever was one) bomb threats they received to her. See this chronology at:

http://home.snafu.de/tilman/krasel/cooper/timeline.html

I wonder if Tom Cruise has seen this? Maybe he should.

I knew Paulette much later when she wrote some very useful and entertaining books on animals such as 277 Things your Dog Wants You to Know, ditto for Cats and then
acted as a resource for her when she wrote the same title for snakes ... which wasn't easy: figuring out 277 things your snake wants you to know. I didn't think she could come up with that many.:D

[dimossi]

Based on the text of the transcript it sounds like Cruise is confused, frustrated, and emotional when discussing his Scientology beliefs. Also it seems that much of what Cruise says is unintelligible. I think this was a mistake on his part to even get into a discussion about Scientology; the guy may be a favorite actor of mine, but he is a real credophile.

Here is an excerpt from the transcript where the subject of Scientology first comes up:
KING: I learned something about you I never knew, that you were dyslexic and are dyslexic.
CRUISE: No, I'm not.
KING: What are you?
CRUISE: I'm not dyslexic.
KING: What -- do you have a problem with reading or writing?
CRUISE: No. No, I don't.
KING: And where did that come from?
CRUISE: Well, I was labeled with it when I was 7 years old and kind of lived with it my whole life. And you know, when I became a Scientologist in '86, '87, later on discovered also L. Ron Hubbard developed study technology that actually -- to help me realize that that -- you know, that the false labels that are out there...
KING: You were never dyslexic?
CRUISE: No. No, I wasn't.
KING: Why did they label you?
CRUISE: Because that's what they do.
KING: Were you having trouble reading?
CRUISE: That's what they do. No. And later on -- I mean, now we have, you know, this technology that he developed that actually helps people to learn how to learn and discover that -- you know, these -- I've actually helped people that have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD. And it's extraordinary, what happens with this technology. We have centers all over the world now that help people get this technology, and it's also in various schools and educated millions and millions and millions of people in it.
KING: I interviewed him once.
CRUISE: I know! You told me that.
(CROSSTALK)
KING: ... science fiction writer...
(CROSSTALK)
CRUISE: Oh, my God!
KING: What drew you to Scientology?
CRUISE: Well...
KING: Did you grow up in a faith?
CRUISE: Different faiths. Different faiths. And what drew me to it -- it was so practical and it just made sense to me, and things that I wanted to figure out in my life. And I always -- what I discovered were the tools that helped me. You know, Scientology, the word means knowing how to know. And there are tools that I use every day as an artist, as a businessman -- you know, you look at it just this way. I was diagnosed being dyslexic. I came in, learned these tools, and now I -- you know, I mean, my literacy is -- it is where it is, and it'll go where I want it to go with these tools. It just kind of melts barriers, breaks them down. It helps you to recognize and understand the barriers and then overcome them. And it's just...
KING: So you use it in every facet of your life.
CRUISE: Yes because it is -- there's areas -- you know, you look at what we do with education, with, you know, helping people, getting them these tools -- if they're Christian, you know, they can read their Bible. If they're -- you know, it doesn't matter, whatever faith, atheists (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
KING: Why is it so controversial?
CRUISE: It's not that controversial.
KING: I mean, the FBI looks at it...
CRUISE: No, it doesn't.
KING: ... investigate it. Remember that...

:rolleyes: Sounds like Cruise is in denial and certainly doesn't like his beliefs criticized.

Let's see here...where is my "Characteristics of a Cult" list.... ah yes here is is:

Veneration of the Leader: Excessive glorification to the point of virtual sainthood or divinity.

Inerrancy of the Leader: Belief that he or she cannot be wrong.

Omniscience of the Leader: Acceptance of beliefs and pronouncements on virtually all subjects, from the philosophical to the trivial.

Persuasive Techniques: Methods used to recruit new followers and reinforce current beliefs.

Hidden Agendas: Potential recruits and the public are not given a full disclosure of the true nature of the group's beliefs and plans.

Deceit: Recruits and followers are not told everything about the leader and the group's inner circle, particularly flaws or potentially embarrassing events or circumstances.

Financial and/or Sexual Exploitation: Recruits and followers are persuaded to invest in the group, and the leader may develop sexual relations with one or more of the followers.

Absolute Truth: Belief that the leader and/or group has a method of discovering final knowledge on any number of subjects.

Absolute Morality: Belief that the leader and/or the group have developed a system of right and wrong thought and action applicable to members and nonmembers alike. Those who strictly follow the moral code may become and remain members, those who do not are dismissed or punished.

[Marc]

I do not go to see Cruise or Ravolta films any more. Kind of a personal protest. It is not their being suckered into Scientology that I have a problem with, it is that they activly promote it, try to draw other trusting people into that hell.


Maybe someday they will wake up, but I doubt it.

[Andonyx]

Originally posted by Stimpson J. Cat
You're the worst character ever, towlie.

What? Towlie cracks me up.

(The character, not the associated poster.)

[Barkhorn1x]

CRUISE: Different faiths. Different faiths. And what drew me to it -- it was so practical and it just made sense to me, and things that I wanted to figure out in my life. And I always -- what I discovered were the tools that helped me. You know, Scientology, the word means knowing how to know. And there are tools that I use every day as an artist, as a businessman -- you know, you look at it just this way. I was diagnosed being dyslexic. I came in, learned these tools, and now I -- you know, I mean, my literacy is -- it is where it is, and it'll go where I want it to go with these tools. It just kind of melts barriers, breaks them down. It helps you to recognize and understand the barriers and then overcome them. And it's just...

...quite the communicator, Mr. Cruise. His "literacy is -- it is where it is..."

:nope:
__________________________________________________ __

A Scientology Tale =

When I was working in NYC in the late 80’s I would travel back to my family home in NJ for Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Thanksgiving Day one year I was walking from the subway to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (incredible atmosphere in the 80’s ;)) and paused to look at a large display of “Dianetics: books on a table at the entrance to the terminal.

I was immediately approached by a Scientologist who told me that Dianetics had changed his life and that I too could experience this life altering gift – if I would only part w/ $5.95. Further, if I was interested, I could belong to the church itself and enjoy the same benefits he enjoyed.

I paused for a moment to absorb this message and then asked if these wonderful benefits would include standing in front of the Port Authority Bus Terminal on a very cold Thanksgiving Day hawking copies of “Dianetics”?

The Scientologist was speechless, providing me an exit opportunity. Unfortunately, I doubt that my pointing out the irony of his predicament lasted long enough for him to extricate himself from that cult.

Oh well,
Barkhorn.

[hgc]

Originally posted by Barkhorn1x
...

I paused for a moment to absorb this message and then asked if these wonderful benefits would include standing in front of the Port Authority Bus Terminal on a very cold Thanksgiving Day hawking copies of “Dianetics”?

The Scientologist was speechless, providing me an exit opportunity. Unfortunately, I doubt that my pointing out the irony of his predicament lasted long enough for him to extricate himself from that cult.

Oh well,
Barkhorn. Love that story. Reminds of me my brief brush with a cult, years ago. I was miserable with all the activities (which, mercifully, didn't include hawking ***** on the street), but was influenced into thinking it was very enjoyable, and if not then my unhappiness was a product/indication of my not "getting it." I'm hoping that your statement was just the thing needed to reach a possibly still active mind.

[Matabiri]

Does anyone know if there's still a copy of the 1970s SVM handbook that used to be up at http://www.bloodyspew.com/ ?

All I could find, when searching, were lots of links to the now empty site and this, which has one picture:

http://blackfish-enterprises.com/weblog/2003_07_01_arc1.html

It was hilarious, and I'd love to read it again.

[Matabiri]

Hah. Here's a link:

http://colofinder.net/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album85

Unfortunately the pictures are numbered oddly so 11 follows 1, so it may take some scrolling to read it in order. I highly recommend it.

[dimossi]

Thanks for the link Matabiri.

LOL, this is hilarious stuff.

http://colofinder.net/albums/album85/scientology19.jpg

Oh no, I better watch out for those Scientologists, they will be able to pick me out as the instigator for sure....lol.

[voidx]

Originally posted by dimossi
Thanks for the link Matabiri.

LOL, this is hilarious stuff.

http://colofinder.net/albums/album85/scientology19.jpg

Oh no, I better watch out for those Scientologists, they will be able to pick me out as the instigator for sure....lol.
You missed the last pic, its a whopper!
http://colofinder.net/albums/album85/scientology20.jpg
From the above link (http://colofinder.net/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album85)

Edited to add: I love enjoying the fruits of my labours, its Scienterrific!

[uneasy]

Those are unbelievably funny and sad at the same time. Problems? Find someone who is to blame (probably the non-believers) and remove them from the picture. Isn't that cult psychology 101?

And what is he saying there...

"Hey, chill out my brother and sister, that less attractive person is ruining our scene with her negative waves."

"Ahhhh, now I can sit back and just soak in the groovy vibes I'm getting off you. Better than a lava lamp!"

[Ipecac]

And what happens in the fourth picture?

Wocka chicka wocka chicka . . .

[hgc]

Originally posted by Ipecac
And what happens in the fourth picture?

Wocka chicka wocka chicka . . . Yikes! I'm more than a little creeped out that the Volunteer Minister is going to sit there with that super-duper self-satisfied pose while the newly reconciled couple is about engage in make-up sex. Maybe he expects a to do just a little bit more volunteering?

[Matabiri]

He's going to offer advice, based on the Third Party Law.

[Monketey Ghost]

"That's what they do."

OOH yah!

[bpesta22]

It would be nice if someone would ask about Xenu and the Thetans on one of these shows. Showing just how absurd scientology is will do wonders to stop people. I wonder if anyone will ever mention the fact that scientologists have starved people to death.

That'll do it. Just explain how the all knowing xenu created two people, telling them not to eat an apple, but knowing they would anyway.

And, that since they ate the apple, well, no more paradise, and all other people thereafter (who didn't eat the apple) are cursed with original sin.

But, xenu resolved this by creating a godly son, and sending him to earth, so that his godly son would be killed, but only for a weekend, because then the godly son would rise.

But this is all necessary, because those two people he created who ate the apple, ate the apple, even though xenu knew they would.

Not to fear, zenu's weekend death and resurrection cleans the slate. All because xenu loves us (not counting that time zenu drowned all of us except some older dude, whom he commanded to build a big boat-- big enough to hold all the animals in xenu's kingdom.....ah, you get the idea.

Yeah, expose the absurdity of the story. They will indeed reject it!

Unless they're libras or geminis

[TV's Frank]

It's always amusing when my Catholic friends bad-mouth Scientology because "they believe weird things".

God-eaters.

[AK-Dave]

God-eaters.
For some reason, this made me wonder about something I never really considered before: When Catholics eat their god receive holy communion, are they consuming a part of their god or the whole body of their god each time?

It's funny how a lack of sleep will make you wonder about the weirdest things.

[NeilC]

If you'd like to read all of XX-rational-XX's insightful wisdom without waiting for him to cut and paste it from his website, you can read it all in one go here:

http://www.geocities.com/xx_rational_xx/statements.html

[The_Fire]

Ouch....My poor eyes!!! That thing should come with an Eye-Sore warning!

[Jekyll]

If you'd like to read all of XX-rational-XX's insightful wisdom without waiting for him to cut and paste it from his website, you can read it all in one go here:

http://www.geocities.com/xx_rational_xx/statements.html
I liked this one.
Pseudoscience is sciences retarded cousin!