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magi · 21st August 2007, 03:57 PM

A really rotten situation can actually be made worse. A friend of mine recently committed suicide, and act which deeply hurt his wife, his kids, and all his friends.

Last night, while visiting with the family, the widow confides in me that she has been contacted (!!!!!!) by a "spiritual adviser, a medium", who is offering her "comfort". In the form of a seance! And, to relieve her of the annoyance of any extra cash.

Now, some things irritate me a little, but that pisses me off to no end, that a lowlife scum-sucking predator would have the temerity to contact a newly widowed woman to offer their "services".

My instructions were clear and direct. DO NOT call this person back, do not accept future calls of this type, and do not waste a second of time nor a cent of cash. She has daily visits from two flavors of preachers already (none of whom have asked for a penny, nor will they), and a long list of friends and neighbors. She also has daily counseling sessions with a qualified therapist/counselor. She needs a predatory dirtbag at this time not at all.

What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? I cannot fathom it!

I would LOVE to just "walk in" during some "seance" situation, but I don't want it to get that far, nor do I want to add to my friend's stress. I did ask her to forward all such calls to me in the future, however.

Psychics, my rear end. Scumsucking bottom dwellers, more like.

Tanstaafl · 21st August 2007, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by magi

What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? I cannot fathom it!

They're easier to steal from. It's simple, as long as you have no conscience. It really is hard to describe how low these predators are.

That's great that you were able to nip this in the bud. I hope the "psychic" doesn't manage to sneak past you later.

Miss Anthrope · 21st August 2007, 04:01 PM

That's positively disturbing. That someone who have the nerve to cold call like that on a grieving person. I don't care if you really believe you have a gift. I don't care if you really think you can provide comfort. There is something inherently wrong with doing this.

I understand your rage. It's disgusting.

ETA: If you get a name of this waste of oxygen, send it to Randi--perhaps they can be spanked in the commentary.

magi · 21st August 2007, 04:09 PM

Thanks all. Yes, I hope I managed to "nip it in the bud", for the short term. But, I'm going to have to remain vigilant, alert the neighbors, tell the friends. It's within the realm of possibility that one of her friends has a friend who is meny turnips shy of a wagonload, and passed along a phone number.

How the snake got it does not matter. Just cut off its tail, about 1 inch behind the head.

It just pukifies me. AFAIAC, this is proof that such beleifs and practices are not harmless innocent play. It's plain and simple fraud.

magi · 21st August 2007, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope

That's positively disturbing. That someone who have the nerve to cold call like that on a grieving person. I don't care if you really believe you have a gift. I don't care if you really think you can provide comfort. There is something inherently wrong with doing this.

I understand your rage. It's disgusting.

ETA: If you get a name of this waste of oxygen, send it to Randi--perhaps they can be spanked in the commentary.

Miss A, I will do that! That's a great idea, didn't occur to me. Thanks!

godless dave · 21st August 2007, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by magi

What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? I cannot fathom it!

Greed. Some people just do not care about other people. And by "some" I mean "most".

strathmeyer · 21st August 2007, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by magi

Miss A, I will do that! That's a great idea, didn't occur to me. Thanks!

You could also set up a séance at a few fake addresses...

Locknar · 21st August 2007, 05:09 PM

magi - I (and I think many others) would appreciate updates should this con-artist contact you further.

It is sad that vultures like this prey on those that are vulnerable in mourning.

Normal Dude · 21st August 2007, 05:19 PM

magi,

I am glad to hear what you did.

Fnord · 21st August 2007, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by magi

What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this?

Greed, and the knowledge that what they do falls into a grey area where legal authorities can not touch them, especially if they're really, reeeeally careful about what they say and how they say it. Even if they do step over they line, they can always fall back on the idea that their clients may be to embarrassed or too trusting to ever go to the police and file a complaint.

[OPINION]

They're not just your run-of-the-mill scumsucking bottom dwellers. No, they're scumsucking, bottom-feeding, soul-drinking, dog-eating, kitten-drowning, groin-kicking, pot-licking, tax-dodging, manure-eating, back-stabbing, child-fornicating, pustulent parasites that should have been ground underfoot the moment they were born.

[/OPINION]

Contact a lawyer, and let him/her know what's going on. Maybe involve the police and local media, as well.

The police usually do not want to get involved until someone has actually broken a law. Merely offering to contact the dead is not seen as illegal.

magi · 21st August 2007, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Locknar

magi - I (and I think many others) would appreciate updates should this con-artist contact you further.

It is sad that vultures like this prey on those that are vulnerable in mourning.

It is sad indeed. I will speak with the primary neighbor lady there, and also warn her about this possibly impending crapfest.

If I cannot prevent it, I will at least ask to be there and meet the weasel. I do not want to add to her woes by causing a confrontation, even though I'd really like to apply my size 15 to the keister thereof.

philkensebben · 21st August 2007, 07:40 PM

Just to play devils advocate for a moment, dont some of these people actually believe they have powers ? I'm not sure how you would deal with him/her differently if that were the case. I'd still tell them to bugger off.

magi · 21st August 2007, 07:41 PM

[quote=Fnord;2892060]
[OPINION]
They're not just your run-of-the-mill scumsucking bottom dwellers. No, they're scumsucking, bottom-feeding, soul-drinking, dog-eating, kitten-drowning, groin-kicking, pot-licking, tax-dodging, manure-eating, back-stabbing, child-fornicating, pustulent parasites that should have been ground underfoot the moment they were born.
[/OPINION]

/QUOTE]

Please, come down off the fence, and say how you *really* feel.

Actually, I agree fully. I've driven past the rundown doublewides of several of these shysters for years, and never felt more than a mild revulsion or even a sardonic chuckle. But now I see firsthand how utterly despicable such people can be. Words fail me (which is odd for me).

To borrow from John Cleese, "yes, well, that's the sort of blinkard, philistine, pig-ignorance I've come to expect from [them], non-creative garbage."

magi · 21st August 2007, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by philkensebben

Just to play devils advocate for a moment, dont some of these people actually believe they have powers ? I'm not sure how you would deal with him/her differently if that were the case. I'd still tell them to bugger off.

Oh, absolutely. Bugger them off with a fish fork.

I cannot beleive they actually believe in their own "powers". Else why literally invade the innocent? Altruism? Please.

As I said before, if I cannot prevent it, I plan to ask to attend the event. If nothing else, I'd like to inform the lying richard-cranium that I know a way they can earn a quick easy million bucks...

philkensebben · 21st August 2007, 07:53 PM

No i'm sure i've read posts on this very site who were one time believers, actually believed they had powers. You'd be surprised as to how much one can delude ones self. My suggestion would be, before you started screaming liar at the individual, argue that no evidence exists of said powers, validations of vague statements does not count as evidence etc etc...

Miss Anthrope · 21st August 2007, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by philkensebben

Just to play devils advocate for a moment, dont some of these people actually believe they have powers ? I'm not sure how you would deal with him/her differently if that were the case. I'd still tell them to bugger off.

I absolutely and sincerely believed I could talk to the dead. However, even at that point in my life, I would never have been so tactless and distasteful. I also never tried to make money off my delusion that I had a gift.

If I had ever had such absolute poor judgment as to pull something like this, I certainly wouldn't have blamed anyone for telling me off, either. I would have positively deserved it. Even at my most woo, I did have empathy and respect.

philkensebben · 21st August 2007, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope

I absolutely and sincerely believed I could talk to the dead. However, even at that point in my life, I would never have been so tactless and distasteful. I also never tried to make money off my delusion that I had a gift.

If I had ever had such absolute poor judgment as to pull something like this, I certainly wouldn't have blamed anyone for telling me off, either. I would have positively deserved it. Even at my most woo, I did have empathy and respect.

Ahh, that just validates my above post nicely.

Miss Anthrope · 21st August 2007, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by philkensebben

Ahh, that just validates my above post nicely.

Happy to be of service!

Locknar · 21st August 2007, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by philkensebben

No i'm sure i've read posts on this very site who were one time believers, actually believed they had powers. You'd be surprised as to how much one can delude ones self. My suggestion would be, before you started screaming liar at the individual, argue that no evidence exists of said powers, validations of vague statements does not count as evidence etc etc...

There are, of course, "psychics" that truly believe they have special powers; Randi (et all) has met and tested many of them wrt to the $1M Challenge.

However, what this person is doing is ambulance chasing...or rather, deceased chasing; nothing more then preying on folks in distress, to bilk them out of money.

philkensebben · 21st August 2007, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope

Happy to be of service!

Hehe thanks.

I do hope everything works out ok magi (without a single penny spent)

magi · 21st August 2007, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope

I absolutely and sincerely believed I could talk to the dead. However, even at that point in my life, I would never have been so tactless and distasteful. I also never tried to make money off my delusion that I had a gift.

If I had ever had such absolute poor judgment as to pull something like this, I certainly wouldn't have blamed anyone for telling me off, either. I would have positively deserved it. Even at my most woo, I did have empathy and respect.

Then with all due respect, you were psychic of a far different stripe than my scuzzbucket. Especially considering you didn't make money from it.

In fact, it sounds to me like we are describing two different things altogether.

Miss Anthrope · 21st August 2007, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by Locknar

However, what this person is doing is ambulance chasing...or rather, deceased chasing; nothing more then preying on folks in distress, to bilk them out of money.

Right on the money!

Miss Anthrope · 21st August 2007, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by magi

Then with all due respect, you were psychic of a far different stripe than my scuzzbucket. Especially considering you didn't make money from it.

In fact, it sounds to me like we are describing two different things altogether.

Well, I certainly wouldn't take offense to not being of the scuzzbucket variety, ever.

My point was that she deserves a good scolding, if not more. If I had approached someone like that, even if not asking for money, I still would have been a callous piece of poo.

But, thank FSM I'm not a woo anymore!

magi · 21st August 2007, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope

But, thank FSM I'm not a woo anymore!

You're not referring to the Noodly One, are you?

Miss Anthrope · 21st August 2007, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by magi

You're not referring to the Noodly One, are you?

None other.

magi · 21st August 2007, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope

None other.

Sure, why not. A Supreme Entity of Pasta makes as much sense as any other, and a heluvalot more than quite a few. And is harmless, compared to the Kansas BoE and bilebaby nasty psychics.

Locknar · 21st August 2007, 09:42 PM

magi - Just wondering; do you have this ambulance chasers name? Do they have a website outlining their "psychic" claims?

magi · 21st August 2007, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Locknar

magi - Just wondering; do you have this ambulance chasers name? Do they have a website outlining their "psychic" claims?

Lock et al... I'm going over there Wednesday afternoon/evening to check on them, talk to the kids. I'll see if the predator has called back, get any data I can. I'm walking on eggshells, as I really want to help and encourage, not rile her up. THat being said, I'm not going to idly stand by and let this cur poop on the carpets.

chillzero · 22nd August 2007, 01:32 AM

I'm gonna speak up as having come from a similar place as Miss A. I also believed I had psychic abilities, but would never have intruded on a family's grief in this manner.

magi - you did the right thing and gave good advice. Perhaps you might also like to send your friend to Kelly's blog about psychic predators. I apologise that the link to hand is my own article, but it is part of a series - check out the articles before and after this one:

http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com...rney-from.html

rjh01 · 22nd August 2007, 02:37 AM

I have just bumped another, similar thread, started by the same Kelly as chillzero refered to Psychics and Missing People

I might add a tag in this thread so it links to the other one.

magi · 22nd August 2007, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by chillzero

I'm gonna speak up as having come from a similar place as Miss A. I also believed I had psychic abilities, but would never have intruded on a family's grief in this manner.

magi - you did the right thing and gave good advice. Perhaps you might also like to send your friend to Kelly's blog about psychic predators. I apologise that the link to hand is my own article, but it is part of a series - check out the articles before and after this one:

http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com...rney-from.html

Chill -- I tried to refer to your article, but I get a 502 from Google:
Server Error
The server encountered a temporary error and could not complete your request.
Please try again in 30 seconds.

I thought Google was omnipotent....

chillzero · 22nd August 2007, 07:10 AM

Kelly's blog seems to be down just now.

Magic 9-Ball · 22nd August 2007, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by magi

THat being said, I'm not going to idly stand by and let this cur poop on the carpets.

I must say that, although she may not have broken a law in this case, she may still have a history of scamming others. Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact the police. They might have a file or open case on her.

You might at least find out what the laws are in that area. Some places have laws against that thing (not that they enforce them, mind you, as a reference to a recent SWIFT articles on Philadelphia and Salem, MA).

Just my thoughts. She's probably contacting many other people.

Locknar · 22nd August 2007, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by magi

Lock et al... I'm going over there Wednesday afternoon/evening to check on them, talk to the kids. I'll see if the predator has called back, get any data I can. I'm walking on eggshells, as I really want to help and encourage, not rile her up. THat being said, I'm not going to idly stand by and let this cur poop on the carpets.

It is a tough situation to be in (your friends death aside for a moment); if she really believes that something like this will help her feel better...sadly I'm not sure there is much you can do. As you said, even with the best of intentions, the last thing you want to do is "rile her up".

The death of your friend added to the mix just makes it that much worse.

magi · 22nd August 2007, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Magic 9-Ball

I must say that, although she may not have broken a law in this case, she may still have a history of scamming others. Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact the police. They might have a file or open case on her.

You might at least find out what the laws are in that area. Some places have laws against that thing (not that they enforce them, mind you, as a reference to a recent SWIFT articles on Philadelphia and Salem, MA).

It's not likely a law has been broken, not in this state. South Carolina, the very buckle of the Bible Belt, has almost as many roadside drive-up psychics as we do boiled peanut stands. It's difficult to swing a dead cat without impacting some professional woo. I know several areas where one could drive to a Methodist Church, a Baptist Church, a roadside psychic, and an ABC store (state-controlled liquor store), all within a mile of each other. The dichotomy is astounding.

But the boiled peanuts are pretty good.

Beady · 22nd August 2007, 08:10 AM

I believe you said a couple of preachers were already counseling your friend? Tell them what's up, and ask them to talk to your friend about avoiding those who deal with familiar spirits (I believe that's the term).

Fnord · 22nd August 2007, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by magi

Originally Posted by Fnord

[OPINION]
They're not just your run-of-the-mill scumsucking bottom dwellers. No, they're scumsucking, bottom-feeding, soul-drinking, dog-eating, kitten-drowning, groin-kicking, pot-licking, tax-dodging, manure-eating, back-stabbing, child-fornicating, pustulent parasites that should have been ground underfoot the moment they were born.
[/OPINION]

Please, come down off the fence, and say how you *really* feel.

... oh, and I forgot the "mother-stabbing, father-raping, Group-W members" part ...

RSLancastr · 22nd August 2007, 09:14 AM

Magi, my condolences on the loss of your friend.

Yes, there are scum who prey upon peope during such times.

Here's a post about my experience with a similar species of scum.

magi · 22nd August 2007, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Magi, my condolences on the loss of your friend.

Yes, there are scum who prey upon peope during such times.

Here's a post about my experience with a similar species of scum.

Thank you, RS.

I read your post... wow. Am I just that naive, that I should be surprised at the depth of human depravity? To rob an entire household already in the depth of despair... smacking them around with a baseball bat would be too good. Shooting them is too quick. Death by fire-ant, maybe.

RSLancastr · 22nd August 2007, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by magi

smacking them around with a baseball bat would be too good. Shooting them is too quick. Death by fire-ant, maybe.

I considered all those options and more, magi.

21st August 2007, 03:57 PM	#1
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Psychic Predators A really rotten situation can actually be made worse. A friend of mine recently committed suicide, and act which deeply hurt his wife, his kids, and all his friends. Last night, while visiting with the family, the widow confides in me that she has been contacted (!!!!!!) by a "spiritual adviser, a medium", who is offering her "comfort". In the form of a seance! And, to relieve her of the annoyance of any extra cash. Now, some things irritate me a little, but that pisses me off to no end, that a lowlife scum-sucking predator would have the temerity to contact a newly widowed woman to offer their "services". My instructions were clear and direct. DO NOT call this person back, do not accept future calls of this type, and do not waste a second of time nor a cent of cash. She has daily visits from two flavors of preachers already (none of whom have asked for a penny, nor will they), and a long list of friends and neighbors. She also has daily counseling sessions with a qualified therapist/counselor. She needs a predatory dirtbag at this time not at all. What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? I cannot fathom it! I would LOVE to just "walk in" during some "seance" situation, but I don't want it to get that far, nor do I want to add to my friend's stress. I did ask her to forward all such calls to me in the future, however. Psychics, my rear end. Scumsucking bottom dwellers, more like.

21st August 2007, 04:01 PM	#2
Tanstaafl Unindicted Co-conspirator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 5,622	Originally Posted by magi What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? I cannot fathom it! They're easier to steal from. It's simple, as long as you have no conscience. It really is hard to describe how low these predators are. That's great that you were able to nip this in the bud. I hope the "psychic" doesn't manage to sneak past you later.
	__________________ To forgive is human, to condemn for eternity is divine. -- AudioFreak Truth is where evidence comes from, not where belief leads to. --yy2bggggs Expelled exposed! Sylvia Browne

21st August 2007, 04:01 PM	#3
Miss Anthrope All your post are belong to us Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: A Tiny Oasis in the PNW Posts: 3,597	That's positively disturbing. That someone who have the nerve to cold call like that on a grieving person. I don't care if you really believe you have a gift. I don't care if you really think you can provide comfort. There is something inherently wrong with doing this. I understand your rage. It's disgusting. ETA: If you get a name of this waste of oxygen, send it to Randi--perhaps they can be spanked in the commentary.
	__________________ We're not elected officials, nor are we paid professionals. You want us to act as such? Fine. Cough up the cash - because as a professional, I don't come cheap."-Jmercer, who happens to rock.[/color]

21st August 2007, 05:19 PM	#9
Normal Dude Space Shuttle Door Gunner Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: W/ The Evil Council Posts: 3,959	magi, I am glad to hear what you did.
	__________________ "At some point, you just get past the horror of someone having these beliefs, and begin to enjoy the sheer comedy of it all." Complexity And I dont care if your name is Norm or Jack, Or Dick. I dont see why you have to post your name everytime you make a comment./ its IRRELIVANT -Rwalsh

21st August 2007, 05:24 PM	#10
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	Originally Posted by magi What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? Greed, and the knowledge that what they do falls into a grey area where legal authorities can not touch them, especially if they're really, reeeeally careful about what they say and how they say it. Even if they do step over they line, they can always fall back on the idea that their clients may be to embarrassed or too trusting to ever go to the police and file a complaint. [OPINION] They're not just your run-of-the-mill scumsucking bottom dwellers. No, they're scumsucking, bottom-feeding, soul-drinking, dog-eating, kitten-drowning, groin-kicking, pot-licking, tax-dodging, manure-eating, back-stabbing, child-fornicating, pustulent parasites that should have been ground underfoot the moment they were born. [/OPINION] Contact a lawyer, and let him/her know what's going on. Maybe involve the police and local media, as well. The police usually do not want to get involved until someone has actually broken a law. Merely offering to contact the dead is not seen as illegal.
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**

21st August 2007, 04:09 PM	#4
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Thanks all. Yes, I hope I managed to "nip it in the bud", for the short term. But, I'm going to have to remain vigilant, alert the neighbors, tell the friends. It's within the realm of possibility that one of her friends has a friend who is meny turnips shy of a wagonload, and passed along a phone number. How the snake got it does not matter. Just cut off its tail, about 1 inch behind the head. It just pukifies me. AFAIAC, this is proof that such beleifs and practices are not harmless innocent play. It's plain and simple fraud.

21st August 2007, 04:10 PM	#5
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope That's positively disturbing. That someone who have the nerve to cold call like that on a grieving person. I don't care if you really believe you have a gift. I don't care if you really think you can provide comfort. There is something inherently wrong with doing this. I understand your rage. It's disgusting. ETA: If you get a name of this waste of oxygen, send it to Randi--perhaps they can be spanked in the commentary. Miss A, I will do that! That's a great idea, didn't occur to me. Thanks!

21st August 2007, 04:58 PM	#6
godless dave Great Dalmuti Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 6,138	Originally Posted by magi What in the blazes would drive a person to prey upon the weak like this? I cannot fathom it! Greed. Some people just do not care about other people. And by "some" I mean "most".

21st August 2007, 04:58 PM	#7
strathmeyer seriously unable to be serious Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA Posts: 2,382	Originally Posted by magi Miss A, I will do that! That's a great idea, didn't occur to me. Thanks! You could also set up a séance at a few fake addresses...

21st August 2007, 05:09 PM	#8
Locknar Sum of all evils ^tm Deputy Admin Join Date: May 2007 Location: 25.50 N, 77.54 W Posts: 14,499	magi - I (and I think many others) would appreciate updates should this con-artist contact you further. It is sad that vultures like this prey on those that are vulnerable in mourning.

21st August 2007, 07:36 PM	#11
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Locknar magi - I (and I think many others) would appreciate updates should this con-artist contact you further. It is sad that vultures like this prey on those that are vulnerable in mourning. It is sad indeed. I will speak with the primary neighbor lady there, and also warn her about this possibly impending crapfest. If I cannot prevent it, I will at least ask to be there and meet the weasel. I do not want to add to her woes by causing a confrontation, even though I'd really like to apply my size 15 to the keister thereof.

21st August 2007, 07:40 PM	#12
philkensebben Graduate Poster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 1,860	Just to play devils advocate for a moment, dont some of these people actually believe they have powers ? I'm not sure how you would deal with him/her differently if that were the case. I'd still tell them to bugger off.

21st August 2007, 07:41 PM	#13
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	[quote=Fnord;2892060] [OPINION] They're not just your run-of-the-mill scumsucking bottom dwellers. No, they're scumsucking, bottom-feeding, soul-drinking, dog-eating, kitten-drowning, groin-kicking, pot-licking, tax-dodging, manure-eating, back-stabbing, child-fornicating, pustulent parasites that should have been ground underfoot the moment they were born. [/OPINION] /QUOTE] Please, come down off the fence, and say how you really feel. Actually, I agree fully. I've driven past the rundown doublewides of several of these shysters for years, and never felt more than a mild revulsion or even a sardonic chuckle. But now I see firsthand how utterly despicable such people can be. Words fail me (which is odd for me). To borrow from John Cleese, "yes, well, that's the sort of blinkard, philistine, pig-ignorance I've come to expect from [them], non-creative garbage."

21st August 2007, 07:46 PM	#14
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by philkensebben Just to play devils advocate for a moment, dont some of these people actually believe they have powers ? I'm not sure how you would deal with him/her differently if that were the case. I'd still tell them to bugger off. Oh, absolutely. Bugger them off with a fish fork. I cannot beleive they actually believe in their own "powers". Else why literally invade the innocent? Altruism? Please. As I said before, if I cannot prevent it, I plan to ask to attend the event. If nothing else, I'd like to inform the lying richard-cranium that I know a way they can earn a quick easy million bucks...

21st August 2007, 07:53 PM	#15
philkensebben Graduate Poster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 1,860	No i'm sure i've read posts on this very site who were one time believers, actually believed they had powers. You'd be surprised as to how much one can delude ones self. My suggestion would be, before you started screaming liar at the individual, argue that no evidence exists of said powers, validations of vague statements does not count as evidence etc etc...

21st August 2007, 07:55 PM	#16
Miss Anthrope All your post are belong to us Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: A Tiny Oasis in the PNW Posts: 3,597	Originally Posted by philkensebben Just to play devils advocate for a moment, dont some of these people actually believe they have powers ? I'm not sure how you would deal with him/her differently if that were the case. I'd still tell them to bugger off. I absolutely and sincerely believed I could talk to the dead. However, even at that point in my life, I would never have been so tactless and distasteful. I also never tried to make money off my delusion that I had a gift. If I had ever had such absolute poor judgment as to pull something like this, I certainly wouldn't have blamed anyone for telling me off, either. I would have positively deserved it. Even at my most woo, I did have empathy and respect.
	__________________ We're not elected officials, nor are we paid professionals. You want us to act as such? Fine. Cough up the cash - because as a professional, I don't come cheap."-Jmercer, who happens to rock.[/color]

21st August 2007, 07:58 PM	#17
philkensebben Graduate Poster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 1,860	Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope I absolutely and sincerely believed I could talk to the dead. However, even at that point in my life, I would never have been so tactless and distasteful. I also never tried to make money off my delusion that I had a gift. If I had ever had such absolute poor judgment as to pull something like this, I certainly wouldn't have blamed anyone for telling me off, either. I would have positively deserved it. Even at my most woo, I did have empathy and respect. Ahh, that just validates my above post nicely.

21st August 2007, 08:02 PM	#18
Miss Anthrope All your post are belong to us Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: A Tiny Oasis in the PNW Posts: 3,597	Originally Posted by philkensebben Ahh, that just validates my above post nicely. Happy to be of service!
	__________________ We're not elected officials, nor are we paid professionals. You want us to act as such? Fine. Cough up the cash - because as a professional, I don't come cheap."-Jmercer, who happens to rock.[/color]

21st August 2007, 08:04 PM	#19
Locknar Sum of all evils ^tm Deputy Admin Join Date: May 2007 Location: 25.50 N, 77.54 W Posts: 14,499	Originally Posted by philkensebben No i'm sure i've read posts on this very site who were one time believers, actually believed they had powers. You'd be surprised as to how much one can delude ones self. My suggestion would be, before you started screaming liar at the individual, argue that no evidence exists of said powers, validations of vague statements does not count as evidence etc etc... There are, of course, "psychics" that truly believe they have special powers; Randi (et all) has met and tested many of them wrt to the $1M Challenge. However, what this person is doing is ambulance chasing...or rather, deceased chasing; nothing more then preying on folks in distress, to bilk them out of money.

21st August 2007, 08:40 PM	#21
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope I absolutely and sincerely believed I could talk to the dead. However, even at that point in my life, I would never have been so tactless and distasteful. I also never tried to make money off my delusion that I had a gift. If I had ever had such absolute poor judgment as to pull something like this, I certainly wouldn't have blamed anyone for telling me off, either. I would have positively deserved it. Even at my most woo, I did have empathy and respect. Then with all due respect, you were psychic of a far different stripe than my scuzzbucket. Especially considering you didn't make money from it. In fact, it sounds to me like we are describing two different things altogether.

21st August 2007, 09:07 PM	#22
Miss Anthrope All your post are belong to us Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: A Tiny Oasis in the PNW Posts: 3,597	Originally Posted by Locknar However, what this person is doing is ambulance chasing...or rather, deceased chasing; nothing more then preying on folks in distress, to bilk them out of money. Right on the money!
	__________________ We're not elected officials, nor are we paid professionals. You want us to act as such? Fine. Cough up the cash - because as a professional, I don't come cheap."-Jmercer, who happens to rock.[/color]

21st August 2007, 09:08 PM	#23
Miss Anthrope All your post are belong to us Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: A Tiny Oasis in the PNW Posts: 3,597	Originally Posted by magi Then with all due respect, you were psychic of a far different stripe than my scuzzbucket. Especially considering you didn't make money from it. In fact, it sounds to me like we are describing two different things altogether. Well, I certainly wouldn't take offense to not being of the scuzzbucket variety, ever. My point was that she deserves a good scolding, if not more. If I had approached someone like that, even if not asking for money, I still would have been a callous piece of poo. But, thank FSM I'm not a woo anymore!
	__________________ We're not elected officials, nor are we paid professionals. You want us to act as such? Fine. Cough up the cash - because as a professional, I don't come cheap."-Jmercer, who happens to rock.[/color]

21st August 2007, 09:13 PM	#24
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope But, thank FSM I'm not a woo anymore! You're not referring to the Noodly One, are you?

21st August 2007, 09:24 PM	#25
Miss Anthrope All your post are belong to us Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: A Tiny Oasis in the PNW Posts: 3,597	Originally Posted by magi You're not referring to the Noodly One, are you? None other.
	__________________ We're not elected officials, nor are we paid professionals. You want us to act as such? Fine. Cough up the cash - because as a professional, I don't come cheap."-Jmercer, who happens to rock.[/color]

21st August 2007, 09:37 PM	#26
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Miss Anthrope None other. Sure, why not. A Supreme Entity of Pasta makes as much sense as any other, and a heluvalot more than quite a few. And is harmless, compared to the Kansas BoE and bilebaby nasty psychics.

21st August 2007, 09:42 PM	#27
Locknar Sum of all evils ^tm Deputy Admin Join Date: May 2007 Location: 25.50 N, 77.54 W Posts: 14,499	magi - Just wondering; do you have this ambulance chasers name? Do they have a website outlining their "psychic" claims?

21st August 2007, 10:05 PM	#28
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Locknar magi - Just wondering; do you have this ambulance chasers name? Do they have a website outlining their "psychic" claims? Lock et al... I'm going over there Wednesday afternoon/evening to check on them, talk to the kids. I'll see if the predator has called back, get any data I can. I'm walking on eggshells, as I really want to help and encourage, not rile her up. THat being said, I'm not going to idly stand by and let this cur poop on the carpets.

22nd August 2007, 01:32 AM	#29
chillzero Domestic Godless Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Top of the world, ma! Posts: 15,269	I'm gonna speak up as having come from a similar place as Miss A. I also believed I had psychic abilities, but would never have intruded on a family's grief in this manner. magi - you did the right thing and gave good advice. Perhaps you might also like to send your friend to Kelly's blog about psychic predators. I apologise that the link to hand is my own article, but it is part of a series - check out the articles before and after this one: http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com...rney-from.html

22nd August 2007, 02:37 AM	#30
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,323	I have just bumped another, similar thread, started by the same Kelly as chillzero refered to Psychics and Missing People I might add a tag in this thread so it links to the other one.
	__________________ dddffffpppqqqq Want to use your computer for something that will make society better? See this thread for details Folding@home

22nd August 2007, 06:50 AM	#31
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by chillzero I'm gonna speak up as having come from a similar place as Miss A. I also believed I had psychic abilities, but would never have intruded on a family's grief in this manner. magi - you did the right thing and gave good advice. Perhaps you might also like to send your friend to Kelly's blog about psychic predators. I apologise that the link to hand is my own article, but it is part of a series - check out the articles before and after this one: http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com...rney-from.html Chill -- I tried to refer to your article, but I get a 502 from Google: Server Error The server encountered a temporary error and could not complete your request. Please try again in 30 seconds. I thought Google was omnipotent....

22nd August 2007, 07:10 AM	#32
chillzero Domestic Godless Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Top of the world, ma! Posts: 15,269	Kelly's blog seems to be down just now.

22nd August 2007, 07:40 AM	#33
Magic 9-Ball Hey, that's a good name for a band! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Here, on my way to there. Posts: 1,512	Originally Posted by magi THat being said, I'm not going to idly stand by and let this cur poop on the carpets. I must say that, although she may not have broken a law in this case, she may still have a history of scamming others. Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact the police. They might have a file or open case on her. You might at least find out what the laws are in that area. Some places have laws against that thing (not that they enforce them, mind you, as a reference to a recent SWIFT articles on Philadelphia and Salem, MA). Just my thoughts. She's probably contacting many other people.
	__________________ All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?

22nd August 2007, 07:44 AM	#34
Locknar Sum of all evils ^tm Deputy Admin Join Date: May 2007 Location: 25.50 N, 77.54 W Posts: 14,499	Originally Posted by magi Lock et al... I'm going over there Wednesday afternoon/evening to check on them, talk to the kids. I'll see if the predator has called back, get any data I can. I'm walking on eggshells, as I really want to help and encourage, not rile her up. THat being said, I'm not going to idly stand by and let this cur poop on the carpets. It is a tough situation to be in (your friends death aside for a moment); if she really believes that something like this will help her feel better...sadly I'm not sure there is much you can do. As you said, even with the best of intentions, the last thing you want to do is "rile her up". The death of your friend added to the mix just makes it that much worse.

22nd August 2007, 07:59 AM	#35
magi Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 168	Originally Posted by Magic 9-Ball I must say that, although she may not have broken a law in this case, she may still have a history of scamming others. Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact the police. They might have a file or open case on her. You might at least find out what the laws are in that area. Some places have laws against that thing (not that they enforce them, mind you, as a reference to a recent SWIFT articles on Philadelphia and Salem, MA). It's not likely a law has been broken, not in this state. South Carolina, the very buckle of the Bible Belt, has almost as many roadside drive-up psychics as we do boiled peanut stands. It's difficult to swing a dead cat without impacting some professional woo. I know several areas where one could drive to a Methodist Church, a Baptist Church, a roadside psychic, and an ABC store (state-controlled liquor store), all within a mile of each other. The dichotomy is astounding. But the boiled peanuts are pretty good.

22nd August 2007, 08:10 AM	#36
Beady Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: 44:57:19N, 73:16:18W Posts: 5,495	I believe you said a couple of preachers were already counseling your friend? Tell them what's up, and ask them to talk to your friend about avoiding those who deal with familiar spirits (I believe that's the term).
	__________________ I tolerate with utmost latitude the right of others to differ with me in opinion without imputing to them criminality. I know too well all the weaknesses and uncertainty of human reason to wonder at its different results. -- Thomas Jefferson I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. -- Thomas Jefferson