Scientology Leaks 679 : Celebrity 362 – Anglais – Novembre 2004

 

 

Celebrity Magazine Issue 362 November 2004

Pages 4-19
see photo list below

CELEBRITY CENTRES 35TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

 

Over 2,000 leaders in art, entertainment, commerce and government gathered at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood.
The night started with a grand overview of 35 years of Celebrity Centre’s accomplishments and service from this church.

That history began when L. Ron Hubbard envisioned a Scientology church dedicated to the artist. That purpose is central to our efforts to make this world better.

Our history grew from a single desk in an office on 8th Street in downtown Los Angeles, to this Church which is the heart of an international network of eleven Celebrity Centre churches.

Celebrity Centre’s accomplishments of the past 35 years included more than 300 neighborhood beautification projects and coastal clean-ups; the 3,000 man-hour mural project at the Landmark Hollywood High School and the 11,700 events we produced over this time period – including our many fundraisers for the Police Activities League, the Hollywood Arts Council and the Red Cross.

And while those activities and many more add up to over 2,500 volunteer hours of help provided each and every week, all told it represents more than 1.2 million hours of community contribution.

On the occasion of this 35th Anniversary, 26 organizations, officials and governments issued recognitions of those, and many more, accomplishments of church members.

They come from the cities of Los Angeles, Inglewood, Santa Monica and New York, from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, from Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, as well as U.S. Congress members Xavier Becerra, Diane Watson, Maxine Waters and Charles Rangel.

All those who contributed were thanked for their tireless efforts in the name of helping to create a new culture and civilization.

The special guest speaker for this historic celebration was Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center.
He was the driving force and the vision behind the establishment of the Celebrity Centre you know today.

Mr. Miscavige personally worked with Mr. Hubbard and has been actively involved in just about every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology for more than 25 years.

The worldwide expansion of Scientology is due in no small part to his unflagging dedication to upholding the purity and integrity of every facet of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s legacy.

But more to the point, no one is more able to speak on the international scope and impact of our religion world over.

 

ANSWERS THAT WORK

At Celebrity Centre International’s 35th Anniversary Gala, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, gave
a landmark presentation addressing world conditions and what Scientologists are doing about them and answering the question, « What is Scientology? »

Let me be blunt, » Mr. Miscavige began. « Scientology does have answers. Real answers. Answers that work. Bold statements? Yes. But, what millions of people – from over 150 nations – will tell you themselves.

« We find ourselves at a watershed in history. At stake is whether the ideals we cherish will survive or some new abhorrent set of values win the day. And if that decline has been evident through the past half century, it continues unabated into this new one. The events of September 11th served as a wake-up call for all of us.

« When one must worry, in today’s modern world, about the safety of its citizens, when one’s solutions are limited to the use of military might, it is obvious that the problems we face run much deeper.

« It’s a situation none of us can ignore. They are conditions we all must face. They are problems we all must be responsible for helping to resolve, » Mr. Miscavige said.

He explained that while many may ponder about what they can do about it, it needs to be understood that we are the most powerful force on earth today. And while we are hit with the daily headlines, the Code Orange terror alerts, and all else, it obscures the deeper, more serious problem that underlies it all – Man himself.

Today we live in a world increasingly obsessed with science – where men can walk on the Moon, where we explore the surface of Mars and even survey the galaxy with NASA probes, where our globe is circled by satellites and advanced computer technology lets us contact anyone on this Earth within seconds – yet there are still worries about raising children, drugs, education, crime rates, and the host of problems we face.

Mr. Miscavige stated that the answers to this planet’s problems will not be found in the « material » of the sciences, nor will they be found in the latest « feel good » pill brought onto the market by a profit-driven pharmaceutical industry because the expiration date of the last « feel good » pill arrived.

« There is a void, » Mr. Miscavige continued, « In fact, it’s a chasm. And at the bottom of the chasm are the humanities. »

EFFECTIVE HELP FOR WHAT PLAGUES EARTH

« Do people, at times, suspect offers of ‘help’? » Mr. Miscavige asked. « Unfortunately, they do. And it’s not surprising. » Explaining how too many times help has failed, he went on to point out that often help has been promised and attempts are made to help, but then, for lack of the tools to effectively accomplish real help, it really has not been rendered. So the person trying to help has a loss and the person who was promised the help becomes suspicious of being helped and does not want to hear of it anymore.
He made clear that real help is what Scientology offers. A Scientologist does not complain about the conditions around him. He takes a different approach in that he considers people to be the most important commodity on Earth. And with that in mind, and his ability to bring real solutions to Man’s ills, he is creating a new life for all.

Mr. Miscavige then laid out the aims of Scientology, « A world without insanity, without criminals, without war, where the able can prosper and where Man is free to rise to greater heights. » He also noted that inherent in Scientology itself, is that one take responsibility, not only for himself, but the world at large. And absolutely no part of those efforts have anything to do with mere belief or blind faith in a doctrine. Rather, a Scientologist uses what he knows to help others, and he could care less about their race, creed, color or religion.

« Now, unless you think I’m just preaching, » Mr. Miscavige said, « let me show you what I mean. And in that regard I am speaking of the real ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,’ that plague this Earth – Drugs, Illiteracy, Crime and Immorality. »

THE WAR ON DRUGS

Mr. Miscavige put the world drug statistics in proper perspective to show the magnitude of the drug problem, where more money is spent on street drugs planet-wide than is spent on food, clothing, education, medical care or housing – the total number of drug abusers is estimated at 200 million people. And that doesn’t even include the legal drug market.

By the end of the 20th century, the amount spent on education, the environment, and research for cures for diseases was less than the amount of money received by pharmaceutical companies.

The « war on drugs » has gone from 1.65 billion dollars in 1982, to almost 20 billion dollars today. And yet the drug statistics continue to climb.
He explained that while the only solution is to cut the demand, just saying « no » can certainly help prevent some youngsters from going down that path, but it won’t do any good for the guy who is gripped every waking moment by that craving for the next « fix. »

The real need is rehabilitation. Most rehab programs are an abysmal failure. More often than not, addicts are simply treated with a replacement drug like methadone, which is harder to quit than the one they were on in the first place.

« But it is not hopeless, » Mr. Miscavige stated. « The Narconon Network was formed by the Church to provide real rehabilitation, and Scientologists continue to sponsor the opening of new centers. Narconon stands for Non-Narcotics and withdrawal is only the first step of this drug-free program. Using discoveries of Mr. Hubbard, the body is then cleansed of those drug residuals and the next and final step is resolving why one turned to drugs in the first place. »

He then listed the success rates of Narconon. While a 14 percent success rate is considered the norm and 20 percent success rate is considered huge in most rehab programs, Narconon achieves an almost 80 percent success rate. « And we aren’t just dabbling, » continued Mr. Miscavige. « Because, let’s face it – it’s going to take a lot of rehab to truly end this epidemic. » Showing the guests shots of the International Narconon Center in Arrowhead, Oklahoma, he went on to say that this is not only the largest residential rehab center in the country, but more importantly, it serves as the training facility for drug rehab professionals to learn these techniques and so generate the establishment of centers on a global basis. He then detailed Narconon’s expansion. Since Arrowhead’s opening, Narconon has seen the greatest expansion in its 38-year history and with new rehab and drug prevention centers opening from Idaho to Michigan, Argentina to Pakistan, and even in places like Costa Rica, Ghana, Macedonia and Latvia – there are now 137 centers in 37 countries. « The point? » Mr. Miscavige asked. « We don’t just think help is possible – we know it. And when it comes to the drug problem, we are doing something about it. »

HANDLING ILLITERACY-FOR REAL

« If the drug problem is bad, illiteracy is even more epidemic, » Mr. Miscavige continued, giving the raw figures. Forty-six percent of American adults – over 90-million people – are functionally illiterate. Meaning, they have difficulty performing even the most rudimentary functions such as balancing a checkbook or filling out an official form. On a survey of over 5,000 college graduates, only 39 percent could interpret a relatively simple bus timetable.

On average, each day sees 6,250 teachers threatened with injury. In a period of just three years, student suspensions for violence increased by nearly 33,000.

It’s no wonder that within the first five years of their career, four out of every ten teachers quit their jobs in disgust.

« Then there is all die talk of money, » said Mr. Miscavige. « And, when it comes to teachers, their level of income is a disgrace. But don’t think that will do it. Because, in the last 30 years, U.S. funding for education totals trillions. Yet during that same period, scholastic standards took a plunge so steep – in 1995, test officials resorted to lowering the bar of passing scores to mask the harsh reality. »

And what’s the « solution? » he asked. More labels: ADD, ADHD, dyslexia and a host of others. Over 8 million school children nationwide are on psychiatric drugs – including stimulants, anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. Sales of these drugs now generate a billion dollars a year, just for school children. And what does the fine print on these bottles say? Ritalin is an amphetamine-like drug and is classified by the DEA in the same category as opium, morphine and cocaine.

[Editor’s note: Six weeks after Mr. Miscavige’s address, the FDA held hearings into the high rate of suicides linked to anti-depressants and ordered that a prominent « black box » warning about potential suicide risk be placed on antidepressant bottles.]

More insidious yet he said is the current trend where parents are forced – against their wishes – to drug their children as a requirement for enrollment. What is being missed is that they are addressing the symptoms. Anxiety, hyperactivity and yes, even delinquency and violence, are not the cause of illiteracy: they are the result of illiteracy.

Mr. Miscavige continued, « Yet look across the spectrum of human profession and you will find some of the most dedicated and tireless in the field of education. It’s not criticism these teachers need – it’s real help. »
He explained that this is why we sponsor the Applied Scholastics network, employing a real technology of study.

« And make no mistake – this isn’t just a new method of education, speed reading, or skills to pass an exam. It also isn’t just an Ivory Tower approach of explaining away failures, by labeling the person you failed to teach, » he said.

He explained how Study Technology addresses the actual barriers to study – those factors that can prevent comprehension of any subject and applicable in any level of education and school of learning.

He illustrated the broad usage of study tech, its applications from the Hollywood Education and Literacy Project (HELP) to the World Literacy Crusade headquartered in Compton, and the Literacy Education and Ability Program (LEAP) in Memphis, Tennessee. It is found in entire schools who employ study tech such as Ability and Delphi, where their students regularly score five-hundred points above the national average on SAT exams.

« But once again, » Mr. Miscavige continued, « that’s only the start. To advance our help even further, last year we sponsored the establishment of a new 100-acre Applied Scholastic Campus in Spanish Lake, St. Louis. »

He described it as not just a learning center for students, but a facility that also serves as a training center for teachers and educators from every quarter, training them in study technology so they may take it to every corner of the globe. And since its establishment last year, they’ve opened 106 new education groups from Finland to Nicaragua – now totaling 474 groups and schools, in 57 nations – where they provide Study Technology.

« So yes, when it conies to the problem of illiteracy, » concluded Mr. Miscavige, « we are doing something about it. »

PROGRAMS TO RESTORE MORALITY

The next aspect of societal decay taken up was immorality. « Beneath all else that wrecks this world also lies what is commonly called ‘the moral crisis’, » Mr. Miscavige said, noting the shocking fact that the fastest-growing segment of American society is the prison population. He said how it took 90 years to reach the one million mark and just ten more to reach two million. Among our children, surveys show 75 percent of high school students engage in serious cheating.

He also gave other statistics. In business, the global trade in pirated software reached 29 billion in 2003 – nearly 60% of the value of all legal sales The traditional source of moral direction is shattered with so much conflict, religion to religion.

« Enforcing one’s belief on another is not the road to peace. Respecting the beliefs of others is where the answer lies, » Mr. Miscavige continued.
He stated that Mr. Hubbard, recognizing the need of a code to fill that void, authored a non-religious, common sense Guide To Better Living – The Way to Happiness. Devoid of any religious belief, its 21 precepts both provide a desperately needed « moral compass, » as well as a common code of agreement. It is being distributed from individuals in neighborhoods, to business owners and their patrons, to law enforcement and government.
He listed some of the significant results including a 38 percent reduction in crime in a hotspot in Los Angeles where the booklet had been distributed broadly. In Venezuela, where social and economic unrest has become routine, The Way to Happiness was distributed to both sides of the conflict – the government and its people. So effective was its message in quelling conflict, it is not only now distributed by the President to his staff, but has been adopted as the official social campaign by the National Security Administration for all public service agencies nationwide.

Addressing our younger generation which will build this better tomorrow, The Way to Happiness has also been used as the centerpiece of a national morals contest – The Set a Good Example Campaign, with over 10 million students from 12 thousand schools participating in the last decade.

He said the precepts of this book also form the backbone of the international criminal rehabilitation program, Criminon, operating in more than 1,600 prisons worldwide. In the juvenile offender program in the state of Utah, where The Way to Happiness was used as an alternative to incarceration, an evaluation conducted four years after completion, tracking 100 youths, found 86 percent reduction in crime. At Corcoran State Prison only 1/6″‘ of the population signed up with Criminon, but shortly thereafter, all violence and prisoner « gladiator fights » came to an end.

In Israel, when Criminon was implemented as a prison pilot program to address the problems of recidivism, not one inmate who completed the program has ever returned to jail.

He detailed how, to coordinate and multiply the grassroots movement inspired by this booklet, this last fall the Church also sponsored the establishment of the new International Headquarters for The Way to Happiness Foundation, in Glendale, California.

The global impact of The Way to Happiness is stunning. Today, this booklet has been translated into 66 languages with 62 million copies in circulation in 99 countries.

« So, yes, » said Mr. Miscavige, « when it comes to moral issues and finding a common ground for the brotherhood of humankind, well, we think help is possible and we are doing something about it. »

KEEPING THE TORCH OF FREEDOM ALIVE

« If everything I’ve touched on so far is our response to helping reverse the cultural decline, » he continued. « Well, we don’t just work at the edge of the problem, but head-on as well. I am speaking of Human Rights – a
subject so important to Scientology, it is reflected in the Code of a Scientologist. I quote: « ‘To decry and do all I can to abolish any and all abuses against life and mankind, and, ‘To support true humanitarian endeavors in the fields of human rights.' »

He stated that no one can live in a world where nations act lawlessly towards their citizens and each other – or, where any group can stamp out the rights of those not in power. The church’s crusade in this regard is not just recent.

As an example, honest government with open access to the people is made possible in no small measure due to the Freedom of Information Act and the Church of Scientology is at the vanguard of setting precedents that made that access possible. This is how CIA mind control experiments on unsuspecting citizens conducted in the 1960’s were exposed. Here, too, you will find the Church sponsoring bills outlawing the enforced medication of children where parents are told they must drug their child as a requirement for school attendance.

Mr. Miscavige explained that in the aftermath of 9/11, rights fought for for years are being curtailed in a flash, not to mention parts of the world where those rights have never been a reality. That’s why we have launched a crusade for the implementation of the « Universal Declaration of Human Rights » – a document ratified by free nations in the wake of World War II as a means to help prevent recent history from repeating.

He explained how the objective of this crusade is to educate the broad public, so every individual can know, defend and insist their leaders put into practice the Universal Declaration. And that message is being taken to governments with publications such as How to Resolve Conflicts, while for the citizens they represent we created the Guidebook for Peace Through Human Rights.

Special attention is being given to educating tomorrow’s leaders on human rights, so they in turn demand those rights be maintained. To that end we created a booklet in 19 languages for students – What are Human Rights’? – and distributed this in conjunction with a 45,000 mile educational tour, reaching more than 67.5 million people on five continents.

« We also pay particular attention to Europe, » said Mr. Miscavige, « a continent where everyday rights we take for granted are simply unheard of. That’s why we established our new European Office for Human Rights, which opened in September last year. »

The center is located in Brussels, right on the doorstep of European Parliament, where the Church now coordinates activities across that continent. And so far, with the grassroots educational programs, more than 110-million people have been reached.

« So yes – we believe in Human Rights and are doing something to make them an everyday fact, » concluded Mr. Miscavige.

HELPING WHENEVER HELP IS NEEDED

« For the final word, as regards our front-line work bringing our help wherever and whenever needed, and quite in addition to what takes place within our churches, is our corps of 30-thousand Scientology Volunteer Ministers, on call 24 hours a day in scores of nations. »

Internationally known and recognized for what has been described as « spiritual first aid, » they are ready and organized to respond to any disaster, man-made or by force of nature.

Most notable, of course, were the Scientology Volunteer Ministers at Ground Zero, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. From logistical work on the bucket lines, to caring for the rescue workers so deeply affected in the after-math, the Volunteer Ministers were there for the duration.

This story repeated itself in countries across the world. In Hungary and the Czech Republic, when floods brought whole communities to a standstill, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers were there. In Moscow, when terrorists struck at a popular opera house, the local media alerted citizens that the Volunteer Ministers were on hand to provide comfort to the traumatized. When brush fires raged in Australia, there again were the Volunteer Ministers. There they were, any time, any place, no matter the circumstance – from Washington D.C. and San Diego, to Venezuela, the Congo, and Taiwan.

He went on to explain that as a result, the Volunteer Ministers are certified as part of the Los Angeles Community Emergency Response Team, recognized as a partner by the Philippines National Red Cross and appointed as official Civil Defense Force by the Italian Federal Government.

In addition to all that, there are the Volunteer Minister Cavalcades, constantly visiting new communities to offer their help with everything from helping resolve marital difficulties, to tutoring children, to providing a willing car for the lonely, and all else to help with the myriad of life’s problems.

He said that’s how, and why, just since 9/11, Volunteer Ministers brought personal aid, one-on-one, to over 1.7-million people.

« So yes, » said Mr. Miscavige, « when it comes to helping those in most desperate need, we not only know we can help, we are doing something about it. And finally, quite in addition to the social betterment and volunteer actions, there are our churches. »

THE QUESTION OF THE EVENING

Scientology is far more than rehabilitation, literacy and morality. Contained in the body of Dianetics and Scientology are answers to age-old questions such as: Who am I? What’s the purpose of life? What happens when I die?

Mr. Miscavige pulled no punches in answering these questions.

« You are a spiritual being, distinct and separate from a body.

« You have lived lifetime after lifetime and will live again.
« You are seeking to survive for yourself, your family, group, mankind, the physical universe, and to survive as a spirit.

« And only when you have fully achieved that level of enlightenment can you truly understand the Creator. »

« Whereas that may sound familiar in the tradition of the ancient Eastern religions, what is different, and what is new about Scientology, are the means and ways of achieving it.

« For Scientology is a modern religion, born in the technical age of the 20th century.

« And if you were to ask any Scientologist they would tell you it is a practical religion, with practical answers – tools that can be applied to achieve that greater awareness and purpose in the here and now.

« Or, as we say it, when you have the answers to life’s questions – there is virtually no part of existence it cannot be applied to for the betterment of life itself. »

Because, Scientology isn’t « just like » something else.

Some have compared Scientology to a meeting of Eastern and Western – or self-help and religion. Neither are accurate.

To best understand it, one must understand L. Ron Hubbard and the life he led to the formation of Scientology.

A SINGULARLY REMARKABLE MAN

Mr. Miscavige then gave an insightful biographic overview of the founder of Scientology, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard. Born in 1911, in a classically rough-and-tumble American West, he first gained renown when he became America’s youngest Eagle Scout, at the age of 13.

His youth was filled with travel, including one momentous voyage through the Panama Canal, where he was tutored by the first, and only, American Naval Officer to study under Sigmund Freud in Vienna.

And while Mr. Hubbard’s answers led far from psychotherapy, it was this experience that sparked his interest in the mind and led him to his life’s work.

Even more significant were his travels to the Far East in the 1920s. It was in China where he learned of the religious traditions of the East. Traveling inland, he gained access to Tibetan lamaseries, into an Asia still then considered mysterious. In fact, he was to see and experience what few other Westerners had, and that’s where he first encountered an ancient wisdom beyond anything conceived of in the West.

And while he found it a kinder and gentler culture, with aspirations far beyond the materialism of the West, he also saw great human suffering and degradation.

Nevertheless, he came in contact with and studied man’s oldest recorded writings, commonly known as the Veda or Vedic Hymns, which form the basis of Hinduism.

Returning to the United States to complete his « formal » education, he attended George Washington University and one of the nation’s first classes on what was then called « atomic and molecular phenomena » – otherwise known today as nuclear physics.

And that is where the various threads of his young life came together. Because while some of those classmates set their sights on the Manhattan Project and the A-bomb, there was another school of thought that saw here, in atomic research, the possible discovery of « Life Energy » itself.
What is more, the precision and practicality of all Mr. Hubbard’s discoveries and technology, stems from that background. He was the first to employ the tools of Western science to examine the spiritual dimension he had glimpsed in the East.

From then on, he literally criss-crossed two hemispheres in search of the single common denominator with which to unify all knowledge. But it wasn’t an ivory tower existence, because in addition to everything else, he was an adventurer.

In the early days of aviation he was a glider pilot and his license for powered flight numbered in the low-hundreds, as he barnstormed across the Eastern seaboard and the Midwest.

He headed expeditions to then-remote Caribbean Isles. He mapped lost Alaskan coastlines, and even pioneered what later became modern long range navigation, known to pilots today as LORAN.

He also earned a Master Mariners license to captain any vessel, of any tonnage, any ocean. And he did just that as a member of the invitation only Explorers Club, under whose flag he eventually headed three more expeditions – as a result of which he was able to interact with even more diverse peoples, from the Aleut Indians to the Carib natives, to the Japanese.
And so he came to discover, for himself, that despite their different cultures, Man was Man, driven by some common dynamic.

Through this period he launched his literary career which funded those travels.

And even beyond all this, he also served in three branches of the military: The National Guard, as a drill sergeant in the U.S. Marines, and as a Commander of corvettes through the second World War. And that was what led to the final chapter of his path to discovery.

Working with injured veterans, including himself, he faced an all too common medical dilemma. Too often, no matter what medicine was employed, the patient would not recover.

Employing all he had learned in both East and West, he made the discovery he’d searched for, and developed techniques for its application.
As he put it – « Thought, not Structure was Boss. »

Meaning, that by addressing the mind and spirit – one could remove factors preventing even physical recovery, and which otherwise even prevented those medicines from taking effect.

And that was 1950, and the arrival of Dianetics. While as for what it contains, and what it further brought to view, it would fill a library, and it literally does.

But, you ask what kind of man could have founded the only major new religion of the 20th Century? Well, the simple answer is:

Only a man who lived life – from the top down, and the bottom up, a man who had seen much wisdom and great suffering, a man who had also spent a quarter of a century in search of a single common denominator to unify all knowledge.

THE GREATER SCOPE

Concluding the seminal address, Mr. Miscavige gave a grand overview.
« As for what it means in the greater scope of things, well, I return to that greater drama I referenced at the outset.

« For that drama is summed up in the cycle of Religion and Science, and the question of which one held the answer to man himself.

« That has been the battle, and it’s been a continuous cycle. And while, through the ages, each has pointed to the failures of the other to support their position, we believe neither was correct. Instead, they both awaited a mutual meeting ground.

« That, to us, is Scientology. « And with that in mind, I won’t try to tell you that as a religion we are just like everybody else. Certainly we share those same goals of peace, compassion, the belief in a higher purpose – that life transcends this mere existence of the clay that is our body.

« Beyond that, we seek evolution to a better state for man in the here and now. » He pointed out that despite the efforts and money of a great many people, those old solutions are not working. One can throw billions at those same solutions and they still won’t work.

He concluded the speech with these words: « Let’s not then judge our answers by the ‘authorities’ that have failed. For that is the path of hopelessness.
« And if we can’t yet imagine the possibility of a better tomorrow, then have we not even forfeited our dreams?

« Let’s instead, all of us, work to help one another. We believe there is hope. We believe we can help. We believe in you.

« And with that let me, appropriately, leave you with a final word from L. Ron Hubbard.

« It comes from the final pages of Dianetics, and is reflective of all we stand for and what Mr. Hubbard spent a life to help us achieve:

« There is a higher goal, a. better goal, a more glorious victory than gutted towns and radiation-burned dead.

« There is freedom and happiness and plenty and a whole universe to be won.

« He who would not see it is far from worthy to rule.

« He who would indulge his hates is too insane to advise.

« How much can man conquer? « He loses if he conquers man. « He wins if he conquers his own fears and conquers then the stars.

« Attack the natural enemies of man, attack them well, and war of man with man cannot thereafter be a problem. « This is rationality. »‘
– L. Ron Hubbard

What followed Mr. Miscavige’s address were three dignitaries who Celebrity Centre counts as friends and partners in their efforts.

The first guest was introduced as a long time leader in building safe communities, heading one of the world’s single largest law enforcement agencies, Los Angeles County Sheriff, Mr. Lee Baca.

Sheriff Baca spoke of his responsibility for a county covering over 4,000 square miles and more than 10 million inhabitants of multiple and diverse ethnicities, which demands far more than just a uniformed police force. « I quickly discovered that maintaining order and progress in this robust and vibrant community could not be accomplished without the cooperation and support of its religious leaders.

« It may be a little-known fact – but the riots of Los Angeles over a decade ago were largely brought under control through the dedication and support of religious leaders and their direct dialogue with conflicting factions.

« Members of the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service asked this Church, your Church, to broker a meeting with the Justice Department and two opposing gangs. The parties agreed but only on the condition they meet on a neutral ground.

« The place they chose was right here, at this Church. »

He went on to talk about our involvement with him, the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, state and civic leaders, as well as others in efforts to unite religious groups in understanding and cooperation.

« You are more than a member of the community – you are a leader.

« And I have said to you and members of my Executive Clergy Council, that if all of what you do is done well, you will eventually work me out of a job – and that’s not a bad idea.

« I can think of no Church better equipped for that task than the Church of Scientology, and I feel lucky to have you in the great County of Los Angeles, the largest county in the United States.

« Let me close by saying as your founder, L. Ron Hubbard, said, ‘A society gets what it concentrates upon. By concentrating on spiritual values instead of criminality a new day may yet dawn for man.’

« In the spirit of those words, I call on you to extend and continue your efforts, so we together will bring about a better community and a new day for all.

« Thank you very much. »

Scientologists are constantly at work in society to right the wrongs using the technology they know.

And, in time of tragedy, their work is even more dedicated, and can bring relief even in the worst of times and places.

To exactly that end we initiated a project in lower Manhattan just under two years ago.

Last year, at the Celebrity Centre Anniversary, two of New York’s bravest, who almost lost their lives from the consequences of working the rescue and salvage lines at Ground Zero, spoke of how L. Ron Hubbard’s technology saved their lives after they had been afflicted with massive dosages of toxic substances as a result of working at Ground Zero for months in the aftermath of 9/11.

This has been a major problem for the more than 40,000 firefighters, EMTs and rescue workers who spent weeks breathing in toxic particles lingering in the air after the collapse of the towers.

As a result, many of these heroes have developed illnesses so debilitating, they were forced to retire early or are fighting for their lives. Through the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Program, utilizing a program developed by Mr. Hubbard, hundreds have fully recovered.

And to give more insight into this project, New York City Council member, Ms. Margarita Lopez, gave a heartfelt speech on how Scientologists are saving lives.

Ms. Lopez pointed out that the whole world knows about the disaster that took place on September 11th. She said, « But what all of us don’t know is that the tragedy is not over! The toxic legacy of September 11th is continuing a path of destruction and sorrow. « I’ve often wondered, as I’m sure we all probably have, ‘What could have been done to prevent that disaster?’ and, ‘How could we have handled the attacks better to save more lives?’

« But frankly, that answer doesn’t matter anymore. And while it is true that many in government could have done many things differently, I will tell you what is even more important:

« That we take effective, fast action to help those we CAN save – the lives of those still living. »

She talked about the first tour she got of the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project, how she had seen individuals getting well as they were freed from the effects of the toxic exposure by this « simple,
pristine program! »

« I was shocked and ashamed, however, to learn that the operation of the project, up to that point, had been entirely funded by the private sector, and not by the government.

« Caring human beings from this Church stepped forward, along with members of the medical community, when those who were becoming sick asked for help.
« They established and administered the project from the very beginning in order to give to those who gave an opportunity of hope for the future. »
With disgust she explained what the government IS spending their money on.

« Testing! Ninety-million dollars allocated to observe people, to study their declining condition, when your project, right down the street, has gotten 300 rescue workers through the program so far, and they’ve become well!

« Healthy! Healthy!

« These people don’t need to be tested and watched. They need to be treated. »

Ms. Lopez told how she decided to become the first person in government to actually do something about it. She talked about the hearings at city hall and how for the first time the people of New York City were able to hear the real experts, and what they had to say about detoxification.

« I heard the stories of men and woman whose lives have been saved by this program.

« And I pledged to find government support for this program after the hearing took place, and I secured a small but helpful grant of thirty-thousand dollars to support the program from my own discretionary budget.

« Tonight I came to tell you something that is more important than the $30,000.

« I did it!

« I have now officially secured, from the city of New York, the first government grant for the detoxification project. . « This will make it possible for many, many, many of those sufferers, those who were the rescue workers and residents of lower Manhattan, to do the Detoxification Program. »
She went on explaining how she is now challenging the Federal Government and State Government to equal – or surpass – this initiative.

« And that is what matters most – getting the people the program that is saving their lives, giving them hope for the future.

« Thanks to your commitment and support, we are going to be there for all of them – whatever it takes, whatever it is. Thank you very much. God bless you. »

The next speaker was Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who through
her life experience knows well that freedoms cannot be taken for granted.
And that keeping them means fighting for them whenever they are threatened.

Having worked for many years with the Church of Scientology and a coalition of religions to fight abuses of freedom in Western Europe, she has most recently become an advocate of our Church’s human rights awareness and education campaigns.

She has taken a leading role in working with us to see to the expansion and success of these programs on a global basis

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen talked about how she has come to know many Scientologists and how she has personally witnessed how their religious beliefs have inspired them to strive to change and improve themselves and the world around them.

« And I think, » she said, « one of the reasons the Church of Scientology is one of the fastest growing movements in the world today, is that it offers its members a vital vehicle to cross a bridge to a better life.

« But beyond that, die Church of Scientology, as a whole, has emerged as a proactive force for constructive change throughout the world.
« You are a community of people who take your role in society very seriously and you look beyond your own interests.

« You care about your fellow man – and you do it in a wav that translates to action. »

She talked about the experiences she has had working with the Church in the field of human rights and the great products that have been accomplished so far.

She raved about the Church’s spearheading the campaign of human rights education and how it’s bringing awareness and a demand for those rights to a new generation.

« And in recognition for what you have done, to help mark this special occasion, I have a presentation to make here tonight. And it comes from my colleagues of the United States Congress, led by Congressman Brad Sherman, and I know that we have with us in the audience two other colleagues of mine, Congresswoman Corinne Brown of my home state of Florida and Diane Watson of right here in California. And they will join me as I present this. »

« And this certificate confirms that this flag was flown over the United States Capitol and it’s to be presented tonight to the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre on this day, the 35th year of outstanding achievements in volunteerism, humanitarian and environmental efforts. »

The evening then continued with a spectacular concert by the Golden Era Musicians – featuring stunning performances from celebrity Scientologists spanning nearly every musical genre: Grammy award-winning composer and musician Mark Isham, Rock and Roll icon Edgar Winter, multiple platinum recording artist David Campbell, Italian vocal sensation Elena Roggero, Australian pop superstar Kate Ceberano, accomplished Latin vocalist Angelo Pagan, jazz titan Chick Corea, hip hop giant Doug E. Fresh, Grammy award-winning legend Isaac Haves, New York vocal powerhouse Stacy Francis and genre-defying mastermind Beck.

Throughout the evening, guests toured extensive displays and audiovisual presentations illustrating the life of L. Ron Hubbard, Dianetics and Scientology, our worldwide organizations and the panorama of our social betterment programs.

Through LRH’s legacy, Celebrity Centre International is at the vanguard of creating a new civilization by helping those who are on the front lines making it a reality. . Our doors are wide open to you.

Come in, get a tour, sec the panels and find out all about us and what we stand for. We are open 7 days a week, 10am to 10pm. Call (323) 960-3100 for directions or for more information.

Celebrity Centre International
5930 Franklin Avenue
Hollywood, California 90028
Southwest corner on Bronson and Franklin

 

PHOTOS pages 16 – 19

 

1. The grand finale of the concert with the Golden Era Musicians. 2. Beck 3. Chick Corea 4. Doug E. Fresh 5. Elena Roggero 6. Isaac Hayes 7. David Campbell 8. Mark Isham 9. Kate Ceberano 10. Edgar Winter 11. Angela Pagan 12. Tommy Brechtlein 13. Stacy Francis 14. Denice Duff, Michelle Stafford 15. John Travolta, Henna Ros-Lehtinen, Kelly Preston 16. Anne Archer 17. Sofia Milos, lleana Ros-Lehtinen 18. Catherine Bell 19. Tom Cruise with Mrs. Carol Baca and guest speaker Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, head of the largest law enforcement agency in the world. 21. Susan Watson, Rodolfo Pisani, Ruddy Rodriguez 22. Doug E. Fresh, Joe Higgins, Lori Alpers 23. Erika Christensen 24. Chick Corea, Gail Moran 25. Tex G. Hall, President of the National Congress of American Indians, with Heber Jentzsch, President of the Church of Scientology International 26. Ben Brown Wolf, Johnnie Aseron, Raymond Uses the Knife, Brenda Dvorak, Saginaw Grant, Patricia Running Crane 27. Virginia Johnson, Carolyn Percy, Mary Baker and Georgia Glover 28. Marisol Nichols 29. Donald Petri, Mark Isham, Art Linson, Susie Coelho, Peggy Petri, Donna Isham, Fiona Linson. 30. The new displays were a hit 31. Jenna and Bodhi Elfman 32. Jennifer Aspen, David O’Donnell 33. Jasmin Ho, Mandy Chen, Stella Hsu, Irene Ma.

page 21 Photos of Isaac Hayes, Anne Archer and Catherine Bell

Page 25 photos of Doug E. Fresh, Marisol Nichols, Kelly Preston

Page 26 Photos DM, Tom Cruise and Madrid ORg

News and events

Page 26

Thousands Celebrate Grand Opening of a New Church of Scientology
Waving flags and cheering, thousands of people from throughout Spain, Eur< and the United States crowded into Calle dc Santa Catalina in the capital Saturday to celebrate the Grand Opening of the magnificent new premises of Church of Scientology of Madrid.

The tone was set by the keynote speaker, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman < the Board of Religious Technology Center. Joining Mr. Miscavige to celebrat the opening in Madrid was actor Tom Cruise, who, delivering his speech in Castilian Spanish, described how Scientology has helped him in his life and career. « In Scientology I have found several tools that I can apply to my daih life, and they have allowed me to help myself and to help others to better the conditions of my life and of society. Honestly, I can tell you that I wouldn’t I here today as an artist, as a father and as a human being if it were not for Scientology

« It has given me a larger comprehension of the world that we live in and the spiritual being that I am. »

Page 27

LIVEWIRE

CELEBRITIES IN ACTION

GIOVANNI RIBISI

Actor Giovanni Ribisi stars in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow along with Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Sky Captain opened at #1 in the box office.

GARY RAVENSCROFT

Cinematographer Gary Ravenscroft has been nominated for an AFI award (Australian Film Institute) for best cinematography in a feature film. The AFI awards are equivalent to the Aussie Academy Awards and are highly regarded around the world.

KELLY PRESTON

Actress Kelly Preston appears in Maroon 5’s latest music video, entitled « She Will Be Loved, » from their two-time Platinum album Songs For Jane. The music video is Rolling Stone’s music video of the month. Maroon 5 also just won « Best New Artist » at the MTV Video Music Awards. The song is also currently #1 on two Billboard Charts.

JOHN TRAVOITA

Actor John Travoita stars with Joaquin Phoenix in Ladder 49, a film about a Baltimore firefighter trapped in a burning warehouse and his reflections on his life. John plays the fatherly fire chief who is organizing the rescue efforts.

Ladder 49 opened 9th best ever for any film opening in October and best ever for a Disnev film.

Page 28 Photos of Michel Wisner, Mark Isham, Jenna Elfman,

Page 29 PHotos of Gay Ribisi, Lisa London, Giovanni Ribisi, Juliette Lewis,
Chick Corea,

 

 

Laisser un commentaire

Votre adresse e-mail ne sera pas publiée. Les champs obligatoires sont indiqués avec *