Subject: Tim Swanson declaration *** AFFIDAVIT *** Tim Swanson 10321 Meridian Avenue N. 107 Seattle, Washington 98133 October 6, 1989 I was a member of Scientology from November 1985 to January 1987. What kept up my interest during that time was their constant encouragement, assurixlg me ttlat Scientology would work for me; and also, I believe now, because I was revealing so many secrets about myself to them in auditing sessions (this being a mandatory part of the auditing process) I felt a sense of relief, but at the same time, grew more and more dense on the subject of Scientology, unable to think critically about it. This is discussed in the book, L. Ron Hubbard: Messiah or Madman? In December 1986 I was accosted by recruiters from the Sea Organization in Los Angeles while I was at tile Seattle Scientology Mission. After being badgered by them for about four hours, I finally agreed to join them. I had outstanding loans, which they offered to pay if I would report within 3 days. I said this meant quitting my job without sufficient notice. They kept drumming me with "The greatest good for the greatest number" By this time, I was already under their control, I now believe. When I got there, I was screened by Security. I had stated in a questionnaire that my brother had worked for the IRS. This is regarded as a suppressive organization by Scientology. I was declared a security risk. For the 2 weeks I was there, I was not paid, other than meals and bedding in a hospital room which I shared with five others. The living quarters were dingy. I left and returned to Seattle. (I should mention that I had told the recruiters I was interested in becoming a computer programmer. I think they wanted me to believe this, although they had other plans for me since it would have been much trouble to train me.) I asked for a refund of my money still on account and unused. I also asked for a refund on books I had purchased after high-pressure sales talks. They said it was against policy to refund merchandise. After I went to a lawyer, they did. They put a stop payment on a check which already had been posted to my account. This was because they had forgotten to put a waiver on back of the check, stating that cancelling of the check settled all my claims against them. The check was for over 2000 dollars. Other things I should mention are their practices for collecting money. When I secured a loan, the Scientology registrar went with me to tile Credit Union so he could have the money in by 2:00 pm. When collecting a personal check from me, they always seemed to come in pairs. When I said I was concerned about the costs of their services, they had me bullbaited because I had a sensitive spot about money. I was talked to by the "Ethics Officer" because I was concerned about unfavourable articles I had read about L. Ron Hubbard upon his death. In summary, Scientology is very clever and slick. They can take many innocent people in. The need for spiritual or psychological comfort overrides their good judgement. No one should presume to belittle allyone who falls under their spell. What we need to do is help those who wai]t to leave, and console those who have been victimized. We need to assure it does not happen to anyone else.