Displayed below are extracts from the multitude of e-mails that Lawrence Wollersheim recieved after the news of his settlement broke around the world:F.A.C.T.Net is a non-profit 501(c)(3) news source, referral service, and archive protecting freedom of mind from harms caused by psychological coercion.-----
I'm 75 years old Larry, and I never was certain that I'd live long enough to see you collect. Congratulations -- again and again.
----- I've kept so much of the pain buried deep inside me for so many years <snip>
I have done some lobbying at the Federal level on other issues and I think it would be useful for x-cult members to make legislators aware of the harmful effects and experiences that they have within these cults, so that the respective cults cannot continue to operate under a 501 (c) (3). FEDERAL LEGISLATORS WILL LISTEN IF ENOUGH PEOPLE SPEAK UP!
I just spent an hour on the phone yesterday with a legislative Aide from Representative Tom Tancredo's office<snip>. She told me that it is impossible for legislators to monitor everything that is going on, and that is why it is important for citizens to inform them.
Why should a so-called charitable organization get a tax break when they are harming the public rather than serving them?
----- I listened this morning on Kevin and Bean and that introduced me to the web site to find out more. I have always thought that the whole Hubbard thing was a scam but I had no idea it was so screwed up.
----- Don't know if you remember me, but I remember you from Celebrity Centre days (circa 1972?) I was an auditor, Comm. Course Sup., C.S., etc.
Anyway, I am now a psychotherapist and have thought for years about the time I was kidnapped by Scn., experienced dissociative episodes, spent 5 minutes in auditing "running out" my father's suicide (the conclusion was that he was an "SP") which took much time in therapy later to understand.
Anyway, I'm sure there are millions of us out here. I am so happy for your victory.
----- I wonder if the check came from Miscarriage himself. I hope he choked when he signed it.
----- <snip> heard about your story on KROQ this morning and was very interested to hear your story and case against Scientology.
<snip> I was a member of their staff in the late 70's, early 80's at the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, D.C. I was lured in off the street like most people, and was a prime candidate in their eyes for someone who needed to become "clear", as I was a very young and impressionable teenager.
After much pressure from these people, I was recruited and was completely misled and lied to after having signed their contract and was now under their control.
I saw all kinds of abuse, both physical and verbal and at times I couldn't believe the extent of the twisted way people were behaving in a "church" - a couple of us were terrified to ever leave, as we were really afraid.
----- I can't tell you exactly how I feel today about the victory in the case against the Scientologists, but I do know that every former cult member is believing there is hope again. Thank You!! <snip>
Not only is the lawsuit so important for everyone, but also, the fact that you had been diagnosed with bi-polar which is the favorite diagnosis for people coming out of cults. The doctor's or therapists will not look at the cult issue and will not study mind control and its' affects. Maybe my daughter will finally believe that she doesn't have a mental illness and will put her anger where it belongs....the cult!!
----- Congratulations. I've been reading about the cashier's check for 8.6 million dollars which would seem to refute those such as Melton who state categorically: "Brainwashing was a myth of the end of the 20th century."
Scientology's capitulation is the best news I've heard in a long while. But I am sorry that you may no longer have the option of keeping after the bastards so directly in court.
But you have done far more than anyone else, and certainly in my book, you are an authentic American hero. Your story has warned and will warn others and your success has set a precedent for all future survivors of Scientology!
----- I wanted to congratulate you, and thank you for your perseverence. You have accomplished a great thing, and done a service for yourself, and many, many others.
It is about time that I read some good news concerning this cult. I hope the media will take advantage of this opportunity to further educate the world about the continuing dangers this cult presents.
----- You succeeded for you never gave up. You held your courage and strength to win your battle over injustice. I was one of those picketers "holding a sign "not one dime.." Now 16 years later I am celebrating in my heart the revolution you are approaching.
----- Congratulations, Lawrence, on your lawsuit victory.
>From the son of a Scientologist.
----- Hello!!! (\o/) /_\ CONGRATULATION I wish I have words to tell U what I think,, I won't there try to say anything ,,,,you corrrrrrrage,,,dicipline,,,,,truth have given U the "V I C T O R Y" I KNOW is not for you, you unselfish " Victory" is for so many around the WORLD that can not afford JUSTICE.from the bottom of my Heart GOD BLESS YOUMy Name is xxxxx first generation of Inmmigrants from Comunism.
I don't have others e-mail but please make this humble message be heard by so many other UNSELFISH LITIGANT I wish I could make statue to carb each of U names..Thanks from all that death claim them before Victory,, ----- Congratulations on the law suits against this so-called "Church" of Scientology. Back in the 1960s, while teaching at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I noticed that a few of my students had become invovled in Scientology.
I went to a meeting and took a course....quickly realizing that this was 'brain washing', a scam at every level, and both mentally and physically dangerous. I had a radio show of my own, <snip> and did some very 'funny' satires on L. Ron Dullard on his Good Ship Confrontation, only to have the station swamped with calls from outraged Scientologists.
As you well know, Dienetics got into trouble years before all of this via the cure of anything from cancer to homosexuality thanks to its little tin-cans they called e-meters.
When the Feds moved in on this, L. Ron then became a "Church", off limits to taxes and criticism...or so he thought. Scientology is a fascist organization and dangerous. I feel sorry for those who fall into its 'trap'.
----- Next stop...remove tax exempt status...
----- ... its about time those bastards finally got it stuck to them real good...
----- I was one of the secretaries who worked on this case way-back-when, and I am GLAD to see that you finally received a portion of what you deserved. You and Dr. Margaret Singer did a valuable service in enlightening the public.
----- Hey Larry this is xxxx. Yep the same one you knew in the 70's.
I'm no longer seeking the path to wisdom through COS. Had seen the light in the early 90's. Was on new OT-VII and saw what it was doing to me and others.
----- You paid a high price for this victory but I am convinced that you have made a real difference, both along the way and now into the future for a lot of other people.
----- My knowledge of the horrors of $cientology began more than a month ago when, after reading the story of how the cult wanted to shut down Internet news sites and deprive us of our free speech rights, I began a research project of gathering information on the cult. Wow, what an education! I have read four books, hunderds of personal stories and almost all of Clambake, a good share of a.r.s. and your website plus some others.
<snip> I have few financial resources as I depend on a pension and Social Security for my income. However, I can write and do research. If I can be of any help, please let me know.
----- Congratulations!!! You did it!!! Very Very Very Well Done!!!
Sincerely, xxxx (your ex-flag reg) ----- Dude, you owe us all pizza!
----- People around the world are celebrating with you! I almost can't believe it myself. Many people owe a great deal to you.
----- Haven't had anything to make me smile like this did. I am so proud of you and your ability to hang in . I believe this will bring alot of people to the front. I have been trying to get people to talk for 26 years. Now I think this settlement will help. I have sent your article to everyone on my list--authors, editors, senators, and just plain folks.
----- Larry, my most sincere congratulations.
I am *so* relieved for you. Kisses!
----- Right on, Lawrence. Go have a nice dinner!!!! Tonight, and for the rest of your life!!! Ha Ha! YAY!!!
----- Does this mean I don't have to finish out my Billion year contract? LOL Ex-Sea org member -----
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