FIVE SPECIALIZED ASPECTS THAT ARE TROUBLING TO PARENTS
by Hal Mansfield
Parents face many challenges in relation to their children in adolescence. Some of these challenges are not as well understood as we should want, and counselors need to provide parents with some guidelines as to how to cope with them. The areas addressed in this paper are: Satanism, white supremacy, cults, gangs, and substance abuse. Behaviors of adolescents involved in the above-mentioned activities may lead to high stress levels in parents trying to understand and deal with this activity (Clark, 1989; American Family Foundation, 1990).
Areas of research on the above-listed activities have provided insight to what the involvement includes and what sort of developmental factors play a part. This information provides guidelines which allow parents to identify the behavior and intervene in a positive manner. Common to all the studies is the matter of identifying the problem. All too many of the cases reported could have been avoided by early detection and intervention (Cult Awareness Network, 1990; Council on Mind Abuse). These studies also show denial on the part of the parents arises to inhibit immediate support and assistance.
It is noted that there are some similarities in factors bringing adolescents into different groups such as Satanism, gangs, cults, and white supremacy. These factors include a need to have an identity, belonging, esteem issues, and security (Galanter, 1989; Andres, 1989). Substance abuse can play a role in the above, or it can be an issue all be itself. This research is best understood if broken down into the five separate aspects listed to discuss individual patterns and involvement.
Satanism
Satanism has been around since the 8th century (Summers, 1965; Russell, 1977) and has changed and adapted to different cultures over the centuries. What we are seeing in adolescents involved today is more of a collection of do-it-yourself groups based on books, movies, and what the leader sees as relevant (Religious Movement Resource Center, 1988). There are more organized nation-wide groups that are operating, namely the Church of Satan, and the Temple of Set, however, these organized groups are less likely to involve adolescents as they are closely watched by law enforcement agencies. Research has shown that involvement comes from mainly males, middle class, average education, and Caucasians seem to be prevalent. This is only
a general description since it has been found that some groups have membership made up from all economic, racial, and educational classifications. The age range ran from thirteen years to twenty years for about 80% of those surveyed. The other 20% fell outside, usually older than twenty. The Clark research found that such developmental factors as socialization, striving for independence, and forming an identity made up to 50% of the contributing factors to the involvement. Other factors included family strife, divorce, neglect and abuse. Clark also pointed out these patterns can be placed in stages ranging from dabblers to compulsive stages and found that there is a relationship in the involvement and dependency factors found in substance abuse.
To help parents with this problem, the first and most important step to take is identification of involvement. Most of this involvement is in the experiment stage and when brought out in the open in a non-panic setting, can be fairly easily dealt with. For a more serious involvement, the studies have found over 85% are from a dysfunctional family setting and 95% are substance abusers. Denial or passing the behavior off as "just a phase", including total lack of concern, are the most common traits seen. The counselor at that point needs to talk to the parents about bringing the entire family in for therapy and a shared responsibility in dealing with the adolescent's involvement with Satanism
White Supremacy
In the last few years, racial Skinheads, Aryan Nations, and other racially motivated organizations have greatly increased their memberships with adolescents (Klanwatch, 1985-1990). The largest concentration of adolescents are involved in the racial Skinhead movements and represents the largest threat of violent behavior (Anti-Defamation League, 1990). Studies have shown that the make-up in most cases is drawn from middle class urban areas. The study conducted by the Denver Terrorist Task Force divides these groups in two categories, hard cores and want-to-be types.
The want-to-bes are motivated by standard developmental factors such as identity and independence. Identification by parents is usually easy to detect by certain dress, references to minority groups, and violent behavior. At this stage, parents, with the aid of a counselor, can discuss the consequences with the adolescent. Race relations classes are being offered to these kids in which minorities are introduced and share experiences. This has been proven successful to a large degree since adolescents see the minorities aren't so different from them (Ownes, 1990).
The hard cores are a different problem altogether. The studies conducted, many from prisons, show a pattern of hate has run through the family (Klanwatch, 1990). Many of these adolescents model their parents' behavior towards minorities from birth and have been encouraged to show violent behavior. Some with parental involvement in the Ku Klux Klan can trace their past to 1865 when the first Klan was formed. These families tend to be isolated socially, brought up by themselves, and only involve themselves with like-minded people. The children have no exposure to other ideas and the only socialization they have is with the supremacy message. Unfortunately, none of the studies show a good outcome from this population. Many end up in prison from violent crimes, and change is slow to come if at all from years of conditioning.
(To be continued)
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor,This is in response to an article written in the October '90 edition of your newsletter. It is entitled "CHILD ABUSE-- OR OCCULT RITUALS?" by Rosie Waterhouse.
Upon reading the article I noted that the author wrote "The first British story of Satanic abuse appeared in the Colchester Evening Gazette in January 1988 in the form of an interview with "Satan's Cop"; Sandi Gallant from San Francisco Police Department was in England on a conference circuit to issue warnings that in the US Satanic cults were sacrificing animals and killing children, and it was likely to happen here."
First of all, I have never been to England. Secondly, although I do many interviews I have never "issued warnings" nor stated that "satanic cults were sacrificing animals and killing children." A review of any article in or out of the States that I have been quoted in will clearly establish that I have never made this type of comment. I have worked the field of "alleged ritual crimes" for over ten years and although I am the first to admit that my early opinions were not objective I have worked extremely hard over the past five and a half years to present information on the subject in an objective manner. More importantly, it has become clear through much research that earlier interpretations of where ritual abuse was emerging from was highly tainted.
Rather than re-hash this subject matter, I have enclosed for you two articles written in 1988 regarding Ritual Abuse. One was written for the California State Attorney General's Office and the other to Believe the Children in Manhattan Beach, California. I have also enclosed items from my training manual breaking down information on Ritual Abuse.
You have permission to use any of the material in your news-letter, however, I would like a correction printed in regards to the above matter. It would have been nice if the author had contacted me to attempt to validate the Colchester Gazette statement.
Regards,
Officer Sandi Gallant
San Francisco Police Department
(Editor's reply: We sincerely regret any misinformation and misunderstanding. It seems we are hoist on our own petard! We have repeatedly advocated checking facts, and in this case, failed to do so. This is a graphic illustration of what can happen when you fail to check facts. Assuming makes an Ass out of U and Me. We hope Officer Gallant will accept our apologies. Her excellent article to Believe the Children can be read in this issue.)
CASES OF RITUALISTIC CHILD ABUSE - THE LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE
by Officer Sandi Gallant
Over the past several years, law enforcement officers have been faced with an investigative term that is new to their vocabulary. That term fits crimes now identified as cases of "ritualistic sexual abuse" or "ritualistic child abuse." It describes those cases involving a systematic series of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuses designed to instill fear and done with specific purposes in mind. Included are instances where it is committed on a spiritual basis.
Until recently, law enforcement handled these cases in the same manner as traditional child abuse. This was not done to deny the existence of ritual abuse, but, rather because these cases were never categorized before. In other words, it was handled the way all cases were handled because no one knew it fit a pattern of crimes developing around the country. This posed problems, however, in terms of successful investigations.
Ritualistic abuse cases usually involve multiple perpetrators and multiple victims. The abuse occurs repeatedly rather than in an isolated fashion. The allegations involve uncomfortable even unbelievable types of abuses. Investigators find themselves in a catch-22 situation. They believe their victims, but are unable to find evidence leading them towards a prosecutable case.
Through the maze of problems that have arisen, investigators have found themselves, in many instances, faced with a case that they were unable to prove. The parents of the victims, now totally frustrated with the failure of a system, needed some answers and, in fact, had a right to some answers as to why their abused children were to see no justice.
It is for this reason that this article is being written. You, the parents, are deserving of a response from law enforcement. At the same time, we need you to understand our situation.
Where does law enforcement stand on this issue? As an investigator of ritualistic crimes for the past several years, I can honestly tell you that we are making advances and that this area of crimes is being recognized as unique and real. I say this because not a day goes by that I am not networking with other police departments throughout the United States and Canada who are trying to glean information regarding the aspects of modus operandi and the handling of ritualistic criminal activity. In this respect, we are making headway. Where previously officers were unaware of what they were seeing, they are now able to more readily identify it. Where investigators were untrained in how to identify it when they saw it, they are now receiving training.
While all this is good and well, parents are still not seeing the expected results. Suspects are not, in many instances, even reaching trial, let alone being convicted. There have only been a few successful prosecutions in the U. S. as of this writing. Therefor, we need to look at what you as parents want and what we in law enforcement can do for you. The bottom line is; you want the suspects to pay for the crimes they committed. While law enforcement wants the same thing, we, on the other hand, are dealing with this from a professional perspective rather than an emotional one. Law enforcement, therefor, is mandated to follow the letter of the law. specific elements of a crime must exist and there must be corroborating evidence to substantiate the allegations of criminal activity.
Elements of the Crime
In the state of California, those who commit sexual abuse on children are charged with Section 288 Penal Code - Lewd and Lascivious Acts or Crimes Against Children. The elements of this crime are explicit and include acts committed by use of force, violence, duress, menace, or threat of great bodily harm. Depending on the abuses committed, other sections may apply. Ritualistic sexual abuse fits into this category, however, in and of itself, ritual or systematic abuse, is not an element of the crime, it is the modus operandi (or method of operation) of the crime. M.O.s are not necessary for one to be charged; they merely help define patterns or criminal behavior.
In other words, it is only one part of a total picture that investigators are trying to piece together. Due to the fact that it is not an element of a crime, cases where sexual abuse is clearly indicated may still be prosecuted in court. Furthermore, the fact that evidence of ritual activity cannot be developed in and of itself should not deter the preparation of a prosecutable case where physical indicators of abuse and other corroborating evidence are present.
It is here where the system does not live up to your expectations. Somehow, we need to find a balance.
Investigatory problems
One problem that I see is that once interested parties are frustrated by the bureaucratic machine, a decision is made to "assist the investigators" or "conduct a separate investigation". It is at this point that networking goes into motion and while this may make parents feel better, it does nothing to further the investigation. Unfortunately, it may even hamper an already difficult case due to what we call "tainting a case." Investigators are trained in interviewing and interrogation techniques in order to develop credible information without leading a victim, witness, or suspect into a grey area, such as "where did the thought or information originally develop from?" When this process in interfered with by untrained interviewers, it gives the defense exactly that...a defense for how the information got into the minds of the accuser or the accused. This one problem has been a major stumbling block in ritual abuse investigations. A second is that information may be alleged in a complaint which lacks enough substance to merit a search warrant for evidence. An interested party may then take it upon themselves it independently "assist the investigator" by looking for the evidence themselves. Once this happens, it has again "tainted the case". If corroborating evidence were revealed, the court may render it inadmissable, because the necessary legal procedures necessary for uncovering the evidence had not been followed. Thirdly, many cases of ritual abuse are mislabeled Satanic by untrained investigators and interested parties prior to a critical analysis of the ritual indicators which can more clearly define the pattern of behavior that has taken place.
Procedural Guidelines
What needs to be developed then, is a method of investigation that will develop credible cases and at the same time satisfy all parties involved. It is for this reason that we have developed procedural guidelines which should be followed by all interested parties. Ultimately this may lead us to more successful prosecutions in ritual abuse cases.
We are suggesting that upon receipt of the complains:
1. All information must be documented as it is received.
2. Roles of investigators, child protective service workers, clinicians, etc. must be clearly defined.
3. Audio tapes should be made of all interviews to maintain clarity as to who the information first originated from.
4. The District Attorney should be approached in the early phases of the investigation to ascertain the best direction towards successful prosecution.
5. Information must be kept as confidential as possible, by all interested parties, until the suspects have been properly identified.
6. Day care center investigations should be approached as though all children are victims and all teachers suspect until the field can be narrowed down.
7. Investigative teams should be set up consisting of police, therapists, child protective service workers. The teams working with the children are it remain intact unless there is a breakdown in communications or rapport problems.
8. At least one investigator (not a team member) is to act as liaison with the parents and parental support groups.
9. One investigator should handle media liaison (when needed).
10. Have a hot line available to receive updated information or leads.
11. Allow victims to tell facts in narrative form. Keep questions simple. Avoid leading questions.
12. Caution parents, custodians, interested parties, regarding their not questioning the victims. Have them document any unsolicited revelations.
13. Search warrants should be executed as soon as warranted, but not premature or probable cause.
14. Build case on information obtained during first few interviews and that which can most likely be substantiated.
15. Consider separate investigation for those accusations for which no evidence is currently available.
16. Use investigators who have knowledge of ritual abuse, when possible. Ditto for therapists.
We are still left with the problem of convincing society that ritualistic sexual abuse does exist. Too many times I have seen the victim become the suspect and the suspect become the victim. My personal feeling is, however, if the cases are identified and categorized properly, investigative techniques are followed, and we remain committed, persistent, and focused on the elements of the cases as they surface, the evidence will be there to solve this problem for us. Also, the goal of attaining a national clearing house and data base for all types of ritualistic crimes is a necessity in helping us all to better deal with this complex emerging issue.
SEMINAR: IDENTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF RITUALISTIC CRIMINAL ACTIVITY by Det. Robert "Jerry" Simandl, Youth Officer, Chicago PD Report By Kerr Cuhulain
This seminar was for police officers only and was two days in length. About 60 officers from BC, Washington State, and Oregon attended (Jan 16-17, 1990)
Jerry Simandl is a 23 year veteran of the Chicago PD. He attended a seminar sponsored by the California Gang Investigators Association while he was a Chicago Gang Squad and it was at this seminar that he was introduced to ritualistic crime. He spend the next 3-4 years on his own time studying this subject. Since then, he has worked on this problem mostly on his own time. He has appeared in numerous TV interviews and training films on the subject, along with Det. Sandi Gallant of the SFDP. His department does not support his research efforts, nor do they recognize ritualistic crime as a problem. Nevertheless, Simandl's efforts have won him expert status in this area. He typically fields 10-14 calls per day, is a consultant with the Adolescent Unit of Chicago's Hargrove Hospital and has given expert testimony on ritualistic crime in court many times. He has lectured all over North American and recently lectured in Great Britain.
Simandl is especially careful not to address anyone's religious beliefs and states this at the beginning of the seminar. He constantly cautions his audience not to overreact and advises us to "keep both feet on the ground." I lost count of the times that he said that we should investigate crimes, not religions! In his own words: "We should not confuse this with people practicing legal religion." At one point during a break I overheard an individual asking him: "If we see some people dancing around a fire in the woods, what do we do? Arrest them? Take their license numbers?" Simandl's answer, which he repeated later for everyone's benefit, was as follows: "No! Of course not! Are they doing something illegal? If not, don't worry about it! It's just their belief system. If they shouldn't be there, that's different. Would you go into a church or synagogue and take names and license numbers? Of course not! I don't put much emphasis on ceremonial sites." What a refreshing point of view! Simandl cautioned us all "not to judge a book by its cover."
Simandl recognizes the different forms of ritualism, a point that many so-called "occult crime experts" miss. He emphasizes taking each case individually on its own merits.
Simandl also recognizes that many individuals have recently appeared as "occult experts" who actually know very little. He calls them "instant experts" that are out to make a fast buck. He regards many of the experts who make "lots of Bible quotes" to be unreliable at best.
Simandl, unlike many "experts", recognizes that some individuals have had their recollections "contaminated" (Simandl's term) by reading accounts of other "survivors" such as Michelle Pazder (who wrote Michelle Remembers with Lawrence Pazder).
Simandl emphasizes communication between agencies and "team response". Team response is a coordinated effort between law enforcement, therapists, school officials, clergy, parents, doctors, and prosecutors, all of whom have had proper training in ritualistic crime. He especially finds the police/ therapist link important, as they can "keep each other from over or under reacting."
He presents the typical four categories of offenders presented at such seminars:
1. Experimental/dabbler-teens
2. Non traditional (self styled)
3. Organized Traditional Groups
4. Occultic Networking
Unlike other presentations that we have seen, Simandl makes it quite clear that these individuals "do not graduate from one level to another" in this system. This is quite different from the "escalating levels" model presented by many other "experts" in this field.
Simandl focuses on Satanism almost exclusively, only mentioning other beliefs such as Palo Mayombe briefly in reference to self-styled ritualistic criminals such as Adolfo Constanzo,who borrowed parts of such beliefs for his rituals. I was wondering if he would ever mention Wicca at all when an incident occurred which brought this subject to light.
A copy of the Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca was given to a police officer from Vancouver Island in January 15, 1990. On a morning break on the second day, I spotted this officer heading down to the podium clutching the Guide. I moved in to the crowd nearby to see what would happen. The officer asked Simandl if he had ever seen the Guide and Simandl replied that he had not. The officer joked that "some lady who had called herself a Witch" and who was undoubtedly a little weird had given it to him two days ago. Simandl said that this was "nice to know stuff" but that he was only interested in illegal activity. The officer then observed that the lady had told him that Wiccans "would be represented at this conference" (meaning me). Simandl replied: "I wouldn't be surprised... there are more than 50 people here." Simandl asked to borrow it to copy and return later. The officer agreed to this.
Shortly after this, a female officer asked him: "Are you saying that some of these Satanists are not doing this ritualistic criminal stuff? Like that girl that keeps appearing on Donahue or whatever?" Simandl replied: "I've never heard of them being charged with anything. Aquino, LaVey, and Zeena (La Vey's daughter, whom he obviously assumes in the person referred to in this question) have never been charged, that's all I can say." He then continued, obviously now aware of the presence of a Wiccan officer in the room: "We aren't going to charge someone with being a Witch or a Jew or a Catholic." He said that Pagan beliefs and Witchcraft were not illegal. He did not mention Pagan beliefs again.
Simandl showed PMRC's video "Rising to the Challenge" and displayed numerous Heavy Metal albums, song sheets, and posters. His emphasis is slightly different than most occult crime lecturers on this topic though. Simandl states that most children aren't affected by it, but that mentally unstable kids could easily become obsessed with it. He told an anecdote about a man who once claimed to have infiltrated a Satanic coven and filmed the ritual. The man showed him a tape which Simandl recognized as having been bootlegged from a Heavy Metal video!
Similarly, Simandl is concerned about fantasy role-playing games. He showed BADD literature and a BADD video entitled "A Comprehensive Look at the Damaging Effects of Fantasy Role Playing Games." This featured Pat Pulling, Mary Ann Herold (unfortunately titled on the screen as "former black witch"), and Gail Sanchez (former TSR employee - TSR manufactures the game). Sanchez and Simandl's main thrust was that the realistic rituals and names should be edited out of the game and replaced with "harmless, imaginary" stuff. Simandl believes, as he does with heavy metal music, that only kids who are already disturbed would have problems with it.
He showed numerous clips from news videos, 20/20, and similar TV "news magazines", detailing the more well-known ritualistic crime incidents. He has some excellent Matamoros footage shot by Mexican authorities and not available to the public. Some of his news clips were from Geraldo Rivera's talk show. Fortunately, Simandl edited out the talk show parts! Whenever Geraldo's serious face appeared there were loud groans from the police audience.
He showed some Cavalcade films and displayed numerous Satanic books, drawings, and paraphernalia. He showed many slides and videos depicting more, as well as ritual sites. Regarding searches at crime scenes, he emphasized that investigators should only seize contraband, NOT legal ceremonial items. He advocates photographing scenes and told another story about an officer who spray painted Christian slogans over some Satanic graffiti that he'd found in a graveyard vandalism site BEFORE he took pictures of the scent, thus destroying his own case! Simandl believes that reports of generational Satanic abuse, Satanic "baby breeders" and international Satanic networking have some merit. He insists, however, that extensive investigation and research needs to be done to substantiate such claims. He freely admits that there is presently little or not evidence to show the extent of such practices.
He recommends "Cults That Kill" by L. Kahaner, "Unspeakable Acts" by J. Hollingsworth, "Santeria" by M. Gonzales-Whippler, and "The Ultimate Evil" by M. Terry. He specifically recommends the new, revised paperback edition rather than the older hardback of Terry's book.
Simandl's handouts included many of the standard occult symbols often seen at these seminars. However, he did not cover the topic of symbols in his seminar, except to say that these were only examples of the sort of thing that an investigator might see and that we should not take them too seriously.
To relate the entire course content would take a small book. I find no evidence of an international Satanic conspiracy mentioned in Simandl's presentation. He obviously believes that there must be something like this our there in order to explain what he has been hearing from "survivors" but freely admits the lack of evidence. He believes in the "baby breeders" too, though he again admits no evidence has been found and that we only have their statements to go on. Book Review: Devil Child by Vickie L. Dawkins and Nina Downey Higgins by Kerr Cuhulain
This book claims to document "a terrifying true story of Satanism and Murder," namely the Sean Sellers case. Yet, at the beginning, there is a "note to the reader" in which the authors report that "some names have been changed as a courtesy to those involved to help protect their privacy." They then list these names, which include all of Sean's associates and witnesses in the homicide trial. The authors further create five additional characters, "Scott, Lisa, Tracie, Lori, and Dutch." They state that these characters "do not depict any specific actual individuals."
"Each of those characters was created entirely by the authors and represents a composite of imaginary personality and physical traits of a number of individuals. Nothing those five characters say or do in the book should be taken to have been said or done by any specific real individual.
"Some conversations and situations have been recreated for dramatic effect."
This book teaches the reality of Satan and demons, specifically telling the Biblical story of Satan's fall in chapter five. The authors allege that Sean was possessed by a demon named Ezurate, who caused him to do what he did. It blames Sean's initial involvement on occult books shown to him when he was eight years old by a "witch." It also suggests that heavy metal music, Dungeons and Dragons, an interest in martial arts (specifically Ninjitsu), and the movie "Rocky Horror Picture Show" were instrumental in causing Sean to turn to devil worship. It focuses on Sellers' version of events, only mentioning in passing that his close associate, identified only by the pseudonym "Jim Mathis," had a different version and that the investigator from the Oklahoma City PD did not consider Sellers to have been motivated by Satanism, citing psychopathic tendencies instead.
The authors also point out that Sellers had "auditory hallucinations" since age 6 and, at the time of the homicides was taking marijuana and amphetamines as well as large quantities of alcohol.
Dawkins and Higgins continually use the word "witch" to describe Satanists. The following are a few examples of their statements in this book:
"During the seventies and early eighties, a resurgence of black witchcraft linked to Satanism built to a rapid crescendo. The peak occurred in 1981 in a grand scale convergence known as the "Feast of the Beast." This union of dark forces ignited a fire, sparking more frequent gatherings of high priests, witches, and warlocks (sic) and exploding into a network that crisscrossed the United States and parts of Europe." (p. 23)
"The craving for the salvation offered by black magic and witchcraft did not, however, limit itself to carefree Californians. Books and literature on various occult subjects appeared across the nation. They could be purchased in bookstores or borrowed from libraries... One California pagan cult comprised of college students, descendants of Salem witches, and even local public officials, grew to a purported membership of two thousand in the early seventies. Recruits were slowly drawn in by elaborate drug and sex orgies hosted by coven acolytes. Soon, new pledges were dismembering fingers as flesh offerings to their master. The bizarre pleasures that Satanism offered seemed more appealing to some than Christian fundamentalism." (p. 24)
"The roots of necromancy, or communicating with the spirits of the dead, can be traced as far back as 730 AD to the "Mad Arab" of Damascus, Abdul Alhzared... The Mad Arab's book of incantations for evoking demons and consulting with the dead to foretell the future weaved its way through the lives of both Crowley and Lovecraft..." (p. 78)
"In his search for fulfillment, Sean had been aided and abetted by some of his more misguided peers, a witch, heavy metal rock bands, and of course, occult literature." (p. 100)
"...Sean found asylum in a local occult bookstore. The aroma of sandalwood and jasmine welcomed him. Shadowy shelves burst with stories of pagan heroes." (p. 102)
The "Feast of the Beast" is a fictitious event first described in the 1983 book Michelle Remembers, which will be familiar to anyone working with the subject of occult related crime. It did indeed "ignite a fire": it was not until this book appeared that the numerous "survivors of Satanic abuse" started appearing.
Another fiction is the author's mention of "descendants of Salem witches." It is a well-known historical fact that none of those accused of witchcraft in the infamous Salem witchcraft trials really were witches.
Their allegations of a "pagan cult" of 2,000 members in California is also fiction, borrowed from other authors. The silly thing about this story is the part about these cult members having cut off fingers as a sign of their devotion to Satan. To date, no one has found any cult members missing any fingers.
Their most ridiculous statement is the one about the "Mad Arab, Abbdul Alhzared." They are, of course, referring to the "Necronomicon." They are obviously unaware that the "Mad Arab" was a fictional character and that the Necronomicon was a famous hoax, authored by H. P. Lovecraft (which explains why they've noticed some parallels in his works)!
In summary, this is a poorly-researched book, presenting
borrowed ideas, many of which are not founded in reality. It
is sensationalist trash journalism at its worst.
NEWS AROUND THE OFFICE
CWR now has a new office manager. We are pleased (and grateful) to welcome her to our staff of volunteers. She says I'm a secretary's nightmare and promises to get the filing cabinet in order. So... requests for information should be expedited.
We have also received donations of a letter-quality printer for the computer and a HUGE mailing of reference books and tapes for the library. Thanks to the donor of those books and tapes who wishes to remain anonymous, and to the donor of the printer. They will be put to good use.
We have gotten a VERY good deal on a second used computer, so will now have a second machine for the office personnel to work on. Now Vicki and our secretary can do double duty. In the future as finances permit, we hope to put in a CWR dedicated phone line and start our own computer BBS.
Items still high on the "wish list" are a copy machine which will do double sided copies and reduce and enlarge, a fax machine, and another filing cabinet (we're rapidly out-growing our current filing capacity.) If anyone wishes to donate any of these items, we will GLADLY give you a tax receipt for them.
The new computer network is growing daily and is now carried in the US, Canada, and the UK. The current "hot topic" for discussion seems to be Scientology.
We at CWR want to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for two wonderful years and say we look forward to many more. We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season, whether you are celebrating the solstice, the birth of Christ, the season of Hanukkah of some other observance. Take a little time to remember those less fortunate than yourself, realizing that there but for the grace of God/dess go YOU! We would also ask for your remembrance of our forces in the Middle East. They are far away from home, facing armed conflict. Please don't forget them in your thoughts.
PROCTOR & GAMBEL RUMORS TRACED
Competition and NOT the devil is responsible for the latest round of Proctor & Gambel Satanism rumors.
The August 13, 1990, issue of "Time" reported that James and Linda Newton have been named in a lawsuit by the manufacturing firm and charged with distribution of the rumors.
The Newtons allegedly circulated a flyer claiming that the President of P&G "gave Satan all the credit for his riches"
It might interest CWR readers to know that the Newtons are Amway dealers. Amway manufacturers and distributes house-hold products in direct competition with P&G. So, it seems that the Devil may indeed be involved here, but only through the presence of one of the "seven deadly sins" - GREED!
INDEX OF ARTICLES FOR CULTWATCH RESPONSE NEWSLETTER, VOLS. 1 & 2
Vol. 1, No. 1 (Oct. 1988)
Editorial - G. Bliss "The Origins of Halloween" - R. Moonstone "Alternative Craft Laws" - J. McClimans QuestionnaireQuestionnaireVol. 1, No. 2 (Dec. 1988)
From the Editor - G. Bliss CultWatch Response, Who are We? - G. Bliss, R. Moonstone "Ritualistic Abuse - Fact or Urban Legend, Pt. 1" - R. Moonstone "Plight of the Pagan Policeman, Pt. 1" - K. Cuhulain "Pseudo-Satanism in School Systems Today" - H. Mansfield
Vol. 1, No. 3 (Feb. 1989)
From the Editor - G. Bliss "Ritual Child Abuse - Fact or Urban Legend?, Pt. 2" - R. Moonstone "Plight of the Pagan Policemen, Pt. 2" - K. Cuhulain "Witch Wins Lawsuit in Biloxi, MS" - AP Editorial Policies
Vol. 1, No. 4, (May, 1989)
"CWR, Cuhulain Announce Guide" From the Editor - G. Bliss Letters - J. Sutton, L. Magdalena Pagan Alliance of Central Texas "A Your Type" - L. Dagger "Beltane: Its History and Modern Celebration in Wicca in America" - R. Moonstone "Tarot and Religious Freedom" - The Freedom Writer "The Plight of the Pagan Policeman, Pt. 3" - K. Cuhulain "Texas Wants Ritual Child Abuse Law" Review: "By Silence Betrayed" - R. Moonstone List of Experts Developed by CWR
Vol. 1, No. 5 (July 1989)
From the Editor - G. Bliss CWR Releases Law Enforcement Guide CWR Watches Watchers - C. Pierce Hats Change at CWR Reviews: "Brujeria" by C. Wetli & "Forensic Sciences Aspects of Santeria"by C. Wetli - R. Moonstone "Plight of the Pagan Policeman, Pt. 4" - K. Cuhulain "Tracking an Urban Legend" - R. Moonstone "Pennsylvania Contemplates Bill on Satanism" "Missouri Police Investigate Claims" - R. Moonstone Notes From Other Sources "Another Hate Letter in Jesus' Name" - C.H.R.I.S.T.
Vol. 1, No. 6 (Sept. 1989)
From the Editor - G. Bliss "Matamoros Cult Killings" - K. Cuhulain Reviews: "The Edge of Evil", "Satanism: Is Your Family Safe?" - R. Moonstone "Plight of the Pagan Policeman, Pt. 6" - K. Cuhulain "Ex-Cultist Sought by Texas Authorities"
Vol. 2, No. 1 (Nov. 1989)
"Occult Crime: A Growth Industry" - R. Moonstone "CWR Questions Exodus" - C. Pierce "Ex-Cultists Sought by Texas Authorities" "Don't Overreact to So-Called Satanism" from USA Today - P. Cox Reviews: "Experts Say Tales are Bunk" - R. Moonstone "Satanism: Where Are the Folklorists" - R. Moonstone "A Rumor-Panic About a Dangerous Cult in Western New York" R. Moonstone "Satanic, Occult, Ritualistic Crime: A Law Enforcement Perspective." - R. Moonstone "Satanic Cults: a Skeptical View of the Law Enforcement Approach" - R. Moonstone "The Devil's Web, Who is Stalking Your Children for Satan" - R. Moonstone "Halloween and Satanism" - R. Moonstone
Vol. 2, No. 2 (Jan. 1990)
"Blasphemy" - V. Copeland "Special Report on Wicca (Witchcraft) and Paganism" - H. Mansfield "Plight of the Pagan Policeman, Pt. 6" - K. Cuhulain "CWR Surprises Symposium" - V. Copeland Reviews: "Satanism: The Seduction of America's Youth" - R. Moonstone News from Oklahoma English Satanists Decry Illegal Activities Changes at CWR
Vol. 2, No. 3 (March, 1990)
"Know Your Rights" - L. Mahaffey "Larson Sees 3 World Views" - V. Copeland "Satanism Rumor a 'Dead Dog' " - B. Hicks "The Great Raid Debacle" - B. Heidrick Review: "Satanism in America" - R. Moonstone "Oprah, the Jews, and Blood Libel" - V. Copeland Letter to the Editor - J. Walker
Vol. 2, No. 4 (May, 1990)
"Satanist, Satanist, Who's Got the Satanist" - V. Copeland "Game Field Mistaken for "Satanic Playground" - AP "Teenage Vigilantes Form Posse to Track Down Satanism Worshippers" From The Dillsburg (PA) Banner, by David March "Gossip" from the "Moon" "Exegesis of the Wiccan Rede" - J. Harrow "Larry Jones Sees Problems" - V. Copeland Review: - Cornerstone Magazine "Satan's Sideshow" - R. Moonstone
Vol. 2. No. 5 (July 1990)
"Cry for the Children" - V. Copeland "What is Ritual Crime?" - H. Mansfield Review: Video " Exposing the Satanic Web" - S. Landis Update: OTO Raid "Jack Roper C.A.R.I.S. Speaks to Larson Symposium Attendees" - V. Copeland "News From England" "The Truth About Lyle Rapacki" - V. Copeland Update: "Satan's Playground"
Vol. 2, No. 6 (October 1990)
"The Crazy Season Blues" - V. Copeland Letter - M. Graham "Child Abuse Or Occult Rituals" - The Independent on Sunday R. Waterhouse "Redefining Satanism" - Dark Lily "Teen Panel Concludes Larson Symposium" - V. Copeland "Violence Against Pagans Increases" - CWR Staff "More Changes at CWR" "Calif. Office of Criminal Justice Planning Notes Misinformation" Reviews: "Occult Crime: A Law Enforcement Primer" -V. Copeland "An Informational Aid to Understanding Gangs, Groups, and Cults" - V. Copeland
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