OK, so I promised to explain about the sign in the window. In Scientology, to “blow” means 
to leave without authorization. Incredibly enough, many members of Scientology’s elite Sea Organization aren’t aware that they can simply walk out the door and never come back.* Not only are they treated (and paid) like slaves, but they’ve also been brainwashed into thinking that if they leave without completing the billion-year contract they signed, and without “routing out” properly, they’ll owe a “freeloader debt” — that is, they’ll have to pay for all the on-the-job training and services they received while they were working there.
They don’t know that the freeloader debt is not enforceable in a court of law and doesn’t even show up on your credit report. Weird, huh? Well, not really. Not when you consider that they’re (1) not allowed to look on the internet, (2) discouraged from reading newspapers and magazines, and (3) prohibited from associating with anyone who might know facts they learned by doing those things. Even watching television is frowned upon, for fear they might encounter some negative information about Scientology.
This all seems perfectly logical to them, when it’s explained in terms of the damage such data could do to their “case progress,” and if one’s case doesn’t progress, one’s “eternity” is in danger. And when one is convinced that the entire universe is a trap and that Scientology is “mankind’s only way out,” it makes perfect sense. See? (Not to mention the fact that it costs big bucks and/or lots of time and trouble to have the situation corrected in the event that you’re exposed to any negative information about Scientology.)
When your whole environment is manipulated so that the only things you ever see are wretched living and working conditions with never a day off to enjoy life, it’s easy to believe the universe is a trap.
But anyway, back to the sign in the window, that phone number — 1-866-XSEAORG — belongs to Chuck Beatty, an ex Sea Org member who managed to escape and is extending a lifeline to his friends who are still in. I’m happy to help him do this. Some of them were my friends too.
The reason my shop window is a good place for the sign is that many Sea Org members have to walk right by there on their way to where they sleep (assuming they’re lucky enough to not have to pull an all-nighter) — the Anthony Building, about three blocks away on Fountain Avenue just west of Normandie. Here’s a picture of it.
I’ve been told that this sign has provided information that was needed to help reunite at least one family. Good. That’s what it’s there for.
Now, the next thing I need to tell you about is how come I’m calling this blog “The SP Times.” It’s kind of an inside joke, and Scientology-watching veterans will get it right away. But I’m writing for the newest Scientology watcher on the ‘net, and I don’t want anyone to feel left out. So I’ll tell you about it in my next post.
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*Some people have extenuating circumstances and would be adversely affected by Scientology’s disconnection policies if they just suddenly left like that. I’ll tell you about that too.
(picture of the Anthony Building courtesy of angrygaypope.com)