my escape from scientology/My testimony - pt.one

MY ESCAPE FROM SCIENTOLOGY... How I was set free from this "cult" of demonic seduction. My testimony/Michael D'Aigle Part One.

The Background...

I'll begin by saying, this nightmare that happened to me seems like a fuzzy, creepy dream from long - long ago. It was a long time ago(1971-72). Yes, I know - I'm giving my age away... I had just come out of a few years of being stoned on various drugs, experimenting with sex and only God knows what. All in the name of "love,peace, and free love" - I traveled the country just prior to joining Scientology as the Rd. Mgr. for a nationally renown band: THE FROST (3 albums), and the leader of the band/Dick Wagner; who later went on to be the lead guitarist and co-writer with ALICE COOPER/band. (and a long list of others)

I tell you all that to let you know - I was very familiar with the ways of the world, being around rich and famous rock stars and the like. Excess,lust,sensual gratification and living in the fast lane from day to day taught me that "sin has no boundaries" when it comes to pursuing pleasure and one's own desires... these lessons from living on the road in Holiday Inns, and being surrounded by adoring groupies and children of the night would later help me discern the folly of being trapped in Scientology. I might add that before traveling/touring the U.S. with the FROST, I lived on the street for sometime as well. It was these two experiences of being lost/penniless and clueless - to being with world famous rock stars and celebrities that gave me a bottom to top perspective of what "sin" is all about. 

Joining Scientology...

After my professional life as a roadie came crashing to a screeching halt, and I once again found myself living on the street once again without anything to my name but my youthfulness, and my stubborn desire to survive... I was robbed by the OUTLAWS,(a motorcycle club)here in Michigan -and left with nothing, literally nothing but a few clothes and personal belongings. I stayed with my brother, and went into a deep depression which I had never experienced. It was at this point in my life when I as at my weakest point, that I began to look for a way to climb out of my depression - my despondency. Ah, there it was - I was told about these seminars or meetings where "SCIENTOLOGY" would be presented. A new "religious philosophy" developed by the late L.Ron Hubbard, a well known science fiction author and lecturer. I was impressed, and attended several of these meetings in a small building in the downtown Flint area, here in Michigan.

The first meetings were strange, but they seemed harmless enough, and everyone on staff was friendly and helpful. I slowly warmed up to the idea, that maybe - just maybe, Scientology would help me, would allow me to shake my dark depression and feelings of fear and loneliness that had engulfed me inside. Outwardly, I knew how to put on a smile and carry on, but inwardly I was miserable and looking for something, someone to lift me out of the pit of despair that drugs and living a lawless lifestyle had brought me to. I saw "light" at the end of my dark tunnel, and started being absorbed and entangled in the world of Scientology. I was convinced that to be really free, I needed to be totally committed and involved with this group, this philosophy... the next step was simple. I'll become a member of the "Org", or organization as they refer to it. 

I looked at the contracts, which were 5 year, 10 year, 15 year, 20 year, on up to forever/infinity(not sure on the technical term now), but the contracts were not to be taken lightly, and they were as I was to find out later - not easily to walk away from either! I signed a 5 year contract, and moved to Detroit, Michigan; where I served as the Director of Mail/Publications - sending out 30,000 to 40,000 mailings a week. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

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