Replies to '08/24 The Family Cult'

Now do you see the dilema we are in? This is why the ex-SGAs have written a letter to Maria and Peter asking them to help us with this. (http://www.movingon.org/article.asp?sID=4&Cat=24&ID=2488). This letter has been signed by over 180 people so far. With all the information that WS collects and archives on the monthly TRFs, they can produce that sort of information easily. 

leocon, I understand that you believe that it has only been a small handful of people who suffered abuse while in The Family. I believed that once too because it was what I had been told by Family leadership. I challenge you to read the stories told at http://www.movingon.org/abuse.asp with an open mind, setting aside any preconceived ideas. Yes, there are always two sides to every story, but as a parent you know that an action which you may deem insignificant has a vastly different effect on a child whose amygdala (the part of the brain that processes emotions) has not fully developed yet. Thus the accountability for any action that has a long-lasting negative effect on a child is placed squarely on your shoulders. 

I also fully understand your situation. I have a wife and two small daughters. When the question arises of, "Which do I devote my time to; bringing past abusers to justice or providing for my family?", the answer will always be: my family has priority. I'm glad you see it the same way. 

To save you some time, I will give you the name of just one person on that list. My email address is stephan_schmidt AT usa DOT com. If you jot me a quick note, I will respond with the information that I have on this person. 

I hope you understand my not making this information public on this forum. The information I will be sending you contains the personal history of one of my best friends. It would be irresponsible and negligent of me to post that information on this forum. 

Also, so far, it appears that as soon as the Family leadership has gotten wind that one of their members is being looked for by ex-members, they will notify that person and suggest that they leave the country. 

When FCF found it was under FBI investigation, and received criticism in the press, every one of their top directors temporarily fled to South America. I understand FCF has since relocated its headquarters as well. 

The way I see it, they would only do this if they had something to hide. 

If I was tipped off right now that the police was coming to my house to investigate me, I would say, "Let them come. My life is an open book. I have nothing to hide and if they discover that I am doing something illegal, I sure as hell want to know about it and be held accountable for my actions." 

Accountability: now there's one concept I was not properly taught in the Family.