Click title to access LA Times article. Back returns to blog.
This is the story I have been waiting for. While LA Times reporter Dan Morain does an excellent job laying out the facts, he is bound by editorial policies. Paco is not. The Times has to worry about lawsuits--Paco says: "So sue me." READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE. Then, check back here for some INSIDE stuff the Times passed on. For example:
Spud denied ANY knowledge of CRIMINON when Morain first inquired several months ago. What he did not know at the time was that documentary proof existed proving Spud was playing footsie with the Church of Scientology (COS) front. You see, Paco has a copy of an awards dinner program called "State of the African American Male," which was sponsored by COS' main front group: Association for Better Learning and Education (ABLE).
The emcee was none other than celebrity Scientologist Issac Hayes (Southpark's Chef). The program clearly listed CRIMINON and a half dozen other COS front groups as sponsors. Yet, SPUD LIED TO THE LA TIMES: HE NEVER HEARD OF THEM! Considering the fact that Spud received an award at the event (along with Jamie Fox and a prominent member of the Nation of Islam) and the event's program contained a FULL PAGE QUOTE FROM COS FOUNDER L. RON HUBBARD, it's difficult to believe Spud didn't know who he was hanging with.
After it became evident Morain had the goods on Criminon, Spud suddenly found out it was well established at Corcoran. Even though Corcoran's education director, Gary Goddard, had been walking point with COS at Spud's behest, Spud ordered an investigation into Criminon's influence at the prison with Goddard as the target.
This apparently convinced Goddard to rat both Spud and Corcoran Warden Al Scribner off to the Times. Documents PROVING Spud and Scribner LIED to the Times were now in play. COINCIDENTALLY, Scribner subsequently announced he was taking leave at the behest of his physician--that announcement came shortly after the Times provided DORC with an a list of questions for the warden and others. *(Just a coincidence, I'm sure.)
LOTS MORE IN THE NEXT POST. Meanwhile, read the entire article. There will be a quiz.
*Note: the original post erroneously reported the LA Times had provided an advance-copy of the Scientology article the day prior to Warden Scribner's sudden infirmity. Paco regrets the error and the fact that somebody caught it.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Scientology behind bars: What did Spud know and when did he know it?
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41 comments:
Well, I did read the entire article. I always regarded L. Ron Hubbard as a nut job, and the people who followed him can be accurately classified as "sheeple" (people who follow a leader, not unlike sheep, with no thought). I would like to point out that I knew Al Scribner pretty well, back in the day. I was a newbie with my first non-first watch job, in East Hall, which was a PC unit. It was on second watch, I was an RDO cop, covering tiers and gun positions in the unit. Al was the culinary officer. I learned a lot from him and he was a good guy. He was, for a period when he and I were there together, the head of the local chapter of CCPOA. He was also on the security squad, and if I recall correctly the head of the security squad before he left. He was also heavily involved in the set-up of SERT and helped develop (along with Steve Millingar) an innovative firearms training program. We had more than one serious chat about labor relations and representation strategy and philosophy. I grant you people can change in 20+ years, and nobody gets to be a warden without some degree of politics. He never impressed me as being either a weasle or a sell-out. He was always an honest, stand-up guy. I would hope he still is. The Secretary, on the other hand, has amply demonstrated he can not be trusted and is far from the brightest bulb in the box. Things are looking up for the profession, and down for him. No loss.
Bob Walsh
I dunno, Bob. I just call it as I see it. I never had a problem with Scribner either. Having said that, experience tells me that few who reach the higher ranks come out of it smelling better than when they rode up. Yet, even though you are truly "only as good as your last act" that doesn't mean previous good deeds are nullified...or it shouldn't. Benedict Arnold was a hero before he was a traitor--history still recalls the whole story.
I do know that Scribner was actively promoting CRIMINON, that he attended other events (ones where Spud didn't get an award from spaced out Hollywood cultists) and was instrumental in facilitiating CRIMINON's request to conduct a tour last month of COR with an official delegation of the Indonesian Government.
I know he attended a 2nd "awards ceremony" in Hollywood CRIMINON hosted for the Indonesians. AND, I know he was prepared to hang Goddard out to dry as though he had introduced Scientology to CDC and established quasi-diplomatic relations with a foreign government all by his lonesome.
I know Scribner approved a policy that permitted the SHU AW to handcarry mail for the Muslim Chaplain (and later, other "chaplains"), also active in pushing CRIMINON at COR, into the facility without clearing the mailroom. (See: http://ccpoa.blogspot.com/2005/05/when-is-major-security-breach-not.html).
Scribner aside, the bottom line is you can't ascend the ranks without playing the game. Many have tried...but not for long. I'm sure our friend Daniel III could tell us all some stories along those lines.
So, an otherwise great CPO beat a hasty retreat under suspicious circumstances. Whatever the whole story is: he owns it, the good and the bad. Just like us peons.
PS-Paco South will be posting a copy of the program from the "State of the African American Male Conference," sponsored by ABLE/CRIMINON (under the auspices of the Black Congressional Caucus)today on the Boards. Read it and tell me if YOU would have realized you were involved with Scientology if YOU were Spud....
Not to get off the subject of bringing in a cult inspired treatment plan into the institutions, but I think this needs expressing;
When people at the Career Executive Assignment Level (Chief Deputy on up)are hired, it is political because all serve at the pleasure of the Governor. They get or lose their jobs because of "POLITICS".
Everyone below are hired (promotions, Management jobs) or attempts to fire are strictly business (illegal conduct,completely unqualified for a position) or PERSONAL (completely unqualified but spends free time with Administrators carrying golf clubs,cleaning balls or other items while providing dirt about other staff). We all know most of the time, positions and promotions are personal.
Scribner, his Chief Deputy and all those above him are in the politcal arena. EVERYBODY below them are where they are because an Administrator made a personal or business decision. We all know in our own heart how we made it to where we are.
Do not misuse the language. When you hear about Lieutenants, CCII's or Captains getting a promotion or special assignment, it is not politics and the business or personal decisions behind it make a difference.
To quote Spud on the CDC home page...
"VALUES
The overarching values are forthright and direct and require that we must continue to commit ourselves to principled leadership, embracing a set of core values that guide our behavior:
* Integrity–We conduct ourselves professionally, achieving the highest ethical standards.
* Accountability–We take responsibility for our actions and the consequences.
* Justice–Everyone receives equitable process and fair outcomes.
* Collaboration-Everyone supports mutual understanding of ideas, open exploration of our differences, and works constructively and cooperatively with our stakeholders.
* Employee Well Being–We foster an environment that supports professional development and personal health"
Spud has failed and violated his own values statement.
I know one thing for sure, Spud has more escapes than Houdini. But ultimately Houdini for a situation even he could not get out of.
How much longer must we endure this buffon who is a menace to all PROFESSIONAL correctional staff?
I am ParoleAgent X
ps. I cannot wait for IA to ECER beging an investigation on ANYTHING I may ever do. With the things I have recorded over the years to include Spuds, lies and deceit. Pretty much make and every day employee bulletproof. errr, not literally, I still have the crap Spud hasn't swapped out yet.
this is outrageous. i know scientology from firsthand experience: my cousin got sucked into it, signed over his life savings and ended up losing nhis family for the trouble. these people are criminals themselves. the information is out there. and what about all these african-american organizations falling under scientologies spell? they are hooked up with the black congressional caucus, the state of the african american male, men who care int'l and god knows how many other seemingly benign black orgs. why is that? i know some folks involved in some of these groups and like most blacks i know they are all church going christians. i don t believe any of them would knowingly associate with this cult. so they must have been duped. but that stil raises the question why black groups are being courted by the cult and for what purpopse. in this case it looks to me like they duped cdc to make the foreigners think they had big juice at corcoran. i don't have an answer to the big question but i would like to hear answers from so-called black leaders on this. how about it maxine waters? got an answer?
call me davey
Paco, I do not question your motivation or your facts. In addition, I will admit that I have sometimes been accused, with justification, of being overly supportive of old friends. As I said, nobody gets to be Warden without some politics, and as you said he acquiesced in the Muslim Chaplain routinely circumventing security procedures. That isn't the guy I knew. Never the less, he was a good cop and a good guy back when, for what that is worth now.
Bob Walsh
Hmmm. Davey, you seem to know more than the average bear about this. If you have any information not covered by the Times or Paco, PLEASE send me a kite: paco@pacovilla.com or contact Mr. Morain.
PV
I also know Al Scribner from my C/O years at DVI in the '70s-early '80s. I have maintained contact with him over the years, to this day, and consider him a friend. My view of things are, therefore, biased. He is one of the most security minded people I know.
This matter with the Church of Scientology and Criminon contains facts and issues of which I am not privy. This I do know, and that is Al is his own man and owes nothing to SPUD. He rose from the ranks from Officer and has earned the position he holds today. Just as light is refracted when it passes through a prism, so can truth when it passes through the prism of our mind. Al has a heart for the protection of the line staff and is not one to abandon it for political reasons. On the contrary, Al is willing to put his position on the line for what is right, in defense of his staff. His position on this matter may never be publically known, unless he shares it. He does have the backs of his staff, unlike others who bear responsibility for decisions which were made, and now are more than happy to let Al take the heat.
Being a Warden who is true to his/her staff and fighting for what is right will never make it into the job description. Those who look up at the position from their place in the organization see a different view than the Warden, who sees the politics above and below. One must be vigilant of staff manueverings to gain favor, or influence a decision while only presenting some of the facts; unduly imposing upon your time for matters which should be delegated; eating up chunks of your calendared day, so that little time remains to tend to the really important things.
Headquarters, on the other hand, with the current crop of incompetent, self-serving bureaucrats, cares not a whit whether the staff are adequately equipped or protected on the line. In Sacramento, they get played on the political fiddle all the time, so this becomes the norm for them. As a result, they "do as the Romans do", and let the raw sewage flow directly to the institutions, where it usually hits the Warden in the face first. A good Warden will pump the sh*t right back up to Headquarters where it belongs, however, many Wardens today, for survival sake, merely let it flow downhill where it hits the staff. This is the state of things in many prisons today. SPUD has instilled a fear in the managers running the Dept., that few now are willing to step up and "do the right thing." Many current, veteran Wardens have been asked to take the Warden position at CIM, and, to my knowledge, all have said no.
For another example, at the institution I was assigned to, the CCPOA Chapter President came out #1 on the Lieutenant's list, and was the only name in the first rank. Having multiple Lieutenant vacancies, I promoted this person, even though they were under a bogus, Headquarters initiated Category II Investigation. There is more to that story, but the end result was the charges were dropped at the Skelly Hearing, which was conducted by a manager from another prison. Nonetheless, I am contacted by Susan Hubbard, the acting Deputy Director, Institutions Division, and questioned and chastised about promoting the CCPOA Chapter President, notwithstanding the fact he solely occupied rank one, and to pass him by would be not only unethical, but deny those in rank four an opportunity to compete for a promotion. My response to Hubbard was that I'm the hiring authority and my decision was legal and appropriate. That didn't set well and, true to form, I then became the target. You can always tell, because the lies become bigger, bolder, and the support is withdrawn.
The fact that people like Susan Hubbard are still assinged to Headquarters is a big indicator of the corrupt, unethical, self-serving mentality which exists there. This condoning behavior of John Dovey, Jeanne Woodford, SPUD, speaks volumes as to what they consider important. It has everything to do with their self preservation, and nothing to do with the staff in the institutions who carry the Department on their backs every day.
Each person who decides to promote through the ranks runs the risk of becoming detached from "reality", as reality is viewed in a prison environment. In all of my assingments, I always carried my chits with me on my keyring, as a reminder of where I started in this business.
Follow the money. Scientology is all about money. Various international groups are told the State of California, specifically Corcoran (a notorious prison) is supporting Scientology's criminon. How much was Criminon going to get paid by the Indonesian Governmant. What did crimnon do or pay to get into these awards dinners. Money to everyone but criminon would end up with 10 million, for starters, from one country.
The name Hubbard pops up alot here Susan or L.Ron.
Following the money is a good tactic. One theory I've heard is that the Indonesian government offered Criminon $50 million to come into their prisons if Criminon got into the California prisons.
On Tuesday, Spud will appoint a commission of experts from New York to determine what, if anything he knew about this mess. Check out the companion article to the scientology article, also by Morain. After reporting on the Special Master's report on what a mess Corcoran's mental health treatment is, the article concludes with: "Roderick Q. Hickman, the state's top prisons official, said recently that he had not reviewed Keating's report and was unaware of the problems cited at Corcoran." I guess Spud figures the Sgt. Schultz imitation has worked for him pretty well so far and is going to the well once more. Let's see what happens now. Will the LA radio guys bite or are they going to cover for Arnold?
All due respect to PV, I totally agree with Bob W. on this issue, Nothing in this world would make Al Scribner sell out. He may be a wild one, but that is what makes him spectacular. I knew Al for ten years at PBSP and he fought the righteous war against all that is wrong and silly in Corrections. He did not change to become a Warden. He is the bright light in all this darkness. The key here is that Al has left CDC on advise of his physician - quoted here not confirmed. Nothing short of absolute betrayal would drive Al from his position.
mmmm im putting potato's on the BBQ grill tonight just for the occasion..........
Nuff said,
Pvsp
Al Scribner is not the issue here. I probably should have let Bob Walsh's thoughtful comments go uncontested.
I too have a very strong sense of loyalty to supervisors and managers who I respect for the very attributes cited by Friends of Al. I have also been disappointed by some of them from time to time. I guess MY HEROES are more human than Al Scribner, who apparently invented the "stand up guy" model.
In any case, nobody but Al Scribner can answer these questions. I suspect we won't be hearing from him, though.
Dear Paco,
Al Scribner is no different than Hickman. They both knew about Criminon for a long time and did nothing to stop its evil influence and negative impact to the delivery of Mental Health Services within the prison system. For both of them to deny their involvement, either through sins of commission or omission, is outrageous and a outright lie. Scribner, CDC, and Hickman have set up Goddard to be the fall guy, which of course is the CDC way of taking care of business. Any one who still does not believe there is a "Code of Silence" within the upper management of CDC is sadly out of touch with the real world of CDC.
I know that you are correct. I have seen the documents and spoken to firsthand players personally. However, rather then become sidelined on Warden Al Scribner (WAS), giving Spud his fallguy, I am willing to stipulate that WAS is a victim of circumstance.
Hell, I am willing to stipulate that this 100% swell-guy, probably the most ethical SOB ever to sling a ring of spikes, had nothing to do with ANY of this, having been murdered by Spud over a year ago for refusing an unethical directive and replaced by an evil clone. As long as we keep the peep on Spud, I don't care if WAS receives the friggin' Medal of Valor!
For the record:
WAS never did a shady thing in his life. He rescues babies from wells in his spare time. The Pope confers with him on matters conscience. You have to wear Polarized sunglasses near WAS to shield your corneas from his halo... Next!
I learned a long time ago that there is no real, single, "big picture" in Corrections. The only real standard is ethical behavior. The pictures change depending on the perspective of your position, within or without CDC. I have a lot of respect for some folks that some of you might not. I saw what generated some of the decisions made by some folks that you might have thought were anti-security, anti-staff, etc. Some of these decisions were the result of very ugly compromises made while trying to be as pro-security and pro-staff as possible. So, altho my personal, small contacts with this now-warden were sometimes negative, I never saw unethical behavior. Our conflicts were because I had a different picture, from a different perspective. If he is gone, I suspect he was told to make a compromise that was just too unethical to stomach.
By the way, Hickman is NOT a person who I EVER saw an ethical decision emanate from and I am in total agreement with Bob and Daniel III as far as his uselessness and coniving, unethical behaviors. A big hollow box with no concept as to what constitutes ethical behavior.
Nice to see it come out oever the weekend. I can imagine his phone ringing off the hook as well as him calling people for help.
It's just too bad he gets an extra day to spin this story away from him.
I can't wait to see what his butt puppet Trembly has to say.
idont_wannatalk
Bob, Paco, et al,
At the risk of getting us off track again: defending Scribner is all well and good (and based upon years old first hand observations); however the fact remains that he allowed an A/W to circumvent established mail room security procedures on behalf of a mullah (chaplain) of Islam who is on record supporting the 9/11 terrorists.
'Nuff said.
One would think that
Point taken.
Bob Walsh
Actually, I think it fits perfectly with the Hollywood Special Effects of the New Rehabilitation Prisons. Think about it, doesn't it all follow the Hollywood left wing and the governor/agency secretary role model.
I myself feel too restricted by my old religion, so I just joined a more liberal church that only has 8 Commandments and 2 Do The Best You Cans'
25 months and counting
I saw the article when it came out in the Times on Sunday. Guaranteed...Scientology is GAS' mother church. The wife of GAS; Maria has a huge influence in the church, as do their buddies...Travolta, DeVito, Willis, Cruise, etc... They would like nothing more than to foist that ideology on California's convicts..and they are passionate about their resolve.
What really struck me is the cavalier attitude that SPUD displayed when asked if he had gotten the e-mail from Goddard..."since you want to blow up boxes, let's use this innovative program...called "CRIMINON"." Spud stated that he never received the e-mail from Goddard. There is definitely somebody, somewhere, covering something. Who has something to gain - who has something to lose?
The premise of "CRIMINON" is that these poor convicts were born criminals..once they accept that, they can learn to mirror non-criminal behavior. It is nothing less than what SYNANON... "I am a heroin addict.. I haven't used for 15 years, but I am still an addict, nonetheless" attempted to do in the 60's...and reminds me of how much pandering occurs with criminals.
to 10:21 anonymous
Is you assertion that Maria, wife of Arnold, has some juice with the Scientology freaks just an assertion on your part, or do you have something to back it up with? I don't remember seeing anything about that in the article, and I would have thought it would have been there if it existed.
Bob Walsh
Gee, and here most of us thought Maria was just another Kennedy "I'm a Roman Catholic when I feel like it" MSM liberal.
There was nothing in the article about the influence of Maria in relation to Scientology. I am, however, aware that; If you follow the money, the folks who kick in millions for liberal causes and...treatment modalities, people's names come up. They all run in the same circles. I have to step back from my assertion that Scientology is GAS' mother church; also for the assertion that Maria has a big influence in Scientology.
I just think that SPUD is not going to do anything in terms of treatment modalities..."CRIMINON", or otherwise, without the green light from GAS. There are groups who are getting into the prison system under the guise of rehab--re-entry, etc., that have no proven benefit or basis in fact. Watch for ex-football great Jim Brown's Amer-I-Can program to push its way deeper into the system...with the full support of SPUD.
Amer-i-Can is also well connected with scientology, so I'm sure you are correct.
Has it occured to anyone that Senator Gloria Romero, who is actively involved in the daily operations of the Department, had to know that the Church of Scientology was establishing a stronghold in the Department? She and Hickman have a very cozy relationship. I have to believe that she, at a minimum, knew about this and did nothing to protect the mental health programs these same inmates are involved in. I understand from friends in the capitol that former Senator Richard Polanco is a Scientologist. Is Senator Romero? Was Hickman doing a favor for someone by letting COS into the prisons? Inquiring minds want to know.
Now that's one I would question. For starters, I see Romero's position as decidedly anti-corrections, anti-CCPOA. While she WAS very pro-Spud, she's been increasingly vocal in criticizing him. No, I don't think ANYONE outside of the adminsitration did or WOULD knowingly embrace a cult as an official partner. Frankly, it appears more likely than not that COS has been using the ambitions of personalities within certain organizations (local, national and international) to influence and infiltrate governmental agencies, from local outreaches to corrections agencies. Now, that's a real sticky issue what with folks poised to scream racism at the drop of a fedora but that's the way it looks from here. I do think GAS SHOULD HAVE KNOWN his COS pals would influence Spud. But, perhaps he didn't realize how badly compromised by COS YACA and Spud were to begin with...
The following is a quote from former Senator Richard Polanco when he addressed the opening of the The New Hubbard College of
Administration Special Grand Opening; New York, 2002.
Mr. Richard G. Polanco, Senate Majority Leader of the California State Senate said 'I am here this evening because I know that the teaching principals and curriculum offered by the Hubbard College are training today's and tomorrow's leaders with an unprecedented record of success. I am profoundly moved by the works of L. Ron Hubbard and I am taking this
knowledge back with me to the Senate to put it to work for California.'
Looks like he did his part...
Damn, that is scary. Is it time for a kool-aid break yet????
The Richard Polanco quote that I placed above is from "Prosperity Magazine", February 2002. Sorry for not including the source in the original reply.
Polanco was (and remains) a money and vote whore who will say anything to the group of the day.
Folks may be interested in this page that summarizes some of the past news stories on Criminon - from news stories around the world.
http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/001874.html
Here is that Criminon global news summary link again - since it seems to have scrolled off the page - this is a smaller url linking to the same page:
http://tinyurl.com/82ztv
or just go to:
www.schizophrenia.com
and click on the "prison rehab program" link in the Newsblog section.
Go back to the money. What was SPUDS travel claim for that date?
If you have Earthlink as an internet provider, you may be supporting Scientology.Cut and Paste the following link:
http://www.rickross.com/reference/scientology/history/Scien149.html
Hickman lied? Say it ain't so!! *fake gasp*
Anyone who's been around him long enough knows that SPUD has "selective integrity" and will only tell the true when the ends justify it. Otherwise, he'll lie his ass off and, when confronted, double-dog-dare you to do something about his lies. He's a lapdog for Arnold. Hopefully Bug and the Box won't be so stary-eyed when he goes up for confirmation this time around.
Yes, what a shame that catholicism and christianity aren't California's "official" cults. Religion is ALL BS. Think for yourself and live a good, decent and moral life on your own terms. Those of you who get all christ-y then condemn others as "sheeple" are full of crap. After all, you're the ones gluing those dumb-ass fish to your cars.
There are very few people I trust in the CDCR and one man I have alot of respect for is AL Scribner! I first met this man in 1994, and when I first met him in person, he was intimating, but was a fair man and honest. He even went to assist the re-alignment of Salinas Valley State Prison, by the ex-Director Steve Cambra and he along with sevral other officer's did a complete turn-around of this facility, if it was not for him dedicating his time away from PBSP and his family. This is what it is all about. dedication to your job and what you believe in. Al it was a privilege to work with you at PBSP even if you had the heart to run up and down the floor with the best of them! I will never forget you!
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