Mark Ebner Strikes Low

In 2006, Mark Ebner wrote an excellent article about Philip Gale's death. The article was such that Mike Gomez removed Philip Gale from his Scientology associated deaths page because it convinced him that Scientology really was not implicated in it (as if Scientology has that more a role in the other deaths listed on that page but that's another subject).

Philip's mother played an important role in Ebner's article, providing him with many precious information.

There was one condition she put forth, though, as Mark wrote himself in the article:

"She agreed to talk about Philip on condition that his story not be used to attack Scientology."

However, Mark is now so enthusiast at the opportunity to capitalize on the emotional wave of Jett Travolta's unfortunate death that he just could not resist to include Philip on his new page. The page tries to associate Jett's death to other supposedly similar "Scientology-related" deaths and incidents.

By using the story of Philip Gale in a vile attack against Scientology, he betrayed the trust Philip mother's bestowed on him, and which was the condition under which she released the information that helped Mark's article to become a success.

In so doing, of course, he also betrayed his own integrity.

Fitzroy House

Fitzroy House
"Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London. Fitzrovia dates back to the 18th century and has been for many years well known for its writers and artists. From H.G. Wells and George Orwell, to Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf - its inhabitants have left an indelible mark. [...] 75 years later, writer and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard made 37 Fitzroy Street his London base. [...] You are welcome to visit Fitzroy House. It is open to the public by appointment daily.

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard honored
"The House, which has been open since October 2006, has, to date, received guests from almost 50 nations. Visitors have included Ambassadors and businessmen and it has proven an interest to people from all walks of life."

Stunning photos! Have a look...

In Memory of Jett Travolta

Fallen Sparrow

A sparrow fell, and no one heard.
No body cared. It was just a bird.
From all the numberless flitting throng
of sparrows,who would miss one song"
But God leaned down and whispered, "I care,
That was one of My sparrows, and I was there."

A beautiful boy, all sunshine and laughter,
With quiet thoughts and twinkling eyes after!
With hurts to smooth over, and deed to applaud....
A boy fell ! Why weren't You there?
Is it only for sparrows and such that You care?

If you're God at all....then You could have prevented
This nightmare of pain! So you must have consented,
I've always believed You Were loving and good,
I'd like to believe still, if only I could.

But God, if You love me, how can You allow
such unbearable pain as I'm feeling right now.
Such helplessness...hopelessness...bitter Regret...
So many tears that have fallen and yet
So many more that are still locked Inside.

Oh God...out there somewhere...have You ever cried?
I'm not even sure, anymore that You are real,
But if You are God...do you care how I feel?

Beloved I care in the midst of your grief.
In the midst of your stricken and crumbling belief.
In the midst of the blackness of total despair.
in the midst of your questioning, Child... I am there.

"In the midst!" Not far off in some vague fifth dimension,
But there, where you are, giving you my attention.

My constant attention....and not just today,
Since before you were born, I have loved you this way.
You're important to Me, every hair on your head
I have numbered Myself, can these tears that you shed
Go uncounted.......unnoticed? Nay, child, here I stand
Close enough that each teardrop falls into My hand.

Nor am I a stranger to anguish, to loss.
My own Son was taken one day by a cross.
I know what you suffer, I know what you'll gain,
If you'll let Me walk with you into your pain.
I'll carry your grief, and your sorrow I'll bear.
You've only to reach out your hand....I am there.

Fear nothing . Your so special boy,
Is safe in My house, and heaven's filled with the joy
of the ring of his laughter, his quick eager smile,
And the things he's saving to show you "after awhile"
Yes, I could have prevented... but, child, you can't see,
With My perfect wisdom, trust your son to Me.

Of course, you will miss him, but while you are weeping,
Remember, it's only his body that's sleeping.
His "self" is awake, wide awake
As I said, I am God of the living, not God of the dead.
He trusted Me, and My sure will is done.
Who believes shall not die, that included your son.

Let Me walk with you now, through the long heavy days.
Let Me slowly begin changing heartache to praise.
Take hold of My hand child, take hold of My love.
I will lead you to joys that you know not yet of.
Your faith may be weak, and your trust incomplete,
But I'll walk not too fast for your stumbling feet.

Tim Kenny Commits Suicide

I just found out that Tim Kenny, the father of the autistic child quoted as the source of Mark Ebner's article about Travolta and his son, committed suicide last March.

Another sad news for 2009 :-( My heart goes out to his family.

Update Jan 5:

Mark Ebner in fact reported the incident in May.

Through the comments, we learn that Tim was fiercely anti-COS:

"My husband Tim Kenny was a wonderful man and a huge supporter for autism awareness and a crusader against scientology. he hated scientology and all that it stood for. he was very proud that he stood up to John Travolta and his suicide was due to fnancial problems."

Anti-COSers are of course blaming his death on Scientology (who else?):

"... [various death blamed on the COS] ... Tim Kenny (a neigbor of the Travoltas who had called child protective services on them, dead of an apparent suicide"

Related blog entries:

• Why is Tim Kenny Dead?
• Scientology Treatment of Medical Conditions