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from tuneman7 Monday, September 18, 2006 - 12:01 (Agree/Disagree?) Interview on the BBC. Borowitch speaks at last, what nonsense. ... http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/outlook.shtml You should be able to listen for the rest of the day. Let us know what you think. Thanks! (reply to this comment)

From sarafina Monday, September 18, 2006, 15:09 (Agree/Disagree?) Yeah, Claire was pretty harsh I’m sure she got a kick ot of saying our names 5to 6 times. I usually don’t care either but to call what I said “sweeping allegations” did upset me as I don’t enjoy being called a lier however I don’t let Claire get the best of me.. Here I was trying to civilly discuss what I went through and in my case I think I put everything very mildly. I didn’t even mention about how when I was 16 I was taken with two other girls my age and beat with a paddle in front of our peers and adults in the home. Hmm I dare one of those who was there to tell me to my face I made any sweeping accusations. Mary Mom (Profilio), Josiah (Paul Peloquin , Ricky & Elaine, Renata, Faithy..All of you who were there and part of my retraining..tell me what part of what I said was even slightly exaggerated! I didn’t even use names or get personal. Did you see how she skipped over that direct question of “Have you ever turned over any of these reported abusers in the last 20 yrs to the police..” and she doesn’t answer but rather starts by saying “..well you see….. you have to understand that the group started back in..” yadi yada and completely avoided the “yes/no” question. Such a political move. I also like how she says “were not a secret organization we are all over the world..” umm what’s that supposed to mean? Part of the problem was they didn’t want to do a live interview with us, Claire just wanted to hear what we had said then reply that way she could be more prepared on what to say. Cowards won’t even discuss things with us all they want to do is read their copy paste rebuttals! Anyway, over all I’d say it was a very positive interview we covered a lot of issues and topics, and this interview will be heard by over 40 million listeners world wide, hopefully people will listen, maybe people will help, and maybe things will continue to change for the better.(reply to this comment)

From Peter Monday, September 18, 2006, 20:11 (Agree/Disagree?) Great job, Don and Sarafina! You guys were great and, as others have noted, very articulate. There is now an mp3 of the segment in the xFamily archive http://media.xfamily.org//audio/press/bbc-outlook-2006-09-18-abuse-in-the-family.mp3 [25:55, 4.45MB] I hope to get a transcript soon. The unrepntant child molester Borowik was pathetic. It is interesting that now she claims child sexual abuse was made an excommuincable offense in 1988 instead of 1986 as she has repeatedly claimed. Of course she still repeats the nonsense about it being banned in 1986 and "stringent policies" being enacted at that time. Perhaps she will one day explain how a "stringent policy" could have been contained in a November 1986 memorandum which members were required to burn after reading and which did not ban it at all but only had lukewarm statements such "it shouldn't be continued" and "it is preferable that they [children] not indulge in sex with older adults." [http://www.xfamily.org/index.php/Liberty_or_Stumbling_Block] Borowik claims they have done everything possible to protect children but she could not name a single instance in which the organization has done even one of the things that any religious organization which actually cared about the human rights of children and was against child sexual abuse would have done as a matter of course. For example, both ISKON (Hare Krishna) and the Catholic Church have not (however belatedly) only provided restitution and help to victims but actually turned over abusers to the authorities and fully cooperated with some law enforcement investigations. In contrast, The Family (and Claire Borowik herself) has gone out of its way to destroy evidence, lie to the police and courts, hide abusers, shelter fugitives from justice and instituted policies which specify that members who comply with the law and report suspected child abuse to authorities are to be expelled from the organization. (reply to this comment)

From Monday, September 18, 2006, 22:36 (Agree/Disagree?) I've got a verse for TFI spokeswhore Borowhitch which I will paraphrase: Matthew 5:30 If thy tongue offend thee...cut it off and cast it from thee. Lest someone do it for thee.(reply to this comment)

From Peter Monday, September 18, 2006, 21:04 (Agree/Disagree?) Borowik implied that Justice Ward's description of Zerby's "apology" as "fulsome" was positive. However, it should be noted that fulsome also means "aesthetically, morally, or generally offensive" and "exceeding the bounds of good taste" which describe the so-called "apology" very well. (reply to this comment)

From Kitten Monday, September 18, 2006, 15:18 (Agree/Disagree?) I'm sorry to hear that, sara. I haven't heard it yet but I am sure that both of you did a great job and that anyone with any measure of critical thinking skills will have been able to 'hear through' Claire's evasiveness and outright lies. Keep up your good work, much admiration for all your efforts. x(reply to this comment)

From johnson45 Monday, September 18, 2006, 14:34 (Agree/Disagree?) I just feel devastated by Borowitch's comments. I usually don't give shit about what TF says about abuse and ex-members, but she really pisses me off! In just a few sentences, she tried to discredit everything Sara and Don said, even though she knew it was all true. I just feel a sense of frustration and anger that someone could care so little about the pain of so many. (reply to this comment)

From Monday, September 18, 2006, 16:07 (Agree/Disagree?) I just listened to the show and thought that Don and Sara did an amazing job. You were both so articulate, and it was great how the host gave you lots of time to talk. You should be proud of yourselves. I felt like I was sitting in the same room with you. Borowick is an idiot, so don't let her get to you. You told the truth in an evenhanded way. It says an awful lot about you. (reply to this comment)

From Albatross Monday, September 18, 2006, 22:39 (Agree/Disagree?) Sarafina...Don...You have my respect. You were masterful, and brilliant. I could not have done it that well. Thank you in all sincerity. Daniel(reply to this comment)

from EyesWideShut Sunday, September 03, 2006 - 22:49 (Agree/Disagree?) I thought it was by far the best documentary/news article I've seen yet--by far! Everyone who participated spoke perfectly, and from the heart. Family declined, thank gawd! I couldn't stand to hear the same drivel from their spokes moron again. (reply to this comment)

From vixen Monday, September 04, 2006, 03:34 (Agree/Disagree?) EWS, I had a look at your blog and I just wanted to say that I think your paintings are beautiful! I love the vibrant colours and the depth and richness of your compositions. Do you get to paint often? I read about your husband's operation, too, and I hope he's well on the way to full recovery. (reply to this comment)

from Haunted Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 20:32 (Agree/Disagree?) Hey Fina - the ABC interview we did was on tonight again with new footage! Xhrisl (you know) called me last night and we watched it....they said they asked the cult about the FBI Investigation and they said they hadn't heard anything about it. They seem to be in such a habit of lying they can't help themselves! (reply to this comment)

from Recycle! Reuse! Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 18:00 (Agree/Disagree?) From Claire Borowik, another pedophile herself and enabler of pedophiles (don't you wonder what channel the documentary about you will be airing on, Auntie Claire?): "In Response to the Channel 4 documentary: “Cutting Edge: Cult Killer—The Ricky Rodriguez Story,” aired on August 21st, 2006: As a spokesperson for The Family International (formerly known as the Children of God), I wish to state for the record that I find your coverage of my church to be extremely biased, one-sided and rife with falsities and inaccuracies. The reiterative usage of the label “cult” throughout the program is particularly pejorative. Such labeling is an age-old tactic—Jesus and his followers were also maligned as the “cult of the Nazarenes” in their day. What you neglect to mention is that the Family, founded in the late '60s, has expanded into an international missionary fellowship located in over 100 countries around the world, and has led millions to faith in Christ, as well as assisting the needy in a multitude of volunteer efforts (see www.thefamily.org) . I would also like to point out that Angela Smith, who Ricky Rodriguez brutally and premeditatedly murdered, was a human being (and by the way, a former member, not a current member of our fellowship). In searching for a motive for this tragic crime, journalists should take care to not casually write off Angela’s murder and justify the actions of an obviously disturbed young man acting out his misplaced anger. Our society is rife with violence—regularly the public is exposed to violent crimes of individuals that act out the violence they witness via the media, and discuss anonymously via the internet. Such crimes are not particular to religious groups—in fact suicide and acts of violence are virtually unheard of in Family communities. Although The Family has apologized on a number of occasions to former members for any hurt, real or perceived that they may have suffered during their time in our membership, we do not give credence to tales of institutionalized abuse told by those who seek to cause harm to our church and children. Any form of abuse, whether sexual, physical or otherwise is absolutely forbidden in our fellowship. Any infraction of this rule will result in immediate expulsion from our fellowship. While The Family International holds to liberal views on heterosexual sexual relations between consenting adult persons, we do not tolerate, condone or permit any inappropriate behavior with our children, whom we consider a precious gift from God to be protected and nurtured. The Family's success in protecting our children and ensuring their well being has been documented by court-appointed and independent investigations in the early ‘90s of almost 700 children living in Family communities (a fact that was glaringly omitted in your documentary.) After extensive physical, psychological and educational testing, all of the children were found to be healthy with no sign of abuse in a single case. This total absence of abuse speaks for the efforts made to safeguard children in Family communities. I question whether random investigations would produce similar results in society at large. Not according to the Department of Health and Human Services, that reports a rate of at least 13 cases of abuse per 1,000 in the United States, with British authorities reporting close to 200 cases per 1,000. It would have behooved you in the interest of fairness and accuracy to make note of the important fact that approximately half the young people born into the Family continue to be members and tell a very different story than that being aired by a handful of former members. 400+ current second generation members have posted their side of the story on their blog at www.myconclusion.org. A truly investigative report would not have ignored their testimonies and the fact that they do not corroborate the extreme accounts of those appearing on your program. Claire Borowik For The Family International Contact: Claire Borowik, Public Affairs Desk for The Family International, (202) 298-0838, or publicaffairs@thefamily.org" (reply to this comment)

From Triague Thursday, August 31, 2006, 09:52 (Agree/Disagree?) Do you think if I apologize to my landlord enough times he might not charge me rent this month? you can apologize till you're blue in the face but it doesn't pay the bills, neither does it return the years and innocence that was stolen from us. If they want to make restitution they should be made to pay compensation for criminal injuries against humanity, and then disband the group and let people go and live a normal life, that blind cow and Peter need to stop screwing with people's minds. They need to stop being so deluded and pretending that "Jesus" is talking to them and that people who died are apologizing, so stupid!(reply to this comment)

From tuneman7 Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 11:00 (Agree/Disagree?) Shibideeeeeeeeeeee yibbeddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Whew! What nonsense. ~D(reply to this comment)

From Nick Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 07:50 (Agree/Disagree?) They were given every opportunity to give their own side of the story on that show! They refused to participate on the show, so how do they expect their side (no matter how twisted their side is) to be known? Like I said in previous posts, everything in that program was taken from their own publications, their own videos and 1st hand eye witness accounts. No Hollywood or dramatics. No hearsay or 2nd had accounts. Just the FACTS. (reply to this comment)

From Albatross Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 06:57 (Agree/Disagree?) Yawwwwwn......with spokeswhores like this, who needs enemies. So Mydelusion.com is back on line eh? Nice try Borowik. (reply to this comment)

From Lauren Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 05:35 (Agree/Disagree?) I thought at first that there must have been some mistake -- this couldn't possibly have been the official response to the Channel 4 "Cult Killer" documentary. I mean, not only is it a cut and paste of a previous response but it makes absolutely no sense in the context of the show and the fact that The Family declined to participate. But then I realized, it's so illogical that it makes perfect sense. Apparently cut and paste is standard practice not only when it comes to alleged appologies but also when facing the public. The brain drain of intelligent people having left the group must have left them with a deficiency of writers capable of coherent and logical thought. :P (reply to this comment)

From Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 11:34 (Agree/Disagree?) Well, the best they can get for their illustrations these days are "copy artists," and I guess they don't have a much bigger budget for their propaganda writers.(reply to this comment)

From AndyH Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 11:43 (Agree/Disagree?) Calling yourself a copy artist only works if you credit the sources when you publish, if you wait till you get caught plagarizing that line is no good. That's like the way James Frey tried to say that his books were fiction after he released them as biography, and got caught lying. No ones buying it.(reply to this comment)

From Fish Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 21:51 (Agree/Disagree?) PTL!!(reply to this comment)

from sarafina Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 15:59 (Agree/Disagree?) Not to be an ogre but could we try and stick to the subject matter I just wanted comments on the Documentary not comments on other comments. I don’t care if you agree or disagree on what others on here are saying I just want your personal opinion and feelings about the Documentary. These other subjects have already been discussed over and over again and can be found on other parts of the site. I would like to keep this page clean of random comments so that when others come to the site to read about the Doco they can not have to sort though a zillion comments not pertaining to it.Thank you. (reply to this comment)

from Mir Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 13:34 (Agree/Disagree?) When I watched this program I felt a wide range of emotions: sad, vulnerable, embarrassed, shocked and quite horrified to say the least. I find it totally breathtaking that my family and I were involved in such a sinister cult. In my eyes, Ricky is a hero. I don't care what anyone else says, he is a hero. Of course I feel sorry for Angela, she too was a victim of the cult, they both were. I also want to thank all of you who had the courage to be in the documentary. It was brilliantly done- there was no need for any hype and there was none. I'm so sorry for all of us, but especially for you who left more recently!!! I left in '91, I was 18 and I have had a few years under my belt to adjust. I am now happily married with 2 kids and a good business. I just want to encourage you who might feel there is no point: IT DOES GET BETTER! You've just got to make sure you don't bottle it up. Make sure you have someone talk to. Although I didn't get any professional help, my siblings and I would sit round the kitchen table after dinner and have a good old moan. That was very helpful. Again, well done you brave, lovely people. A big hug, Mir (reply to this comment)

From a victim, not a hero Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 04:25 (Agree/Disagree?) As much as I sympathize and understand what drove Ricky to do what he did, he is not a hero. He is a victim. (reply to this comment)

From NoWay Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 14:35 (Agree/Disagree?) I disagree about what you say about Ricky. I think what you are saying is dangerous and irresponsible. There is nothing heroic about suicide or killing another human being. TF would have sustained more damage by Ricky raising awareness via the media, books, magazines - not by murder/suicide. I agree with what was said quite eloquently by Don in Ricky's memorial - "We don't agree with violence against ourselves or any other person" I stand by those words completely and absolutely. There are other ways to achieve our objectives and killing ourselves/others is not one of them.(reply to this comment)

From Albatross Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:07 (Agree/Disagree?) Please expand on those "other ways".(reply to this comment)

From NoWay Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:25 (Agree/Disagree?) Ok. Have you ever heard of Dave Pelzer? he was the second documented case of the worst abuse ever recorded in the State of California. His mother nearly killed him, she never fed him or washed him and treated him worse than a dog. He wrote a book called "A child called It" which is an amazing book. He travels all over giving talks and he has subsequently written many more books. He raises awareness about child abuse, the need for good Foster homes and he lives a wonderful and productive life. He is highly respected and loved and he has been inspirational to so many people for his endurance and perserverance. His mother never went to prison and he never got justice in the way that we would expect, but he got justice by helping others and defied the odds by living a life that was worth living when everyone hated him and all the kids at school taunted him said he would be better off dead. There is no doubt that the media is interested in our story it has been very well documented for years. Another way could be infiltration if anyone felt inclined to jump back in the cesspit just to find out where they are!(reply to this comment)

From Mir Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 11:21 (Agree/Disagree?) Yes, good books, I've read them all. The difference is that this guy was rescued from his mother when he was either a pre-teen or in his very early teens. He also didn't suffer sexual abuse. His mother didn't force him to have sex with her etc etc. Now THAT really must ef up your head!(reply to this comment)

From Kitten Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:28 (Agree/Disagree?) For every person who is/was able to lay the demons to rest there is another who is/was not. (reply to this comment)

From From Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 13:42 (Agree/Disagree?) http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Abuse/survivors/index.html(reply to this comment)

From ratio Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:33 (Agree/Disagree?) agreed kitten..I would argue that most are unable to lay the demons to rest.(reply to this comment)

From Nancy Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 14:55 (Agree/Disagree?) I think, sadly for Rick, he saw no other way. Many of us continue to be victimized by the lack of justice in this situation. When we see our abusers on television denying what was done to us and when we see other victims re-victimized and attacked, we suffer more. For Rick, never having experienced formal education or legal justice, I think he believed it was the only way. I think he had seen the cult and his mother get away for 30 years that he thought no real justice would ever come another way. As a result of that sad reality for him, he sacrificed his life. I think he felt his life was already ruined, so might as well end it. I think he thought he had this overwhelming burden that he was obligated to do something because of how he was raised to be a leader. I'm not sure that someone else like us, raised like us, abused like us, who was terminally ill might not make the same decision if given the opportunity. That is a sad, sad thought. It is possible to destroy the life within someone as a child that they become too far gone as an adult. If you push the human spirit too far, it may push back. Terrible. This is real human tragedy. (reply to this comment)

From dying wish Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:37 (Agree/Disagree?) There are those who if they knew beyond a doubt that they were going to die shortly due to an illness....would spare no effort to take a child abusing Family leader with them.(reply to this comment)

From NoWay Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:13 (Agree/Disagree?) Yes, it was a tragedy not an act of heroism. (reply to this comment)

From Albatross Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 15:14 (Agree/Disagree?) Perhaps those two are not mutually exclusive.(reply to this comment)

From Kitten Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 14:43 (Agree/Disagree?) It is neither dangerous or irresponsible. It's simply an opinion, which Mir is perfectly entitled to hold. Suicide can be heroic, killing can be heroic. Whether or not Ricky's actions were such is up to the individual to decide according to their own moral reasoning. (reply to this comment)

From afflick Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 13:41 (Agree/Disagree?) True about the "moan sessions"! When I first started taking time to visit my SGA friends, we would spend a lot of time sorting through our past and vocalizing our dismay. Over time, though, we spent a lot less time talking about our lives in The Family and more time discussing our current careers, schools, lives, etc. In short, we changed topics naturally once we felt validated by each other, once we had explored all the dark corners. No one shouted at us to "move on, won't you!" No one demanded to be forgiven immediately. We just let things happen as they happened. And it worked for us.(reply to this comment)

from Hmmmmmm..... Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:20 (Agree/Disagree?) I just spoke to my parents today and asked them if they saw the report. He informed me that they were told it was not really favorable and that they shouldn’t watch it. That show was 100% fact! Every video that they showed and every "mo letter" that they showed came right from them. The stories that were told came right from the horses mouth, not any hearsay or dramatics. All that to say, if they don’t think that kinda of behavior is "favorable" now, they should not have done it back then. If the truth kills let it kill... (reply to this comment)

from Triague Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 11:54 (Agree/Disagree?) I was wondering if the ones that knew Ricky was thinking of commiting suicide tried to get him professional help? or calling the authorities and let them know of his intentions? I have trained in counselling and it is said that if a person even talks about suicide they ought to be taken seriously and they need to have crisis intervention. I think this documentary was very sad. It highlighted the fact that if a person talks about suicide they usually they mean it especially when they have been traumatized like he was. There is no shame in calling the cops or do whatever is necessary to stop somebody from destroying their own life or killing another person. (reply to this comment)

From Discuss Sunday, August 19, 2007, 23:36 (Agree/Disagree?) Now that is a very good statement that should be more widely adhered to: "There is no shame in calling the cops or do whatever is necessary to stop somebody from destroying their own life or killing another person". Talk amongst yourselves.(reply to this comment)

From think... Monday, August 20, 2007, 08:55 (Agree/Disagree?) I reckon most people if they had foreknowledge of a crime or attempted suicide would call the cops or mental health professionals or at least do they're best to step in. I haven't heard of many cases where a a person who premeditates that sort of thing actually tells or alerts others of they're intentions. (reply to this comment)

From Discuss Monday, August 20, 2007, 21:32 (Agree/Disagree?) Are you counting the soul murder that is child abuse? What about those that tell after it happened. Why are they so badly condemned? Why are they stigmatized time after time, when all they did is tell the legal authorities of something that had actually happened already??? Tell me, please.(reply to this comment)

From Kitten Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 11:58 (Agree/Disagree?) As far as I'm aware, Ricky's friends were not in possession of the video until he had already carried out the murder/suicide. Here is an article that explains more: http://www.movingon.org/article.asp?sID=8&Cat=34&ID=2405 (reply to this comment)

from Wolf Monday, August 28, 2006 - 09:39 (Agree/Disagree?) I want to say that I greatly admire the courage of each of you who spoke out in this documentary, especially Davida. I single her out because she revealed very personal information which must have been difficult, but each of you is a real hero. (reply to this comment)

from sunflower Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 16:25 (Agree/Disagree?) It was great. Well done & I want to thank those who worked on it. Hope it does a lot of good. (reply to this comment)

from Samuel Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 19:54 (Agree/Disagree?) I watched bits and pieces before I went to work, and watched the video as a whole last night. Wow, that is powerful stuff! A bit "In your face" if you ask me (I wish they hadn't showed the bloody gun. Ugh!), but maybe that's normal by British standards. It's good to finally hear Davida's side of the story and hear from her mouth what happened to her- which in my view makes it rather indisputable. What could she hold against The Family that could possibly cause her to lie like that? Especially if you buy the cult's line that Ricky, Davida, Merry, and Techi recieved a world class education. I remember September 1, 1993 coming home from school (yes guys, public school. I was lucky.) and finding The Family on CNN. I remember getting upset at them because they blurred a little girls' face out in a dance video accusing her of "dancing in provocative poses" and, in my young opinion, edited her interview to make it look like she was crazy. Today I understand that CNN did that to protect her because one day she would want to leave the cult and put that video behind her, and many people (myself included) would have passed as crazy, emotional wrecks that day. I still get shivers thinking about what happened and how I could have been in Argentina. Of course now may anger is mostly directed at Maria and Peter for insisting that Berg was right on child sex. Because THAT is what caused the raids. If you say one thing to the media and authorities and another thing to your members, you can count on the media and authorities being upset WHEN they find out. It's not a matter of if, but when. The end where they released the doves at Ricky's memorial was so moving, it made me cry. I see that video, each dove representing one person who killed himself or did something destructive, and I find myself thanking God in Heaven for my freedom and my sanity. I think the only thing that may have "put the final nail in the coffin", would have been if the show had talked some about the various raids around the world. Otherwise, it was a job well done. Samuel Mercuri (reply to this comment)

from Blondie_B78 Friday, August 25, 2006 - 23:57 (Agree/Disagree?) Just watched the documentary. Cried and cried. It was so incredibly sad. Many thanks to those who contributed. It wouldn't have been easy talking about such personal things in front of cameras. Watching it was like going back in time. The fact that TF would not comment spoke volumes. How they can think that all of that is in the past and just doesn't matter is beyond me. They taught us how to lie but find it surprising that we now call them liars. How can their memories be so short? I haven't commented on this site for a long time. Have tried to put this all behind me and move on. Being here is strangely comforting and disturbing at the same time. I will always love my parents. No matter what stupid decisions they made for themselves and thus for me. But I will never understand. Rest in peace Ricky and all the others who have fallen. (reply to this comment)

from Librarian Friday, August 25, 2006 - 15:27 (Agree/Disagree?) Here are a couple more download links for the documentary. flash version and wmv http://www.xfamily.org/index.php/Cult_Killer:_The_Rick_Rodriguez_Story http://media.xfamily.org/video/tv/cult-killer.wmv torrent - xvid/divx avi 341MB http://www.bt-chat.com/download.php?info_hash=ab8fde00d593d4b40cd3d822894e33bf439626f3 http://tinyurl.com/hxwm4 (reply to this comment)