Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => Straight, Inc. and Derivatives => Topic started by: Withdraw on March 26, 2009, 02:15:00 PM
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Hey you all! I must write an English paper with debatable discussion....7 pages. I have decided to write on Coercive thought reform used in Teen behavior modification programs and how it can lead to extreme consequences. My teacher has the typical view..."But some kids need it." I about hit the floor! And exclaimed, "Do kids really deserve the possibility of a Life sentence for minor offenses??!" She just looked at me really confused.. I'm pretty opinionated about this topic, as many of you know, But I need some help. I read about HR6358 and am still confused about how this bill will help kids in programs disguised as "specialty schools". Also, any fairly objective resources would be appreciated. I have to have 10 resources by Monday, and figured this would be a good place to ask. (Yes, I have found some on my own! But maybe I am overlooking something, or some point that I need to include for us as survivors. My paper will be written from an argumentative essay format. I will argue for the right's of kids and expose the facts about coercive thought reform.
I finally made it to college! My employer gave me a full scholarship to receive my Nursing degree. At my age, it seems like a long road.. But people just don't realize how much a traumatic experience like Straight will affect someones life. It took a long 18 or so years just to get where I should of been at 18. The struggle to conform to social norms is a bit tough for me, but the means will justify the end. (In this case) Conformity has never been natural for me.
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Hey Withdraw! Look at her limited view as challenging (instead of the pain in the arse it probably is)!
You could demonstrate the derivative progression with ye ol' Flow Chart of the Straights:
http://thestraights.com/the-straights/t ... hts-fc.htm (http://thestraights.com/the-straights/thestraights-fc.htm)
:rocker: :timeout: :wall: :rasta:
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Hey you! Good thinking =) Thanks!
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Actually HR 6358 has been dropped and a new one, HR 911 has been adopted. It passed the house but is currently sitting in the senate... try doing some research on the new bill.
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Great! Thanks!
Ok, am I understanding it right? Does this HR911 bill only include regulations for programs who claim to focus on children with emotional and behavior issues? What about the programs disguised as "schools"? Is there still no way to regulate them as residential behavior modification programs? Sorry, I've been out of this loop for a few years. And what does it mean to include only programs that contribute to interstate commerce?
On another note, I am glad to see it enforces a policy for a hot line for complaints. And that an separate party is to review the complaints.
Another thing, I am having a hard time finding the book.. An American Gulag. Never read it.. Any ideas if the book would be helpful as a fairly objective or informative resource? I have Maia's book, had to get it at the library.. B0rder$ didn't carry it here.
Anyone know of any other paper published resource? It's actually a difficult subject to find at the local library, LOL.
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I think that it has been agreed upon that the bill does have a few cracks that some abusive facilities may be able to fall through. I think a few issues that are not addressed is the religious facilities, which in some cases can be worse and the facilities hiding under the guise of "specialty boarding schools". I think the "teeth" of this bill really rely on the 3rd party agency responsible for enforcing regulation, it is up to them who really slips through the cracks and who doesn't. Some of us feel that passing a law like this without safeguarding against loopholes (or gaping holes that EVERY facility can slip through) that this bill could actually do more harm than good. For instance the existence of a bill without proper regulation can only serve as a false sense of security for parents who would otherwise be wary of the reputation of RTC's in the past. This false hope could actually encourage enrollment and greatly work against our efforts to inform the public.
I'm personally worried that because this federal bill allows states to set up their own agencies, for instance nothing would stop certain states from hiring staff who are affiliated with the programs. I am also worried about these agents not knowing what to look for when they are called to investigate a facility. My hope is that survivors will be hired to these agencies, I for one would like to work with my states agency. All of this however is contingent upon getting that bill passed... so at this point its all speculation as to what kind of effect this bill will really have on the industry.
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These BAD programs don't need regulation, they need to be closed and the owners held accountable. Giving them a free pass to stay open is not cool at all. If anything, Congress should do a RICO sweep of ALL programs. It's simple... We don't need more regulations that allow these BAD programs to remain open. It's a shame that survivors actually support this bill. No teeth, no bill. Put some really big teeth in it and I might reconsider. You gotta figure that the government is part of the problem. It's a complete conflict of interest. :wall: :wall: :wall:
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...Straight was founded in 1976 and needed startup money but it was still too risky to approach NIDA for funds as much had been made in the newspapers about NIDA's relationship to The Seed. It was a certainty that NIDA would have to ask Straight parents and their children to sign human consent forms acknowledging that their kids were participating in a medical experiment. But LEAA had not been setup to fund programs involved in human experimentation. True, LEAA Administrator Santarelli had held a news conference one year before announcing the cancellation of all LEAA funding for medical research, psycho surgery, and behavior modification because, in his words, there "are no technical skills on the staff to screen, evaluate, or monitor such projects."
But that had been a year ago and Senator Ervin had retired just after the his report was published. So Straight went to LEAA in 1976 and again in 1977 and got two startup grants for $50,000 each. And that is how the US government continued to be involved in financing a program that uses brainwashing on American children. And that is how the US government funded Straight in such a high-handed way as to avoid the use of human consent forms; namely since LEAA was not chartered to do medical research, it had no policy for human consent forms anyway!
Thus unless or until some external party could put two and two together, there was really no one around who could expose the duplicity except for LEAA and perhaps NIDA or the Office of the White House Drug Czar. LEAA was not about to expose the deal because it was in violation of director Santarelli's moratorium. That leaves NIDA and the Office of White House Drug Czar. Around 1978 NIDA's director Robert DuPont left NIDA and became a paid Straight consultant. For four years Art Barker had tried to make his Seed program a national program. But he had failed because he had been exposed for conducting human experimentation. His expansion programs in Florida were in shambles. And out of the shambles came Straight, Inc. Dr. DuPont has stated in deposition that it was he who had suggested to Straight that it go national. Straight went national and became the largest juvenile drug rehabilitation program in the world--and one of the most destructive...
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Hmm, interesting point out that passing any bills encourages programs to continue to run. I think I want to point that out in my paper.
Although my experience was in Straight.. I intend on showing the evolution of programs to the current ones and how the model is still abusive and damaging.
Ok, I have class.. Thanks for the input! Keep it coming, It's a huge help. I've been having trouble focusing my points ^.~
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okay, you spoke to your teacher about the "life sentence." by this you mean the damage done. i think this is a good way to focus your paper. first, tell what "coercive thought reform" and the other terms you might be using mean. then, point by point, you show how a program, or several programs, are definable by the terms. then, you have to tell what it does to people. where these scientific studies are, i am not sure. the other resource you have, which you could use to back up any studies you find, is first person accounts by any survivors you know. there is a way to put first person interviews into a bibliography. i think it would be worthy to use, as robert j lifton did for "thought reform and the psychology of totalism," full names. the point is, your information has to be sourced. i am somewhat aces at english composition, and would be more than happy to proof your paper. i look forward to reading it if you wish to share! will send a pm at some point.
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Looks like I need to include:
1) brief history of the toughlove movement and the rise of toughlove programs. define coercive thought reform and behavior modification, and then connect those with the term Cult.
2) Describe the Straight model and it's evolution to other names (same program) and ~~DFAF to AARC? *Did the traditional Straight model end w/ KHK/Pathway? Or is it in full use currently? I'm a little confused if Pathway/KHK are still operating.
3) How do I connect the straight model with any current specialty schools and wilderness programs? And does anyone have an idea what kind of documentation I could use? (Having trouble here...)
4) Show how behavior modification can de-construct a kids self identity and self image. And how it can teach kids to abuse others in order to achieve group acceptance. (Give examples of specific abuses/techniques are used throughout many differently named and advertised programs and the possible effects these techniques can have.)
5) Show the desire of the survivor communities and some psychological communities to have laws which regulate programs or laws which prohibit these types of programs from operating at all, by providing examples of suggested Bills, first hand accounts, and professional research papers.
Ok, I know the political aspect of all of this is very important, but I am not certain I want to include it. I feel the only way to give that part of topic total justice would be to start from the synanon and work all the way till now.. Which would encompass a ton of pages.. Geesh, There is so much information.. but is it all scattered about. Even on Wes's site.. I have a hard time muttling through it all.
ps: sorry, I know this isn't an english lesson. LOL. I really appreciate the help.
Oh! today I was chatting w/ my Biology professor.. and mentioned Straight Inc.. he stopped and said. "Oh, wow. You must suffer from PTSD. I have read about that place." I just stood and looked at him, totally taken by surprise.. OMG a random educated adult who had at some point in his 65yr life taken the time to just know about Straight. Amazing.
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There are a fair number of programs which predate Straight. Don't know how involved you want this paper to be..
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These BAD programs don't need regulation, they need to be closed and the owners held accountable. Giving them a free pass to stay open is not cool at all. If anything, Congress should do a RICO sweep of ALL programs. It's simple... We don't need more regulations that allow these BAD programs to remain open. It's a shame that survivors actually support this bill. No teeth, no bill. Put some really big teeth in it and I might reconsider. You gotta figure that the government is part of the problem. It's a complete conflict of interest. :wall: :wall: :wall:
Think of it this way... although this may not be the be all end all solution it is an important step. If the standards are set and enforced by law we set the stage for those that violate those laws to be held (without any question) legally accountable. It will also set up an authority that has the power to gain access into these programs, start investigations, press charges and close down the programs that we all already know are abusive. Yes it will take time but I personally think taking the first steps are important in order to work toward the goal. As is, without this bill we have no authority and our only means of bringing these programs to justice is trying to sue... I just feel that passing this bill will give us an "in" so to speak, because at the very least creating a government agency prepared to handle this issue is far more than we would be able to do on our own.
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Good point. My problem is becoming interestingly clear. It is easy for me to focus on Straight and all of it's forms.. pre-straight and post straight. Especially now, I am watching the episode about AARC. Wow, It is the straight model. I did read about the connection between Vause and miller and Union alternative college etc. So, Dang.. There it is in all it's horrifying glory.. Straight Inc. Turned AARC.
Guess I'll be thinking more on how to connect the dots between the SynaSeedStraKidPathAARC model and the "specialty schools like ? WWASPs and ??(see I just don't know enough about them) How are ~they like ~us? Sigh, it's been so long since I indulged myself in this stuff. The memories are haunting. *again*
Geesh, Where have I been ~lost out here in the society that doesn't talk about institutionalized child abuse. ~America's dirty little secret~
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Guess I'll be thinking more on how to connect the dots between the SynaSeedStraKidPathAARC model and the "specialty schools like ? WWASPs and ??(see I just don't know enough about them) How are ~they like ~us?
Well I went to 2 WWASP programs and I have until recently moderated a strictly WWASP school forum, I can give you an overview if you want to chat on AIM.
Ill tell you this, the difference is mainly that the WWASP programs hire an outside resource to do the brainwashing where as, If I'm not mistaken Straight and their clones tend to do it in house.
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Finally an easy to print chart and explanation! Thanks Maia!
http://www.motherjones.com/print/16436 (http://www.motherjones.com/print/16436)
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These BAD programs don't need regulation, they need to be closed and the owners held accountable. Giving them a free pass to stay open is not cool at all. If anything, Congress should do a RICO sweep of ALL programs. It's simple... We don't need more regulations that allow these BAD programs to remain open. It's a shame that survivors actually support this bill. No teeth, no bill. Put some really big teeth in it and I might reconsider. You gotta figure that the government is part of the problem. It's a complete conflict of interest. :wall: :wall: :wall:
Think of it this way... although this may not be the be all end all solution it is an important step. If the standards are set and enforced by law we set the stage for those that violate those laws to be held (without any question) legally accountable. It will also set up an authority that has the power to gain access into these programs, start investigations, press charges and close down the programs that we all already know are abusive. Yes it will take time but I personally think taking the first steps are important in order to work toward the goal. As is, without this bill we have no authority and our only means of bringing these programs to justice is trying to sue... I just feel that passing this bill will give us an "in" so to speak, because at the very least creating a government agency prepared to handle this issue is far more than we would be able to do on our own.
An "in" you say? OK, I would call it an out. One that if the bill is passed, will give the industry a birds-eye view of what it needs to do to go around it, thus negating 99% of it when push comes to shove. Make amendments, they will bypass them or find ways to manipulate and create loopholes in them. Is MORE red tape needed to cover these programs? I think NOT! Your signature even says "When Injustice Becomes Law... Rebellion Becomes Duty" Making laws would have been something to do BEFORE these programs existed. Now that they have gained a foothold in American society, it's like putting a bandaid on a nasty lawnmower injury. :clown:
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These BAD programs don't need regulation, they need to be closed and the owners held accountable. Giving them a free pass to stay open is not cool at all. If anything, Congress should do a RICO sweep of ALL programs. It's simple... We don't need more regulations that allow these BAD programs to remain open. It's a shame that survivors actually support this bill. No teeth, no bill. Put some really big teeth in it and I might reconsider. You gotta figure that the government is part of the problem. It's a complete conflict of interest. :wall: :wall: :wall:
Think of it this way... although this may not be the be all end all solution it is an important step. If the standards are set and enforced by law we set the stage for those that violate those laws to be held (without any question) legally accountable. It will also set up an authority that has the power to gain access into these programs, start investigations, press charges and close down the programs that we all already know are abusive. Yes it will take time but I personally think taking the first steps are important in order to work toward the goal. As is, without this bill we have no authority and our only means of bringing these programs to justice is trying to sue... I just feel that passing this bill will give us an "in" so to speak, because at the very least creating a government agency prepared to handle this issue is far more than we would be able to do on our own.
An "in" you say? OK, I would call it an out. One that if the bill is passed, will give the industry a birds-eye view of what it needs to do to go around it, thus negating 99% of it when push comes to shove. Make amendments, they will bypass them or find ways to manipulate and create loopholes in them. Is MORE red tape needed to cover these programs? I think NOT! Your signature even says "When Injustice Becomes Law... Rebellion Becomes Duty" Making laws would have been something to do BEFORE these programs existed. Now that they have gained a foothold in American society, it's like putting a bandaid on a nasty lawnmower injury. :clown:
Well as much as I would be in favor of shutting every one of these places down I just don't see that happening anytime soon, and rebellion has simply not done enough damage. I in no way see this bill as the solution and yes there is potential for these programs to slip through the cracks but I think doing SOMETHING is better than nothing. If we can't go around the law to bring these places down we have to go through it... I tend to think that with government support we can become better equipped to stay on top of these places, people will have an agency to reach out to where their claims wont be ignored and even if these places remain open, as long as they shape up and stop torturing kids I think its worth it to support the bill. After all this is about them, and maybe that band-aid doesn't solve the problem but it could likely save someones life so thats a risk Im willing to take.
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Not to keep harping, but what rebellion? Aside from a few very small protests and a few unpublicized in the mainstream like the flood in Fargo kind of lawsuits, where's the widespread OUTRAGE? I haven't yet seen any truly appreciable outrage by the public. If you have a cause that THOUSANDS of people can identify with then there might be enough to claim a rebellion has occurred. The never ending issue of the Teen Help/Hurt Industry. Close one, 3 pop up, report about it, report dies, lawmaker makes rule, program sidesteps it, money gets cut from budget, agency employee has NO CLUE what to look for in a program, :beat: I'm sorry, but I think that the bill is going to make things worse in the long run, not better.
Abuse? What abuse? I can see the complaint disposition letter starting something like this: "The Institutionalized Child Abuse Administration has no record of any claims against the program you have reported. Please check the number and try again..."
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What rebellion?
The transformation of waste is perhaps the oldest pre-occupation of man. Man being the chosen alloy, he must be reconnected via shit, at all cost. Inherent within us is the dream of the task of the alchemist to create from the clay of man and to re-create from excretion of man pure and then soft and then solid gold. All must not be art. Some art we must disintegrate. Positive anarchy must exist.
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I'm still on the fence about this bill. On one hand it does give children some sort of procedure if they are being mis-treated. On the other hand making sure the kids have that opportunity is going to be impossible
The one thing that I did in my daily C.o.C. withdraws was to ask to see an attorney or social worker. Repeatedly, I was told that I had no rights and therefore I would never get to see one. It was like a daily ritual, I'd put in a withdraw, get confronted and then end up slammed to the ground, dragged to the side of group where I'd remain w/ 4-5 oldcomers sitting on me until it was time to go to the host home. 9.5 out of 10 of the days I was there, for all those months. (that's a lot of asking to see an outside advocate or legal representative, without ever getting to) And then one day they (Straight) realized they wouldn't break me and my parents were asked to and agreed to withdraw me.
Children NEED to KNOW they have rights. Programs must be forced to encourage kids to be informed of their rights and how to use them, if needed. A program who asks to be kept in check by it's clients and the government will be a lot better than any I know of atm.
Unless these kids get unrestricted access to a phone, and the parents aren't washed to believe their kid is a liar.... I don't see programs complying with the proposed regulations.
ps~ On an unrelated note! I did this cool experiment with red blood cells at work today, for biology. I wanted to understand and see first hand how Osmosis worked within the cell... It was amazing to see how the red blood cell responds to changes in it environment. Wow! in the simplest form... I could see how a change in ones environment caused chaos and destruction....almost instantly. OMG, I love school! (Never thought I'd ever say that, LOL )
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What rebellion?
The transformation of waste is perhaps the oldest pre-occupation of man. Man being the chosen alloy, he must be reconnected via shit, at all cost. Inherent within us is the dream of the task of the alchemist to create from the clay of man and to re-create from excretion of man pure and then soft and then solid gold. All must not be art. Some art we must disintegrate. Positive anarchy must exist.
What kind of anarchy would we have these days? There's only about 54 Billion different opinions floating around at any given moment... :roflmao:
From Wikipedia:
"Anarchists are those who advocate the absence of the state, arguing that common sense would allow people to come together in agreement to form a functional society allowing for the participants to freely develop their own sense of morality, ethics or principled behaviour. The rise of anarchism as a philosophical movement occurred in the mid 19th century, with its idea of freedom as being based upon political and economic self-rule. This occurred alongside the rise of the nation-state and large-scale industrial capitalism, and the corruption that came with their successes.
Although anarchists share a rejection of the state, they differ about economic arrangements and possible rules that would prevail in a stateless society, ranging from complete common ownership and distribution according to need, to supporters of private property and free market competition. For example, most forms of anarchism, such as that of anarcho-collectivism, anarcho-communism or anarcho-syndicalism not only seek rejection of the state, but also other systems which they perceive as authoritarian, which includes capitalism, markets, and private property. In opposition, a political philosophy known as free-market anarchism or anarcho-capitalism argues that a society without a state is a free market capitalist system that is voluntarist in nature.
The word "anarchy" is often used by non-anarchists as a pejorative term, intended to connote a lack of control and a negatively chaotic environment. However, anarchists still argue that anarchy does not imply nihilism, anomie, or the total absence of rules, but rather an anti-authoritarian society that is based on the spontaneous order of free individuals in autonomous communities, operating on principles of mutual aid, voluntary association, and direct action."
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What kind of anarchy would we have these days?
I don't know, perhaps Patti Smith could answer that question!