Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > Straight, Inc. and Derivatives

Re: A short description of the conference

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StraightInccom:
Hello everyone,

The conference in D.C. was informative, fascinating, sad, fun, funny, and aggravating.  A total success!!!

It exibited every sign of growing pains associated with a first run event and I am very proud to have been there.  Fred Collins couldn't make it but sent a very well made video that was shown on a large projection screen.  Maxie C. Maultsby was ill and unable to attend but is OK and doing well.  Arnold Trebach acted as fascilitator/director/organizational supervisor and kept everyone on schedule, insuring that we focus on the pertinent topics.  Phil Elberg's speech reminded us survivors to be free of guilt;  "Straight (and Straight-like programs) was cult, the kids were the victims and the parents were the unsuspecting cult members".  All the speeches and speakers were great.  I went there with an open mind, and at least, that's my interpretation.

There were a variety participants all there for their own particular reasons.  We all agreed upon one issue.  Child abuse by "Drug Treatment" facilities must be stopped.  The conference was of course, titled:  "Saving our Children from Drug Treatment Abuse".  A very nice gentleman named Jim Turney was there documenting the entire event.  His company:  LibertyTapes.com can provide audio or video tapes of the various events.  His number is: 703-550-7474.  At least one freelance writer was there uncertain to whom she would sell her story.  A writer from High Times, and (I think) someone writing for NORML was present.  There were supporters of SAFE, Program Survivors, Lawyers, Parents, Siblings, and others.  There were around 50 or 60 people total.  We were all reasonably cordial given that some of us had entirely opposing viewpoints.

Personally, I wish the New York Times had been there.  I ordered a few tapes from Jim so I can review the material later.  Needless to say, I went through a lot of emotion, especially when listening to the survivors' accounts.  I remembered that place in vivid detail, memories of others came back.  The worst part was hearing of someone kept in a similiar program for something like 13 years.  It was really riveting to hear Fred tell of the night he threw the kitchen table through a window as a last resort.  I ate in that kitchen with his younger brother George for a month or so after that with plywood covering the opening.  I really miss him too, I was reminded of that.  Fred has gained a very healthy amount of weight and I couldn't believe how much he looked like George.

I would tell more, but I'm tired as I just drove home today.  I figured that many would be curious so I wanted to get some info out to you as soon as I could.

I also received a call from an associate here at home telling me of how one of his customers just paid someone to come kidnap her 13 year old daughter for "intake" somewhere.  It's still going on folks, that's why we were there.  We must never forget that.

Reid Martin [email protected]

StraightInc.com

jetandra30:
John Wenning

ramprato:
It was good seeing all of you guys too. Everybody seems to be coming along well despite Straight. I was glad about that.

michaels039:
Hey today is my first day back at work.  Reid, Ken, Ginger, Leigh and all others it was so good to meet w/y'all.  The conference brought back lots of emotions and memories.  Unfortunately, neither was very pleasant.   Hopefully we can continue our efforts.  Maybe we can meet in Tallahassee in Feb 2002 as the state will be conducting a Drug Policy Summitt.  Need an invitation to attend, but I think I will get one.  Will keep folks advised.   Peace to all

Mike Sherman

atlantastraight:
Ken, saw a previous post that had the name Atlanta on it? Were you in Atlanta or know anyone who was???

2221 Austell Hell ...

Brian  90-92

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