Dear Laura,
I can't begin to thank you, Ark, and everyone else who has been involved in your work enough for persevering through what I have seen to be one vicious firestorm after another over the years. When I first arrived at your forum and to the wealth of your literature online, I had no idea of the trials and tribulations you have had to face. It took considerable time reading over numerous threads (especially the cointelpro boards...those are very illuminating) to begin to grasp the immensity of it all.
I reference "montalk" in the subject line of this message because it was through his material that I was "introduced" to the C's and by extension, the Cassiopaea forum, S.O.T.T., and your series of books. At the time I was completely unaware of Tom's relationship with you all. While I have never met the man in person, I have had limited discourse with him via the internet. It wasn't until I came across the "Cassiopaea and Montalk" thread that the pieces finally fell in place; it dawned on me that I approached the work here with a ticking timebomb strapped to my back.
I refer to cautionary statements from Tom that "prior to 2002, Laura and the C's were genuine and focused on 'light'; after this point, it seemed to devolve into a negative, abrasive cult dominated by Laura." He stated he couldn't in good conscience remain connected to the work when the cult began to emerge. He encouraged me to "find the good things there and take them for your own, but leave the rest out. I'd be taking my chances with a cult otherwise."
I admit that I was vulnerable - and an ideal target - for warnings regarding cults, since I was involved with one for a number of years. I found my way out eventually...and was a walking, talking, open wound for nearly a decade afterward. Tom's words, therefore, had maximum effect on me. I believed them for the most part, because I felt that I couldn't trust my own judgment in this regard. Tom was aware of this as I had shared that particular part of my life with him.
I came to the forum and began reading like all newbies are encouraged to do...and during this time, I exchanged messages with Tom. This was when he cautioned me to look for certain "signs" of the cult that had emerged after 2002. I am ashamed to admit that I stepped back at this point, and would occasionally drop in on the forum and read from time to time. His cautions had an effect on me.
Something struck me over time, however. Two things: networking, and applying oneself to the truth. I suppose in a way both are really one in the same, because after a period of stepping away and reading the many threads on the forum (as well as your books posted online), I realized there was no way on earth I could ever hope to find my way out of this mess alone. By myself, I am easy prey to subtle programs such as the one Tom "montalk" Cox apparently uses when he "recommends" people to look at the C's and the Cassiopaea forum. He didn't merely direct me here, Laura. He injected me with a timed-release poison for the trip.
During the time I spent being quiet and reading, I came to discover that what I find here is a network of people checking and balancing one another. Both yourself and Ark exhort people to take the time to research and understand carefully...and I cannot help but wonder, "what the heck is wrong with that?" Hardly the behavior of the leaders of a "dangerous cult" who browbeat people into believing that what Laura says is the infallible truth (I'm paraphrasing Tom there).
I thought about posting this on the forum, Laura, but I'm not sure if it would serve any useful purpose. Letting go and moving on seems more important than continuing to flog on a dead horse...but on the other hand, some awareness of montalk's disinfo efforts should be maintained as they were certainly to my detriment when I arrived here.
Thanks for all that you do
