File        : Gentle Wind Victims Policy Statement.doc
Description : Group Policy Statement

Back in post 356, I responded to advise to contact the Maine Atty
General's mediation board.  I did this promptly, receiving forms from
them to complete.  I heard from their rep two days ago, he stated that
I am the only person that made any complaints about GWP to the
mediation board.  The gentleman I spoke with on the phone said that the
mediation board is not at all involved with the investigative offices
of the Atty Generals' office and he didn't know anything about any
claims agains GWP even though he got a long letter from GWP denying any
of my claims.  So if you want to make a complaint, don't do it to the
mediation board.
Unfortunately, I never read message 358, where you advise to contact
Carolyn Silsberg, Esq.  So this long frustrating process was
fruitless.  Ann

Does anybody know if anybody has done a comparative study between GWP
and other new age groups?  I would be curious to know how much GWP has
borrowed from other groups.

The reason I bring this up is that I've recently be watching the SciFi
channel series Battlestar Galactica.  I watched the original series a
s child in the late 70's.  As an adult, it's rather interesting to see
how much Mormon theology was mixed into that show.  New age groups
often borrow elements from many religions to come up with their own
doctrine and I bet it would make for an interesting read.

Personally, I would like to hear more about the medicinal banjo.  I
think the banjo is a rather annoying instrument, but maybe the sounds
waves are conducive to conjuring up astral plane vibrations to improve
healing instrument technology.

--- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com, "mhillman35"
<mhillman35@y...> wrote:
>
>
>
> How's about ex-victims instead of victims. If you liked the poetry,
> does that mean you're not a victim:)
>
> More poetry coming?
>
>        Mark

How's about ex-victims instead of victims. If you liked the poetry,
does that mean you're not a victim:)

More poetry coming?

        Mark

APOLOGETICS INDEX has added a well-researched entry on Gentle Wind
Project: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/g/g12.html

This is excellent overall coverage of the GWP group and its leaders'
lawsuit against former members and others.  Widely scattered reports
have been gathered together in an easily accessed format -- covering
the essential information in an interesting progression.

There are numerous pages to this new listing with quotes from a
great variety of individuals and media, as well as multiple links to
original sources for anyone who wants to read more.

In addition to the entry on Apologetics Index, Religion News Blog, a
separate site, lists newspaper coverage about Gentle Wind Project.

The authors of Apologetics Index, and coordinators of Religion News
Blog, are Anton and Janet Hein-Hudson:
http://ApologeticsIndex.org: Research resources on religions, cults,
sects, and related issues
http://ReligionNewsBlog.com: News & news archive on religions,
cults, sects, and related issues


Judy and Jim

http://www.windofchanges.org

"Strong people are made by opposition, like kites that go up against
the 'wind.'"
            – Frank Harris, from "Values of the Wise"



DEFAMATION INCLINATION

Guess who's making defamation?
View the Counterclaims to provide some explanation.

Hope it's not too reflective,
for there you will find much invective.

Here you'll note the "grifters" sound quite sane,
when compared to the GW exhibit of the profane.

What caused the vulgar names, no one knows,
in response to the so-called "hoaxers" literate prose.

GW should ask for help with Language Art,
or maybe they are channeling from Bogart.

How could "healers" go that far,
to cause a website to sound like Grade B "Film Noir?"

"Grift," "sting," "scam" – all sound a bit lame,
maybe their source is Micky Spillane.

Or they must be flailing a little phrenetic,
publicly calling someone "schizophrenic."

Even the "spirits" lament it may be plausible,
that it was a rude "faux pas" to demean "menopausal."

And if the "eye" sounds crude and dicey,
we also know it lacks respect for privacy!

Any reality from those claims is impossible to sort.
Yet, the vulgar labels might not play well in court.

GW may discover from this reading,
that their expletives are exceeding.

And if GW keeps conjuring up this jive,
they, along with their spirits,
may need to find a real 9-to-5!


      --  Jack

Greetings,

On Monday we filed the "Answer, Counterclaims and Demand for Jury
Trial" in response to GWP's lawsuit against us.

That Document is available here.  If you'd like to read it, just
click "files" on this board's menu.

The "Counterclaims" may be of the most interest. They begin on page
8 of the file.  For easier reading, we've added a
new "Counterclaims" page on Wind of Changes that lists them out
separately: http://www.windofchanges.org/counterclaims.html

The "Answers" in the document correspond with the GWP leaders'
multiple allegations against us in their "Amended Complaint." You
can read that GWP "complaint" at the bottom of the Wind of Changes
Home page: http://www.windofchanges.org

Good wishes,

Judy and Jim

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the gentlewindvictims
group.

   File        : /show_case_doc_92,30575,,,,1.pdf
   Uploaded by : judygarvey100 <windofchanges@...>
   Description : Bergin & Garvey Counterclaims

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gentlewindvictims/files/show_case_doc_92%2C30575%2\
C%2C%2C%2C1.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

judygarvey100 <windofchanges@...>

Dear Friends,

We have a new announcement -- posted below -- about our "Protect
Free Speech Legal Defense Fund."

As many of you may know, we were sued by Gentle Wind Project and
the GWP core group in May 2004. Since then we've been working
toward dismissals of GWP's Federal charges and were successful with
that on GWP's first claim. Then GWP filed an amended claim and the
Judge dismissed one count and allowed one to stay.

Defending ourselves against GWP's lawsuit is very costly. That's
why we are now appealing for contributions. We believe it is
important to keep going with this defense, and that we have a right
to tell our personal stories.

You can help us by posting this appeal in forums or locations
where people can learn about the GWP lawsuit and contribute, if they
are able, to our defense fund.

On March 7th our response to GWP's Amended Lawsuit will be filed
in Court, along with counterclaims. We'll try to add that document
to the files here so that you can read it. The document will also be
on Wind of Changes website, http://www.windofchanges.org --the
website that GWP is trying to shut down.

Please read on . . .

Many thanks,
Jim and Judy
_____________________



IMPORTANT NOTICE

Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey are being sued in U.S. Federal Court by
the leaders of Gentle Wind Project (GWP) for posting our personal
accounts about GWP experiences on Wind of Changes, a website for
former GWP members: www.windofchanges.org

The GWP leaders'lawsuit is an attempt to silence us and force us
to
remove Wind of Changes website.

You can help uphold the right to Free Speech, and the right for
former members of GWP or similar groups to tell their stories, as we
have in "Insiders' Stories"
http://www.windofchanges.org/insidersstories.html
and "A Husband's Perspective"
http://windofchanges.org/husbandsperspective.html.

Please contribute, if you can, to the Protect Free Speech Legal
Defense Fund http://www.windofchanges.org/legalfund.html

All contributions -- large or small -- will be used to help pay
legal costs.

Thank you!
__________________


HOW TO CONTRIBUTE?

1) Contribute through PayPal at www.windofchanges.org/legalfund.html

2) Personal Checks, Money Orders, Bank Checks, Travelers Checks:

Payable to: Protect Free Speech Fund.

Postal Mailing address:  Protect Free Speech, P.O. Box 1616, Blue
Hill, ME 04614 USA; or to The First NA, Account: 3474275, 102 Main
Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 USA.

3)  Electronic Transfers:

Bank Routing number:  011201762 / Account number: 3474275

Bank: The First NA, 102 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 USA


WHY IS THIS DEFENSE SO IMPORTANT?

This is an important appeal for anyone who believes in an
individual's right to speak freely and to share information of
public importance through the Internet without fear of being
intimidated, sued, silenced, and harmed financially.

1) GWP's lawsuit could have serious repercussions for those who
are
willing to share information of public importance.  Vital knowledge
could be suppressed through legal intimidation by any group with the
resources to hire a law firm willing to litigate.

2) If our money is depleted, GWP's lawsuit could set a precedent
whereby any similar group wishing to silence individual voices would
be encouraged to use these kinds of legal tactics, thus greatly
threatening freedom of speech.

3) Websites like this one could become a thing of the past, if this
is allowed to happen.


BACKGROUND:
May 2004: Gentle Wind Project leaders filed a lawsuit (please see
http://www.windofchanges.org for  documents) in U.S. District Court,
Portland, Maine, against former GWP members, Jim Bergin and Judy
Garvey, and ten other defendants.

REASON FOR LAWSUIT?
Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey shared their personal experiences about
their 17-year association with GWP, and made these stories available
on the Internet. In response, GWP has spent upwards of $115,000 in
legal costs as of 9/04 (per their own statement) in an attempt to
remove www.windofchanges.org -- accusing Jim and Judy of "wild and
scurrilous lies," among numerous other defamatory terms.

PRESENT STATUS:
Over 90 Court documents have been filed as a result of the GWP
lawsuit. In February 2005 Federal Judge Gene Carter dismissed all
charges for J. F. Bergin Co., and for Rick Ross and the Rick A. Ross
Institute for the Study of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups
and Movements, and Count II (Lanham Act) for Jim Bergin and Judy
Garvey.

Defendant Ian Mander of New Zealand did not respond to GWP's
lawsuit. Defendant Steve Hassan reached an agreement with the
plaintiffs a few months ago and the claims against him and Freedom
of Mind Center were dropped. Defendants Ivan Fraser and Steve
Gamble's agreement with the plaintiffs was finalized more
recently, and made public on their websites and on Wind of Changes.

After the Court decides on GWP's Federal Count I (RICO Act) against
Jim and Judy, GWP leaders would then have the choice to continue
with their state charges (defamation, invasion of privacy, and the
like).

All other defendants have now been dismissed, or defaulted, or
reached an agreement with GWP because of financial necessity. For
more details, please read "Lawsuit Against Cult-watcher
Dismissed"on Rick Ross Institute's website at
http://www.cultnews.org

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey will now challenge the accusations of
GWP's leaders through the court process, which will be costly and
time-consuming, yet essential.  Freedom of expression and speaking
the truth are powerful defenses, and we feel confident about the
importance of ensuring that these rights continue.

DEFENDANTS – WHO WAS SUED BY GWP?
Rick Ross and Rick Ross Institute http://www.rickross.com; Ian
Mander http://www.cults.co.nz; Steve Gamble and Equilibra
http://www.equilibra.uk.com; Ivan Fraser and The Truth Campaign
http://www.truthcampaign.ukf.net; Steve Hassan and Freedom of Mind
http://www.freedomofmind.com, and Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey
http://www.windofchanges.org; and J. F. Bergin Co.

PLAINTIFFS – WHO IS DOING THE SUING?
Gentle Wind Project http://www.gentlewindproject.org and the GWP
leaders and core group – John "Tubby" Miller, Mary "Moe-Mo"
Miller, Carol Miller, Shelly Miller, Joan Carreiro, and Pam Ranheim.

Dear Friends,

     We have an announcement -- posted below -- about the
new "Protect Free Speech Legal Defense Fund."
     As many of you may know, we were sued by Gentle Wind Project and
the GWP core group in May of 2004. Since then we've been working
toward dismissals of GWP's Federal charges and were successful with
that on GWP's first claim. Then GWP filed an amended claim and the
Judge dismissed one count and allowed one to stay.
     Defending ourselves against GWP's lawsuit is very costly. That's
why we are now appealing for contributions. We believe it is
important to keep going with this defense, and that we have a right
to tell our personal stories.
     You can help us by posting this appeal in forums or locations
where people can learn about the GWP lawsuit and contribute, if they
are able, to our defense fund.
     On March 7th our response to GWP's Amended Lawsuit will be filed
in Court, along with counterclaims. We'll try to add that document
to the files here so that you can read it. The document will also be
on Wind of Changes website, http://www.windofchanges.org --the
website that GWP is trying to shut down.
     Please read on . . .

     Many thanks,
     Jim and Judy

                      ________________________

                           IMPORTANT NOTICE

Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey are being sued in U.S. Federal Court by
the leaders of Gentle Wind Project (GWP) for posting our personal
accounts about GWP experiences. These personal stories are on Wind
of Changes, a website for former GWP members:
http://www.windofchanges.org  The GWP leaders' lawsuit is an attempt
to silence us and force us to remove Wind of Changes website.

You can help us uphold the right to Free Speech, and the right for
former members of GWP, or similar groups, to tell their stories, as
we have in "Insiders' Stories"
http://www.windofchanges.org/insidersstories.html and "A Husband's
Perspective" http://windofchanges.org/husbandsperspective.html.

Please contribute, if you can, to the Protect Free Speech Legal
Defense Fund at http://www.windofchanges.org/legalfund.html

All contributions -- large or small -- will be used to help pay
legal costs.
                          Thank you!

                  ____________________________

                       HOW TO CONTRIBUTE?

1) Contribute through PayPal at:
http://www.windofchanges.org/legalfund.html

2) Personal Checks, Money Orders, Bank Checks, or Travelers Checks:

Payable to: Protect Free Speech Fund

Postal Mailing address:  Protect Free Speech, P.O. Box 1616,
Blue Hill, ME 04614 USA; or to: The First NA, Account: 3474275,
102 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

3)Electronic Transfers

Bank Routing number:  011201762 / Account number:   3474275
Bank: The First NA , 102 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 USA
                  __________________________________

                    WHY IS THIS DEFENSE SO IMPORTANT?

This is an important appeal for anyone who believes in an
individual's right to speak freely and to share information of
public importance through the Internet without fear of being
intimidated, sued, silenced, and harmed financially.

1) GWP's lawsuit could have serious repercussions for those who
are willing to share information of public importance. Vital
knowledge could be suppressed through legal intimidation by any
group with the resources to hire a law firm willing to litigate.

2) If our money is depleted, GWP's lawsuit could set a precedent
whereby any similar group wishing to silence individual voices would
be encouraged to use these kinds of legal tactics, thus greatly
threatening freedom of speech.

3) Websites like Wind of Changes could become a thing of the past,
if this is allowed to happen.

                           BACKGROUND

May 2004: Gentle Wind Project leaders filed a lawsuit (please see
http://www.windofchanges.org for documents) in U.S. District Court,
Portland, Maine, against former GWP members, Jim Bergin and Judy
Garvey, and ten other defendants.

                       REASON FOR LAWSUIT?

Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey shared their personal experiences about
their 17-year association with GWP, and made these stories available
on the Internet. In response, GWP has spent upwards of $115,000 in
legal costs, as of 9/04 (per their own statement), in an attempt to
remove http:www.windofchanges.org -- accusing Jim and Judy of "wild
and scurrilous lies," among numerous other defamatory terms.

                           PRESENT STATUS

Over 90 Court documents have been filed as a result of the GWP
lawsuit. In February 2005 Federal Judge Gene Carter dismissed all
charges for J.F. Bergin Co., and for Rick Ross and the Rick A. Ross
Institute for the Study of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups
and Movements, and Count II (Lanham Act) for Jim Bergin and Judy
Garvey.
     Defendant Ian Mander of New Zealand did not respond at all to
GWP's lawsuit. Defendant Steve Hassan reached an agreement with the
plaintiffs a few months ago and the claims against him and Freedom
of Mind Center were dropped. Defendants Ivan Fraser and Steve
Gamble's agreement with the plaintiffs was finalized more
recently, and made public on their websites and on Wind of Changes.
     After the Court decides on GWP's Federal Count I (RICO Act)
against Jim and Judy, GWP leaders would then have the choice to
continue with their state charges (defamation, invasion of privacy,
and the like).
     All other defendants have now been dismissed, or defaulted, or
reached an agreement with GWP because of financial necessity. For
more details, please read "Lawsuit Against Cult-watcher Dismissed"
on Rick Ross Institute's website at http://www.cultnews.com

                         WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey will now challenge the accusations of
GWP's leaders through the court process, which will be costly and
time-consuming, yet essential. Freedom of expression and speaking
the truth are powerful defenses, and we feel confident about the
importance of ensuring that these rights continue.

                   DEFENDANTS -- WHO WAS SUED?

Rick Ross and Rick Ross Institute http://www.rickross.com; Ian
Mander http://www.cults.co.nz; Steve Gamble and Equilibra
http://www.equilibra.uk.com; Ivan Fraser and The Truth Campaign
http://www.truthcampaign.ukf.net; Steve Hassan and Freedom of Mind
http://www.freedomofmind.com, and Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey
http://www.windofchanges.org; and J. F. Bergin Co.

              PLAINTIFFS – WHO IS DOING THE SUING?

Gentle Wind Project http://www.gentlewindproject.org and the GWP
leaders and core group – John "Tubby" Miller, Mary "Moe/Mo"
Miller, Carol Miller, Shelley Miller, Joan Carreiro, and Pam Ranheim.

GWP's warnings on http://www.gentlewindproject.org/news.htm

       "Names and places withheld to protect children, their families
and volunteers from harassment and possible violence from the
consequences of fabrications of internet hoaxers." - Gentle Wind
Project

       "By request names and places withheld to protect volunteers
and their organization from interference, harassment and possible
violence from the consequences of fabrications of internet
hoaxers." – Gentle Wind Project

_________


          THE REPTILIAN RESPONSE


GW people have a warning for you,
that will tell all the groupies just what to do.

Their claim is to protect you from all harm,
even though, you know, they don't really give a darn.

Can you believe "harassment," and "possible violence"
are part of the "scam!??"
Instead of the "internet hoaxers," you should beware
another "straw man."

To hide "names and places" GW instills fright,
for it distracts a lot better and appeals to flight.

But beyond the BIG WORDS invented especially for you,
invectives may be all they have to make much ado.

The primitive response has been around for more than a million,
so take the next step in evolution, and stop being Reptilian!


     -- Jack

Thanx. I was wondering too.Good stuff there.
Suz

--- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com, "Carl Starrett" <chs@c...>
wrote:
>
> It is in the files section, it is just sent out on a regular basis
> to all members of the group.
>
> --- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com, "mhillman35"
> <mhillman35@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > Is this in the file section?  I don't see a new version. But I
> read
> > the earlier version.
> >
> >             Mark
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com,
> > gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > File        : Gentle Wind Victims Policy Statement.doc
> > > Description : Group Policy Statement

It is in the files section, it is just sent out on a regular basis
to all members of the group.

--- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com, "mhillman35"
<mhillman35@y...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Is this in the file section?  I don't see a new version. But I
read
> the earlier version.
>
>             Mark
>
>
>
> --- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com,
> gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> >
> >
> > File        : Gentle Wind Victims Policy Statement.doc
> > Description : Group Policy Statement

Is this in the file section?  I don't see a new version. But I read
the earlier version.

             Mark



--- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com,
gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com wrote:
>
>
> File        : Gentle Wind Victims Policy Statement.doc
> Description : Group Policy Statement

File        : Gentle Wind Victims Policy Statement.doc
Description : Group Policy Statement

http://www.cultnews.com/

February 16, 2005 :

Lawsuit against "cult-watcher" dismissed


Today US District Court Judge Gene Carter dismissed a lawsuit filed
in Maine by the Gentle Wind Project (GWP),
http://www.rickross.com/groups/gentlewind.html, against Rick Ross
and the Rick A. Ross Institute For The Study of Destructive Cults,
Controversial Groups and Movements (RI), http://www.rickross.com.

The judge also denied the plaintiff's motion for any further
discovery, effectively ending the litigation in Maine entirely
regarding both this "cult watcher" and the nonprofit RI
database.

Previously, Maine magistrate David Cohen recommended that the suit
be dismissed
(http://www.rickross.com/reference/gentlewind/gentlewind12.pdf) and
the presiding federal judge agreed, ruling swiftly.

Judge Carter also refused to hear any oral arguments on the matter.

GWP is a nonprofit charity run by John and Mary Miller of Kittery,
Maine. The group holds seminars across the country and
sells "healing instruments" for suggested donations reportedly
ranging from $450 to upwards of $10,000
(http://www.gentlewindproject.org/gallery.htm). GWP claims that its
instruments are based upon a healing technology that is supposedly
channeled telepathically from the "spirit world."

Some time ago I called the group "rather odd" in a Flaming
Website award, which was given after GWP published a rant about me
at their Web site (http://www.rickross.com/flamingwebsites.html).
That rant was prompted by a link posted at the RI Links page to a
Web site launched by former members of the group James Bergin and
his wife Judy Garvey, which is critical of the group.

The Garvey/Bergin Web site (http://www.windofchanges.org/) describes
the healing tools as modern day "snake oil" and claims that the
group manipulates its members. The couple left GWP about four years
ago after a 17-year involvement.

GWP's lawsuit initially included several defendants, now only two
essentially remain, Ms. Garvey and Mr. Bergin.

One defendant Ian Mander of New Zealand did not respond to the legal
action and has been declared in default. He continues to carry
negative information about GWP with a link to the Garvey/Bergin
site. Mander warns that GWP is an "extreme New Age group. Believed
by many to be a...cult/scam."
(http://www.cults.co.nz/fl.html#gentlewindproject)

Other defendants in the lawsuit Steve Gamble and Ian Fraser
negotiated settlements
(http://www.equilibra.uk.com/gentlewindupdate.pdf), which included
deleting their link to the Garvey/Bergin Web site, while retaining
some information generally about GWP
(http://www.equilibra.uk.com/gentlewindupdate.pdf).

One defendant dismissed from the suit through settlement, noted anti-
cult professional Steven Hassan, has complied completely with GWP
demands by deleting any and all information about the group from his
Freedom of Mind Web site
(http://freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/g/).

The remaining active defendants Bergin and Garvey also received good
news today from the court; one of the primary counts against them
was also dismissed.

Since the filing of the lawsuit GWP has garnered increasing media
attention, which has largely been critical of both the group and its
products.

"Our concern is that they are scamming people by selling
basically pieces of paper and plastic," attorney Carl Starrett of
the Special Investigations Agency of California told a San Diego
news channel last year
(http://www.rickross.com/reference/gentlewind/gentlewind3.html).

Starrett later said, "The whole thing is ludicrous. They're
bilking people."

"It seems the Gentle Wind Project is selling what Health Canada
considers `risk class 1' devices, something the group is not
allowed to do without a license" reported Now Magazine
(http://www.rickross.com/reference/gentlewind/gentlewind15.html).

Robert Baratz, president of the National Council Against Health
Fraud in the U.S. said that GWP's scientific explanations of
their instruments are "high-sounding phrases that mean nothing."

While doing a story about the lawsuit a reporter for the Ellsworth
American dug into the publicly accessible financial records of GWP
(http://www.rickross.com/reference/gentlewind/gentlewind17.html).

The group's latest IRS disclosure shows assets of $2,077,324 as
of August 31, 2003, up from $1,918,205 the year before. Revenue for
the 2002-03 fiscal year totaled $1,969,923, with expenses totaling
$1,810,804.

Direct donations, accounted for $1,889,227 of revenues.

Expenses during the 2002-03 fiscal year included $1,015,899
for "program services." The project spent $358,995 in compensation
to officers and directors.

As president of the corporation, Mary Miller earned $71,799 during
the 2002-03 fiscal year, the same salary as the corporation's
treasurer and clerk.

GWP also spent $379,845 for other salaries and wages. Expenses also
included $43,474 for employee benefits and $176,072 for "supplies."

The project's books also show that gifts, grants and contributions
collectively totaled $4,112,751 during the fiscal years that began
in 1998 through 2001. Total revenue for that same period was
$5,593,033.

One filing notes a $231,660 loan to a GWP employee who is the
brother of a corporation officer. No purpose for the loan is listed.

The Attorney's General office in Maine is reportedly "looking
into" GWP.

According to court records GWP has paid out hundreds of thousands of
dollars in legal fees.

Prominent Massachusetts attorney Douglas Brooks
(http://www.rickross.com/advisory.html#brooks) who was generously
assisted by local counsel William H. Leete Jr. of Portland, Maine
represented the Ross Institute pro bono.

GWP's current attorney Daniel Rosenthal seems unfazed by the
group's latest legal setbacks. "It streamlines things and creates
a
tighter focus," he told the Portland Press Herald
(http://www.rickross.com/reference/gentlewind/gentlewind19.html).

However, it seems like Gentle Wind has blown its situation badly
through all its legal wrangling and would have been better off as a
quiet breeze.

The following is a press release from Rick Ross:

http://www.cultnews.com/

Lawsuit against "cult-watcher" dismissed

Today US District Court Judge Gene Carter dismissed a lawsuit filed
in Maine by the Gentle Wind Project (GWP) against Rick Ross and the
Rick A. Ross Institute For The Study of Destructive Cults,
Controversial Groups and Movements (RI).

The judge also denied the plaintiff's motion for any further
discovery, effectively ending the litigation in Maine entirely
regarding both this "cult watcher" and the nonprofit RI database.
Previously, Maine magistrate David Cohen recommended that the suit
be dismissed and the presiding federal judge agreed, ruling swiftly.
Judge Carter also refused to hear any oral arguments on the matter.
GWP's lawsuit initially included several defendants, now only two
essentially remain, former GWP members James Bergin and his wife
Judy Garvey.

Other defendants in the lawsuit settled with the group by complying
with its demands to purge any information about GWP, which it deemed
offensive, from their respective Web sites.

Ian Mander of New Zealand defaulted rather than settled.  Ivan
Fraser and Steve Gamble reached an agreement with gwp after many
months, for financial reasons, and they still have their original
website on the Internet

The remaining defendants Bergin and Garvey also received good news
today from the court, one of the primary counts against them was
also dismissed.

GWP is a nonprofit charity run by John and Mary Miller of Kittery,
Maine. The group holds seminars across the country and
sells "healing instruments" for suggested donations reportedly
ranging from $450 to upwards of $10,000. GWP claims that its
instruments are based upon a healing technology that is supposedly
channeled telepathically from "spirit world."

Some time ago I called the group "rather odd" in a Flaming Website
award, which was given after GWP published a rant about me at their
Web site. That rant was prompted by a link posted at the RI Links
page to a Web site launched by Bergin/Garvey, which is critical of
the group.

The Garvey/Bergin Web site describes the healing tools as modern
day "snake oil" and claims that the group manipulates its members.
The couple left GWP after a 17-year involvement.

Since the filing of the lawsuit GWP has garnered increasing media
attention, which has largely been critical of both the group and its
products.

"Our concern is that they are scamming people by selling basically
pieces of paper and plastic," attorney Carl Starrett of the Special
Investigations Agency of California told a San Diego news channel
last year.  Starrett later said, "The whole thing is ludicrous.
They're bilking people."

"It seems the Gentle Wind Project is selling what Health Canada
considers `risk class 1' devices, something the group is not allowed
to do without a license" reported Now Magazine.

Robert Baratz, president of the National Council Against Health
Fraud in the U.S. said that GWP's scientific explanations of their
instruments are "high-sounding phrases that mean nothing."
While doing a story about the lawsuit a reporter for the Ellsworth
American dug into the publicly accessible financial records of GWP.
The group's latest IRS disclosure shows assets of $2,077,324 as of
August 31, 2003, up from $1,918,205 the year before. Revenue for the
2002-03 fiscal year totaled $1,969,923, with expenses totaling
$1,810,804.

Direct donations, accounted for $1,889,227 of revenues.
Expenses during the 2002-03 fiscal year included $1,015,899
for "program services." The project spent $358,995 in compensation
to officers and directors.

As president of the corporation, Mary Miller earned $71,799 during
the 2002-03 fiscal year, the same salary as the corporation's
treasurer and clerk.

GWP also spent $379,845 for other salaries and wages. Expenses also
included $43,474 for employee benefits and $176,072 for "supplies."
The project's books also show that gifts, grants and contributions
collectively totaled $4,112,751 during the fiscal years that began
in 1998 through 2001. Total revenue for that same period was
$5,593,033.

One filing notes a $231,660 loan to a GWP employee who is the
brother of a corporation officer. No purpose for the loan is listed.
The Attorney's General office in Maine is reportedly "looking into"
GWP.

According to court records GWP has paid out hundreds of thousands of
dollars in legal fees.

Prominent Massachusetts attorney Douglas Brooks who was generously
assisted by local counsel William H. Leete Jr. of Portland, Maine
represented the Ross Institute pro bono.

GWP's current attorney Daniel Rosenthal seems unfazed by the group's
latest legal setbacks. "It streamlines things and creates a tighter
focus," he told the Portland Press Herald.

However, it seems like Gentle Wind has blown its situation badly
through all its legal wrangling and would have been better off as a
quiet breeze.

The following letter was printed in the Portland Press Herald/Maine
Today (Portland, ME) on 2-16-04

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/viewpoints/letters/today.shtml


"Gentle Wind Project from Two Others' Perspective"

Recent letters in praise of the Gentle Wind Project (GWP) from Mary
Ann Hale and Laurie Thompson (Jan. 27) - both of whom we have known
for many years - concerning your articles about the GWP leaders'
lawsuit against us and other critics (Jan. 9 and 11) left out a few
points:

1. GWP "healings" are "free" at their seminars, or by asking to use
a "healing instrument" that someone else has already purchased. But,
to own one, the "donation" prices, listed on the GWP Web
site "Gallery," are $250 to $7,700.

2. GWP claims on its Web site ("About GWP") that the "healing
instrument" designs come from their connection to "the spirit world,
not the human world."

3. Posting our personal stories of experiences with GWP over 17
years, which GWP's Web site ("Project News") labels "outrageously
false information by Internet hoaxers," resulted in GWP's massive
lawsuit against 11 defendants, including ourselves, for the stated
purpose of removing our stories from public view on our Wind of
Changes Web site, and elsewhere on the Internet.

During our years as GWP followers from 1983 to 2000, we used scores
of "healing instruments," from "rods" to "pucks" to "cards," and
were placed on GWP's board of directors.

Regrettably, we also pitched the products at seminars, praised them
to anyone who would listen and made large donations.

Our own experiences with the group, its practices and
its "healings" - as told on the Wind of Changes Web site
in "Insiders' Stories" and "Husband's Perspective" - resulted in a
lawsuit against us. That speaks volumes.

Jim Bergin
Judy Garvey
Blue Hill

It's in the files. Enjoy!

Suz


--- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com, "truth_seeker1958"
<truth_seeker1958@y...> wrote:
>
> What's the art that's being referred to? And the cartoons. Did I
miss
> something? Where can I see what you're talking about?

What's the art that's being referred to? And the cartoons. Did I miss
something? Where can I see what you're talking about?

Thanx for the laughs in the poetry and the art. Too funny!

The info about the attorney general is greatly useful. I"ll be
sending my personal ltr tomorrow. I want to say a sincere thanx to
you all who have stuck your necks out.It's inspiring & gives
courage.

  Suz

*New Poem


"GWP had to sell its research banjo!"
http://www.holysmoke.org/cos/gentle-winds-scam4.htm
   "An introduction...Exhibit C of [Mary "Moe" Miller's] lawsuit
affidavit (25 Oct 04) lists items she claims GWP had to sell to
raise money after the negative web articles appeared and GWP had
spent well over a hundred grand on litigation GWP had started. These
items were 'equipment used in the research and manufacturing of the
healing technology.'...
   "What were the items they had to sell you ask? Hold on to your
chair!
   "They were: A clarinet, several guitars, a banjo and workshop
tools."

Miller affidavit:
http://www.whyaretheydead.net/misc/GWP_lawsuit/74.pdf
Exhibit C:
http://www.whyaretheydead.net/misc/GWP_lawsuit/74-ex-C.pdf
Ross reply:
http://www.whyaretheydead.net/misc/GWP_lawsuit/80.pdf



          * The "Research Banjo":  A Poem


"...there are more things in heaven and on earth

than man only know."

But to rise above that

we'll need to strum our "Research Banjo."


We'll pluck like we know about your soul,

and for that can you donate much of your gold?

Cuz our kind of research may seem a little funky,

but you know that instruments cost a lot of Money.


Our expensive cars and boats may help us to grow,

but nothing does the job like

our dear old "Research Banjo."


Science & Engineering is where it's at,

and when we stop playing we pass the hat.


Our research could reveal a strange new nexus.

But if you need to know more

we'll need a deluxe Research LEXUS.


And if you feel that this sounds like a perk,

Wait till you hear about our energy work!



     Jack

There are two new files that are cartoons poking fun at GWP.  One
came to me from anonymous source, the other was posted by another
user.

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the gentlewindvictims
group.

   File        : /gwp.GIF
   Uploaded by : collectionlaw <chs@...>
   Description : Gif Cartoon

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gentlewindvictims/files/gwp.GIF

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

collectionlaw <chs@...>

An anonymous source forwarded me message posted in the "official"
GWP message group from someone who is selling a Trauma Card.  I
wonder if the seller offers a warranty.  Maybe it can be recharged
telepathically or via email.  Enjoy:

Friends,

I have a High Density Trauma Card for sale, version 26.0, GWP
Certificate of Authenticity issued 12/6/04, serial number available
on request.

I bought three of them as part of one of GWP's Holiday Specials,
have sold one, and of course am keeping one since I've found the
Trauma Card to be very valuable personally.

The three originally cost $610 including shipping, or just over $200
each. I'd be glad to sell my extra Trauma Card for $150 plus
shipping by the method of your choice. If you're interested, please
contact me by phone or email, whichever is most convenient.

I would address your correspondence to Carolyn Silsby, Esq.  I
cannot make any representations regarding the degree of anonymity
you would be entitled to under the law, if any.  Most jurisdictions
have what is called a "litigation privilege" that limits are
eliminates liability for statements made in conjunction with court
proceedings, including the activity of reporting a crime to the
police.

Unfortunately, it is not the type of question that has a simple
answer.

--- In gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com, "truth_seeker1958"
<truth_seeker1958@y...> wrote:
>
>
> I recently joined this board and it's been most helpful in
answering
> some of my questions.
>
> Mr. Starett, I haven't contacted the Maine Attorney General yet
and I
> would like to know how I should proceed. I don't want to send an
> email. I would rather write a letter. Who would I address the
letter
> to?
>
> My main concern is anonymity. How can I be assured that what I
write
> to the Attorney General won't be used against me? And how can I be
> assured that I won't be called to testify?
>
> I would appreciate your addressing this further. I've read all the
> postings on this board and still don't feel reassured.
>
> Thank you.

I recently joined this board and it's been most helpful in answering
some of my questions.

Mr. Starett, I haven't contacted the Maine Attorney General yet and I
would like to know how I should proceed. I don't want to send an
email. I would rather write a letter. Who would I address the letter
to?

My main concern is anonymity. How can I be assured that what I write
to the Attorney General won't be used against me? And how can I be
assured that I won't be called to testify?

I would appreciate your addressing this further. I've read all the
postings on this board and still don't feel reassured.

Thank you.

-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Starrett <chs@...>
To: gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com <gentlewindvictims@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 5:56 PM
Subject: Victims of the Gentle Wind Project Maine Attorney General Seeking More Victims

Maine's Attorney General is accepting more testimonies from
individuals who paid "donations" to Gentle Wind Project for "healing
instruments" or "contributions," and/or were refused refunds, or
were told about physical, medical, or psychological benefits of
the "healing instruments," or whose reports to GW were used
as "research" for GWP's articles or reports. Statements to the
Attorney General are confidential and protected from legal action.

The AG would also like to hear from people who have been part of
what GWP calls "research."  For some people, this might have been
during the earlier years when GWP told followers that the "spirit
world" was researching individuals as they worked on photography,
electronics, lathes, ham radios, boat building, radio
planes, "energy work," and so on.  GW seems to be attempting to
create a more "scientific" image now by asking for reports
from "instrument keepers" on the "positive benefits" of 
using "healing instruments."

Individuals that have already contacted the Attorney General may
send additional information.

To contact the Attorney General's office:

Email: consumer.mediation@... - Attn: Gentle Wind Project

Mail: Maine Attorney General, Attn: Gentle Wind Project, 6 State
House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0006, USA

Phone: 207-626-8800

Fax: 207-626-8518, Attn: Gentle Wind Project





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Maine's Attorney General is accepting more testimonies from
individuals who paid "donations" to Gentle Wind Project for "healing
instruments" or "contributions," and/or were refused refunds, or
were told about physical, medical, or psychological benefits of
the "healing instruments," or whose reports to GW were used
as "research" for GWP's articles or reports. Statements to the
Attorney General are confidential and protected from legal action.

The AG would also like to hear from people who have been part of
what GWP calls "research."  For some people, this might have been
during the earlier years when GWP told followers that the "spirit
world" was researching individuals as they worked on photography,
electronics, lathes, ham radios, boat building, radio
planes, "energy work," and so on.  GW seems to be attempting to
create a more "scientific" image now by asking for reports
from "instrument keepers" on the "positive benefits" of
using "healing instruments."

Individuals that have already contacted the Attorney General may
send additional information.

To contact the Attorney General's office:

Email: consumer.mediation@... - Attn: Gentle Wind Project

Mail: Maine Attorney General, Attn: Gentle Wind Project, 6 State
House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0006, USA

Phone: 207-626-8800

Fax: 207-626-8518, Attn: Gentle Wind Project