December 23, 2008

• The Eyes of the World are looking at....Shawano, WI?

  A few nights ago, I promised a post about Shawano, WI.  I have been putting it off because it seems to get hectic around the holidays. 

  It all started a few more nights ago when I was sitting here reading post after post and recommendation after recommendation.  I received a phone call from the Croatian Sensation asking me if I watch the CBS Evening News.  Honestly I had to say that I usually have it on mute just so I can view Katie Couric in all her glory.  Also, I don't find CBS to be a reliable news source given their history with Dan Rather.  Anyway, CS told me that one of the stories on the news took place in Shawano, WI and that a mutual acquaintance had presented the story. 

  The story all stems from this cult-like group that is making death-threats against the mayor and police department of Shawano and our acquaintance.  Apparently they don't like his reporting style or the substance of what he reports.
   
  It all started about 30 years ago when a group by the name of The Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ set up in Shawano.  They were led by a man named Avarahm Cohen who later became known as Samantha Roy.  The group started buying millions of dollars worth of land and businesses in and around Shawano.  The problem that has developed is that some of the businesses are not filing taxes and another business, a hotel, has had complaints filed against it for hosting adult swinging parties.  Why does it seem like every cult involves tax evasion and questionable sexual practices?

  Well this cult now calls themself the Samantha Roy Institute of Science and Technology.  The community of Shawano is split over this group.  I will let you read Mike Lauber's news reports(my acqauintance) and then a proSIST website. 

  The report on CBS dealt with the death threats.  The mayor of Shawano, Lorna Marquardt, has had all the windows in her house, car, and office replaced with bullet-proof glass.  Mike has also come under threat because he is an outsider reporting on this group and that he has had preferential treatment from the mayor.  Also a local newspaper reporter seems to be a member of the group and has felt insulted about bringing in this outsider.  The group also calls into question Lauber's religion.  He went to a Lutheran college near where I went and the group claims that he is related to Martin Luther and Adolf Hitler. 

  I found a youtube video about why SIST hates Lauber and the mayor.  It sounds like the rant and ravings of a madman like Hitler.  They compare their struggle in Shawano to the genocide in Germany and the genocide of Jews in general.  They quote Luther in the video I found however they don't quote any of the religious applications as to why he said that nor did they quote his recantation of that quote.  So here is the video, I can't post it because the cult member disabled embedding. 

  You should watch some of the other videos by the SIST member ShawanoNews2008, they are laughable and quite creepy. 

  I guess I really report anything other than bring up this topic.  I am sort of trying to be the teacher model of a guide on the side and let you research the information and come to your own conclusion.  I also just find it hilarious that a town like Shawano is on the national news for a cult making death threats against political leaders and reporters.  I am thinking the new slogan will be: Shawano, if the cold doesn't kill then maybe our cult will.

  • 1:54 AM
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