Mind Manipulators

_The Mind Manipulators_ by Alan W. Scheflin and Edward M. Opton, Jr., published in 1978, is a fascinating account of the technologies of mind manipulation that are being used to subvert man's freedom and reduce him to a slave of his manipulators. Although somewhat dated, this book nevertheless remains very important for those who wish to understand the technological advances which have made possible mind manipulation and mind control on a massive scale. The book looks at cases of mind control including "brainwashing" and psychiatric coercion, emphasizing especially the role of individuals in the government who have sought to control the masses through these methods. The book also shows the use of mind manipulation among individuals deemed "efficiency experts", for police surveillance, and in the prison system. The book is neatly divided into chapters with titles such as the following: Assaulting the Mind: The Rise of Mind Manipulation - provides an overview of the rise of mind manipulation, emphasizing its beginnings among "efficiency experts", including remarks on the Moscow Show Trials, and the CIA's role in mind control experimentation. Laundering the Mind: Brainwashing - begins by examining the brainwashing phenomenon within communist countries, including the supposed brainwashing of Korean POWs, the brainwashing of Cardinal Mindszenty, and the emphasis on both Soviet and Chinese brainwashing. Also, this chapter includes a discussion of Charles Manson (arguing that his control over his followers was not actual brainwashing), the rise of religious cults (showing the role of cult deprogrammers and the conflict between freedom of religion and "freedom of thought"), and Patty Hearst (arguing that she was not actually brainwashed). In particular, there is evidence to suggest that Charles Manson was influenced heavily by such cultlike systems as Scientology and Dale Carnegie's courses, as well as science fiction writer Robert Heinlein. The authors conclude that the concept of brainwashing may itself be a form of mind manipulation. Tampering with the Mind (I): The CIA - emphasizes the role of the CIA in unethical experiments on mind control, under such programs as Project BLUEBIRD and MK-ULTRA. The authors provide evidence to show that the CIA experimented heavily on various mind control techniques, particularly emphasizing the use of LSD and marijuana to induce mental states in individuals supposedly facilitating mind control. The authors show some of the harm that arose from these programs including the death of Frank Olson, who was given LSD without his knowledge which may have led to his suicide, and the horrendously unethical drug experiments of George Hunter White, a narcotics officer who experimented with drugs, giving them to unsuspecting individuals through surreptitious methods. Tampering with the Mind (II): The Army - the authors fully discuss the role of the U.S. Army in mind manipulation especially unethical experiment

While the book is not dealing with current issues of behavior modification, there are enough cases presented and enough sources cited to prove behavior modification is a reality. Every aspect is covered in a thorough manner from covert mind control to subtle overt society changes to Chemical Biological Warfare. I really enjoyed the sections dealing with deliberate government intervention in modifying the countries outlook on the cold war. It not only showed that the cold war was fabricated, but that it was invented for malicious reasons. A fascinating piece of work, well documented and well written. I wish there were more like it for current issues of a more covert nature. Milton Bernheisel