"Landmark itself is a racket"

February 21, 2001
By A Forum Graduate

I recently completed the Forum, and went to the first "Forum In Action" class last week. I have some concerns about the organization, and have decided not to continue with landmark. The following is my letter to the "group" (we gathered into small 6 person groups at the meeting).

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm not going to be continuing the Forum In Action series. I learned a lot about myself in the forum, and thought it was a powerful experience, but just think it's time to move on.

Why am i not continuing, you might ask? Well, I feel in order to continue with landmark, I will have to relinquish independent thought, like for example, being able to make the claim that Landmark itself is a "racket." Now I know you might respond to that by saying that's MY racket, but not even being able to question the organization of Landmark makes me wonder what kind of organization it is.

Researching the roots of Landmark, one wonders how much trust you can put into an organization with such a checkered past. Allegations of income tax evasion, domestic abuse, etc. Even if these were false claims, the way I see it, if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it just might be a duck.

I think landmark is a "racket" because it is a paradox in and of itself. There is no way to question it, because every time you try to, it's dismissed as being your "racket," your problem. It's a catch 22.

I also think that there is mind influencing going on here. Not necessarily brainwashing, but a definite influencing of how to look at things. And for every "breakthrough" and every "transformation," the hand that's attached to that shoulder you cry on is getting closer and closer to your wallet and address book. How many of you are doing the advanced course? How many are bringing friends tonight?

In your relationships with others outside of Landmark, have you noticed an "us vs. them" dichotomy developing? How do you feel about me now? I'm not as close as I may have once been, right? Have you noticed yourself defending landmark as not the way I claim it is? But I'm still the same guy right? Why should it matter if I continue with this or not? Aren't people entitled to their own opinions? I think that one can actually distance himself from others who aren't interested in this "technology."

Now what kind of thing is this, really? If the person you are trying to enroll doesn't want to "buy," how do you explain the rift that is almost always created? What makes you so right? Just because I like basketball and one of my friends doesn't, that doesn't mean she's in the dark, or enrollable to the sport. Shouldn't someone have the right to choose? And shouldn't you accept them whatever their choice?

How long do you plan on being a part of this organization? When do you think you will "get it?" I asked this question to the woman leading the action series last week. And what was her answer? "Never," she said. So what are you paying for? What are you devoting your time to? When is enough enough? How many courses will it take for you to figure out your "rackets" and winning formulas? Some people are still finding new rackets to this day, and have devoted their lives to landmark. Some people are going to be a part of this until they die.

If you want to devote your life to this, consider the following:

There are nearly 60 landmark courses and infinite volunteer opportunities. if you want, you can easily spend the rest of your life with Landmark.

You can get that fix. Isn't it the fix that you are craving? The fix that this organization provides?

Isn't it just another racket? Except this racket has a name--Landmark.

I challenge you to consider the possibility that Landmark itself is flawed. And seeing that imperfection is the very thing that can help bring back your independent thought, your reason, and in some ways, your mind.