Heaven's Gate / extropian link found

From: Robert Schrader (rms@cts.com)
Date: Tue Apr 01 1997 - 12:47:46 MST


In the morning paper here in San Diego where the cult suicides are still
for some reason considered newsworthy, there was a passing reference to
extropians. Evidently one of the suicides had a copy of 'The Extropian'
in his possesions ( at his parent's home - not at the scene ). It was
referred to as the writings of a "Santa Monica based internet cult",
which advocated, among other things, "Cryogenics, smart drugs, and
upgrading".

A few other tidbits:

In the words of a cult 'expert' who was interviewed, "...the 'singularity'
prophesied by extropians is a example of the 'Impending Doom' technique
frequently used by cult leaders..."

"Extropian literature names no date for the event, and Los Angeles county
and Santa Monica city authorities reported no group suicides recently,
but sources in the L.A. County Sherriff's office confirmed that the group
was being investigated."

Robert Schrader rms@cts.com



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