Once the evidence of extreme abuse began surfacing in surprising numbers, the 'False Memory Syndrome Foundation' (FMSF) was set up to promote the theory that victims are suffering from a syndrome that creates false memories, often at the suggestion of psychotic parents or over-zealous psychiatrists.
The members of the FMSF have been called as expert witnesses in hundreds of trials around the United States and have been routinely quoted as experts in the media. Their mission has been exceptionally successful, as the 'false memory syndrome' has become accepted as a fact in most of the public consciousness. Unfortunately, people rarely stop to ask the question, who exactly are the members of the FMSF, and how solid is their science?
Peter J. Freyd initiated the founding of the FMSF after being accused of sexual abuse by his daughter, Jennifer. His behavior has been particularly suspect, such as accusing his daughter of being brain damaged, despite the fact that she holds a PhD in Psychology, graduated magna cum laude from Penn and is currently a tenured professor of psychology at the University of Oregon. Speaking to The Oregonian, Jennifer Freyd stated that “I’m sometimes flabbergasted that my memory is considered ‘false’ and my alcoholic father’s memory is considered rational and sane.”
Peter Freyd once stated that “With the help of Harold Lief and Martin Orne, the FMSF quickly gathered a respectable appearing advisory board, giving the new syndrome an aura of scientific acceptance.” Interestingly, Dr. Martin T. Orne has been heavily involved with MK-ULTRA experiments since the early '60s, where he undertook hypnosis studies at Harvard Medical School with a $30,000 grant from the CIA.
CIA documents have confirmed that Orne had a 'top secret' clearance in MK-ULTRA. He has published many papers relevant to the creation of a 'Manchurian candidate', including one called “Can a hypnotized subject be compelled to carry out otherwise unacceptable behavior?”, another called “The significance of unwitting cues for experimental outcomes: Toward a pragmatic approach”, and lastly “Restricted use of success cues in retrieval during post-hypnotic amnesia”.This is an interesting subject matter history given the FMSF's insistence that hypnotism is illegitimate.
Dr. Harold Lief was involved with brain electrode experiments at Tulane University, a notorious MK-ULTRA institution. Another prominent member, David Dinges, was a co-wor
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