CCLP and its affiliates the National Labor Federation aka Natlfed, Eastern Farm Workers Association, California Homemakers Association, Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals, etc., have been around for a long time, probably about 35 years. I worked with Sacramento and Oakland organizations that initiated CCLP's back in the 80's. I left after being full time for 5 years. I have been a lawyer for 20 years since them. I will certainly agree that CCLP and the affiliated organizations are involved in low income communities and that working with these organizations is an eye opener for the privileged in our society. Yet that is not a good enough reason to work with them.

Robin is correct in calling them a "cult." This is not obvious to most people who first meet them, and it is generally not obvious to the people who are in the middle of all of this. Yet the recruitment procedures and the control that the groups exercise over their cadre makes the "cult" description very apt. When one becomes involved with this group there is a constant push to obtain more and more involvement, commitment and agreement. The groups use a hidden cell structure to hide their relationships with other groups and to exercise control over the cadre. It is a little complicated to describe here but it is effective. Many intelligent, well educated and well meaning people get completely sucked up into this organization. It wastes there lives and probably leaves many of the scarred.

If you want to help poor people there are plenty of legitimate options. This is not a legitimate option and supporting them probably injures many more people than it helps.

I do want to thank Robin for her consistent efforts to spread the word about this organization. Reading her highly accurate comments have helped me to come to terms with my experiences the this organization.

Robin: Good luck with your legal career.