The St. Petersburg Times is running a series on the Church of Scientology that has some pretty eye-popping allegations, particularly with regard to Church leader David Miscavige. For those who have long argued that the Church is a cult (most recently in Europe) the exposé will likely reinforce their views.
The newspaper reports bizarre and abusive conduct by Miscavige, including hitting high-ranking officials and forcing them to play a game of musical chairs (where the losers allegedly are banned from the Church).
The Los Angeles Times also has a story alleging rampant corruption in the Church.
The series on Scientology is something of a surprise. Many reporters that I have spoken with over the years are privately reluctant to do Scientology stories because of the Church’s aggressive reputation in responding to press. The Church has a history of suing critics and pursuing members who have joined the movement opposing Scientology. This has led to recent lawsuits ( and here) and complaints. Recently, Scientology also was barred from making edits on Wikipedia because of what it viewed as a pattern of misleading or false changes on sites referencing the Church.
For the first part of the three-part series, click here.
For the second part of the three-part series, click here.
Most organizations that call themselves a religion do not copyright their dogma or holy word nor charge a huge fee.
Mike, Buddha, GWLM,
I wouldn’t describe myself as adventurous, just Omnivorous.
Mike S writes: I also can be considered an adventurous eater and love ethnic foods of all available variety’s. Andrew Z., though makes me seem gastro-centric and if the choice was between eating haggis or starving, I’d have to think long and hard.
sorry kids. Not me. Not ever. I was 20-ish before I ate my first taco and I was raised in southern california. I still can’t eat Thai or Vietnamese food and once some friends wanted me to go to this Ethiopian restaurant and I just could not do it. Grilled cheese is about as exotic as I get. I did have a fondness for sushi but don’t eat that anymore. My appetite for chinese food went out the window after a few trips to China and in India I stay vegetarian for obvious reasons. I age goat while living in Greece and that just about gagged me. If the choice is Haggis or nothing, then get me a plane ticket for Paris.
Mike S writes: Author: Mike Spindell
Comment:
“Ideas are not equally valid; they are assayed by reason. Unreasonable ideas are inferior to reasonable ideas.”
okay so I did not cut and paste the whole thing…but consider this: what would the world be without stupid ideas issued from the minds and mouths of stupid people? For one, the comedy business would suffer greatly. Tina Fey just happens to be a gifted mimic and just happens to bear a striking resemblance to Sarah Palin. This would mean nothing if Mrs. Palin were bright. But she, alas, is not. She is stupid. And so Tina Fey becomes brilliant, or more brilliant, even, her special gift for comedy and satire already have established her comedy bona fides.
I give thanks everyday for the Sarah Palins of this world and for the media that cements their stupidity in our eyes every day.
Buddha,
I also can be considered an adventurous eater and love ethnic foods of all available variety’s. Andrew Z., though makes me seem gastro-centric and if the choice was between eating haggis or starving, I’d have to think long and hard.
Mike,
As long as he was a decent fellow who treated her right, I have no objection. I would however request a pass on having haggis served at the reception. The day would be traumatic enough without having the addition of playing a round of the home version of “Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern”. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been known to be an adventurous eater, but there is a time and a place. I’m thinking that ain’t it.
“Ideas are not equally valid; they are assayed by reason. Unreasonable ideas are inferior to reasonable ideas.”
Mespo,
As usual thank you for these two sentences. A terse summation of the problem we’ve had in public discourse, as defined by the media, for many years now and one of the reasons for the decline in intelligent US discussions. The global warming issue is an obvious case in point. On one hand about 95% of the field scientists, on the other 5% of scientists working directly for energy companies. The MSM has debates treating both sides equally.
Mike A., Mespo & Vince
What a blessing this site is to have Mike’s ability to explain the law clearly; Mespo’s erudition and philosophical perspective and Vince’s logic and attention to detail.
Buddha,
But would you let a Scotsman marry your daughter?
FFLEO,
Exemplary of the intelligence of a true conservative and an old fogie like me.
GWLSM,
My nominee for rookie of the year. Always a fun read.
None of this meant to exclude the rest of our regular cast
of smart, committed people.
Thank you Jonathan, for making my days better and keeping me learning in my dotage.
Hi All!
I’ve been humming a song for the last few days when reading these posts on such intertwined threads; thank-you Buddha for bringing up Scotsmen as this song is by Mike Scott from The Waterboys (and he was born in Edinburgh don’t you know!)
“Strange Boat”
We’re sailing in a strange boat, heading for a strange shore
We’re sailing in a strange boat, heading for a strange shore
We’re carrying the strangest cargo
that was ever hauled aboard
We’re sailing on a strange sea, blown by a strange wind
We’re sailing on a strange sea, blown by a strange wind
We’re carrying the strangest crew
that ever sinned
We’re riding in a strange car
We’re following a strange star
We’re climbing on the strangest ladder
that was ever here to climb
We’re living in a strange time, working for a strange goal
We’re living in a strange time, working for a strange goal
We’re turning flesh and body
into soul