Scientology's staying power

Scientology is so attack oriented it just appears absurd. A debate is not resolved by attack attack attack, it takes well reasoned arguments, not repeated talking points about well rehearsed topics. It's not as though the amazing "same thoughts and words" enter every scientologists head whenever someone brings up operation snow white or Lisa McPherson or now Shawn in Clearwater (Just waiting to see you eventually scapegoat for that blunder, what bad timing.) Obviously you have meetings about "your crimes" to spin room them and do damage control. It is obvious to everyone, no one is fooled.

Shawn L. @ 1:31 PM PST, Feb 29, 2008

Anon: Any "group accused of crimes" does not mean they are guilty of those accusations -- does the term "witch hunt" mean anything to you? Especially those accusations made by an anonymous source. BTW, to anyone interested, the "tactics" employed by Scientology, they can be found quite readily in the 'Scientology Handbook" available in most public libraries and, of course, church book stores. Aspects such as controlling a communcation cycle (without causing an upset) or handling an unwarranted personal accusation are outlined in that publication, as well as other equally valuable information.

Mike Morgan @ 7:38 AM PST, Feb 29, 2008

Anon.: I have said this many times -- if you have information about crimes being committed, if you have documentable proof of the commission of these crimes, then it is your duty to present this proof to the proper authorities. To not do so, in my mind, would be a breach of ethics. The Vaughn Young article does not amount to much. It seems funny that a purported "ultra-secret" location would give public tours, but that is beside the point -- I guess. Anyone who has to deal with the press employs similar policies. They are called press agents, publicists or PR guys. All employ similar policies - these are nothing new.

Mike Morgan @ 7:22 AM PST, Feb 29, 2008

Anon: The church tatics are legal defenses of its own copyrighted property. Just because the church does not give you the "answers" you seek does not mean it is being evasive. After 26 years of investigating, the IRS granted the Church tax exempt status - after investigating Snow White, et al. But you don't want to hear that. On almost an annual basis the US State Department reprimands Germany for their treatment of Scientologists, but you don't want to hear that. The halls of Scientology churches are filled with commendations from state and local government and civic groups. But you don't want to hear that.

Mike Morgan @ 5:59 AM PST, Feb 29, 2008

Mr. Morgan, any organization that is accused of crimes can clear them up pretty quick by opening up to the authorities. Only guilty ones need to try to deflect the accusations by clinging to Hubbard's looney policies of: respond to a question without answering, divert the issue, tell "an acceptable truth," stall for time, assume various emotional states to control another, "attack the attacker," take control of a conversation, introvert a person and "get the message across". Robert Vaughn Young already spilled the beans on your tactics (http://www.lermanet.com/journalistbriefing.htm). I suggest something new if you want to be upstat by 2pm.

anonymous @ 9:52 AM PST, Feb 28, 2008

Jean, I just wanted to write a note to express my sincere hope that the vitriol spread by the "anonymous" crowd has not negatively affected you in any way. The world needs brave souls like you that are able to stand up against hate, bigotry and ridicule. I speak as an individual and as a Scientologist. I do not profess to know the inner workings of the church heirarchy nor do I consider those individuals as deity's or demigods. They do however, have my highest regards and respect. I truly beleive that Scientology is man's only hope for enlightenment and to see it denegraded by a group ignorant of its value is truly maddening.

Mike Morgan @ 9:20 AM PST, Feb 28, 2008

Jean, you don't even understand why anon is pissed off. Do some research so you wont look like such a moron next time you speak out. Its not about what the cos believe, its about their unruly business practices. If you are a historian then act like one and do some research before you write an article. I hope UCLA fires you for exposing their school as one that hires people of misinformation. I hope the L.A Times never lets you write an article again. Im seriously so confused as to why you would write this with all the facts about anon out there. Are you CO$?

Anon @ 11:56 AM PST, Feb 27, 2008

I am interested how an Op-Ed piece about another Op-Ed from a Scientologist's blog made it into the LA Times?

Strange..... @ 11:33 AM PST, Feb 27, 2008

The writer of this article should be ashamed of herself for not first investigating the truth about this cult. Would you let a child of yours join? I only hope your ignorance of the subject doesn't encourage other peoples children to join. Your article is the same as saying, "well, you know, Hitler had his good points" !

Bob Newhart @ 9:28 AM PST, Feb 27, 2008

Speaking as an academic, I deplore your lack of research and acadmenic integrity. To ignore documented fact, and worse to not do research on the topic at hand, you are academically dishonest to take any stand, and should you ACTUALLY be a part of any research project, fired in disgrace. You are a hack of a writer and NO EXPERT in this field. Issue a retraction with your tail behind your legs if you are EVER to write on the subject again. do the right thing

Anonymous @ 8:53 AM PST, Feb 27, 2008

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