Scientology in the news #1

More than before, Scientology seems to dominate many of the news articles on-line. Strangely they are not very obvious to contain references about the cult, however a simple “<CTRL> F” and a search for “Scientology” yields many more hits than articles of the past few years.

Browsing google i’ve found a few noteable articles which show this persistant media spotlight.

This morning, the National Ledger state:

All reports for this month are aiming at a November wedding for Tom Cruise and his long-time fiancé the fabulous Katie Holmes™. If these reports are correct – the long engagement will come to an end in November sometime before Thanksgiving.

But according to one report – there may be a bit of a snag ands the report claims that the block may be because of Scientology.

Has there every been a day when this was not in the news? – apart from the days when every newspaper tried to piece together the modern day Da Vinci Code that is Suri.

It seems that despite all the negative press Tom Cruise has recieved recently, what with his outburst at Brooke Shields (whom he later apologised to – could you be shaking off the cult’s stranglehold Tom?) and his being fired over his controversial beliefs.

Most of the news lately has revolved around Tom and his religion, although some of the Scientology related articles are a little more subtle.

To anyone who has heard for the alternative artist Beck, there had never been a great deal of Scientology related information regarding him. Only recently has he mentioned his beliefs, being a long time member of the religion.

The difference between Tom Cruise and Beck Hansen is their involvement in the media in regards to promoting Scientology. While Tom likes to use his fame to catapult the organisation (i find calling it a “religion” a little to hard to say all the time) into further spotlight, Beck seems content to mention that he is a member and then move on.

And on to the serious stuff, news directly about the cult it’s self. I give you the epic quest that is:

Scientology takes on “Kiddie Cocaine”

Clearwater, Florida – Pat Harney is the spokeswoman for the Church of Scientology’s World Spiritual Headquarters in Clearwater.

She is showing off a packet of pamphlets that draw all eyes to drugs that are known for their abuse on the streets, like Crystal Meth, LSD, cocaine, and marijuana.

Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:

“45-percent of kids take marijuana in a one-month period.”

But the blitz also includes a warning against a drug prescribed to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as Harney holds up a red pamphlet.

Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:

“This is kiddie cocaine, which is the street name for Ritalin.”

Scientology members and supporters believe Ritalin is over-prescribed, to where pills leave the medicine cabinet and end up at teen parties, where the side effects of the drug can come into play.

Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:

“Visual hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, aggressive and violent behavior. These are serious consequences. And what we’re saying is, you have to know this parents….and kids.”

A decade ago this effort might have met with widespread criticism because the Church of Scientology is spearheading it.

We asked grandparents, and parents, if it mattered that Scientology is driving the effort.

Tina Dyer, Concerned parent:

“As long as it’s accurate information, I think it’s fantastic. And I wish more churches would do that.”

Sharon Corely, Concerned grandparent:

“I know they’re very strong against drugs, that’s probably a good thing. As far as their religious aspects, I’ll stay out of that.”

Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:

“But, If you had a fire, and the fireman was a Scientologist, a Catholic, a Jewish person or a Muslim, would you care if he came in to put out the fire.”

In a video, supplied to us by the Church, you can see Scientologists handing out pamphlets on Clearwater Beach, and at the University of South Florida.

Scientology is also providing anti-drug speakers to an inner-city Christian Churches in Tampa.

Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:

“The important thing is that we get the message out.”

Scientology hopes groups from social clubs to neighborhood watches will help distribute the anti-drug pamphlets.

They say it’s not a recruiting tool, but a means to a more drug-free society.

Dave Bohman, Tampa Bay’s 10 News

I have no idea how the author of this article feels, as the quotes outnumber his own words but reading this article gives me the impression that his is an attempt to glorify Scientology’s attempts to release children from medication that controls imbalances that they believe do not exist.

 

According to Scientology – especially Tom Cruise – Psychiatry and prescription medication is wrong. Never before have i heard something so absurd. I am not a believer in any world religion, but never have any major power stated that medication is wrong. Psychiatry is a proven workable profession and it’s patient have more “wins” than any Scientologist who believes he can use the “tech” to “clear” the planet.

 

This is something very dear to me, as a know several people who depend on medication and i know without it they find life difficult. My mother has lost the use of her right arm – it is still intact but there is no movement. The idea of using “assists” to cure my mothers condition is absurd, as is the notion of her dealing with the pain without medication.

 

All that aside, Germany is taking a stand against Scientology – in a move that pleases myself and many other critics around the world.

 

Apparently, after school tutoring programmes led by Scientologist’s are being targeted in a move to dissuade the group from recruiting the youth of Germany. Interestingly, Scientology has been refused tax-free status in Germany, despite it being a legal religion in the country.

 

To quote Minister Gunther Beckstein:

 

‘Scientology is not a religion. It is a business and its aim is to gain power over individuals and try to brainwash them,’

 

Now there is someone with power that truely understands Scientology like we do.