Scientology not protected from criticism

To the Editor:

As an atheist, I most certainly agree with Dan Mecca's oft-overlooked point that, by definition, indeed all religions are cults. They all have for too long have operated free from criticism by claiming, as the Scientologist Ms. Sene did in her letter, to be the ever-woeful victims of persecution by "hate groups." Yet when the willful embrace of illusion and dogmatic inhumanity is all that you sow, criticism by the forces of reason is precisely what you reap.

Scientology is a unique predator however, and its devious intentions require a more pointed attack than has been leveled by Mr. Mecca. Simply put, Scientology is a parasitic, totalitarian, multinational commercial enterprise, driven by lust for profit and power, skillfully concealed under the guise of an outwardly humble religious faith. It is nothing more than a tax-exempt (since legal victory against the IRS in 1993) pyramid scheme of enlightenment-for-a-price, concocted by the racist, violent, spiteful, drug-addled entrepreneur-charlatan L. Ron Hubbard. It has been commanded since by profiteers like David Miscavige, who with an insatiable litany of fees extort the personal wealth of the church's victims. It indoctrinates these individuals and turns them against critics and non-believers, tearing apart families in the ceaseless campaign against so-called "Suppressive Persons". It forbids members from utilizing modern psychiatric medicine, condemning victims such as Lisa McPherson to needless suffering and death at the hands of Scientology's own pseudo-science. It is a corporation responsible for "Operation Snow White", the unparalleled effort by Scientology to infiltrate the United States government throughout the 1970's. It is a corporation whose doctrine of "Fair Game" is to use litigation, or the threat thereof, to intimidate, bankrupt, and silence critics -- accusing them of slander, libel, and organized hate. Others they will stalk, attempt to sexually blackmail, frame for terrorist acts, or attempt to have committed to mental institutions (see: "Operation Freakout"). It is an unconscionable corporation that claims to be a "religion"...one whose texts just so happen to have been copyrighted so they may not be used by critics.

But there in lies the true ruse. The title of "religion" is itself an excuse which, unfortunately in our society, leads the casual observer to automatically assume something to be a tame and noble brand, above reproach, and worthy of respect and reverence. Freedom of belief is an unalienable human right, certainly. However, in higher regard, the right to free speech is far more sacred than any illusory right to be protected from personal offense. To criticize, in words and protest, Scientology or any other religion -- all vicious practitioners of outright deceit, tyranny, and servitude -- is not hate. It is the solemn duty of all reasoned individuals of conscience, who so highly regard their fellow man as to educate them to the true nature of these eternally corrupt and self-serving

hierarchies. The day has long since passed when the arrogant pretexts of "religion" and "faith" can serve as amnesty for the institutionalized evils of Scientology and its religious ilk, no matter their age, no matter their cloak.