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There's been a great deal of interest on Rant Rave lately regarding scientology, and also those that are critical of scientology. I, myself, have posted several times, in attempt to provide a counterbalance to some of the outrageous comments and claims of the group; but the question is why?
According to members of the organization, that would prove that I am some sort of bigot. That I hate all religion, hate humanity, and only want what is "bad" for people. By their claims (implied and directed to me) I must be a criminal, drug user or paid by "big pharma".
In fact, I am none of these things. I've served my Country proudly (and those of you that have served in any military would attest- an extra paycheck from "big pharma" would have certainly helped pay the bills!). I am active in several charities, one of which I formed in order to provide opportunities to homeless families. I also, and this may be a surprise to a scientologist or two, support religious freedoms in the US and abroad.
Because, truly, this issue is not about religion. Out of respect for their beliefs, I won't go into detail, but I (and most, nearly all critics) completely support their right to believe what they want. That is their right, and I would fight to the death to support it. It's not about that. Any protest is in no way an attempt to undermine their "religious" rights or beliefs.
And, of course the proponents of scientology do realize this, despite claims to the contrary. Phrases like, "why don't you protest Mormon Churches, they do this/that?" or "why aren't you protesting the Catholic Church, after what they do to little boys?" are not only an attempt to deflect criticism, but also display an alarming hypocrisy in which they seem to advocate protest against another group while claiming they, themselves are victims.
Of course, it also lends credence to the fact that protest can be a valid tool for reform. Not destruction. Reform. And it has a long history of doing so!
And that, essentially, is why I criticize the management of this group. That is why the movement calling themselves "Anonymous" was born. Not to destroy, not to overturn or harm (although there are perhaps individuals within that would like to do so, the collective opinion is a peaceful one), but to allow for change and reform, or at the very least transparency.
Why them, they would ask. Again, they would refer to other religions in an attempt to offer a sort of legitimacy for their actions. It's on their own site; 'The Amish shun, why can't we practice disconnection?' 'Other religions hide their secret texts, why can't we?'.
But, there are no recognized religions operating today that have the same level of allegations against them, or the sheer number of members that have fled with horror stories of prison camps, forced abortions and harsh punishments and conditions.
That is why I criticize. Not to destroy or to undermine- but because I truly care. I care about those that left loved ones behind. I care about those that dedicated decades of their life to this group only to leave broke, jobless and unable to fully function in this world. I care about my sister, who I saw slowly descend and change into someone else entirely, and who tearfully told me that she couldn't talk to me, or her mother, or her father, or her sister, unless we joined scientology as well.
But more than (nearly) anything, I care about the person sitting on the internet late at night, looking at their life and about to make a major decision. To that person, while you may be told to "find out for yourself" and "come into an org"- realize that you hold the power and the pocketbook. And no one can take that away from you. Visit an org if you would like, read as many books as you can afford, if you wish- but realize that the critics' opinion is as valid and, occasionally, as wild as the scientologist's opinion... you're the middle ground.