The following comes from an old friend of mine, who shall remain nameless. But she is wrong.Scientology is NOT a cult — it’s a scam. A money-making scam, not even worth the label of “cult”. Challenging the tax-exempt status of a scam seems like a worthwhile cause to me…

On February 10, 2008, over 9000 people worldwide joined in mass demonstrations at Scientology centers. These people are known as “Anonymous.” “Anonymous” has no structure, hierarchy, website, group, or leaders. People who call themselves “Anons” are sometimes internet pranksters, and some self-described “Anons” have engaged in unlawful activities against some groups or websites, such as creating “Denial of Service” attacks to shut the websites down. However, most “Anons” are just average internet users who can be found on “futaba”-based imageboards, where they post anonymously. They are known to ridicule and mock anything they do not like or agree with. They are known for spreading silly memes and creating many inside jokes.The events leading up to the February 10 protests were the leaking of several videos from inside the Scientology group. In one video, actor Tom Cruise rambled on about how “LRH Tech” (L. Ron Hubbard Technology) can “save the world.” In another video, Scientology leader David Miscavige used inflammatory language along with video imagery of hand grenades and explosions to describe how Scientology would “destroy” psychiatry (see www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvlFh7nPkZE). As these videos made their way around the internet, the Scientologists began issuing legal threats about copyright violations, trying to get the videos removed. They were unsuccessful. “Anonymous” became outraged by the Scientologists’ actions, and vowed to “bring down the CoS.” A website called “Enturbulation.org” (http://www.enturbulation.org/) was created to harness the energy of “Anonymous.” Videos “from Anonymous to Anonymous” were spread virally in chat rooms and on YouTube. Many “Anons” decided to join in the “real life” demonstration scheduled for February 10, some “for the lulz” (for laughs), and some who truly oppose Scientology.The demonstrations were successful. There are pictures and videos all over the internet. Thousands of people joined in. I myself forwarded some info to some atheist listservs I’m on, and I attended the February 10 event in Philadelphia. I wanted to see if internet trolls would really leave their computers to demonstrate against the CoS. They did.At the demonstration, people had signs reading “Google Lisa McPherson” (she was a member of the “Church” who died when Scientologists denied her medical treatment), and “Google Paulette Cooper/Operation Freakout” (Scientologists tried to silence this critic by framing her; they tried to have her incarcerated). The signs directed people to visit websites such as Xenu.net and WhyAreTheyDead.net. I visited all of these sites and I was amazed by what I learned. Scientology is not a religion in the traditional sense of the word, it is indeed a cult that brainwashes its members, steals their money, and destroys their families.Since Sunday, I have learned much more information about Scientology and why people think it is a dangerous cult. Unlike most religions, Scientology charges exorbitant fees for participating and advancing in the “Church.” The “Church” interferes with families, attacks those who leave it or who speak out against it. They have had their tax-exempt status revoked in the past, and they were found guilty of interfering with the IRS.Members of “Anonymous” have suddenly become activists, challenging the most wealthy and insidious cult in the world. They are staging another worldwide demonstration on Saturday March 15, 2008, from 11am-4pm local time, to draw public attention to the dangers of Scientology, the threat to psychiatry, and the CoS tax fraud scheme.There are organizational threads on Enturbulation.org, where you can find more information if you are interested. Or email me directly if you have any questions.www.sptimes.com/2008/02/11/Northpinellas/Protesters_poke_at_Sc.shtml www.pointofinquiry.org/tory_christman_anti_science_scientologyyoufoundthecard.com/.

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