Subject: Dear Africana Editor,

The letter from long-time Scientologist Jon von Gunten is not entirely honest. While it's true that Scientology makes the claim that a Scientologist can also be of faith, their own internal practice exposes this as false. "Mixing practices" is a crime within Scientology. At some point, pressure is exerted upon members to cease practicing their primary religion. "Mixing practices" includes things like Buddhist meditation or practicing Yoga. Once you're in, you are pressured to focus only on L. Ron Hubbard's teachings.

Brandy's involvement with Scientology is of some concern, as this coercive group has used celebrities such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta for years. Since the expansion of the Internet, the truth about Scientology is a click away for netizens. As a result, the number of new members has dropped drastically, and we have seen a trend toward targeting minority communities, who are not as likely to be online.

In 2003, an internal memo was released, which exposes Scientology's intent to recruit from the African American demographic:

"Did you know that over 12% of America is Black, but that a far lesser percentage than that make up American Scientologists? Did you know that the Black population is 3rd and 4th dynamically oriented — when Black people do get on to Church lines, 50% of them join staff!! More than any other ethnic group!! This is a community that NEEDS our Tech, and you can help!"

Discounting the Scientology jargon, this basically states that African Americans are more likely to join staff, the absolute bottom of the Scientology barrel. These are the people subjected to long working hours, extremely low pay, and no benefits. Staff is subjected to more abuse than the public members who purchase courses. These are the grunt workers, many of whom are urged to join Scientology's paramilitary Sea Organization, where one must sign a billion year contract, as well as the Lisa Clause, a document which basically gives Scientology the right to isolate you, hold you against your will, and deny you medical treatment. Staff members are little more than slaves to this "religion."

I urge anyone who has become interested in Scientology because of Brandy's involvement to do a little web research. Google combinations with 'Scientology' and 'death, fraud, Lisa McPherson, Lisa Clause, abuse, disconnection' will result in many websites dedicated to exposing the fraud and abuse associated with Scientology's 50 year history.

Barbara Graham San Diego, CA

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