(this is a followup to the previous threads about "Dianetics:

Evolution of a Science" appearing serialized in a paid-ad foldout in the Univ. of Houston's newspaper, the Daily Cougar; I'm posting it here instead of in one of the previous threads because, quite frankly, they aren't showing up in a Google search of the newsgroup). I was planning initially on trying to use a method other than a letter-to-the-editor, for the simple reason that (a) the DC only runs them once or twice a week and they're hard to find in the paper, and (b) they printed a poorly-written letter by me last week in which I made a fool of myself over a film critic saying that a film that wasn't 'entertaining' should not have been made *because* it wasn't entertaining. But I wrote it anyway, because I can't afford an ad, know my writing isn't up to snuff for a "guest column" and couldn't think of anything else. It's not as hard-hitting as Barb's missive, but I think it makes my point nicely without being TOO antagonistic.

Thoughts?

Peace, Zach (who wonders if this will get him DA'd, and if the State dept.

cares about such things) -----(letter below)-----

I was rather unhappy to see a multipage paid ad included in the Wednesday, 8/28 edition of the Daily Cougar on behalf of the "Church" of Scientology. In general, there is nothing wrong with a religious organization seeking members through a college campus, but it strikes me as irresponsible on the part of the Cougar to allow this particular "church" access to UH students. The Church of Scientology is the only legally-recognized religious organization in North America to employ a secret police force (the Office of Special Affairs, formerly known as the Guardian's Office) to carry out acts of espionage. Its members have been convicted of document theft from government offices, framing a percieved enemy for placing death threats, and assorted other crimes in the 1970s. The OSA has also obtained a reputation for harassment of all the Church's critics, using private investigators to dig up dirt which is then distributed as widely as possible in a process they call "Dead Agenting". The cult's founder even went so far as to declare that any "enemy" is "fair game" for being "cheated, tricked, lied to and destroyed".

Even ignoring those actions, there is much in the organization that is objectionable. For example, no other religious movement of this era has seen fit to copyright its scripture and rabidly pursue anyone who attempts to release it, ensuring that only those who have paid exorbitantly and been suitably brainwashed in advance may learn the cult's less "acceptable"

truths, such as the tale of the genocidal galactic tyrant Xenu, who brought the ancestors of our spirits here in DC-8s, then killed them all with hydrogen bombs dropped into tropical volcanoes. And once you know these things, any attempt to leave the organization will result in harassment and threats. I would like to encourage the DC editorial staff to return the "Church's" money and refuse to print part two of "Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science", in favor of an expose of the hazard this cult poses to its members (mountains of evidence against them can be found at www.xenu.net, including the excellent book A PIECE OF BLUE SKY written by former member Robert Jon Atack.)

Freedom of religion is a wonderful thing, and Scientologists have every right to believe what they will. However, it is not in the University's best interests to accept compensation in exchange for allowing a dangerous organization such as the "Church"

access to the Cougar's readers.

Sincerely, Zach Adams Senior, Media Production

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