I have not seen such a lengthy article in a long time.

The content of the article was very saddening. This father gave all of the freedom and independence in the world to his son. It is obvious by all of the letters they wrote to each other during the years and the undying support that Bob gave to Greg that they were very, very close.

The saddest part is reading and getting the feeling that the bond between a parent and hold are slipping away. The feeling that letting go means you may not see that person again - struggling inbetween the two. There are so many personal unreported stories like this, it's sad.

This was not an immediate form of separation and struggle between a parent and child. This was not a lifelong struggle to keep a grown child out of $cientology. This was a lifelong struggle between the love of a family member that was far superior than $cientology could afford. That is why I think the struggle went on longer than a quick disconnection. The parents agreed to support their child no matter his choices. But in the end, the evil curse of $cientology took Greg away.

In reading the article, the parents had many confrontations over the years about the well-being of Greg. The parents and family probably did not fight half as hard as Greg did in his own mind. Their support and family bond was exceptional considering the circumstances they even had known.

The facts in this story are well documented and obviously well researched. It was well organized and I say thank you to Tori Marlan for undertaking this story. I hope the Chicago Reader allows this story to be reproduced in many forms for the necessity of everyone's Constitutional right to free speech.

The discussion of religion should be allowed both ways. At a time when the topic and actions of religion are at a crucial high point, one must consider what efforts towards peace does a religion foster after reading an article like this? Adding to the fact is that Scientology does not let members view critical publications or internet sights should make a grim picture of what members can only believe. No, it actually makes the story you published more unfortunately believable.

Moreover, when people decide every day that this star-studded entity called $cientology is acceptable, or allowed to exist in our free country, and our country denies that things like this are repeatedly happening, then it's sorry to say that the plight of many families will suffer like that of the Bashaw's, just as you've written.

The number just keeps getting higher.

Thank you again.

Feisty

From: jimdbb@aol.com (JimDBB)
Date: 19 Aug 2002 18:33:36 GMT
Subject: Getting copies of "Death of a Scientologist"
Message-ID: <20020819143336.19250.00002267@mb-mg.aol.com>

You can purchase copies of the main section of the Chicago Reader for $2:00

Call the Reader at 312-828-0350 or write:

The Chicago Reader 11 East Illinois st.

Chicago, Il 60611

The cost is $2.00 State specifically that you want the main section with the feature article, "Death of A Scientologist."

It should be on their website sometime after next Friday but it is more effective and impressive if you get the actual copy with pictures etc.

I have just read the article again and it is finally sinking in as to how good and powerful this piece really is. The writer, Tori Marlon, cleverly focuses on the relationship between Greg Bashaw and his father and their letter exchanges over the years of his involvement with Scientology. The father initially does not oppose his son's involvement as he is an adult who is educated and can think for himself. Thjis attitude changes when the father begans to notice mental deteriorization, his neglect of his job and his subsequent disintegration. All the while Greg is auditing himself and going, periodically to Clearwater. The writer deftly weaves in many aspects of Scientology...the harassment of CAN, the harassment of the IRS, other suicides, the LMT etc.

This is the best piece on this destructive cult since Time magazines landmark piece.

Jimdbb

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