http://www.newsreview.com/issues/sacto/2001-08-30/letters.asp

Letters for August 30, 2001

Her agenda isn't hidden

Re "Scientology Inc." by Jim Evans (SN&R Cover, August 23):

Thanks for Jim Evans’ excellent story on the hidden Scientology affiliations of Government Technology et al.

Like most Scientologists, Dennis McKenna turns a blind eye to the long history of serious crimes committed by the organization he supports. For decades, Scientologists have infiltrated government agencies, attempted to frame government officials (including judges), sicced private investigators on government employees, and hurled millions of unconstitutional tax-exempt dollars into spurious lawsuits--all in accordance with Scientology policy.

The magazines are certainly trying to surreptitiously promote Scientology’s dubious pet projects and spread anti-psychiatry disinformation; given Scientology’s past and policies, it’s highly likely that e.Republic’s contact with government officials will result in additional infiltration, improper influence, and extortion.

It’s irrelevant whether Scientology holds itself out as a church or a bowling club--its actions are criminal, and its hidden agendas and past attacks on government agencies should be made very public. It’s not about religion--it’s about organized crime.

One small, but important, correction: there are nowhere near "millions" of practicing Scientologists; the most generous estimates put the worldwide total between 200,000 and 500,000. Oh, and the Scientology spies in US government offices didn’t "collect" documents--they stole them. Overall, though, a fine, balanced, important story, and I thank you.

Kristi Wachter

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