Cult of Scientology update

There are a few news items worth mentioning.

The daughter of a Norwegian politician killed herself after taking a "personality test" at a Scientology cult office near her dormitory. Given the cult's history, I can see why folks would like to draw a causal connection here, but there aren't many details in the news reports. I hardly seems likely that one encounter with the cult would be enough to drive someone to suicide---it is more likely that she was already depressed, and was unlucky enough to seek help in the wrong place.

A not-so-well-known TV actor who used to be a cult member is speaking out against the "church" in a new video. He isn't the most articulate spokesperson for sanity, but the video is pretty damning. It contains a lot of Scientology jargon, and comes off as the testimony of someone who has recently escaped, is pissed off, and wants everyone to know. There's more from (erp!) Fox.

The taxpayers of Boston were nearly duped into paying for a Scientology cult school. The school's grant application specifically states that the curriculum will be based on the methods of Applied Scholastics, an arm of the cult that claims:

Based on L. Ron Hubbard's extensive technology, Applied Scholastics⢠programs enable individuals to handle the literacy and education of the children and people in their communities.

Aside from Establishment Clause problems, this is NUTS! It takes 15 seconds on google to find the Scientology connection here. The folks on the school board (or whomever is responsible) either didn't know, or worse, did know.

Then, of course, there is the whole "Anonymous" thing---I bet that pisses them off.

Scientology is one scary cult, and they hate it when you call them out. In fact, they enjoy trying to intimidate those who speak out. All the more reason to do it, folks.