The question is often asked -- how can scientology call itself a religion? It doesnt have most of the things that "normal" religions have -- worship services, a belief in God, relying on actual gifts and not charging for services, a kind, gentle approach, focus on families etc etc And of course, L. Ron Hubbard was extremely derisive about religions (I will do a post focusing on his views one of these days) until he realized it could have great benefit to use the "religion angle." But one of the things that is most incredible about this business that masquerades as a religion for tax … [Read more...]
Koncrete Podcast: Mike Rinder Episode
I recently sat down with Daniel Jones for an episode of his Koncrete Podcast series. It was just uploaded so I am sharing it here. We cover a WIDE range of topics. It's a lengthy chat - over 2 hours. I hope you enjoy it, and find it informative. … [Read more...]
Religious Protections Run Amok
This is a thought-provoking, and somewhat alarming article by Professor Marci Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Child USA Marci appeared on The Aftermath and was part of the team who filed the civil lawsuits on behalf of the Masterson victims and Valerie Haney. She is one of the country's foremost experts on First Amendment Law as it relates to religion. Marci eloquently and persuasively highlights something I have often said, conservative Supreme Court justices are overly zealous in their efforts to protect religions, and the umbrellas they establish allows scientology to get away with … [Read more...]
Another Story of Financial Crime Targeting the Elderly in Scientology
There have been numerous stories posted on Tony Ortega's blog of elderly people being scammed by scientology registrars (here is the most recent example). One of our commenters recently sent me this, from December 2018. It is a write up that 82 year-old Margaret Williams did to be converted into an affidavit. The commenter does not know what happened to Margaret and if she got her money back as she has not been in touch. Hopefully, she was made whole and is happily getting on with her life. If not, she should probably contact Graham Berry and ask for his help. Just another example of … [Read more...]
City Councilman Mark Bunker and Scientology Tax Exempt Status
The news has sunk in, Mark Bunker is now a Clearwater City Commissioner-elect. As Tracey McManus put it, this is a historic day for Clearwater. There is another piece in the Tampa Bay Times (top of article screencapped above) this morning. It makes some interesting points - first of which is noting Bunker's "desire for the city to urge the IRS to revoke Scientology's tax exempt status..." Some have poo-poo'd this idea "The City of Clearwater doesn't grant tax exempt status, the IRS does" -- as if Mark Bunker is unaware of the difference between a city government and the … [Read more...]
Kanye, the IRS and Scientology
This is an interesting recent Forbes magazine article. The author covers how Kanye West, who has changed his name to Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West and conducts "Sunday Services,” could actually file for tax exemption and reap mighty benefits. He describes what the IRS criteria are for granting such a religious exemption: Distinct legal existence; Recognized creed and form of worship; Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government; Formal code of doctrine and discipline; Distinct religious history; Membership not associated with any other church … [Read more...]
The Economic Impact of Scientology on Clearwater
Scientology spews out paid ads proclaiming their wondrous contributions to society, most especially to Clearwater. I see these things on Twitter and when I respond they delete my responses. So, in keeping with the time-honored solution of “doing what Ron says,” I am putting my response on my own channel of communication where it cannot be altered (or deleted). Their tweet above makes the bold claim that scientology paid $3.1 million in property and tourist taxes in 2018. And that they "generate $1 billion impact into the local economy." As for the first claim -- this may well be … [Read more...]
Hubbard, his Photographs and the IRS
Christi Gordon came across this 1975 document and forwarded to me. It contains some interesting material worthy of comment. Hubbard announces he has been informed that there will be no deal with the IRS and thus there will be a 4 or 5 year fight. OF course, he has a solution that will save the day (history doesn't look kindly on many of his predictions and solutions). And this is an especially bizarre one. IN 1974 Hubbard had begun shooting “photo stories” aboard the Apollo. These horrendously staged and lit images were the focus of attention of a large number of crew at the time -- … [Read more...]
Scientology is NOT a Business… Wink, Wink
Scientology repeatedly claims: "We are a religion engaged in matters of the spiritual plane, not the worldly." They managed to convince strong arm the IRS into granting them tax exempt status as an exempt "religious" organization on this basis. Their words AND actions (believe what you hear AND what you see) prove that is just a facade. Normally this promotional piece would be another one of the Thursday Funnies -- there are literally HUNDREDS of similar items from scientology organizations all over the world claiming that scientology can make you "flourish and prosper" and give you the … [Read more...]
Some Information About Religious Tax Exemption
Mary Kahn reminded me yesterday in a comment about John Oliver of the brilliant piece he did on Religious Tax Exemption. This is satire at its finest -- exposing truths through humor. It is cringe-inducing funny. If you have never seen this, or if you haven't watched it for a few years, it is VERY instructive. I recommend it highly as it lays out a LOT of information and gives insight into scientology and its ongoing tax exempt status. This is, in part, why the IRS has been perfectly content to allow scientology to be tax exempt all these years. There is also the fact that … [Read more...]