BBC on Scientology

[angelophile]

So, seemingly footage of a BBC journalist shouting down one of the heads of the Church of Scientology is all over the news over there. Interesting. Of course, the picture being painted of him is of an unstable individual totally losing it with the subject of his report and totally losing any impartiality. And I have to concur. John Sweeney says himself; "If you are interested in becoming a TV journalist, it is a fine example of how not to do it. I look like an exploding tomato and shout like a jet engine ... it makes me cringe."

Of course, watch the full programme he was filming and you might see things slightly differently and understand quite WHY the guy exploded as he did and quite why this footage is suddenly newsworthy.

It's because he's been declared "fair game".

I was pointed to this by Hollywood producer Don Murphy who, working in that industry, probably has more intimate knowledge of those involved in the "cult" of Scientology than I ever will. (In fact, he worked with Juliette Lewis, who's featured in the programme, on Natural Born Killers). He urged people to watch this BBC Panorama documentary and show it to their friends. So that's what I'm doing.

It makes for uncomfortable and seriously creepy viewing and makes me praise Xenu that Scientology hasn't been able to establish the same foothold in the UK as it has elsewhere in the world. No national news networks pushing the scientology agenda by playing unflattering content of John Sweeney shouting here. Or, at least, not to the same degree or for the same reasons.

Man, I sound paranoid, but watch the programme and you might think I'd have cause to be. Here's what dear old L Ron had to say:

"Make money. Make more money. Make other people make money."

"Never discuss Scientology with the critic. Just discuss his or her crimes, known and unknown."

"We are slowly and carefully teaching the unholy a lesson. It is as follows: We are not a law enforcement agency. BUT we will become interested in the crimes of people who seek to stop us. If you oppose scientology we promptly look up - and find and expose - your crimes. If you leave us alone we will leave you alone.

It's very simple. Even a fool can grasp that.

And don't underrate our ability to carry it out."

I think the documentary is undoubtedly worth watching, if only to be taken as a warning.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/panorama/default.stm

Click on the link that says "Missed the latest programme? Watch now."

(Clearly I have a death wish. After having my name dragged through the mud on a far right Republican blog, now I'm out to upset the Scientologists.)