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Letters to the EditorsScientologists were simply trying to help
© St. Petersburg Times, Re: Tragedy counselors were self-serving, letter, Sept. 25. The despicable and cowardly acts of terrorism thrust upon America on Sept. 11 have brought our country together as never before in my lifetime. Individual citizens rolled up their sleeves and gave blood while others worked side by side where the New York World Trade Center once stood. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army along with the Baptist Relief Agency and Church of Scientology volunteer ministers provided hands-on assistance day and night. Scientology volunteer ministers did what they always do at human disasters around the world: They demonstrated courage while delivering relief to those desperate for help. New York City officials praised the personal commitment and organizational skills of the Scientology volunteers; and when others were told to leave ground zero, they were asked to continue their work alongside the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. I was appalled by the cruel and reprehensible comments of some readers who cast unity of Americans aside and chose to condemn the Church of Scientology while espousing the same extremist dogma manifested by the terrorists who brought their hatred to America.
Readers ignorant of group's aidRe: Tragedy counselors were self-serving, letter, Sept. 25. Due to the wisdom of our country's founders, we still have religious freedom in our country, even in the face of bigoted, narrow-minded individuals who would love to crush any religion that doesn't conform to their views. These individuals, with their knee-jerk responses, are revealing to the world their ignorance not only of the intentions of Scientologists, but the immense effectiveness of the religion. In the New York Times on Sept. 20, an article (reprinted in the St. Petersburg Times on Sept. 21) acknowledged the contributions of the Scientologists in New York City: "Though many religious organizations are supplying assistance for the disaster, few are as well-organized as the Scientologists, or as evident at the scene. When many volunteers were asked to clear out over the weekend, the Scientologists were allowed to stay, working alongside groups like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army." That is the true story of what the Scientologists are doing right now to help. The writers attempting to bash Scientology are doing nothing but fomenting intolerance. The terrorists want to destroy our freedom, and practicing intolerance is just playing into their hands. Freedom of religion is a major reason for the greatness of the United States, and therefore needs to be promoted, not suppressed.
Times perpetuating misinformationRe: Tragedy counselors were self-serving, letter, Sept. 25. It is so disappointing that in this time of national crisis, when the president has called for national unity and for us to work together, the Times continues to incite, support and promote bigotry and hatred. The letters you chose to print were written by the hate-filled and the misinformed. Perhaps they can be forgiven, for their intolerant views and misinformation were largely derived from your pages and are the unfortunate legacy of your continuing campaign to divide this community. Thousands of people dropped what they were doing to offer what help they could to those in the disaster areas. Why must you single out and criticize the Scientologists who worked tirelessly to minister to and support those in need? The many people who were helped were grateful and received the help in the spirit in which it was given. It is wrong for you to mischaracterize it to promote further discord in our city. Shame on you!
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