Texas Passes Initiative to Revoke Tax Exempt Status of The Cult Of Scientology : XML WIDGEThttp://www.plime.com/law/You can use this XML spec to create a desktop widget or other application (i.e. Flash visualization). Please share it with us in our forum and we'll link it here!en-us56269http://www.plime.com/plime-com/l/56269/1/<![CDATA[Texas Passes Initiative to Revoke Tax Exempt Status of The Cult Of Scientology]]>325783/29/2008 11:13:19 PM2008-03-29T23:13:19+01:00
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229604http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q33<![CDATA[MeMe @ 3/31/2008 11:01:28 AM]]>« Mershaullk : What, to you, is the difference between a cult and a religion?I think a cult is more a group of extremists that live somewhat out of societies norms and follow a leader or an idol. Some religious fanatics form their own sects of religions that can become more of a cult than a religion, that's for certain, but I think cults can come from origins other than religion as well. For that matter, I look at religion as more of a set of beliefs that explain nature, existence, etc. As I stated, I think a religion can elevate itself to a cult status, but not all religions do, not all religions are unorthodox, extremist groups.]]>3/31/2008 11:01:28 AM2008-03-31T11:01:28+01:00229539http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q32<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/31/2008 4:24:47 AM]]>

<a href='http://www.plime.com/redir.p?http://youtube.com/watch?v=sUDjbwzCqv4' class='plime' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><b>flash video</b></a>

]]>3/31/2008 4:24:47 AM2008-03-31T04:24:47+01:00229534http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q31<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/31/2008 4:09:35 AM]]>« chinook : So first you define 'cult' as an organization that makes money under the guise of religion.
No that is how I define Scientology, not all cults are businesses in disguise.

Then you define 'cult' as a behavior some churches/religions adopt, though you say this word doesn't apply to "real" religions.
No I didn't, I said it was cult like, but it was really a question, not a statement.



Would you consider Catholicism to be a "real" religion, or is it a cult? Catholics to alot of 'cultish' things with candle-lit vigils and the rest...
Weird traditions are what religions are all about. (who knows why) It is difficult to draw the line between cult and religion, and I don't think there is a single definition that is realistic.. It is just as difficult as defining religion,since it is a pretty open concept.


But as a general rule (even if small sects differ) religions are there to help people emotionally and spirituality (or at least they try), cults brainwash people in order to gain labor/money/goods. The line is pretty fine so you can only judge it case by case... Scientology is one of the most blatantly obvious cults we have had in a while, and it doesn't take a lot of research to understand why they do not deserve tax exempt status.

For one they demand hundreds of thousands of dollars to read their secret texts, they frequently blackmail their critics and Ex-Scientologist.. and of course there are the slave labor camps known as the sea orgs...]]>3/31/2008 4:09:35 AM2008-03-31T04:09:35+01:00229444http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q30<![CDATA[tragluk @ 3/30/2008 10:10:25 PM]]>
Anonymous doesn't need social skills. They way the operate has worked for a long time, why change it because some guy on a B-list news site doesn't think we have the ability to do it?
From your earlier comments on your LAST Scientology blasting post.

I'm not a scientologist, but all this negativity towards a group of people who aren't hurting you is really getting kind of ridiculous. And trying to exploit a "B-llist news site" to further PROPAGANDA of yours is making you out to be just as bad as the scientologists you claim to hate.

"They're secretive.."

You mean like the people who are protesting them, you know.. ANONYMOUS.

"They are tax exempt.."

Unlike the people who are protesting them?

"They break up families..."

When? Who? All I see are a bunch of people hiding as they make wild accusations.

And saying that "Texas might do it so it has to have merit" is like saying "Florida might think about it so it's a good start!"

So keep up the propaganda. It provides interesting reading even if your links don't.]]>3/30/2008 10:10:25 PM2008-03-30T22:10:25+01:00229399http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q29<![CDATA[chinook @ 3/30/2008 9:07:30 PM]]>« Mershaullk : What defines a real religion? The time that it's been around? The amount of people that fall prey to it's devices? If you go with either, when does a cult turn into a religion?By my definition, almost every religion is a cult. Dictating rules on how to live life and even how to spend money, whether that money is for the church/cult or not, is a cult to me.

Real Religion, in my books, is an oxymoron.]]>3/30/2008 9:07:30 PM2008-03-30T21:07:30+01:00229395http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q28<![CDATA[chinook @ 3/30/2008 9:06:01 PM]]>« gammerus : The difference is this.

A businesses goal is to make money, even if they use the honor system.

A churches goal is to help the community and provide religious services.

Those crazy ass evangelical churches are not cults because they are from a real religion... they are just practicing like a cult. Does that make them a cult? It comes close. But are they guilty of practicing fair game? No? then stfu.

So first you define 'cult' as an organization that makes money under the guise of religion.

Then you define 'cult' as a behavior some churches/religions adopt, though you say this word doesn't apply to "real" religions.

So what definition is correct?

What makes a religion "real?"

Would you consider Catholicism to be a "real" religion, or is it a cult? Catholics to alot of 'cultish' things with candle-lit vigils and the rest...]]>3/30/2008 9:06:01 PM2008-03-30T21:06:01+01:00229356http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q27<![CDATA[direwookiee @ 3/30/2008 7:47:14 PM]]>3/30/2008 7:47:14 PM2008-03-30T19:47:14+01:00229119http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q26<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/30/2008 4:35:25 PM]]>« Mershaullk : What defines a real religion? The time that it's been around? The amount of people that fall prey to it's devices? If you go with either, when does a cult turn into a religion?Have you been reading the responses? All of these questions have been answered more than once.

Edit: Oh, and don't get personal. Telling someone to "stfu" in a debate only makes you look like a moron. That's the one and only time I'll get personal here.
No need to get your panties in a bunch. No hostility was meant on my end, just some gentle ribbing.]]>3/30/2008 4:35:25 PM2008-03-30T16:35:25+01:00229076http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q25<![CDATA[Mershaullk @ 3/30/2008 3:30:32 PM]]>« gammerus : Those crazy ass evangelical churches are not cults because they are from a real religion... they are just practicing like a cult. Does that make them a cult? It comes close. But are they guilty of practicing fair game? No? then stfu.What defines a real religion? The time that it's been around? The amount of people that fall prey to it's devices? If you go with either, when does a cult turn into a religion?

Edit: Oh, and don't get personal. Telling someone to "stfu" in a debate only makes you look like a moron. That's the one and only time I'll get personal here.]]>3/30/2008 3:30:32 PM2008-03-30T15:30:32+01:00229069http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q24<![CDATA[Mershaullk @ 3/30/2008 3:27:04 PM]]>« MeMe : 2) I won't consider scientology to be a religious community because I think it's a cult. To me, that makes a difference.What, to you, is the difference between a cult and a religion?]]>3/30/2008 3:27:04 PM2008-03-30T15:27:04+01:00229056http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q23<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/30/2008 2:57:29 PM]]>
A businesses goal is to make money, even if they use the honor system.

A churches goal is to help the community and provide religious services.

Those crazy ass evangelical churches are not cults because they are from a real religion... they are just practicing like a cult. Does that make them a cult? It comes close. But are they guilty of practicing fair game? No? then stfu.]]>3/30/2008 2:57:29 PM2008-03-30T14:57:29+01:00229053http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q22<![CDATA[arsphidius @ 3/30/2008 2:51:55 PM]]>« chinook : Why Scientology and not every other religion?

Also, why do you refuse to call Scientology a "religious community?"

There is a mega-ultra-galactic evangelical penetecostal church a few blocks from where I live. A friend bribed me to go one sunday years ago, and when I walked in there were people rolling around on the floor screaming and some scary-lookin' preacher wearing big gold and sliver chains around his neck like some wigger and people were throwing money into pots crying "I'm healed, I feel his love.."
How is this not a cult and different from Scientology?The difference is this: you were allowed to attend the service, even though you are not a member. You were not forced to throw money into the pot. Scientology is secretive, and you are not allowed to see their texts without paying first. And you have to pay for "audits". I know of no religion that makes you pay to participate.]]>3/30/2008 2:51:55 PM2008-03-30T14:51:55+01:00229049http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q21<![CDATA[MeMe @ 3/30/2008 2:45:23 PM]]>« Boomshank : There is absolutely no difference in the business model that the restaurant that I mentioned uses and a church. I'm not talking about regular restaurants, which charge for a service, I'm talking about this one specific one which doesn't charge for food and suggests non-compulsory donations. Besides, the 'offering' is compensation for a service too (no pun intended).
I'm sorry but I don't see how this refutes what I said before. I would be very interested to see how that restaraunt would react to you going in and eating everyday but never paying. A church on the other hand, wouldn't close it's doors to you. They opperate on different models.]]>3/30/2008 2:45:23 PM2008-03-30T14:45:23+01:00229045http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q20<![CDATA[MeMe @ 3/30/2008 2:41:44 PM]]>« chinook : Why Scientology and not every other religion?

Also, why do you refuse to call Scientology a "religious community?"

1) I never said that I was cool with every other religion

2) I won't consider scientology to be a religious community because I think it's a cult. To me, that makes a difference.]]>3/30/2008 2:41:44 PM2008-03-30T14:41:44+01:00228987http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q19<![CDATA[1thirteen3 @ 3/30/2008 1:04:57 PM]]>« icepigs : If this measure got on the Republican's Platform all the way to the presidency - do you think it would make some Obama supporters vote for McCain? Or do you think it would make McCain supporters vote for Obama?

Just curious...It wouldn't ever get that far, because tax exempt statuses are state-level decisions, not federal.

I'll be shocked if it actually passes.

Why? Because tax-exempt statuses are given for several reasons, the big one is that you are providing a service free of charge (or at minimal cost). The service that the church of Scientology is giving is a chance for its followers to learn more. Kinda like a school. Schools have tax-exempt status. Private schools have tax-exempt status. It's more about the reason you go to the "business" rather than whether or not you pay to go there.]]>3/30/2008 1:04:57 PM2008-03-30T13:04:57+01:00228967http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q18<![CDATA[icepigs @ 3/30/2008 12:24:51 PM]]>
Just curious...]]>3/30/2008 12:24:51 PM2008-03-30T12:24:51+01:00228966http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q17<![CDATA[Boomshank @ 3/30/2008 12:23:09 PM]]>« MeMe : No they shouldn't because it isn't charity. If you go to any restaraunt, dislike the food and complain you can almost always get your meal comp'd - it's a business measure. They don't want one bad meal to keep you from coming back nor do they want you spreading bad publicity since the restaraunt industry is highly competitive and often gets business via word of mouth. The restaraunt you mention is a business - most people do pay and expect to pay in some amount and it's not a donation, it's compensation for a service.
There is absolutely no difference in the business model that the restaurant that I mentioned uses and a church. I'm not talking about regular restaurants, which charge for a service, I'm talking about this one specific one which doesn't charge for food and suggests non-compulsory donations. Besides, the 'offering' is compensation for a service too (no pun intended).

The restaurant's got that specific business model to try to pay for the rent and give the owner a wage to live on. How is that *any* different than your average church? In which case, either the restaurant should be able to get charitable status, or churches shouldn't.]]>3/30/2008 12:23:09 PM2008-03-30T12:23:09+01:00228948http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q16<![CDATA[Mershaullk @ 3/30/2008 11:55:33 AM]]>« larknet : Why does this happen every time? Is this going to turn into another religious debate? It will just be the same religious/non-religious people saying the same things that have been said in the past. I cannot "convert" someone any more than they can "un-convert" me. Why not be the bigger person and just refrain from hijacking another thread?

Go ahead and downvote me. I wouldn't expect anything less.If you know absolutely that your opinion will never change, you are close-minded. While I admit that it is unlikely that someone will change my mind, I will also admit that it is possible. That's why I take part in these debates.]]>3/30/2008 11:55:33 AM2008-03-30T11:55:33+01:00228941http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q15<![CDATA[larknet @ 3/30/2008 11:44:51 AM]]>
Go ahead and downvote me. I wouldn't expect anything less.]]>3/30/2008 11:44:51 AM2008-03-30T11:44:51+01:00228936http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q14<![CDATA[kidsizedcoffin @ 3/30/2008 11:40:42 AM]]>3/30/2008 11:40:42 AM2008-03-30T11:40:42+01:00228933http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q13<![CDATA[Mershaullk @ 3/30/2008 11:32:47 AM]]>3/30/2008 11:32:47 AM2008-03-30T11:32:47+01:00228910http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q12<![CDATA[chinook @ 3/30/2008 10:56:21 AM]]>« MeMe : 

I'm all for Scientology paying taxes though because they charge fees to become a part of it (ex: to read the texts which are key to most any religion). Besides the fact that I just don't like them, it definately gives off the cult vibe more than a religious community.Why Scientology and not every other religion?

Also, why do you refuse to call Scientology a "religious community?"

There is a mega-ultra-galactic evangelical penetecostal church a few blocks from where I live. A friend bribed me to go one sunday years ago, and when I walked in there were people rolling around on the floor screaming and some scary-lookin' preacher wearing big gold and sliver chains around his neck like some wigger and people were throwing money into pots crying "I'm healed, I feel his love.."
How is this not a cult and different from Scientology?]]>3/30/2008 10:56:21 AM2008-03-30T10:56:21+01:00228907http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q11<![CDATA[chinook @ 3/30/2008 10:52:06 AM]]>« gammerus : Why? Is there a reason the govt needs church money? Really, is there a good reason for half of our taxes? I think there is a good reason for all of my taxes. Health care, education, social services.... I'd happily pay a bit more in tax to see our military plumped up a bit. I don't understand why so many people have such a phobia of taxes.
« gammerus :If they charge money it is a business, if they donate money it is a charity.
If the manage to accure ridiculous sums of money, why not tax a church? If the church can demonstrate that the majority of the funds goes to helping people in need, then I'm all for them not paying taxes. If they spend the money on big freakin' lasers and a sound system and a church that's the size of a minor hockey arena... then it sounds more like a business to me. There are three giant evangelical whatever churches in my area, and all of them have giant flashy signs outside, and they all advertise in the newspaper all of the time. Hmm - advertising sounds like something businesses do, no?

It's frustrating to see one group of people exempt from paying the taxes we all pay because they're a "religious organization," so they can go out and by nice, new farm machinery. It makes me tempted to start my own religion so I can find myself exempt from taxes, and I could spend that extra 35% of my income as I please.]]>3/30/2008 10:52:06 AM2008-03-30T10:52:06+01:00228870http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q10<![CDATA[MeMe @ 3/30/2008 9:17:35 AM]]>« Boomshank : There's a restaurant in Seattle where there are no prices listed on the menu. None. You order your food of the menu, enjoy it, then give what you like or what you feel it was worth. Either $100 or nothing at all. Nobody checks, nobody complains. It's a beautiful system and they claim that they actually get more revenue this way.

Just wondering if they should be allowed to claim charitable status...No they shouldn't because it isn't charity. If you go to any restaraunt, dislike the food and complain you can almost always get your meal comp'd - it's a business measure. They don't want one bad meal to keep you from coming back nor do they want you spreading bad publicity since the restaraunt industry is highly competitive and often gets business via word of mouth. The restaraunt you mention is a business - most people do pay and expect to pay in some amount and it's not a donation, it's compensation for a service.

I'm all for Scientology paying taxes though because they charge fees to become a part of it (ex: to read the texts which are key to most any religion). Besides the fact that I just don't like them, it definately gives off the cult vibe more than a religious community.]]>3/30/2008 9:17:35 AM2008-03-30T09:17:35+01:00228869http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q9<![CDATA[Boomshank @ 3/30/2008 9:11:20 AM]]>« gammerus :
If they charge money it is a business, if they donate money it is a charity.There's a restaurant in Seattle where there are no prices listed on the menu. None. You order your food of the menu, enjoy it, then give what you like or what you feel it was worth. Either $100 or nothing at all. Nobody checks, nobody complains. It's a beautiful system and they claim that they actually get more revenue this way.

Just wondering if they should be allowed to claim charitable status...]]>3/30/2008 9:11:20 AM2008-03-30T09:11:20+01:00228858http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q8<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/30/2008 6:18:31 AM]]>« kidsizedcoffin : Ah yes, project Snow White.

A good source of information lately seems to be


On the other hand, the linked article seems to be a proposal from the Republican National Convention, and nothing passed by the state of Texas, unless the link has been modified since its original posting.Yes, unfortunately nothing has been set in stone just yet.]]>3/30/2008 6:18:31 AM2008-03-30T06:18:31+01:00228847http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q7<![CDATA[kidsizedcoffin @ 3/30/2008 4:27:29 AM]]>« gammerus
Edit: Forgot to mention the incident where they broke into American archives to destroy negative records of the church.Ah yes, project Snow White.

A good source of information lately seems to be
http://www.clambake.org/


On the other hand, the linked article seems to be a proposal from the Republican National Convention, and nothing passed by the state of Texas, unless the link has been modified since its original posting.]]>3/30/2008 4:27:29 AM2008-03-30T04:27:29+01:00228837http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q6<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/30/2008 2:35:57 AM]]>« 1thirteen3 : My question is: Why?

Does scientology run a business?Scientology is like a tax exempt pseudo religious mafia.

http://www.youfoundthecard.com/


-They are well known for viciously attacking all who critic their church.

-They require thousands of dollars before they will let you read all of their 'texts'.

-They have their own investigative branch hired strickly to spy on their critics.

-They tear families apart by keeping their members from talking to anyone who isn't in the church.

And don't get me started on the sea orgs.

Edit: Forgot to mention the incident where they broke into American archives to destroy negative records of the church.]]>3/30/2008 2:35:57 AM2008-03-30T02:35:57+01:00228835http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q5<![CDATA[latueofstiberty @ 3/30/2008 2:23:48 AM]]>« 1thirteen3 : My question is: Why?

Does scientology run a business? Or is this just sour grapes against a cult?Both.]]>3/30/2008 2:23:48 AM2008-03-30T02:23:48+01:00228833http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q4<![CDATA[1thirteen3 @ 3/30/2008 1:58:53 AM]]>
Does scientology run a business? Or is this just sour grapes against a cult?]]>3/30/2008 1:58:53 AM2008-03-30T01:58:53+01:00228805http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q3<![CDATA[gammerus @ 3/30/2008 12:05:13 AM]]>« chinook : I don't think any religious organization should be exempt from taxes, whether it's Scientology, Christianity or Islam.Why? Is there a reason the govt needs church money? Really, is there a good reason for half of our taxes?

If people give it money, it's a business.
If they charge money it is a business, if they donate money it is a charity.]]>3/30/2008 12:05:13 AM2008-03-30T00:05:13+01:00228800http://www.plime.com/law/l/56269/1/xml_widget.rss#q2<![CDATA[chinook @ 3/29/2008 11:34:21 PM]]>3/29/2008 11:34:21 PM2008-03-29T23:34:21+01:00