RawStory recently comparee the NRA and the Church of Scientology. The two don’t seem to have much in common, but a close look reveals that there are some creepy similarities.
1. Silence and secrecy when challenged:
Both the N.R.A. and the Church of Scientology are known to go silent when faced with controversy. After the Sandy Hook shooting, there were calls for more gun control. The N.R.A. deactivated its social media, but began to secretly organize a response to discredit their critics. They condemned the President for bringing the Newtown families to the White House, accusing him of playing politics. They claimed that we need armed guards in our schools.
Scientologists have taken the same route after movies and books have come out criticizing them. They refuse to comment on the scandals, but work in secrecy to discredit their detractors.
2. Blind devotion to reclusive leaders
Wayne LaPierre of the N.R.A. rarely speaks to the press or answers questions from his followers. He emerges only to give scripted speeches then disappears into the shadows. Even after each mass shooting, LaPierre remains for the most part silent.
Scientology leader David Miscavige is even more secretive. He has given only one TV network interview since 1986. That happened on ABC News in 1992. Further, an expose written by a former Scientology insider reveals that church members, including Tom Cruise, view Miscavige as a “god.”
3. Unlimited attacks against all opposition
The N.R.A. spends about 28 times more money to influence Congress than all gun control groups combined. Members of Congress tremble at the thought of going against all that money. The N.R.A. pours money onto whichever candidate in any election is less likely to suggest background checks.
It’s even worse in the Church of Scientology. Its policies state that anyone who opposes them:
“May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed.”
Whoa.
4. Attack any member who deviates in any way from doctrine
The N.R.A. uses a rating system from A-F for politicians. Congress members from Red States know that they need to be in 100 percent agreement with all N.R.A. positions. Members from Red States in particular know that they had better have an A rating if they hope for reelection. Even a B+ can mean defeat.
The Scientologists have the same view of those who choose to leave the group. They will absolutely attack anyone who questions them. Said former member Jason Beghe after he left the Church in 2008:
“It’s not just that they want you to fail. It’s kind of like they want you to die.”
5. Putting profits ahead of beliefs
The Church of Scientology has never been truly focused on any belief system. Instead, pulp science fiction author L. Ron. Hubbard founded it as a way to make money and deal with his own psychological issues. Since Hubbard’s death in in 1986 and the rise of Miscavige, the group has amassed $3 billion in assets and been given tax exempt status.
The N.R.A. started out as a gun control organization paid for by its members. It is now financially supported mostly by gun manufacturers and opposes any kind of limitation on gun ownership.
6. No financial accountability
The N.R.A. has nearly $60 million dollars in undisclosed political spending since 2008. No one knows where that money has gone.
As for the “Church?” Under I.R.S. laws, churches do not need to disclose their finances. There is no transparency in either organization.
Creeped out yet? I am.
Featured image screengrab via YouTube
