Church Of Scientology Investigated 'South Park' Creators

From the Huffington Post:

For Matt Stone and Trey Parker, nothing is holy or immune to satire. And since the launch of their groundbreaking animated TV series "South Park," they've skewered a multitude of world religions, pointing out hypocrisies, inanities or just playing with ridiculous stereotypes. One of their most famous religious satires, 2005's Scientology-targeting "Trapped In The Closet" episode, allegedly struck such a nerve with the church's leaders that the group responded by targeting Stone, Parker and their friends in a long-term covert investigation.

Marty Rathbun, a former Church of Scientology executive-turned-critic and independent worshipper, revealed to the Village Voice a number of documents that detailed the religious sect's detailed surveillance of the Emmy-winning TV moguls. Through the help of informants, public records and various other means, they searched for "vulnerabilities" in the pair's personal lives, and after exploring their personal and business connections, widened their focus to investigating actors such as John Stamos, as well.

More here.

You know, as an agnostic, I have an understanding of some of the things that make certain religions so appealing. A sense of moral values, a sense of oneness with the Creator, unity with other human beings all devoted to some sort of higher spiritual presence, connection to ancient tradition, community, doing good. All the major religions have these aspects, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, even kooky Mormonism. I mean, I have problems with all these religions, too, really with all religion, but I'd be a dick not to acknowledge that religion does some good things, provides for abstract human needs, as well.

Scientology, in stark contrast, is nothing but a bunch of selfish, immoral, unethical, and deeply narcissistic trash. As far as I can tell, there is absolutely nothing good about this science fiction spawned "religion." Does Scientology tell its believers to be kind to the poor and suffering? No, it tells them to go get what's coming to them, what they deserve, just because they're Scientologists. And if somebody stands in their way, then fuck 'em. In this respect, Scientology is more like Satanism than any real religion.

To be honest, I had been kind of wondering why Parker and Stone received no retaliation for their "Trapped in the Closet" episode--Scientology is well known for its vengeance-seeking behavior. This report simply confirms my understanding of these asshole Hubbard acolytes.

Also, John Stamos? WTF?!?

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