ALL religious groups are tax evaders.

Ken,
It's an interesting opinion and I can certainly see your point, but tax evaders is a little strong. It's the federal and state governments that allow for the tax exemptions, as with most non-profit groups, so your argument should really be with law makers not the groups that take advantage of the current laws.

Who cares about the religion of a spa owner? Why is this important for anything?

Aparently it does matter, because customers come in, think we're Scientologists and try to leave.

You are absolutely right about your comment "Locals and many others carefully avoid downtown" I would also add visitors to the area and many tourists absolutely are afraid to enter the downtown UNfriendly Scientology area!

mike f,
I am a Clearwater Resident. I know how big their building is. During Christmas on Cleveland street they allowed people inside the building, and the architecture is beautiful. But because they own a big building means that all people in Clearwater are Scientologists. That is an uneducated agrument.

Michael,
You are absolutly correct in that recent estimates are that only about 10% of Clearwater residents are Scientologists, But I think you'll agree that the footprint in downtown gives the impression of a much greater number.

So Michael D., how ARE your Scientology courses going? I mean, I know you can't really take any while you're "on post" here doing the work of Xenu by handing negative articles about Scientology. But other than that. Going up the Bridge swiftly? Good for you, pal.

Travis,
I agree, sometimes their footprints do seem greater, especially at certain functions. But they don't really bother me, and as such I do not bother them. I think the true problem is the assumption that they are everybody has that they are everywhere. Which is effecting your business. I can appreciate that. The problem I have most with the sign is that the ignorance of people who you have to make that clarification up is so bad you feel the need for the sign. In a country that we base our core foundation of Religious Freedom, there is a need for the sign is just sad to me.

Local,
"So Michael D., how ARE your Scientology courses going? I mean, I know you can't really take any while you're "on post" here doing the work of Xenu by handing negative articles about Scientology. But other than that. Going up the Bridge swiftly? Good for you, pal."
This is the reason I am sad for our country's citizenship. Ignorance is everywhere. You assume that because I post against a sign, i'm immediately a Scientologist. I guess "Freedom of Religion" doesn't include Freedom of Intelligent conversation on Religion. Do you act this way for people of the Buddhist or Hindi religions?

Michael D, it's very simple. The only people who want Scientology in downtown Clearwater are Scientologists. So either you're lying about not being a Scientologist or you don't live anywhere near Clearwater.

I'm pretty confident it's the former, considering we all know that Scientologists are ordered to flood the comments section of critical articles.

Also, it'd be really stupid of you to accuse me of ignorance on the subject, considering just how very long I've been personally organizing events against Scientology in Clearwater. I can outtalk you on any scilon subject you might possibly want to choose, even if you are a Scientologist.

Local,
I'm not a Scientistologist, and I am a home owner/resident of Clearwater. No where did I say I wanted them downtown, it just doesn't bother me that they are. Religious Freedom is what we as a country are founded on. I'm glad you spend you Free Time organizing events against a Religion. After you are done with that, are you going to go against the Church of the Force, which is also a recongized religion? Do you believe all Muslims are Terrorists? Do you also discriminate people based on race, sexual orientation, etc... Apparently changing what other people believe is important to you, but I don't care about another persons religious beliefs. We all have the right to choose our own, or not to believe in any particular religion at all. To each their own. But to make FALSE Assumptions to fit YOUR BASELESS agrument against me, which can only be discribed with one word: ignorance.

Actually, Michael D, Scientology's tax exempt status classes it as a NFP, not technically a religion. So I don't spend my free time organizing against a religion. I spend my free time organizing against a dangerous organization designed to hurt people and place its leadership in positions of supreme power. I spend my free time organizing to remove a group with the actual stated mission of completely taking over Clearwater (google Project Normandy) and infiltrating the US Govt (google Operation Snow White) and framing everyone who speaks against them for false crimes (google Operation Freakout).

Who cares what Scientology believes? They want to believe that 75 billion years ago, an alien overlord named Xenu used a combination of psychiatrists and the IRS to trick, kidnap, and paralyze everyone, gather up their bodies, fly them to Earth in spaceships that look just like DC-8 except without propellers, unload them at Hawaii (which, point of correction to LRH, did not exist 75 billion years ago), drop a few H-bombs into the volcano, vaporize the paralyzed bodies, force the spirits to watch bad Mel Gibson movies that tricked them into believing Christianity was a thing, and then let the spirits fly around and around until they stuck to prehistoric man because, what, they were lonely?

Sure. Scientology can believe that all they want. But they can't break the law. And they do, all the freaking time.

Local,
You are correct, they are not a tax except religion. But they are considered a religion by the State Department (since 1993). So yes, the government does recongize them as a religion. Just not of the Tax Excempt due to the revenue streams, and the courts have determined they are are a NFP tax entity. I understand that they are a part of many different conspiracy theories and have seen all the sites from google, and who cares. Same amount of sites and conspiracies you will find for the Free Masons and Skull and Crossbones. Funny part is the same type of conspiracies as well.
The basis of their beliefs, yes I know the story of Xenu and the spirits, etc.. Really any different than believing in talking burning bushes and talking snakes. Looking at two broken tablets that burns Moses face so much he wears a veil the rest of his life. The seas parting then rejoining with hollywood magic. It's all mythology regardless of the religion. Man controls religion, therefore controls the message that comes from it.
As far as your attacks towards me, personally, which were false and you didn't address when called out. You expect me to believe you are some great messiah of truth. When instead of a conversation you come out with accusations. You lead with labels and slander. I'm sorry, like in all other phases of my life I can do my own research with rational sources. Next time work on your delivery it might open more doors for you.

What slander? First of all, this is text, so it'd be libel. But really, what slander? Please indicate. Slander must be 100% false to be slander, and I'd be more than happy to prove anything I've said you consider defamatory.

Local, correct Libel or defamation. You are correct you do a good job on accusing without standing behind your accusations. As far as 100% false, doesn't have to be as long as "fault amounting at least to negligence on the part of the publisher/writer" per Florida law. Examples of negligence on part of the writer below:
"how ARE your Scientology courses going? I mean, I know you can't really take any while you're "on post" here doing the work of Xenu by handing negative articles about Scientology. But other than that. Going up the Bridge swiftly? Good for you, pal."
"Michael D, it's very simple. The only people who want Scientology in downtown Clearwater are Scientologists. So either you're lying about not being a Scientologist or you don't live anywhere near Clearwater.

I'm pretty confident it's the former, considering we all know that Scientologists are ordered to flood the comments section of critical articles."
"Michael D, go back to your auditing before you accidentally read Operating Thetan documents. I mean, LRH said if you read them before you were OT you'd catch pneumonia, and that would just suck for you."
I'm sure all the passive accusations of me being a Scientologist by you, you should know.

Defamation has to cause a significant financial harm, sweetheart. Are you saying that being a Scientologist is a BAD thing? That it's somehow SHAMEFUL? That someone should be ASHAMED for people to know he's a Scientologist?

Face it, pal. Either being a Scientologist is bad, in which case, I'm right, or you haven't been defamed...in which case, I'm right.

Pick A or B.

Local,
First Defamation doesn't need to cause Fiancial harm. Second you keep wanted to put labels on everything, but yourself. Someone who is obsessed over another person's beliefs. When you don't have an agrument, or your agrument becomes false or invalid you change the subject. I have looked at your facts, and they are not different than the conspiracy theories against a number of other groups. Which I have listed, and your false accusations against me are just that false. Continue to spread your falsehoods and conspiracies. Have a wonderful day.

Michael D., it's generally not very smart to tell a legal expert what defamation is. See, for instance, it has to be done with the intent to harm the individual's reputation. but if you don't think there's anything wrong with being a Scientologist...then I haven't hurt your reputation.

Also, again. Either I have not defamed you, or you think being a Scientologist is bad. It's one or the other. Pick one.

Actually we a zoned as downtown.

"To fully investigate the Clearwater city and county area so we can distinguish our friends from our enemies and handle as needed." <What is this? It's the goal of Scientology's Project Normandy. What's Project Normandy? It's Scientology's secret project to take over Clearwater. How do we know about this? Well, the FBI raided Scientology offices and found this project and so much more. L. Ron Hubbard's wife ended up doing jail time for some of the information that was found. Google Project Normandy, Operation Snow White, and Operation Freakout. I don't know why we have to be so politically correct about something that is staring us right in the face. Scientologists have come up with covert ops to frighten people and keep them away from downtown Clearwater. Well, all I can say is, "Congratulations, Scientology! You WIN!" You're creepy, frightening and no one likes to be anywhere near downtown. And you may pay some taxes, but you have an illegal tax exemption that never should have been granted. Every tax payer in Clearwater needs to ask themselves how much better the city's coffers would be if Scientology didn't have that illegal tax exemption.
And never forget this when you go downtown: Scientology wants to know if you're an enemy or a friend so they'll know how to handle you.

Why hello, Pat Harney, head of Public Affairs for Scientology! So nice to know you're running your own commentating sockpuppets these days. Couldn't find some random Sea Orger to delegate it to?

I pray that someday you will see the truth and realize that tom cruise and John travolta will not save you, neither will the aliens. Only Jesus Christ can.

Richard,
Everyone is welcome including Scientologists, however there is a lot more to this that my attorney has advised my not to make public at this time.

On the other hand, the Amish have a specifically designed system to give those not suited to the lifestyle the chance to experience the outside world and/or leave. And I mean properly leave, not "go through this obnoxiously long program designed specifically to hassle you into staying" like Scientology's Routing Out process.

Also, woohoo! You watched a reality show! Everyone knows reality shows are the height of research accuracy!

Ken,
I can certainly appreciate your concern in this matter. You are correct that some religious business owners take it too far, but at Berry Beautiful Salon & Spa, as well as my other businesses, we never "preach" at anyone. If someone asks we'll talk about it, But with the exception of a few "Jesus Fish" on the doors you would probably never notice our Southern Baptist connection.

This is how you will learn the truth

Thanks for commenting, Travis. And we've corrected your name.

Jancis,
Although I can appreciate your stance on this matter, There are two issues that you may not be aware of that have really forced my hand in this area.
1. We've already seen and recieved blowback since we opened as we are one of the only Spas in the are not owned by one of your members and apparently they don't appreciate the competition.
2. With the exception of your "Church" all religions openly proclaim thier beliefs and invite guests to thier services. The "Church" of Scientology is so secretive about their beliefs that no one really knows what you're all about.

Jancis, does Scientology respect all other religions when its OT levels tell people that other religions are just false implants Xenu put in place to confuse us and the only One True Way is Scientology? Is that when Scientology respects other religions?

Please challenge me to prove that. Please. I would love an excuse to post OTIII.

Jancis, don't read this because you must not be high enough on the Bridge to know that all religions are just implanted engrams meant to confuse us into not being a Scientologist so let's not let the cat of the bag before you pay large sums to find out this little gem. I suppose we should forgive your statement since you don't know this information yet, but it behooves us to let others know that what you just posted is a lie. You can't respect other religions and be a Scientologist. You can't be a Scientologist and another religion at the same time.

Hello Travis,
Actually our beliefs are well described in the book , "What is Scientology," available in most libraries. Also many of L Ron Hubbard's books and lectures are available in most libraries including the Clearwater Library. I have borrowed them from there myself. Also our websites have videos showing our beliefs as well as there is a free DVD about us which you can pick up from any Church or Mission. Anyone is welcome to visit our Churches and come to our Sunday services. I am not sure why you or anyone thinks we are secretive! Come on in!
I'm sorry you have had trouble with your business. Did you ever try to make friends with the other spa owners? I'm sure you could all work together in a helpful way if you were to talk to them. We are all God's children no matter what our religion. I think He would prefer it if we worked in harmony. Think of the story of the good Samaritan which Jesus told in answer to the question, "Who is my neighbour?" and His commandment in John13.34 "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." In 2,000 years have we achieved this?
You see, even though I am a Scientologist, I can also have a relationship with Jesus. Many people do not understand that. I honestly hope you can have a rethink about your sign. The council may approve it, but does Jesus?

Actually I own a copy of "What Is Scientology?" Goes for $100 and change normally from the church. I got it for ten cents from a librarian who was practically bribing me to take that garbage off of her hands because Scientologists kept trying to force her to put their garbage on the shelves.

Also, are we all God's children if L Ron Hubbard said OT8 explains how Jesus was a pedophile?

Jancis, you should research how you cannot be a Christian and a Scientologist because lying is a sin for Christians. It's one of the Ten Commandments. You're not supposed to lie if you're a Christian. I know Scientologists lie all the time. They have permission to do so to keep Scientology working. You've got to choose, Jancis. Are you a Christian who tries not to lie or are you a Scientologist who gets all the free passes you need to lie about everything?

Sallie, if all Christians are no longer Christians if they can't lie. Then there are no Christians. All Christians I have met have lied. Do/Did you tell your Children there is Santa Claus or an Easter Bunny? And do you believe that all the stories in the Bible are completely historically accurate? To say that Christians don't lie, and if you do you are not a Christian.

Michael D, go back to your auditing before you accidentally read Operating Thetan documents. I mean, LRH said if you read them before you were OT you'd catch pneumonia, and that would just suck for you.

Oh, by the way.
You mocked up your own past lives.
^OT8 Cognition.

Spoilers. ;D

Local,
You are good with the false accusations. I guess if you falsely accuse someone over and over again that makes you right. Let me get this straight. Since you are apparently too sociopathic to realize this:
I am not a Scientologist. I have never read the book their faith is based on, because I don't care to do so. I have read the Koran, the Bible, and parts of the Dhamma.
I'm not into your hate speach, you feel if you scream and accuse people will care more. I don't. Just like Buddist, Muslims, Hindu's... their religion does infringe on me, so I'm not going to infringe on their beliefs. If you want to accuse someone go elsewhere, you agrument is getting old and tired.
If I'm not a scientologist and I'm not in agreement with you what does that make me?
An American who believes in Freedom of Speech and of Freedom of Religion. If you want to speak out against what you precieve as a threat go ahead, but your FALSE accusations need to go somewhere other than myself.

Michael D., Christians aren't supposed to lie. It's one of the ten commandments. L. Ron Hubbard's words must be followed and never changed. So when I read his instructions to Scientologists, I am baffled that anyone could think it's a religion. (By the way you may be interested to know that there a few direct quotes from Hubbard saying that Dianetics and Scientology are not religions and were not meant to be religions. Well, until they couldn't get the medical and scientific community to accept the drivel so they went the religion route.) But I digress. Let's look at this lovely quote from Hubbard's Code of Honor written in 1954: "Never fear to hurt another in a just cause." Nice. Never fear to hurt another in a just cause. That's part of their Code of Honor. There's so much more of that where Hubbard is concerned.
Scientology is not a religion. Scientologists want you to fear them. They don't want you around. Yes, you went to the Ft. Harrison for Christmas. Bravo. Go there tomorrow. Go there next Thursday. Go there on Halloween. Walk downtown on Cleveland St. Try to walk behind the Coachman Building. Try to walk down Watterson St. Go see how you're greeted by Scientologists during those little sojourns.

Sallie, you made the statement:
"you should research how you cannot be a Christian and a Scientologist because lying is a sin for Christians"
I have no problem if your statement was you can't be a Christian and Scientologist, which I agree you can't believe in two different religions. Having studied a number of religions, I don't see how you can honest believe in to higher beings. But you added the portion of lying. Which lies are all over the Christian religion like all religions. The mythos of all religions are based on a story that are part facts, part story. It is what is behind said story is what people attach to.
I am going by what our government and other governments around the world have classified it. As a religion. Therefore it's a religion. So are a number of other things that a lot of people wouldn't classify as religions. But as long as they do not infringe on me or my personal beliefs, then live and let live.
As far as go there, go there, go there... I live in Clearwater, I pay my taxes in Clearwater, I spend the majority of my free time in Clearwater. Most of my desposable income is used In Clearwater I run into all kinds of people Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Scientologist, even Hare Krishna and none of them bother me. Unless it is someone trying to push the Bible, Koran, dyanetics then I can politely say no. They aren't chasing me down and forcing me to read. So no they do not bother me while I live my life.

Hi Maegan,
I'm curious, as an atheist, what happens when you die? 'cause I hope you like Surpise parties!!

Travis,
The body is either turned to ash or put in a box. Then buried or stored in some fashion. Life and the world keep moving on. Other than that it doens't effect those still on Earth.

Micheal,
You know that not what I'm talking about and your answer completly avoids the spirit of the question. Furthermore, I was asking the self proclaimed atheist. Aren't you done gumming up this comments section with your agenda, or do you need to reply to every comment?

Travis,
You are talking about the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. So yes, I know what you are referring to. But you also know what response you were expecting question. I am telling you from an atheist point of view. Atheist beleive there is no Kingdom, it is in fact believe there is nothing. So therefore my commit answers your question.

Willie,
As I have already stated in my reply to Travis, the problem with the sign is that people are so jaded they have to ask the beliefs of the person who owns the establishment. It makes me sad for us as a country that it has to be asked.
I would have been perfectly fine if the sign said "Southern Baptist Owned" and honestly find that to be more appropriate. In my eyes Travis has handled this situation and his replies to this board with class and respect.
Willie I would say no American should tolerate being controlled by any organization regardless of affliation. I believe the doctine of Jesus is to love that neighbor and through that love show them the light of Christ. Speaking of a lie of Doctrine, is not the way to show that love, just continues the pitiful cycles of labeling. Labels start a conversation of closed doors/minds, not opening doors/minds to intelligent and thoughtful conversation.

I applaud this too and it does take courage. Maybe the downtown area would have more traffic if this happens. People don't like to support scientology owners because it is supporting the dangerous organization. Sad that the members do not know of the dangers and they are kept in a bubble and are mind controlled not to LOOK at or read any criticism, except for a few PR person's who's job it is.

Wow, I had no idea! As parents we need to wake up! Thank you.

Louanne are you visiting from LA? What's inappropriate is for the double-triangle to bother a fish. He is not competing with you. Scio's downtown just don't want any competition and sic the organization on to him, tell him how to run his business because of his sign. You are fantastic at making your own enemies, always have been.

What double triangle? Also, from what I understand Scientology is not classified as a religion. When poeple come into my business then try to leave because they think we're Scientologists, I have the right to clairify the situation. What is this competition your speaking of?

Travis, the double triangle is one of the symbols of Scientology, along with the infamous "double-cross". See: http://i.imgur.com/i54nG.gif

Louanne Lee is a known Scientologist shill that haunts the comments section of critical articles. She's so regular I even predicted her appearance in the other article's comments:
"Also, Scientology knows all about using sockpuppets to overwhelm a comments section. Should I start quoting exact examples? Like the infamous (and I use the term loosely) Louanne? Or ObjectiveReporting? Go ahead, tempt me."

Is it just me, or does the "S" look like a serpent?

Louanne, what has religion got to do with it? The organisation you are defending is run by an abusive, sociopathic dictator. Sadly, this man's leadership has resulted in numerous shocking atrocities, enforced disconnection, extreme and fraudulent fundraising, and a fanatical membership that seems incapable of obnosis (observing the obvious). Your lack of confront and continued allegiance to this individual is a very good reason why someone would want to disassociate with you, and make such disassociation public. No different to your group's SP Declare & Disconnection policy really, now is it? Only your leadership *does* discriminate on religious grounds considering the suppressive stance your "church" takes towards Independent Scientologists. For you to claim some sort of persecution here is, imho, not only misguided but very much a case of pot calling the kettle black.