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Jane Lomax-Smith: Scientologists are 'bastards' who should be taxed
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by sweet east pearl | July 9, 2008 at 11:57 pm
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Jane Lomax-Smith: Scientologists are 'bastards' who should be taxed
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The Education Minister unknowingly appears in an internet video in which she brands members of Scientology as "bastards" while criticising the group's entitlement to tax exemptions for religious organisations.
Her comments were secretly filmed in May by the internet collective anonymous, which has been conducting protests against Scientology and posted on the online video site, YouTube.
EDUCATION Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has been caught on tape declaring Scientologists "should be taxed, the bastards".
Footage from a video recorded during a protest on May 10 by internet activist group Anonymous has emerged which shows Dr Lomax-Smith casually chatting to protesters in Adelaide.
Clearly not a fan of the controversial Church of Scientology, Dr Lomax-Smith asks protesters how frequently they gather and exclaims, "oh, it's great".
She then asks about the protest group, which is dedicated to "dismantling and destroying" the Church of Scientology.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (11)
at 04:26 on July 10th, 2008
Kudos to the Minister. She may not have known she was being filmed but it is refreshing to hear her speak her mind , voicing an opinion that reflects that held by many others; clearly a Minister in touch with the people.
at 06:41 on July 10th, 2008
I think it was wrong to post this online, but the comments she made in private are a perfectly valid statement of opinion. It's not like she was admitting to a crime, or spreading hate or anything like that. This might actually be to her benefit.
at 07:49 on July 10th, 2008
I do not think it was wrong to post this. We have seen many so-called religious groups take plenty of advantage of tax privileges and special pricing due to their affiliation to registered religious organizations.
In Canada, truckers of SIKH descent are purchasing trucks under through their local gurdwara and get special pricing from the dealers (known in the industry as clergy rates). Then they under-cut the market rates of other truckers (cannabalization) until they are forced to leave their independant status and go work for a firm at 1/2 the rate they used to work for. It is assumed that this is a deliberate ploy to assume control of a market. It is not something that one would does to serve their God, but to ruin the economics of an industry.
Croat from Canada
at 07:50 on July 10th, 2008
I do not think it was wrong to post this. We have seen many so-called religious groups take plenty of advantage of tax privileges and special pricing due to their affiliation to registered religious organizations.
In Canada, truckers of SIKH descent are purchasing trucks under through their local gurdwara and get special pricing from the dealers (known in the industry as clergy rates). Then they under-cut the market rates of other truckers (cannabalization) until they are forced to leave their independant status and go work for a firm at 1/2 the rate they used to work for. It is assumed that this is a deliberate ploy to assume control of a market. It is not something that one would does to serve their God, but to ruin the economics of an industry.
Croat from Canada
at 14:28 on July 10th, 2008
Kudos to the Minister. I respect her for standing by her statements if that is truly what she thinks. She was not speaking in an official capacity. It's good to know that the people of Australia are waking up to the realization that Scientology is not a religion. It is a dangerous Cult.
at 14:59 on July 10th, 2008
She's right. All the scientologists ever say about their organization is how great it is and how you should buy the book. its like watching a poorly conducted scammer try to get you to invest in a bridge somewhere.
at 21:40 on July 10th, 2008
It's definitely refreshing to hear a politician speak her mind so clearly and without fear of 'political correct' persecution. It may just be her opinion, but the fact that she is also 100% completely right just adds that extra punch to her statements, don't you think? Why should a corporation that charges THOUSANDS for its service be given tax exempt status? Maybe the politicians should re-visit the issue in Parliament??
From what I've read, this was not 'secretly' filmed but merely captured on handy cam at one of the Anonymous protests (back in May too - why have the press only picked up the story now? Either they're lazy or someone's only just now kicking them up the bum to cover the story)
An unbalanced report too, as the original story quotes a Scientology spokesperson, but has no comment from the protesters. Weak!
at 09:21 on July 11th, 2008
And next she asks for public slaughtering of scientologists?
at 16:28 on July 11th, 2008
Although I may be wrong to post what was thought to be a private conversation online I have nothing but support for the Minister.
at 16:35 on July 11th, 2008
"Although it may be wrong" not "I may be wrong" damn typos
at 18:39 on July 11th, 2008
In my truly private opinion she is a bastard and should pay back the taxes she eats up for being a "representative of the people".