http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_and_psychiatry
Anti-psychiatry: A parallel movement
Main article: Anti-psychiatry

Some anti-psychiatry websites and psychiatric survivors groups have sought to distance themselves from Scientology and the CCHR. Lawyer Douglas A. Smith stated in his anti-psychiatry web page:

“No Scientologists, please: Volunteers will be asked for assurance they are not affiliated with the ‘Church’ of Scientology or its Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), which have publicized the harm done by psychiatry but which we want no affiliation with.”[38]

Similarly—:

“Mind Freedom attorney David Atkin has provided a letter to clarify and emphasize that MindFreedom has no connection to CCHR or Church of Scientology. This clarification is not to criticize any organization, but to just state the facts.”[39]

Despite sharing notable anti-psychiatry views on some issues with the secular critics, Scientology doctrine does differ in some respects. Scientology has promoted psychiatry-related conspiracy theories, including that psychiatrists were behind the Yugoslav wars[40] and that September 11 was caused by psychiatrists.[41] In the advanced OT courses Scientologists are told that psychiatrists caused havoc across the universe billions of years ago.[42][43] Scientologists are religiously committed never to take psychiatric drugs and to reject psychology outright.

The socio-political roots of the movements have different origins. Advocates of the anti-psychiatric world view such as David Cooper, Ronald Laing and Michel Foucault had ties with the political left of the 1960s; Thomas Szasz, with the civil libertarians of the right, as well as an outspoken atheist. Many advocates of the anti-psychiatry movement have stated that they consider the idea of “mental illness” as a convenient and inaccurate label assigned by society rather than an objective biomedical state, rejecting psychiatric terms such as schizophrenia which they may see as stigmatizing. By contrast, Hubbard referred to “schizophrenics” in his writings on Scientology theory,[44] and developed a Tone Scale to, in part, gauge the health of a person’s mental state. Furthermore, in his Science of Survival Hubbard suggested putting people very low on the scale into quarantine,[45] a practice at odds with, for instance, the aim of the American Association for the Abolition of Involuntary Mental Hospitalization: an organization co-founded by Szasz to end involuntary commitment.

FrankG “and the data given are….” Special emphasis on the bizarre use of the word “data” there. Only one group in the world teaches people to speak in this particular way, and I bet you can guess what it is. Frank is a Scientologist who has been asked (or possibly hired like I was) to look for stories about Scientology online and to make sure that it’s nothing but good press. Hearing all these people exposing CCHR for what it is must really bother you, huh Frank?

Politician’s that would help push the agenda of a dangerous organization like scientology should definitely be under scrutiny in my book.

They would have to be scientologists themselves, corrupt/$$$, or totally hoodwinked. Hopefully it is the latter and he will realize it before he helps scientology push one of their front groups.

I wonder if he’s seen the contract you have to sign to join scientology? What is it 8 pages? “Parishioners” or whatever they call them (for tax purposes only) must state they have NEVER been treated by a “psych” among many, many other way too personal questions.

Wow… just wow. What a waste of the taxpayers time and money. This rep should be working with our new prez to get us out of this mess this country is in, not wasting time on a bunch of loonies. Seriously, these Scientologists and CCHR front group people for Scientology are seriously paranoid and just plan nuts. They think there is some vast conspiracy by psychiatrists and medical doctors to control the world. It’s just amazing in it’s stupidity. I’m still not surprised some people are taken in by it, but a representative of the people? Rep Hoskins, PLEASE learn to do basic research on a group before you go speak for them. One web search would have told you something was up with these people. We are paying you and we voted for you. Please do your job and represent us the people, not wacko groups like Scientology who border on being an organized criminal group.

How can such a well educated man support such a deep well of lies? Nothing Scientology claims has been scientifically proven or researched. LRH was a proven liar; his religion lies just as much as he did. Tom Newton, a Sci cult supporter lies constantly. He can not back up his opinion with fact. Scientology may fool one for a little while, but examined at any length, one will find the myths falling apart.

Does Hoskins have financial troubles? Scientology has a lot of money and have a history of taking advantage of those who need help. Like all the out of work actors they recruit.

I’m willing to cut Hoskins some slack.

I’ve talked to his office, and this seems to honestly be a case where he thought he’d just be speaking in front of a “human rights” group. It may be a bit sloppy on his (or his staff’s) part to not understand what the CCHR is about, but in his defense they’re really good about presenting a “oh look we’re protecting the public” face without revealing their real agenda.

I’ve heard he’s canceled his speaking engagement. I think he’s probably learned a valuable lesson about the need to investigate groups that invite him to speak. Most aren’t nearly as underhanded as the CCHR or Scientology when it comes to covering their propaganda in an acceptable sounding veneer.

Live and learn, Representative Hoskins. Keep this history in mind the next time you are presented with arguments from Scientology or their front groups.

How about having a good look at their secret agreement with the IRS and their tax-exempt status?

I am appalled that an elected official of Rep. Hoskins stature is so mind-numbingly uninformed about the true nature of the cult of $cientology. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to inform oneself these days- just a few key strokes away. If he did that, he would certainly know that associating himself with this cult was a bad career move.

I’m up here in Mass., but please make sure you folks get this guy out of office.