Responses to Dateline show

(compiled from emails to FACTNet and postings to alt.religion.scientology)

"VERY happy to know of your existence! Hoorah for Robert Minton and his support of the Constitution and personal liberties. I, too, recognize a bully when I see one." -R

"Dear Mr. Minton, I saw you recently on TV. You are faced with an incredible challenge. But you are doing the right thing. I was appalled at the behavior of the head of the Scientology church, that he felt justified in his "investigation" of you. Just know that many people saw you that night, and support your efforts. The holocaust happened because nobody would do anything, no one would take a stand, no one would help those who were in the middle. Good luck to you and your mission. Best regards." -K

"Dear Mr Minton, I'm glad someone has the determination to make the deliberately controlling tactics of Scientology known openly to help avoid further recruiting of innocent people. They depend so heavily on the financial burdens placed on new recruits (that are targeted for their financial resources) that reducing their ability to recruit will destroy them. I used to work with an individual who expressed many of the same traits and tactics you are battling against with regard to Scientology. He was a 'minister' in the Church of Scientology. I have a small exposure to their ideals and that's more than enough to make me aware of their true nature...deception, deception, deception. I wish you well; and I'll pray that you successfully make known to the world Scientology's deliberate abuses. Best regards." -E

"Bob Minton, Please keep up your splendid efforts. Your wife is super to indulge you: if she needs support please ask her to email me, as what you are doing is noble, un-done by anyone else, and so terribly needed. Scientology needs addressing and exposing. Do remain focused. No one else has the spotlight on this ridiculous, insane cult. You have the resources, not only monetary but emotionally, to sustain its assaults. For as long as you can continue, please do. I have no vested interest, no member of my family has ever been approached by or involved in Scientology; I simply know how idiotic it is. But more than idiotic when it alters lives. Devastating. Thank you." -CH

"Carry on the good work.i was a scientologist for about 5yrs and on staff... for 4 yrs or so. I was in org security... and suffered the poor to no pay. The worst thing that happened to me is that the mission holders... talked my husband into talking me into an abortion and then into divorcing me.. I have dealt with all that and hope that others have gotten help for their Scientology experiences. Let me know if i can help." -DT

"I thought it was an excellent program and I sent NBC's Dateline an email praising them for carrying the story and giving so much attention to it. I am both fascinated and appalled by the CoS information demolition tactics... The use of investigators both to collect information and to plant information & disinformation is clever and nasty... Mr. Rinder's assertion, in line with Hubbard's teachings, that determined critics must have criminal pasts they're hiding is chilling... I wish that the segment on NBC had picked up a bit more of the stuff that revolved around the Internet... Thank you for the FACTnet mailings and Web page." -JA

"Larry and others: Just wanted to let you know that I thought the Bob Mintonstory was fantastic. What a courageous man. I'd love to meet him someday. I haven't been real involved in anti-cult activities over the past couple of years, but I do keep up with what's going on through your website and others, and through e-mail communications with the network. You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up!" -PR

"I was a devoted practicing catholic...My husband and I have been married for over 32 years... We are good people, honest, caring, sharing, and never ever took one penny that we did not earn. We raised our children to be the same way... However, I have such pain in my heart and feel very lost. I see business people who have lied, cheated and stolen from others and have ruined us personally and financially prosper and become more successful. I see family members who are selfish, abuse their children, encourage them to steal, and use people, living lives of luxury at someone's else's expense. And I see my husband, who is kind, hardworking, proud and honest sinking more and more everyday. I see a man who knows that he is worth more in this world dead than alive. I see him pray. I envy his faith.

"Since I have been searching for answers, I was interested in an interview with John Travolta regarding his new found religion, scientology. It accounted for his new direction, and success. In my despiration to find direction, I wanted to find out more. I purchased a book (which I have not had the time to read yet). Last night, I watched a program that interviewed Robert Minton. I was so impressed by this man. I could not help but notice his face, and the kindness he radiated. And, I believed him. I would like to thank him for his honesty and wish him success. I might not ever understand God's plan for me and my family, but I do know that Mr. Minton has helped me to realize that scientology is not the answer." -P

"Bob, Thank you for your effort to educate the public on this cult. I watched you on Dateline last night and it brought back memories of my encounters with the group in Boston." -G

"I applaud Robert Minton's support of Scientology's critics. Thank goodness someone has come to the rescue of some of the critcs of this coercive cult. With a level playing field some of its outrageous activities may finally result in civil damage verdicts which will teach it to stop using the legal system to throttle free speech." -RC

"I just wanted to thank Mr. Minton for what he is doing to aid and finance people opposed to this superstition, this very dangerous cult. I live in Clearwater and lived there for forty plus years and we live only two miles from Downtown, can tell you that since [Scientology] arrived secretly in Clearwater, and later openly, none of my personal friends will even mention this cult outloud, knowing the legal and extra-legal things they will do to critics. The cult members themselves, at least at the low levels I have spoken with are polite and act nice. I suspect that it is the upper eschelons who act out. [Scientology] owns most of old downtown Clearwater and you have to pass through their hostile territory to get to the Clearwater Beaches." -B

"Thank you for letting me know about the NBC Dateline report on Scientology. I so applaud your efforts, Mr. Minton's efforts, and any efforts anywhere in the world to expose organizations that suppress free speech and free thought. PLEASE keep me on your list for information, and if there is any way I can help, please let me know. Please continue your actions." -CH

"Saw the piece on Bob On Dateline tonight. Bob you are a hero..we need more of you out there." -Bob Geary

"Very Well Done, Bob Minton. This is a big blow." - EldonB123

"Isn't it interesting that even Mike Rinder cannot run, hide & deny from what L. Ron Hubbard had written? And notice Mike Rinder's discomfort at being put on the spot whether he agreed with the writings of L. Ron Hubbard labelling ALL critics as CRIMINALS and persons with a criminal past. Rinder said he accepts that.

"Bob Mintonhas saved lives and saved families, and no amount of debauchery implemented by the Scientology crime syndicate will ever change that. If it were not for Bob Minton, I would have committed suicide over HIV-related issues. Bob helped me when I needed it most and thanks to Bob, another loved poster on ARS who lost her husband to suicide recently is rebuilding her life, going to school to learn a marketable skill and feeling good about herself and her future.

"There's a special place in heaven awaiting Bob Mintonwhen his work ends in this life." -Garry Scarff

"Dateline kept Rinder's fat out of the fire on the Oliver thing. Had Rinder's factless diatribe on Oliver been broadcast, Oliver would have had a basis for a slander suit again both Rinder and the CoS. Rinder owes Dateline a multi-million dollar 'Thank You!'

"And Bob: Thanks for everything. Your reward is the Kingdom." -StukaFox

"Actually, I thought it was quite effective not to air what Rinder said and to make the statement in a voice-over that none of what Rinder was saying had any evidence to substantiate it. It completely destroyed Rinder's credibility that what he was saying wasn't fit to be broadcast." -Monica Pignotti

"Not only did I just see Dateline's episode on Scientology, I went surfing on the web to see just what all the hubbub is all about. How incredible that people living in the latter days of the 20th century would be gullible enough to believe any of this malarkey. Fair science fiction at best..." -RS

"Dear Mr. Minton,
I am a public Scientologist and have been a Scientologist for over twenty years. I speak from the experience of those many years. I should advise you that your chances of becoming 'Scientology^Òs Martin Luther', are non-existent, zero, nil. That you consider a, 'Martin Luther', is either needed or wanted by members of my Church, speaks volumes as to your ignorance. In fact the consensus of opinion among long time members who have seen it all, is that we ARE the reformed 'Church of Scientology.'" -(unsigned)