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In reply to the discussion: 'I'm not a communist': Potential Biden running mate Rep. Bass reassures Cuban American voters [View all]ehrnst
(32,640 posts)25. Um no. She did not "endorse Scientology." She praised their specific public work and stated creed.
She also praised founder L. Ron Hubbard for the Churchs creed saying that all people of whatever race, color or creed, are created with equal rights. Scientologys president, David Miscavige, whose own troubling history has been the source of much reporting, was also on stage.
If youre cynical like me, then you know this is nothing more than a conservative media outlets attempt to discredit a potential VP selection. But its also not doctored footage or anything. So fair game.
The best case scenario here is that Bass was asked to speak at the opening of a religious venue in her community one whose members include some rich and powerful people who may well become donors and she knew next to nothing about Scientology. So she praised them for their public statements and alleged mission, fully ignorant of the deep, dark, disturbing, and dangerous nature of the cult.
Its not like she wouldve been alone. There were other politicians on stage that day and the New Yorkers Lawrence Wright didnt expose the Church until 2011, nearly a year after this event. Thats not to say the disturbing aspects of Scientology were a secret or anything, but someone who wasnt paying attention might not have been familiar with the more frightening stories.
Based on her remarks, which are superficial at best, that seems to be the case here. She just didnt know what she was getting into. She gave positive remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She offered lip service to a group she knew very little about. Thats not weird. (Ive seen politicians give remarks at a Jain Temple; its always obvious their knowledge of the religion consists of whatevers in the first couple of sentences on Wikipedia and nothing more.
If youre cynical like me, then you know this is nothing more than a conservative media outlets attempt to discredit a potential VP selection. But its also not doctored footage or anything. So fair game.
The best case scenario here is that Bass was asked to speak at the opening of a religious venue in her community one whose members include some rich and powerful people who may well become donors and she knew next to nothing about Scientology. So she praised them for their public statements and alleged mission, fully ignorant of the deep, dark, disturbing, and dangerous nature of the cult.
Its not like she wouldve been alone. There were other politicians on stage that day and the New Yorkers Lawrence Wright didnt expose the Church until 2011, nearly a year after this event. Thats not to say the disturbing aspects of Scientology were a secret or anything, but someone who wasnt paying attention might not have been familiar with the more frightening stories.
Based on her remarks, which are superficial at best, that seems to be the case here. She just didnt know what she was getting into. She gave positive remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She offered lip service to a group she knew very little about. Thats not weird. (Ive seen politicians give remarks at a Jain Temple; its always obvious their knowledge of the religion consists of whatevers in the first couple of sentences on Wikipedia and nothing more.
https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2020/08/01/rep-karen-bass-praised-the-church-of-scientology-in-2010-its-not-a-big-deal/
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'I'm not a communist': Potential Biden running mate Rep. Bass reassures Cuban American voters [View all]
brooklynite
Aug 2020
OP
Arguing that she seems like a "lightweight" is at least not using republican distorted talking point
still_one
Aug 2020
#15
+1000. They hate Pelosi, after all, and would love for her to be replaced with someone less shrewd
ehrnst
Aug 2020
#42
not the battle to choose - she must withdraw, simple as that - she can't unring the bell
bringthePaine
Aug 2020
#8
With that logic, I guess President Obama should not have said he wasn't a Muslim, but a Christian.
still_one
Aug 2020
#14
In my view Rep. Bass is not going to be Biden's VP selection. This is either a bored media, or
still_one
Aug 2020
#29
Whether Rep. Bass is the best choice or not isn't the point. Why does it seem that a good number
still_one
Aug 2020
#16
It took me two seconds to come up with that. She's making herself an easy target.
tinrobot
Aug 2020
#28
This is just a divisive distraction to get Democrats fighting among themselves in my view. I do not
still_one
Aug 2020
#30
Um no. She did not "endorse Scientology." She praised their specific public work and stated creed.
ehrnst
Aug 2020
#25
Using the OPs logic, "I am not..." means you've lost the argument, does not address the point
still_one
Aug 2020
#13
She walked that back, not unlike Obama walking back Wright, and had to explain Ayers
still_one
Aug 2020
#22
His whole political philosophy is based on his reaction to JFK and Nixon debate
betsuni
Aug 2020
#26
Yes, apparently but not enough to eliminate him from being a Democratic POTUS candidate. (nt)
ehrnst
Aug 2020
#45