Letters to the Editors[SP Times 1 January 1999]Letters to the EditorsSanctimonious views The Times' Editorial Notebook by Robyn E. Blumner, When buses become billboards (Dec. 22), reflects the height of hypocrisy. Blumner cites the First Amendment to the Constitution for the proposition that anonymous anti-Scientologists have the right to post religious hate slogans on county-sponsored buses. She conveniently ignores that the first provision of the First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion. That amendment prohibits governmental agencies from taking an action that could in any fashion establish or disestablish a particular religion. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is sponsored by Pinellas County. Any activity of the PSTA that would disfavor a religion would fly directly in the teeth of the First Amendment. If Robyn Blumner wants to argue that the PSTA is purely a commercial outfit and therefore less restricted by the dictates of the religion clauses of the First Amendment, then commercial standards apply. In that case, PSTA is completely free to accept or reject any advertising -- whether commercial, political or ideological -- according to its own standards of good taste. In either event, the PSTA made a decision it was completely justified and within its rights to make. Blumner is certainly entitled to her opinion. However, it is ironic that it appeared in the editorial column of the St. Petersburg Times, as if expressing the Times' views. The Times, as a matter of policy, will accept no advertising of any kind from the Church of Scientology. For years, the church has attempted to purchase advertising space for book advertisements, statements on social issues, and even equal space to respond to Times articles. In every instance, the Times has refused to accept advertisements. Perhaps the Times could be forgiven its lack of constitutional acumen were it not for its doublespeak on the issue of advertiser prerogative. Its views can only be characterized as sanctimonious. -- Mike Rinder, director, Church of Scientology International, Los Angeles, Calif. Background courtesy of Windy's Web Design |