Date: Wed, 08 Nov 1995 01:12:57 +0000 (GMT)
From: mddallara@msuvx2.memphis.edu (Mark Dallara)
Subject: $cientology threatens U of Memphis

Background:
----------
I periodically post messages and articles to the local newsgroup
umem.talk, about various 'net happenings, such as the Exon Amendment, the
Carnegie Mellon fiasco, and the Cult of $cientology.  Umem.talk is
(supposedly) not readable or writeable to anyone without a university
account.  Previous postings about the cult had mainly included crossposts
from alt.religion.scientology.

Several weeks ago, one of those crossposts was a SCAMIZDAT file.  I
mentioned that this was one of the files that make Helena Kobrin and the
other cult legal vermin go ballistic, and that it was being presented as
an example of current 'Net controversy (and for a good hearty laugh at the
cult's expense).  However, since umem.talk is a UM-only group, I hadn't
expected to see any reaction, and didn't, until now.


Today (Nov. 7)
--------------
I got a call today from Jim Plunkett of UM's Academic Computer Services.
His boss, Farokh Eslahi, told him to ask me to refrain from cross-posting
any more copyrighted cult materials.  Apparently the cult lawyers have
been calling and threatening to sue the university if the materials
weren't removed.  ACS removed the post until they can figure out what the
hell is going on.  Given the fanaticism and the money behind the cult's
unscrupulous and vindictive legal machine, I don't blame them.  I will, of
course, refrain from posting anything which I believe to be legally
vulnerable, such as the SCAMIZDAT documents.  I don't wish to bring any
problems like this to the university's doorstep.  I do, however, reserve
the right to criticize the pathetic, money-grubbing cult in my own
UN-copyrighted words.

I have a few questions for ACS:

1. How did they find out about a post to umem.talk?  Are there
scamitologists right here in good ol' boy baptist country?  Besides Isaac
Hayes, I mean.  ;)

2. I thought umem.talk posts expired after 7 days...  Was the cult made 
aware of the post within one week?  

3. Who, specifically, contacted the university, and who did they contact?
What, specifically, were the threats made?  Was removal of the posts their
only request?  Details, please.

In any case, I'd like to give a big "FUCK YOU" to the cult, all its
lawyers, and especially Helana Kobrin, because I know you're all watching
now.  My name is probably on a list at the OSA branch, and I'm sure
they've been examining my website and everything else they could get their
hands on.  Everyone with half a brain knows that you're nothing but a
fucking lie of a corporation, and the "religion" status is purely for tax
purposes.  The legal system is slowly waking up and becoming aware of your
illegal activities, and I, for one, will gladly piss on your grave.