In the course of my activism, I've occasionally been inspired to write a few essays, open letters, and letters to the editor.

Letters to the Editor

San Francisco Chronicle, on Scientology's Narconon program in public schools (June 13, 2004)
The Chron ran several terrific articles on Narconon - a Scientology front group - teaching bad science and Scientology concepts disguised as drug education. I wrote to protest the waste of valuable class time. My letter ran on June 13, 2004.
East Bay Express, on surviving abusive groups (September 24, 2003)
A response to a cover story on two young adults who had survived childhood in a horribly abusive coercive group. It was published in the September 24, 2003 edition.
Sacramento News & Review, on Scientology teachings and pressure at eRepublic (August 30, 2001)
After the Sacramento News & Review ran a cover story on Scientology teachings at eRepublic, publishers of magazines for government employees and educators, I wrote to correct a few small details and emphasize the criminal convictions of top-ranking Scientologists who infiltrated government offices. My letter ran in the August 30, 2001 edition.
St. Petersburg Times, on Scientology PIs trailing Jesse Prince and witness tampering (May 21, 2001)
The SP Times ran a story on Scientology PIs, who trailed Jesse Prince 24 hours a day for four months straight. Since Jesse was a witness in the Lisa McPherson wrongful death lawsuit, I thought this constituted witness tampering. The Times did not print my letter.
London Daily Telegraph, on Scientology, celebrities, members, and the Purification Rundown (March 29, 2001)
In response to an article on Scientology and celebrities, I wrote to correct misinformation about the number of Scientologists worldwide and the dangers of the Purification Rundown. My letter was published on March 29, 2001.
San Francisco Chronicle, on Jeff Quiros and Battlefield Earth (June 6, 2000)
San Francisco's Director of Special Affairs, Jeff Quiros, wrote in response to an article about Scientology ties to the film Battlefield Earth. In my letter, I noted that there are nowhere near 8 million Scientologists, and that the film does have ties to Scientology through licensing agreements. My letter was published on June 6, 2000.
San Francisco Chronicle, on Scientology and Germany (May 18, 2000)
A letter I wrote about Philip Terzian's editorial on Germany and Scientology. It was published on May 18, 2000.
San Francisco Chronicle, on Scientology's destructive side (May 27, 1999)
After columnist Jon Carroll made an unflattering reference to Scientology, San Francisco's Director of Special Affairs, Jeff Quiros, wrote in to take him to task. I responded, describing lives Scientology has destroyed in the Bay Area. My letter was not published.
New Times LA, on Scientologists picketing critics' homes (April 22, 1999)
Their columnist, "The Finger," wrote about Scientologists revenge-picketing their critics at home. My response was published on April 22, 1999.
San Jose Mercury News, on Investigative Reports (January 31, 1999)
A letter I wrote in response to a letter written by a Scientologist about A&E's Investigative Reports. It was published in the Merc on January 31, 1999.
San Jose Business Journal, on Grady Ward (October 12, 1998)
A letter I wrote about an article on Ward's settlement with Scientology in the massive copyright-infringement suit they brought against him. It was published on October 12, 1998.

About Me, Scientology, and Scientologists

Do you hate Scientology? or Scientologists? or Scientology executives? (November 17, 1999)
This is a post I made to alt.religion.scientology after one of the regulars repeatedly implied that I hated Scientologists and Scientology. In fact, I don't hate anyone.
What Did Scientology Do to You? (January 6, 1999)
Every so often, a Scientologist finds this web site and writes to me. This is my reply to one of them, explaining that Scientology hasn't really done much of anything to me - my activism is born out of concern for others.
A Few Questions for Scientologists (1998)

Random Thoughts on Scientology

Comments on the Keith Henson Sentencing Memorandum (May 18, 2001)
Keith Henson was found guilty of "interfering with a religion" for peaceful pickets of Scientology's compound in Southern California. (Jurors were lead to believe he made threats, but he did not.) I felt many statements included in this memorandum were very misleading.
Can Scientologists Read Dr. Seuss? (October 23, 1999)
Does the Scientology caution against reading past a "misunderstood word" prohibit Scientologist from reading Dr. Seuss - or e. e. cummings?
Is Scientology/FRL a Street Gang? (May 5, 1999)
According to California law, Scientology may fit the definition of a street gang!
Dr. Martin Luther King and Scientology - A Comparison (April 23, 1999)
One of my revenge-picketers, Craig, brought up the issue of race several times while picketing my home. Poking around on the web one day, I came across some of Dr. King's writings, and I was inspired to write this open letter to Craig, comparing some of Dr. Kings ideas with some of the tenets of Scientology.
Scientology is like Smoking Cigarettes (March 8, 1999)
... it provides no verifiable benefits to non-participants.
A Flier I Distributed to My Neighbors (1998)
... in response to Scientology representatives picketing my home.