While I understand the trepidation in endorsing the legitimization of any flavor of Scientology, I think that Independent Scientologists legally seeking the same benefits as CoS Scientologists (or pitting them in any legal war where Independents have a legitimate chance to win) may be the best, possibly only, way to push the IRS-CoS Agreement into the open for judicial scrutiny.
By the way, my comments are not meant be a reflection on Michael Fairman, who has only been out of the "Church" for a short time, and seems to be yo yoing back and forth between being an Ex-Scientologist and being reeled back into Scientology by Marty Rathbun&his Hubbard Philosophy&Tech-applying Friends.
It is undeniable that L. Ron Hubbard and L. Ron Hubbard's Scientology are being defended, and promoted, by those who - very late in the game - have joined in to expose Miscavige's abuses. These same folks are busy using Hubbard's Public Opinion-Manipulation Tech to forward their objectives, and they've finally found a "button" that seems to be "working": "The Church of Scientology," which is extremely unpopular.
At the same time, these folks dislike the idea of Hubbard's teachings being thoroughly examined by outsiders, Exes, or "Wogs," insisting that it's only Miscavige's crimes, not Hubbard's criminal doctrine, that should be examined.
When the suggestion is made that BOTH should be examined, silence ensues. [Insert cricket sounds
].
Marty Rathbun was a major player in the "handling" of the IRS - a "handling" that consisted of harassment, plus the possible blackmailing of its Commissioner. It was he and Miscavige who strode into IRS Commissioner Fred Goldberg's office in the early 1990s.
If Marty Rathbun ever decides to reveal what he knows about the IRS "settlement," and the events leading up to that "settlement," it could be of great assistance. So far, he has said very little.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D1PkZ81gn4
Is Independent Scientology going to push the IRS-CofS deal into the open for judicial scrutiny?