MEDIA WATCH | TAMPA BAY TIMES

Tracey McManus of Tampa Bay Times—a Shameless Bigot

Ludicrous and disjointed at best, McManus’s article selectively points out that the Church launched a website criticizing character and motive. Is there some law I should be aware of that prohibits defending against slanderous and malicious attacks targeting one’s religion?

September 3, 2017

Tampa Bay Times
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Ms. Orsi,

Shame, shame Tracey McManus—Journalism’s best practices ignored, planned that way or in the moment of journalistic fervor conveniently disposed with? Remember truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, fairness and accountability?

To call Jeffrey Augustine a “Scientology researcher” is a misnomer at best. It appears that Jeffery’s total mission in life is to attack the Church of Scientology, a limited life style for sure, but hardly a researcher. Perhaps best said as in—let’s pretend, create the fact, then fit it to my story.

Tracey, you are talking about my religion, so in referring to the Church you are talking to me. Let’s take a look at the part in your “informative article” about prohibiting members from reading negative media. As a professional and community leader, I can and do read what I deem of interest, have done and will do.

Fortunately for me, your journalistic style of “let’s divide to conquer, create dissension followed by hatred,” has no place on my reading list. However, speaking up for my religion does.

"We are committed to multiplying God’s love locally and internationally. God wants you to serve others with a compassion.” This affirmation is straight from Pastor Willie Rice’s website home page. Wonder if he looked at it recently in lieu of inciting bigotry.

To Mr. Augustine, Miss McManus and Pastor Willie—I believe the following quote is from someone we all respect, I do. If not, my apologies.

We must never remain silent in the face of bigotry. We must condemn those who seek to divide us. In all quarters and at all times, we must teach tolerance and denounce racism, anti-Semitism and all ethnic or religious bigotry wherever they exist as unacceptable evils. We have no place for haters in America—none whatsoever.”

President Ronald Reagan

In peace,
Gracia Bennish
Clearwater, Fla.