Jeb Bush praises Scientologists

MSNBC/April 5, 2005
By Jeanette Walls

While the religion of Tom Cruise and John Travolta has been getting some tough press in recent days, it's also been lauded by President Bush's brother.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush raised eyebrows among the critics of the sometimes controversial religion recently when he honored Scientology volunteers who helped victims of hurricanes in his state.

Members of the group - which was put in the spotlight this week by the New York Daily News for its alleged anti-homosexual philosophy - were given a "Points of Light Award" as Hurricane Heroes. Scientology volunteers have been high profile at disaster scenes recently, distributing food and water, as well as delivering controversial "touch assist" healings that supposedly help victims through the laying on of hands.

"The Bush brothers have both been good to some groups that have been called cults," says Rick Ross of CultNews.com. "Governor Bush has recognized Scientology while his brother in the White House has actually appointed a follower of Reverend Moon [David Caprara] to dole out tax payer money through the so-called faith-based initiative. Seems to me like the fox guarding the henhouse."