Free Republic

We have commented on actor Tom Cruise using the media to preach the virtues of Scientology and the evils of psychiatry. He gave interviews about his new film, "War of the Worlds," as long as he was permitted to talk about his religion. But Scientology not only has a base in Hollywood, it has enjoyed powerful friends in Washington. For years, Scientology fought a battle with the IRS because the government would not recognize its claim to be a religion. The IRS finally granted Scientology its desired status under President Bill Clinton, the recipient of massive donations from Hollywood. Now...

With Hollywood desperately trying to end its 14-week box office slump, the release of superstar Tom Cruise's newest summer blockbuster ought to guarantee a big payday. But the star's erratic behavior lately - including a love-struck appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" with new girlfriend Katie Holmes and his out-there promotion of the Church of Scientology - could backfire and turn off the huge potential audience for the costly science-fiction epic "War of the Worlds" being released June 29 by Paramount Pictures, industry experts said Thursday. "He just seems so outside himself and so bizarre," said brand and image consultant...