Thanks, Journalists (For What We Don't Know)

Have you ever noticed how many articles you can read that will never say the word "cult" but will say all this:

"Kim Il-sung, whose uncle was a Christian minister in pre-communist days, banned Bibles, closed churches and turned himself into a divinity. Government newspapers described miracles. A turbulent sea suddenly grew calm when sailors sang hymns to him. When he attended a meeting in the demilitarized zone, a mysterious fog descended, saving him from potential assassination by South Korean snipers. At the birth of his son, Kim Jong-il, a radiant star illuminated the sky.

Efficient, relentless brainwashing worked."

It's like they want you to think "cult", but don't want to say it themselves. Why the reluctance? Because, after 40+ years of operation in America, the cults (like Scientology and The Landmark Forum) have got everyone so cowed that, if you even say the word "cult", it's just assumed you're crazy.

There are no cults, you see, just a bunch of really secretive groups that are compelled - compelled, damn you! - to "save the planet". Or help you to "reach your full potential" (whatever that's supposed to mean) for a price.

Anything but leaving the rest of us alone.