Anonymous protests again, but Scientology is ready

(Above, a plane circles overhead, towing a banner that reads: "Honk / Yell if you think Scientology is a Cult")

Along Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood today, in front of the large, blue Church of Scientology building, hundreds of masked Anonymous protesters arrived for a second major picket of the embattled religion.  This time, however, the church had an answer.

Because of a permit secured by the church, multiple roads were closed, including L. Ron Hubbard Way, the street that runs alongside the main church building. Tarps had been hung on the perimeter of the church's parking lot, preventing outsiders from seeing in.

Most noticeable was a series of large metal frameworks that had been erected and decorated with large rainbows of balloons and banners bearing church messages: "Love and Help Children," "Don't be promiscuous" and perhaps most visibly, the name of a Scientology-related book for better living, "The Way to Happiness."  A giant viewing screen had been set up to face out toward the protest, playing an endless series of videos -- accompanied by ear-splittingly  loud audio from speakers that also pointed toward Sunset Boulevard.  The videos playing on the screen espoused better living through the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Down the closed road, the tops of tents could be made out, and a few people appeared to be walking on the street.  Besides that, the nature of the Scientology event was unclear.

The police presence today was notably larger than it was for the first mass protest staged by Anonymous on Feb. 10.  LAPD Sgt. Wayne Guillary said the protests had progressed uneventfully, but noted that Scientology representatives had tried to block off an area of public sidewalk on Sunset Boulevard that would have prevented people from crossing the street in front of the church building. 

"They wanted to block off the crosswalk," said Guillary. "I told them you can't do that."

Guillary also noted that in addition to the road closure permit, it appeared that the church had applied for and received a permit to film on the premises.  Guillary pointed out off-duty LAPD officers who were assisting with the apparent movie shoot.  Again, it wasn't clear what kind of movie was being filmed, or why the church had picked a day in which a large protest had been planned for weeks.

When  I asked a Scientology official for information about the event on the premises, she declined to comment but said a written statement was forthcoming.  I asked if she  could arrange for a brief walk-through of the Scientology event and, after consulting with her supervisors, she said, "No.  The event is for parishioners only."

Members of Anonymous said the church had attempted to close off the entire block of sidewalk running along the front of the church on Sunset. At least one road closure sign had been placed in that area, though it was not covered by the permit, authorities said. (See photo below)   

Among the most peculiar sights of the day was when a small plane appeared overhead, (see photo at top) towing a banner that read, "Honk / Yell if you think Scientology is a cult."  The crowd cheered when the plane came into view and began an hour of circling.

A Scientology parishioner who identified himself as Jimmy and gave his age as 25 was stationed on Catalina Street, to prevent anyone from wandering into the closed area.

When asked if he believed the protesters seemed like terrorists, a term Scientology officials have repeatedly used to describe them, Jimmy replied, "I wouldn't say they're all terrorists.  A lot of them look like high school kids."

"But," he added, "Are you going to wait for them to blow up a church before you say, 'hey look, some terrorists?'"

 

Photos: David Sarno

Comments

[anon4ever]

Instead of facing its critics with dignity and open mind, Co$ found new ways to look more ridiculous and secretive than it already is. Church officials think that high fences and walls will shield trapped scientologists from the truth Anonymous tries to spread. Now let me think, who else is trying to keep its people confined within fences and walls...hmm... ahhh yes, North Korea's leadership

[Scientology Nightmares]

Stop Scientology

[Anonymous]

Tell your senators to start taxing Scientology!

It's not a religion, it's a cult.

[Anon anon]

"When asked if he believed the protesters seemed like terrorists, a term Scientology officials have repeatedly used to describe them, Jimmy replied, "I wouldn't say they're all terrorists. A lot of them look like high school kids."

"But," he added, "Are you going to wait for them to blow up a church before you say, 'hey look, some terrorists?'""

We are getting through to them apparently, keep up the good work LA times

Expect Us
04:12:08

[Whyaretheydead.net]

A "tax-exempt religion" sponsors a Nascar driver to try to get their name out, then hides behind a series of screens, closed-off streets and sound too loud to talk over. Is this the kind of religion you want your kids involved with?

[TruthSayer]

The tide is turning, anonymous will help educate people so they can avoid the scam that is $cientology.

Ron is gone, but the con goes on. Let's stop it.

[Brent Miley]

Since when can you not believe in whatever religion that floats your boat? Isn't this America? I am so confused

[bgodley]

Terrorism is a strong word. Probably should not be used lightly.
Does this apply to the group of Anonymous who have suddenly
taken up this call to bash Scientology? Probably not . . . for most of the them.
You see there is a very fervent section of this group that has other things in
mind besided poster boards.

Why do I know?

Because I have seen them. If you go to the partyvan site where many of these
young kids have frequented you will see discussions there thay are quite disturbing. They
talk about violence, Ak47s, overturning cars, setting fires. attacking indivdual Scientologists
and on. The have claimed Scientology as a "target". They discuss actions which are illegal that are "justifiable". These are not the do-gooders they pretend to be and I think most
people are aware of this.

There is also the factor of over 800,000 menading calls, and 3 million menacing emails that include, death threats, bomb threats, and other sordid things. This ontop of the vandalism, gun shots and fake Anthrax scare.

We have a situation in this country of dwindling rights. We are losing our perspective and the
quality of life that so many of our forefathers fought and died to protect. Freedom of religion is one. It is actually the main one this country was based on.

Anonymous says they are only attacking the evil church which magically is somehow seperate to the parishioners and that they aren't attacking the parishioners freedom of religion. Yet they call Scientology a cult. Does anyone else notice the discrepancy?

Again, in this world we have wars. terrorism, economic strife and more. Do we really need some of our kids out in the streets doning masks fighting pretend oppression?
This is not making our world safer or more pleasurable. If there is some illegal nefarious activity that the chruch engages in then let them take this to authorities. If they have no proof but only accusation or disagreement with Chruch activities then this would boil down to sensationalism and slander. They are then undermining the very personal liberties that they pretend to be defenders of. They are becoming part of the problem and not the solution yet sadly they cannot see it.

They point to some isolated activity 30 years past full of distortion as to the "evidence" of Church wrongdoing. They also use a handful of ex-Scientologists as examples of how Church life is or what the Church is doing. It doesn't dawn on them that they are maybe being used to pursue personal agenda's by some of these antagonists. Of which, some have been charged with criminal activity.

I don't necessarily blame all the kids. I partially blame our culture which is moving from a TV culture to a video game culture. I have seen the posts of the kids in Anonymous and I think many of them think this is a video game. They use words that come from video games to describe their activities. Hit points, epic fails, epic wins, black ops, on and on.

Of course, the sensationalism will be picked up by others, not unlike the highway accident syndrome of humanity where everyone slows to look at the carnage that lay there. It will be reported upon because controversy sells papers. If they hold truth, then truth shall prevail. But, if they don't, they we as adults in this society need to get a little more involved in what we do, what our kids do and who they hang out with.

[Martin]

I have no idea what the Church of Scientology is like today. However, I had enough exposure in the 1970s, as a young college graduate and journalist, and 1980s, as a marketing professional, to leave a bad taste in my mouth.

In the 1970s Church members actively tried to recruit me. I actually attended the church's introductory class and was "audited" with tin cans that allegedly picked up my energy or synergy levels ... my blocked personality traits. When I failed to show up again, I was telephoned a number of time by a recruiter. There was also an implication that if I was to return, I would have to do certain chores as pennance for my dismissive nature and oversights.

The church also could not integrate my religion and monotheist beliefs. I was often offended by some of the church's philosophies about God, extraterrestials, space ships and placing the spirit of church founder and Dianetics author L.Ron Hubbard on a pedestal.

By the 1980s I was approached by the church and asked to manage a certain public relations campaign (I am the founer and principle of an agency). I simply did not want to do this. My punishment is they pressured me for weeks, insisting they would be terrific clients. Why they simply did not move on to the next PR agency on their list still baffles me.

That's the bad news.

The good news is there are people who do feel lost, dispossessed and in need of clear thinking. I do believe the church does help a lot of people manage their lives on a healthier track. But, it's not for me. I am dedicated to my birth religion when it comes to spiritual issues. I also don't want to hear all of their answers about a happier and more productive life. I would sooner continue to learn -- for the rest of my life -- the right questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous has nothing planned but peaceful protest. To imply that anonymous is either terrorists or high school kids is laughable.

Learn about Scientology. Google "Operation Snow White" and "Operation Freakout"

Also go to Xenu.net for more information.

[Paul Riddick]

Scientology as it always is:

ONE WAY DIALOGUE

The cannot fend for any "truth" to the press or protesters or the public. They cannot answer any question or accusation with any coherent answer or explanation. They only have whatever message that is acceptable for you to know and their members to believe. That brings us to one conclusion about what they really have:

TOTAL MENTAL & SPIRITUAL BANKRUPTCY

[Yona]

"But," he added, "Are you going to wait for them to blow up a church before you say, 'hey look, some terrorists?'"

Actually people are not terrorists until they commit acts of terror. So yes, you have to wait. Only, Anonymous only engages in peaceful protests, so they're going to have to wait a long time.

[Richard]

Scientology is a joke and a sham, but so is every other religon. Do Christians really believe those stories in the Bible? I mean really deep down? Only the small minded ones. Obviously, people are nervous bout what is going to happen to them when they die. So am I. I suspect the sad truth is we will fade away into dust. Don't make yourself believa a fairy tale to feel better about it. Just enjoy life.

[anonymiis]

So, bgodley, where's the proof of this? You sound like yet another Scientology plant trying to spread more lies to make yourselves look perfect.

Anonymous is, and has been, utterly peaceful with their protests. That's the first rule they go by.

You, meanwhile, are a shiftless liar.

So who's the villain here?

[TRUTH]

Hellooooooooo people.......ANYONE who belongs to ANY religious group (i.e. CATHOLIC, MUSLIM, CHRISTIAN, BAPTIST, MORMON, LUTERAN, 7TH DAY ADVENTIST, BUDDISM, SCIENTOLOGY, SANTANISM) is a cult member! Hard to believe??? True, true true! The very definition of a cult is a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.(GOD, ALAH, JESUS, BUDDA or SATAN) LOOK IT UP IN THE DICTIONARY. What I like most about religion is how everyone thinks their religion is better than everyone elses!!!

[Anonymous]

Brent, this is indeed the America that guarantees freedom of religion to its citizens. Anonymous supports that right. But when any organization commits criminal acts it should be held accountable. The Church of Scientology is such an organization.

[Times Fan]

Scientology is playing with the big boys when it takes on organized psychology and psychiatry. There are now generations of men and women who make a six figure income sitting in air conditioned offices doing little more than nodding while being paid by insurance. I think you might be surprised by how many of the protestors are family members or hopeful wannabes to the psych industry. Sitting in turn of the century Vienna and listening to a bunch of proper Austrians talk about their sex dreams and telling them they’re repressed all while getting real money was a masterstroke by Freud. He was an early version of L.Ron Hubbard and I think the blueprint for what Hubbard wanted to do. Like watching two cobras fight it out.

[Dave]

$cientology is just a multi-level marketing scheme in the guise of a cult which is in the guise of a religion. Except that unlike Amway, you don't even get the crappy detergent!

[soumAnona]

THIS IS WHY WE PROTEST

From www.exscientologykids.org

Portland, Oregon - March 11, 2008

Susan Lentsch is issuing a public statement on March 15 at the Scientology Headquarters Los Angeles, CA, calling on her daughter's employer, the Church of Scientology, to permit her daughter, Katherine "Kate" Olson, to come home from Los Angeles to Portland to visit her family.

Ms. Lentsch has seen Kate for only six days during the past 15 years.
The Church of Scientology has forbidden Kate to leave the facility where she both works and is housed in order to visit family.

Kate was recruited into the Sea Organization (Sea Org)in 1993, at age 17. Susan Lentsch, at that time a Scientologist, signed papers permitting her minor daughter to become a Sea Org employee; Ms. Lentsch states she signed the forms under pressure and while influenced by Scientology indoctrination.

"At that time, being a Scientologist, I saw it as an honor that my daughter qualified for the 'elite' corps known as the Sea Organization."
She was reassured during the recruitment process that her daughter would get room, board, medical and dental care, and vacations.

"My upset with the Sea Org is that it has not honored the Scientology Staff Contract my daughter signed 15 years ago, which stated that Sea Org members are permitted three (3) weeks Holiday per continuous active year."

Time after time, Kate's vacation requests have been denied by her employer, the Sea Org.

Kate was denied permission to attend a Christmas family reunion in Minnesota, "The phone call from Kate notifying me that she could not leave for the reunion was particularly disturbing.

"Kate was crying when she was put on the speaker phone to say hello to her grandparents during the reunion."

In recent years, Kate's infrequent phone conversations with her have changed. "Kate began sounding like a broken record, always saying 'everything is fine'. "

She later learned that outbound and inbound calls to Sea Org staff are monitored and staff are drilled on what to say to family.

"This explained why Kate and I seemed to be playing 'pretend' during our phone conversations--like there was an inexplicable wall between us."

She met a past co-worker of Kate's, who had personally witnessed Kate being physically abused in the Sea Org.

She confronted Kate with the information about the abuse, Kate was quite flustered, did not deny the allegation, and made statements to downplay the abuse incident and protect the Scientology image.

"Living in fear and under threats is not spiritual to me. The administration of the Church of Scientology is an oppressive organization."

Ms. Lentsch believes that Kate is in poor health and is not receiving medical treatment.

"This is the worst betrayal."

[annie ominous]

Let them believe anything they want. It's the threats of violence, the intimidation, and the disconnection from friends and family that anonymous is protesting.

[Anonisanon]

15th was a astounding success all over the globe. Speaking as an atendee at the asmterdam protest, let me say it was full of win! Scientology is becoming ever more exposed by the minute!

[Anon]

Kudos to the pilot of the plane. Events like this only prove that Anonymous is not a bunch of bored kids; it is a group of highly dedicated and intelligent individuals.

Here's hoping that the Church of Scientology didn't have the brains to find out what the registration number was on the plane's tail.

[Patricia]

My brother has schizoaffective disorder and takes medication so he can control his emotions and not fly into rages and do himself harm.

A few months ago he started becoming irrational and paranoid and constantly enraged. His room was turned to chaos, and he was incontinent and his blood pressure was very high. I discovered that he hadn't been taking his medication and was resisting going back on it.

I found out from looking at the calling records on his cell phone, which is paid for by me, that the Scientologists had been contacting him about once or twice a day.

He told me they'd convinced him to go off his medication.

But what they probably didn't realize is -- one of those pills they told him not to take was his BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION.

Stupid people!!!!!! I detest them so much for their ignorance.

He's back on ALL his meds now, and he's doing well again. He's collecting stamps and coins and even writing poetry. His blood pressure is back under control as well. He keeps his room neat, he's pleasant to be around, and he's attentive to the world.

These people sound so sweet and benign, but if you have a family member on medication, they can be downright dangerous.

[Nameless Envoy]

Dear Mr. Godley,

I encourage you to actively read more into this particular web forum you are carousing.

While during my lurking on the internet, I see these same things, I also have seen tens, hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of the same members of the same forums chastise these people, report them to the proper legal authorities, et al.

The main problem with Anonymous at the moment is the fact that it has no leaders and no set heirarchy. Basically, everyone is acting alone. So yes, Scientology may have recieved threats, but certainly no one involved in organizing the protests on the 15th, on the 10th, and for next month, have claimed responsability nor have asked others to do the same.

Yes, they did DDOS things, but they've sinced stopped. On the sources I browse I have seen no calls for illegal or violent actions, everyone is very concerned about staying within the law (Except one or two people with no clue what's going on, who typically are rebuffed)

Anonymous is not attacking the beliefs of Scientologists. It's more or less attacking the cult-like strategies of the upper echelons of the church, and the many tactics that have dripped down to hurt their own members.

Anonymous recommends the Freezone, a group based on L. Ron Hubbard's teachings but without the leadership that has caused so much pain for those below it.

The church has engaged in illegal and nefarious activities in the past and at the moment. The authorities already know. There's nothing illegal about talking about those activities now.

Not all of the activity is old. Consider the more recent events in which they attempt to censor their critics online from only january.

I fail to believe that all of these events are INDIVIDUAL agendas. When church documents show that there were organized illegal activites, and when so many people share the same story.

Now you go into an anti-videogame rant. I suggest that you save that for a Jack Thompson editorial or a piece of Mass Effect.

Anonymous is not a videogame culture. It is not using videogame terms. They are using terms that have evolved as what are called memes on sites across the internet. I was certainly surprised when I learned about how some of them started. But they are NOT just videogames. They are stereotypes, crude jokes, inside jokes, shorthand, longhand, and old jokes. Maybe they come from videogames but I doubt you will ever hear a member at these protests say that they were motivated by Videogames.

Rather it is a sense of trying to change the world from your own little corner of it. And while I appreciate your comments, Mr. Godley, I can't help but disagree with them.
Hopefully you've read everything in this.
If not,

TL;DR: Sci = clear and present danger. even today. Not illegal to protest. Authorities already involved. Anons are self regulating and at the moment anti-violence. Anons do not want to be sent to Party Van or be an hero. Scientologists can believe what they want but their church must stop silencing criticism, its policy of disconnection, fair game, et al. Anon is not a videogame culture.

Thank you.

PS: Kids don't follow adults around. Maybe they should sometimes.

Mr. Miley: Anonymous is not anti-Scientology. We oppose the crimes the church leadership has committed.

Thanks everyone.

[M. Omary]

Shame on you LA Times. For few hundred demonstrators for an issue may or may not affect people yo have and article and video clip. But a demonstration with several thousand peoples also on Hollywood/sunset blvd. for peace and against the war, you have no mention.