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- zizzy, on 02/10/2008, -7/+132Text version:
Ladies and gentlemen of the public and the press,
Today, working in concert with concerned citizens from all over the world, Anonymous has staged a large number of simultaneous public demonstrations at Church of Scientology centers around the globe. Now that we have made evident the sincerity of our intentions and the strength of our dedication, we would like to take this opportunity to clarify our objectives to the press and to the public. There have been a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding the nature of our means and intentions. Among these is the idea that our declaration of war is to be interpreted as a threat of physical harm against individuals affiliated with the Church of Scientology.
Allegations that Anonymous wishes to physically harm any human being as a part of our campaign against the cult of Scientology are patently untrue. As stated in one of our productions, the intention of Anonymous is to 'systematically dismantle the Church of Scientology in its present form'. Our struggle is directed against the toxic ideals and behavior of the corrupt, violent, and abusive leadership of the Church of Scientology, not against the lives of those who have become entangled with it. Know this: though we oppose all that they stand for, even the highest officers of this cult will not be harmed physically by Anonymous. Our battle is one of ideas. As we speak, it is being fought and won in the hearts and minds of the worlds honest citizenry and their leaders. The ideological nature of our struggle brings us to another common misconception regarding the objectives of Anonymous in this campaign.
Although many of us are put off by L. Ron Hubbard's religious doctrine, we do not oppose the right of individuals to follow beliefs of their choice. As set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion". Anonymous, as a whole, honors the spirit of this declaration. We fight against the atrocities - not the beliefs - of the brainwashing cult known as the Church of Scientology. The acts of defamation, intimidation and murder perpetrated by this criminal organization galvanize our resolve to fight against it. Our righteous indignation is directed against the hypocrisy of this institution, not against the faith of its members. As an illustrative example of our stance, we would like to draw your attention toward a group of individuals who practice L. Ron Hubbard's teachings, but have disaffiliated themselves from the Church of Scientology. They are known as the Freezone. Anonymous bears no animosity toward an organization such as this one.
Many of you may wonder how Anonymous plans on launching into the task of dissolving the Church of Scientology. As a fundamentalist, totalitarian organization that seeks control of information and manipulation through fear, the Church of Scientology possesses inherent flaws. Anonymous is studying these flaws, and has made them the basis of a long-term strategy.
Our first major objective is the revocation of this cult's tax-exempt status wherever it has managed to obtain one. Indeed, the privileges awarded to the Church of Scientology under US law are significantly more generous than those enjoyed by major religions. As set out by the appellants in Sklar v. Commissioner, training offered through the Church of Scientology is tax deductible, while that obtained through legitimate religious institutions is not. The status of the Church of Scientology as a tax exempt religion is an affront to honest religious organizations. However, its special status with the US IRS which places it above and beyond other religions is not merely an affront, but a slap in the face.
Other objectives set out by Anonymous at the present time include - but are not limited to - exposing the criminal practices of the Church to public scrutiny, neutralization of its fraudulently obtained assets and corresponding operations, the liberation of members coerced and blackmailed to work for the Church in illegitimate ways, declaration of the Church and its shell corporations as prohibited criminal organizations and the criminal prosecution of the persons responsible for particularly heinous acts performed in the name of this Church.
Throughout our struggle, we maintain the following thesis: that the Church of Scientology was founded for purposes incompatible with a society holding dear a respect for human rights and the rule of law. These nefarious purposes can only be achieved through criminal enterprise, and remain objectives of the Church to this day. We further maintain that this criminal enterprise is operated by its leaders knowingly and willingly, and that the true extent and tone of the Church's activity is outrageous and sickening. These statements are not contrived, but based on conclusions derived from extensive study of Church history. Our sources include its own documents, the testimonies of its victims, the words of those who have escaped it and educational materials that the Church would keep secret for fear of exposure. We therefore consider the Church of Scientology a despicable criminal organization which, through the indoctrination of its members, predation upon those in need, the dissemination of lies regarding its nature, by way of sadistic retaliatory practices against its critics and through its cynical abuse of civil liberties has forfeit any right it had to exist.
On several occasions, figures within the media have casually dismissed Anonymous as nothing more than a gaggle of restless youth. We remain entirely undeterred by their remarks. Virtually all age groups, creeds and professions are represented within our ranks. Many who are not affiliated with Anonymous have expressed support for our campaign. Their words serve to further underscore the broad demographic base of our initiative. If you remain doubtful of our strength and resolve, we invite you to observe them for yourselves.
Actions speak louder than words. In the name of those who have been silenced by the criminal organization that is the Church of Scientology, Anonymous will be heard. Our cause is just. We shall prevail.
We are Anonymous.
We have Awoken.
We stand as One.
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dcgn7gtc_12d3f8h ... - Starfinder, on 02/10/2008, -1/+91Banner txt from Danish demo:
Ask a christain about his religion and he will tell you.
Ask a muslim about his religion and he will tell you.
Ask a scientologist about his religion and he will tell you, once your check clears. - Vindexus, on 02/10/2008, -4/+63This really clears up a lot. Win is in ample supply in this video.
- adioz, on 02/10/2008, -12/+67***** SCIENTOLOGY
- inactive, on 02/10/2008, -5/+46Why is that voice so mesmerizing?
- Ashkan, on 02/10/2008, -5/+39Bring down Scientology.
- theotheragentm, on 02/10/2008, -1/+21Because it's Dr. Sbaitso. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Sbaitso
That's why Scientology is so afraid. A pyschologist! - mgags, on 02/10/2008, -2/+21wooosh.... did you hear that? It was 'The Point' whizzing by your head...
- clubdirthill002, on 02/10/2008, -6/+23Anon is a better speaker than Obama.
- cyssero, on 04/18/2009, -1/+18By all means, I think people should read the novel, err, religious text. Just don't get brainwashed into making any donations to Co$ though :)
- priegog, on 02/10/2008, -1/+16Oh yea? care to elaborate a little bit?
We ARE expecting a bit censorship you know... - xptoast, on 02/10/2008, -1/+16Read up then speak up till then read up and shut up.
- bunt82, on 02/10/2008, -1/+16Rock on!
- makkaveli19, on 02/10/2008, -4/+18who is going to the church of scientology in vancouver! woo i'll be there!
- americascynic, on 02/10/2008, -0/+13The "other religions" don't make you sign over all your worldly possessions when you join, and (typically) they don't require you to buy your salvation. In most religions, you're encouraged to give money, but this is supposed to go for a good cause, such as helping needy families or 3rd. world countries. Also, you're allowed to give as much or as little as you want. Can't help out monetarily? That's fine, and no real religion will tell you you're a bad person because you don't want to sign your house over to them. Every religion has had its moments in the spotlight of infamy, but that was not their original intention. You seem to have missed the fact that Anonymous is not attacking beliefs, but the criminal acts of Scientology.
- miggz06, on 02/10/2008, -1/+14I see only one problem with the masked protests. The Cult is going to have members infiltrate the protests and perfrom some physically harming activity and then the protests will get on the news and they'll try and label Anonymous as a threat. mark my words. ***** cult
- xptoast, on 02/10/2008, -0/+13Its not a freaking religion. Its a radical organization using the front of a religion to gain money. That was the whole idea behind it from the beginning.
- benroy, on 02/10/2008, -11/+24I know that Scientology is *****.
But in the fair sense of being objective, I kind of want to read 'Dianetics'.
For the same reason I read (skimmed) the Bible.
Know Your Enemy.
Be prepared for arguments, rebuttals, and conclusions.
Information is power. - saxx, on 02/10/2008, -0/+13We've came a long way from stickam raids and taking Hal's online radio channel down
I'm proud of you anon - inactive, on 02/10/2008, -0/+12and you're a ***** scientologist. go ***** a Tom Cruise.
- OldJesser, on 02/10/2008, -0/+10No, the weak minded are free to believe what they want and follow any piper's tune they like. The difference is, Christians and Mormons and Muslims (in a free country) don't kill you for trying to leave like the Scientologists did with Lisa McPherson. They also don't make slaves out of children. I can also criticize these religions without attempts of censorship or slander being made on my person. Although there may be a few sects of these religions, mostly in non-free societies, seldom does one see an entire religion practice in a criminal capacity. Oh, and regardless of what the Bible says, I can be friends with a Christian as an atheist. A Scientologist who wants to be my friend will be told by his church that he must cut all ties with me, or else, limiting their freedoms.
- Sendai129, on 02/10/2008, -6/+16I know we're not supposed to feed trolls but I honestly couldn't help myself...
Please STFU. - moskaudancer, on 02/10/2008, -0/+10Here's a picture of the poster:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/m0skaudan ... - Ainsleh, on 02/10/2008, -0/+9Lisa McPherson.
That is one of the reasons Scientology is controversial.
It's just adds to the lulz that they believe in the Xenu Story... - benroy, on 02/10/2008, -0/+9I'm pretty sure that the Scientologists don't have a Tanks & Riot-Police.
- inactive, on 02/10/2008, -0/+9well he IS StupidStan, after all...
- shadeOfGrey, on 02/10/2008, -0/+9It's trying to seduce me. And it's working.
- George000, on 02/10/2008, -2/+10It's a start, and it raises awareness - which is currently severely lacking. Ask a random person on the street why Scientology is controversial.
- rmd34, on 02/10/2008, -0/+8The following site is tracking the demonstrations - including photos and videos:
February 10th 2008: Post-Game
http://forums.enturbulation.org/viewforum.php?f=13
Here's a report on Scientology's standard scummy behavior and how it was dealth with:
"Their final attempt at scuppering the demo was to hire 3 chav teenage boys to stand amongst us and throw things, swear and generally try and make the whole demo lose its credibility. Its unsure whether they were sons of scientologists, but they disappeared into the CoS building a number of times, and were welcomed with smiles from inside. This is when WE called the police... We had videoed the chavs causing trouble, and showed it to the police when they arrived. The chavs were then told to disappear by the police or be arrested for breach of the peace. We got photographed and filmed by the CoS at various stages throughout the day."
Source: http://forums.enturbulation.org/viewtopic.php?t=17 ...
Everyone, including the police, know what this cult is about. Even the Cult's fake/planted stories are being exposed. Everyone expected this from them and they're prepared to handle it.
http://forums.enturbulation.org/viewtopic.php?p=22 ... - Omnianimosity, on 02/10/2008, -0/+8When you buy into...lliterally *****...I would have to say yes.
- 4ndr3wk, on 02/10/2008, -0/+8Not necessarily good attention though.
- ThankTheCheese, on 02/10/2008, -2/+10It's unfortunate that the text-to-speech software couldn't pronounce "scientology" properly :/
- inactive, on 02/10/2008, -0/+8Obvious Scientologist is obvious.
- BootsMegamix, on 02/10/2008, -0/+8How is dismantling a cult built on deceit and greed NOT productive for society?
- rmd34, on 02/10/2008, -0/+8The light has been turned on and the rats are being driven from the sewers - out into the open. It's the right kind of attention.
- George000, on 02/10/2008, -2/+10You can see why it's necessary (or thought necessary though). The CoS has a history of very agressive retribution against people who speak out against the church and the creator of the videos is trying to remain anonymous.
- inactive, on 02/10/2008, -2/+9GTFO, newfag.
YouTube video view counts don't update real time like diggs. Everyone has known this. - Veni_Vidi_Vici, on 02/10/2008, -0/+7For Great Justice. If I had a car I'd be protesting in Austin right now.
- kokodhem, on 02/10/2008, -0/+7Then everyone there with good intentions needs to police those around them: if you see someone doing something illegal, stop them. If they fight you on it and refuse to back down in the light of reason, summon one of the leaders of your ad-hoc group, or one of the policemen that will surely be handily waiting. I think this will only impress law enforcement as to the pure nature of the group's intentions.
- dasdef, on 02/10/2008, -0/+7hey dont digg him down, this seems plausible.
- WonderBoy55, on 02/10/2008, -0/+7Where do they get their footage?
- halfdirt, on 02/10/2008, -0/+7I was entertained. It's fun to poke fun at their beliefs. But the better reason to oppose Scientology is their criminal behavior.
- TheScogg, on 02/10/2008, -1/+8"Somone please explain to me how a bunch of people, standing around, saying they're against something, will actually do something." - These protests let potential new members who are unaware of the atrocities of the church realize how hated the CoS is. It's like being at a bar alone when a hot girl approaches you and wants to "hang out". Now, you may seriously consider the offer and end up buying her a ton of drinks and/or a meal. But, if you have ten different people whispering in your ear that she's a total gold digging slut, you'll do your best to avoid her. The CoS is a gold digging slut and the protesters are the bar patrons whispering warnings in your ear.
- OldJesser, on 02/10/2008, -1/+7It is controversial because of the criminal tactics it uses against its members. It practically enslaves the children of scientologists, who being children have no choice and are controlled in such a way that what little choice they have they don't realize. That is just one of the atrocities they commit. Other allegations include murder and extortion. If you took the time to listen to the speech, you would have noticed Anonymous stating that they had nothing against "The Free Zone", who follow L. Ron Hubbard's doctrine but have removed the criminal element. Don't dare compare Anonymous to a cult, anyway. You don't see anonymous forcing members to pay high dues to support their organization, nor do you see anonymous enslaving children, murdering people, extorting people. People may be attracted to anonymous strongly, but that is more because they are doing something that the people like. Scientology simply tells you what you likes in a very convincing voice, then takes your money for that 'privilege'. Oh, and Scientology might kill you if you decide to quit.
- xptoast, on 02/10/2008, -0/+6I'm glad you see anon as a working society and not a bunch of young ins. However the view that they are dangerous to anyone in a bad way(taking down a bad organization is dangerous to those who run the corruptness. However a good thing for the people of the world.) is incorrect.
- Kotelic, on 02/10/2008, -0/+6OR... you could just read the speech that was posted above and use your brain before you post meaningless crap.
- SoundJudgment, on 02/10/2008, -4/+10When does the HAL robotic-voice they use in their video campaign suddenly slow down his pitch and sing, "Daisy... Daaaaaisyyy...?"
- SwedishNinja, on 02/10/2008, -0/+6Hey, Stickam raids were fun.
- fcrow, on 02/10/2008, -1/+7Anyone can explain this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hakj0mlVhwY
? - ifonly, on 02/10/2008, -0/+5The stats are not updated live ...
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