Scientology accuses protesters of threats

UPDATE

A judge today rejected a petition by the Church of Scientology that sought to keep protesters away from church property in Clearwater, but the church has filed an almost identical lawsuit that seeks a temporary restraining order against the same group of protesters. No decision has been made in the new case.

Meanwhile, the church posted a video on YouTube about the Scientology protest group that calls itself Anonymous.

****

CLEARWATER - The Church of Scientology says it has received "numerous threats of violence'' from members of the Internet activist group Anonymous, according to a church lawsuit filed Tuesday that seeks to restrain protesters this weekend.

The church is asking the Pinellas Circuit Court to bar Anonymous protesters from coming within 500 feet of Scientology buildings in downtown Clearwater during Anonymous' Saturday demonstration, which would be the group's second anti-Scientology rally in recent weeks.

No hearing had been scheduled by late this morning.

Called a "petition for injunction for protection against repeat violence,'' the church's suit names 22 people, most from the Tampa Bay area, who the Church of Scientology believes to be members of Anonymous, which describes itself as a loosely organized group united against the injustices perpetrated by Scientology.

"The threats have included a 'formal declaration of war' and specific threats to assassinate or execute Rev. Heber Jentzsch, the president of the Church of Scientology International on or about March 13, 2008,'' the lawsuit states.

The suit says Scientology churches around the world have been vandalized and have received numerous threats of violence.

"Various members of the group (Anonymous) have encouraged the use of attacks, raids, bombs, hand grenades, machine guns and executions of Church leaders,'' the suit states.

Much of the violence has been encouraged and promoted, the lawsuit states, through videos on YouTube. Numerous Internet postings and videos are included as exhibits in the church's suit.

While the complete membership of Anonymous is unknown, the 22 named in the lawsuit "have been identified, on information and belief, as leaders and/or supporters of the organization's efforts against the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater within the last 30 days,'' the church states in its suit.

Anonymous coalesced in January after a video of Scientologist Tom Cruise was leaked to YouTube and then promptly removed because of threats from Scientology attorneys.

On Feb. 10, some 200 people participated in an Anonymous-organized demonstration against Scientology in downtown Clearwater. Similar protests were held in dozens of cities around the world.

A second round of protests by Anonymous are scheduled for this weekend, timed to coincide with Scientology’s annual celebration of founder L. Ron Hubbard's birthday on Thursday.

According to Web sites affiliated with Anonymous, members of the group plan to protest in more than 50 cities worldwide. In Clearwater, they plan to gather Friday evening outside Ruth Eckerd Hall, where Scientology will hold its annual gala celebrating Hubbard’s birthday.

A larger protest is planned Saturday in downtown Clearwater, where the church’s international religious headquarters are located.

On Web sites, the group implores members to protest peacefully and not to break any laws. No one was arrested at any of the protests on Feb. 10.

The petition seeks an injunction to stop Anonymous, it local leaders and supporters, from "committing any further acts of violence.'' It also seeks to prevent members from getting within 500 feet of Jentzsch or any of 12 Scientology buildings in downtown Clearwater.

-- Robert Farley, Times staff writer

Comments

[Patrick]

How, pray tell, does one ban "Anonymous" protesters? What about protesters that aren't affiliated with the invisible/fake group?

[Randy Marsh]

If the people are Anonymous, how did Scientology find out who they were? Did Scientology follow the people who were at the rally? What does Scientology have to hide? Why are they so afraid?

[Jay]

This is an absolutely libelous and pathetic attempt to squash free speech by the cult of scientology. People called them cowards for wearing disguises at the last protest, and now you see why - because this cult will attack you personally with lies and fabrications through the legal system, or any other means it can. By pretending to be the victim instead of the aggressor, they insult the intelligence of the general public and those who view them as the dangerous and subversive money making cult that they really are.

[Susan]

Since no one was arrested at the last protest where do the scientologists come off saying the protesters are violent? Do they have documented proof? Keeping the protesters 500 feet from any scientology building would practically include all of downtown Clearwater! Who exactly is running the city?

[Patrick]

Susan, apparently the posting of ANONYMOUS videos on youtube give them a right to do this, or so they think. Perhaps someone should give them a definition of what ANONYMOUS actually means.

[Kay]

This makes me want to join the protest even more now. First, they cannot get an order of protection unless/until all parties are served - 22 people - not possible by Saturday, I'm sure. Also, as a private party, if I join the protest, I would not even know which buildings are "theirs" (other than ft harrison hotel). Will they be directing foot traffic or erecting signs? They can't keep everyone away, just those 22 people right?

[Susan T]

When my Baptist church was the subject of a protest by gay and lesbian activists, our pastor did not "restrain" them. He welcomed them to the church and listened to their point of view, even though it doesn't coincide with our beliefs. Everyone has their right to free speech and the Scientologists should respect that. Besides, what do they have to hide?

[paintedpony]

About time a group representing the long time citizens of Pinellas speak up! Thanks for remaining ANONYMOUS!

[Rick]

I agree with Susan. A 500' limit from scientology buildings would effectively block anyone who they do not like from traveling down Ft. Harrison and many of the side streets in Clearwater. Why not just erect a barb wire fence and let them change the name of the city to scientologyville ? I am all for freedom of people to believe what they want- but stop stepping on other peoples freedoms!

[EDWARD]

This is what happens when "tax free"
entities are able to amass vast sources of cash. They are therefore empowered by
money to litigate anything they want.
We all know how it works in our Judicial system;the more money you have the more you can afford lawyers. Those with the best lawyers(expensive) usually win in court. This is their M.O.

[anonocon2008]

Seeing that Anonymous isn't even a group it's hard to stop them huh? Just keep swinging at thin air CO$.

[SouthernDragon]

As a peace activist I wasn't going to get involved with this but with the cult's aggressive litigation techniques I'm planning on showing up for the protest. So-called churches which shroud their every move in secrecy must have a lot to hide. Germany obviously knows more about Scientology than the denizens of Clearwater.

[freddy]

Protest Power to the PEOPLE!

[creative]

I worked for AMC Publishing in 2004 as a graphic designer. They are owned by Scientologists. They made the whole company study the works on Hubbard every day for and hr. before starting work. I refused to do because of my religious beliefs! I got fired! They think they own down town Clw.! Not the case! If we have to hear there crap they can listen to our truth!

[Vinny]

It,s strange that thus far there are no responses from the "Church". Could it be that thay are afraid to respond?
Perhaps their computers are monitered and filtered to prevent propaganda. Is this just another Civil liberty denied to the members of the church?

[Steve]

How do you protect yourself from "repeat violence" when there was no violence in the first place?

The only violence we've seen is the Scientologist lady kicking a protester.

[kathy]

This makes my blood boil! I live in Clearwater & I will be damned if I cannot walk my streets because the Scientologists throw their money around & use these peaceful protesters as a means to encroach further on peoples rights to free speech & movement. We cannot allow these scientologists to bully peaceful protesters in this manner. It is patently obvious that this so called 'church' resents the attention of those who are non believers. There is a solution for this.....go lock yourselves away on some private property somewhere & leave us to enjoy our city.....

[Concerned Citizen]

If this injuction is passed and that judge is an elected official the people of Pinellas county should look into getting some one else in there. Talk about iffy litigious action. The bar should also look at these so called lawyers. How do you even try to get this injuction they are doing a disservice to their clients.

[Dorian]

This is sick. Any judge who'd grant such a baseless petition would need close scrutiny - It's not unheard of for Clearwater officials to be in the church's pockets.

[Anonymous]

Readers, you see now what we have been fighting against. PEACEFULLY. If your blood is boiling, if you love your town, if you don't want to see our rights to protest taken from us, then join us! Saturday 10am, Coachman Park. Visit clearclearwater.com for full details. We hide nothing. Join us, and protect our community.

[Slavege McCabbage]

The CoS had a month to "plan" a strategy and this is what they come up with? An affront to freedom of assembly and speech? I LAUGH AT YOU DAVID MISCAVAGE FOR YOUR EPIC FAIL. If nothing before got my blood flowing for a protest, this did it. Thanks for the motivation, CoS. We'll be seeing you peacefully on the 15th!

[dan p.]

this is ridiculous. i will be showing up at the fort harrison on saturday to show my support to the protestors. as a casual observer, it is obvious that scientology uses slander and lawsuits to stifle any criticism. i would prefer that they didnt control my city, but it seems like thats too late. go on with your bad self, anonymous!

I will be at this protest!! How dare these people try to do this! The Scientologist definately have something to hide and to make matters worse, they are nothing but LIARS. I agree, in any judge grants this order, he needs looked at closely, as does the lawyers who even drew up the paperwork. I'll wear an ANONYMOUS shirt and I dare them to try to stop me. Freedom of speech, and lets face it, they have killed their own members for less than this. Remember Karen???

[Clearwater]

This is an awful attack - anyone whoe would condone such behaviour in this day and age against any group for such random reasons is encouraging violent hateful actions in our society. What made America what it is today was it was based on FREEDOM whether it be speech, religion, I don't care. THE ACTIONS OF ANONYMOUS ARE UNFORGIVEABLE AND BARBARIC.

[DB]

Funny that no one is supporting the CoS in this, and I would wager to say that any judge will probably demand evidence that violence has been planned, which the 'church' probably doesn't have. All of Anonymous' communications have simply threatened CoS with denial of service attacks, and all physical protests have been expressly communicated as peaceful demonstrations.

For those of you unfamiliar with the various protests about the church, I encourage you to EDUCATE yourself. A good place to start is Xenu.net.

Now, where did I leave my spaceship again...?

[Supporter of Anonymous]

Except, poster who goes by Clearwater, Anonymous is not in fact violent. I would go so far to say what is cited in the petition on the Church's behalf is the same mix of half truths and lies they always promulgate. There is no record of any protest by Anonymous being violent or leading to violence. That is so apparent and obvious, I can only think you a plant, trying to stir the pot against Anonymous. Shame the people of and around Clearwater see right through such flimsy attempts, and the Church's flimsy pretext to try to quash free speech.

They will NOT deny me my FREEDOM of SPEECH! I am sick and tired of what CoS has done to my beautiful city! IT'S TIME TO TAKE BACK OUR CITY!!

[melissa]

They walk around like zombie's from another planet! I don't think I have ever even seen one even smile. When I worked in downtown Clearwater I remember one chic looking at me like she wanted to kill me. Very strange group!
I don't know much of what they beleive but the way they carry themselves says enough for me!

[Mouse]

@ Clearwater:

What is barbaric is that they're using an incident in 1996 against them from one of their own disgruntled members as 'evidence' to get an injunction granted critics smart enough not to reveal their identity. This is truly unforgiveable and any judge giving them what they want based on this flimsy pile of excuses should be laughed out of the court system.

It's a last ditch effort that reaks of desperation to turn a tide of criticism that's only growing with each blunder they commit. I don't know whether to laugh at this attempt to subvert the freedom of others to peacefully protest, or to feel sorry for the members of the 'church' that actually feel threatened by this movement.

Either way, they can't stop the Ides from coming.

[DB]

And, Mr/Ms Clearwater, you're defending an institution that steals money, families and lives from its members. If you're into that kind of stuff, then perhaps you can show up Saturday and protest the protest?

Your argument of free speech and religion is a two way street: I, as an educated individual, can excercise my right of peaceful demonstration and protest against an institution that defies my intrepretation of 'religion'. See everybody Saturday. I'll be the one with the bandanna over my face.

[Anonymous]

March 15, 10am Coachman Park.
http://clearclearwater.com

JOIN ANONYMOUS, fight for Pinellas, fight for Clearwater!

and by fight I mean peacefully and in protest.

[regular no_name]

Violent?

Worth noting that on February 10th, the only arrests made were of Scientologists who could not restrain themselves from attacking people exercising their god-given right to free speech.

Also worth noting that in the 2 cases mentioned in the injunction in which violence was actually perpetrated against the Co$, it was by other Scientologists. Of course these events occurred in the 90s, when the internet barely existed, and so could not have been sponsored by on-line activists.

I hope the ACLU gets involved with this one.

[CoS and Effect]

Scientology is obviously anti-Democracy, anti-Free Speech, and anti-Constitution.

Their tolerance extends only to their own teachings and members.

And far too often, not even that far, if you consider the Rehabilitation Force Project internal prison and Family Disconnection policies.

Scientology uses strong-arm tactics to shudder into silence any dissent. That means all of us cannot not say a word about Scientology without concern about being "Fair Gamed."

Meanwhile this "church" sets up "stress tests" on the street, and invades memoral services after school shootings with "Volunteer Ministers" offering "touch assists" and "literature."

How long will we continue to allow a cult to silence free citizens via intimidation of all kinds?

How long?

The great thing about the US are the freedoms guaranteed us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Nowhere, in either document, does it state that religious groups have the right to circumvent anything contained in those documents, such as Freedom of Speech.

Now, if you're in my house, and you're saying something I don't like, *I* can interfere with your freedom of speech because you are on my property. However, if you step outside and off my property, neither I nor the government can stop you from what you are saying.

What exactly is Scientology trying to say?

What exactly is SCIENTOLOGY PLANNING TO DO TO HEBER JENSCH and why are they trying to cover it up with a bogus filing?

And if you believe any of the crap in the supposed 'injunction', I have a bridge you might be interested in buying....

[Anonymous]

If someone made threats, the organisation calling itself Anonymous was not behind them. St. Pete times has a duty to investigate this and find out who made those threats, if indeed any were made. You may well find out that Scientology itself made the threats, just so they could play the victim. Anonymous is not violent! On Feb 10th, at least 6000 Anonymous held demonstrations around the globe. Of all those demonstrations, there were only two arrests- both of them Scientologists.

[Anon]

The actions of Anonymous are Unforgiveable and barbaric? That label applies to your cult. Lisa McPherson's body was described as severly dehydrated and covered in bug bites by the coroner. To try and cover the guilt your evil group delivered her corpse to a scieno Dr 45 minutes from the Ft Harrison hotel when Morton plant was a mere 2 minutes up the road. $cientology has no conscience, no humanity, no soul

[Clearwater]

DB, I understand BUT this behavior for any cause is juvenille at best and reminiscent of the KKK. Look what happened in Africa when all things white were killed. I know families that had to flee. This is ignorant behavior. Live and let live. I have no bones with CoS. This is like a gang bang. Those CofSs are just following their own cause. If the members choose to give themt their money then that is their decision.

[Tommyknocker]

Why is Scientology so afraid of peaceful protesters? Don't they have Super Powers that allow them to control the material world and use their great Communication Tech? Why do they have to run to the courts against a group that has already shown itself to be peaceful? Paranoia runs deep in Scientology.

[magitad]

Not the first time Scientology, Inc. has tried to stifle free speech in Clearwater:

http://www.sptimes.com/News/120499/NorthPinellas/Church_draws_line_for.shtml

[tom]

I have seen Scientologists in Ybor city almost blocking the side walk, how is that any different then what the protesters did?

[JJ]

Scientology's own stated goal is to have Clearwater the first Scientology city:

http://www.lisamcpherson.org/images/source100.jpg

[David]

We'll I did some fact checking calling around to the different police depts from the various cities supposed injustices happen.

No police reports where filed about any of the transgressions they say Anon did.

Feel free to make the calls yourselves and check.

Give me back my Clearwater

You won’t find a member of Anonymous. You can search the internet for weeks, asking to speak with Anonymous, to join its legions, to understand its purpose, but you will ultimately find only fakes and attention-seekers. If you want to find Anonymous and become part of Anonymous, you are Anonymous. There are no initiation rituals or a charter. Anonymous has no face, no representation and no desire to make itself known.

Soooooooo, how did CoS find out who these people are, or are they just guessing?

I will be at the protest, for CoS has now gotten many people up in arms, because they do nothing but LIE!

[anonymous]

Something interesting I noticed in the injunction letter I reviewed. They are specifically mentioning a bomb threat video posted in late February on youtube. This video made threats against CoS facilities and to assassinate Heber Jentz (President of international). However, when this video was posted it was very clear it was not made by us. The video started "Hello we are an elite anonymous". Firstly we would never say or word our statements like that. Anonymous scrambled to get that video removed from Youtube and it was removed with less that 300 total views. We theorized at that time that this was a video posted by CoS's own intelligence bureau "Office of Special Affairs". OSA is known for doing such things and had tried to frame other critics like this prior. One such example was "Operation Freakout" in which they were trying to frame Paulette Cooper (an author) on a bomb threat. Freakout also included other plots to try to drive Cooper literally insane so she might be institutionalized.

The other allegations in this injunction seems just as empty. Because the CoS really is such an untrustworthy organization, I wouldn't be surprised if every other allegation is fabricated as well.

Every protest planned is going to be peaceful. If there is violence it is most likely due to CoS infiltrators trying to make us look bad. In that event all Anons know that if they spot suspicious activity to REPORT it IMMEDIATELY. Because of our nature it would be easy for anyone posing as us to do malicious harm, this is why we repeatedly state we do not support such activities.

[St. Pete]

Well, L.Ron, I believe the masses have spoken....Now, when will Anonymous be coming to St. Pete to rid our fare City of the likes of them! We don't want them here, we DON'T NEED/WANT a free stress test. I want to know what Church charges for information? That would be CoS. Please go back to whatever planet it is that you are from-but leave Katie Holmes behind!

[CoS and Effect]

Last word of Heber Jensch is that David Miscavige had him under lock-down in the "SP Hall" for a long time now.

(SP = Suppressive Person)

Is that why Jensch's signature isn't at the bottom of the injunction he is supposedly a plantiff to?

I'll wager 98 percent of Anonymous and the citizens that join them peacefully don't even know who Jensch is.

No one, except David Miscavige, wants to hurt Mr. Jensch.

[AnonMomAnon]

it is with disgust that i see that the Co$ has filed this injunction.
the courts here in pinellas co. will let these people file for an injunction against anonymous protesters with only a handful of names and there is NO one in any government agency that will listen to one of anonymous' main concerns right now: firsthand information about the enslavement of thirdworld country children/teenagers at flag in clearwater! this firsthand information has been backed-up by high level scientology insiders who have finally risked their own safety and the safety of their families to be whistleblowers to the horrors that they're seeing done to teenagers at flag.
the ONLY organization that is willing to listen to us is amnesty international southern division out of atlanta, georgia!
parents and children are "culled" from thirdworld countries with the promise of better lives in america. after they get here, the parent's give up guardianship of their children and they are moved someplace else to "work" for the church. at this point, the children are at the complete mercy of Co$. many of them have their name changed by their "guardians." insiders at flag report that their passports are held. they are not paid a salary for the work they do, but get an "alllowance." they are allowed half a day off every week. the "day shift" works from 8AM to 11PM or midnight everyday. the "night shift" comes in at 5PM and works through the night until 8AM. children believed to be as young as 14-15 are being worked like this. their only "schooling" is studying and/or auditing before they go to work. they are watched constantly, bussed everywhere. they are encouraged and rewarded for abusive behavior to each other. many of them speak little or no english.
WANT TO KNOW WHY WE CAN'T REPORT THIS TO DCF OR TO THE POLICE? because we don't have ONE name of even ONE child! because we're not sure where they're holding these kids.
yes, people. here in your fair city...the $cieno's are building their beautiful buildings and keeping YOUR downtown clean on the backs of children and there isn't a thing we can do about it.
we can't get someone to help these kids because we don't have their names and yet this cult can file an injunction against anonymous people with only a handful of names?
WE STILL HAVE A FIRST AMENDMENT PEOPLE!
i beg my fellow citizens to come out and march with us. i am older...there are some of us out here. i have been to two of these protests---one in orlando and one in clearwater. these young people are amazing and full of hope for the future. they want to HELP these people who are being hurt by $cientology. i marched with approximately 200 protesters in orlando and approximately the same number in clearwater. that's 400 protesters and not a ONE of them was violent. they are polite, passionate, and peaceful.
don't let these young people do this by themselves. please, join the peaceful protest saturday morning in coachman park at 11AM.

[Anonymous Too]

Scientology, heretofore known as The Cult, spends tons of time and money suppressing opponents and critics. Why? Bad press results in less new members otherwise known as saps. Less members results in less money in their coffer. Name for me one legitimate church that charges fees for their services, you can't! Name for me one other legitimate church that has guards and cameras watching their buildings 24/7, you can't! The Cult is just that and it is making huge sums of money off the backs of it's members which goes far beyond the typical 10% tithe. The Cult threatens and harasses people who disagree with or leave The Cult. Name one other legitimate church that does that, you can't! Since they are trying a last ditch attempt to try and suppress Anonymous tells me The Cult doesn't have any options for the harassment, slander etc. that they typically employ. That's why we all are anonymous.

It will be interesting to hear the experiences of the 22 persons "alleged" to be part of Anonymous.

I recall several years back when PSTA ran an ad on their buses, paid for by another organization, that was thought to be derogatory towards COS. Church memebers showed up at the agency director's home, boardmember's homes, and the homes of others. Cars followed these families to church and other places and waited outside so COS reps could accuse them of "hate mongering".

In short - COS, as a standard operating procedure, takes active steps to harm their detractors. I would hate to be one of those 22 - especially if I was "not guilty".

[FLanon]

Join us on 3/15 at the Fort Harrison Hotel. Our motives for this event will be twofold:

* Atmosphere: In keeping with the theme of a party for L. Ron Hubbard's birthday, the proceedings will be good humored and with a playful attitude. Invite all to share in the the festivities with us.
* Message: The serious focus of this protest will include the commemoration of Elli Perkins's tragic passing, protest the Church of Scientology's tax-exempt status, and to educate the general public and Scientologists about the fraud and abuse of this cult.

If there is an allegation of a bomb threat from a video, then I ask the sitting judge in this case to subpoena the ISP and YouTube and trace the IP address of the person that uploaded the viedo.

Scientology pawns have recently started flooding YouTube with phony "Anon" videos that are entirely out of step with the peaceful intentions of Anonymous to reconnecting Scientology families.

Investigate. Anonymous will probably be thrilled to have that vile stuff sourced and pulled.

[Anon]

Clearwater...or should I call you Pat Harney? You are spouting the same small minded and desperate lies she keeps repeating. Sad state of affairs there at the CoS when calling Anonymus the KKK is all you got. Why not get one of those OTs you keep talking about to handle this. This should qualify as being in their area . This is exactly the type of scenario they paid all of that money and spent all that time preparing for. Come on OTs just click your heels together...you can do it. lulz

[anon]

Heber Jentzsch. LOL. I remember when that vid appeared on youtube, anons instantly flagged it to be taken down. It was also the video with the'bomb threat' which many anons also reported to the fbi on the spot. This was a video supposedly by anonymous in which they referred to themselves as terrorists????

And most people had to look up Jentzsech just to find out who he was.

Its just the church up to its typical operation freakout / fair game tactics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Freakout

Even if scientology succeeds with this, thats 22 out of the hundreds that will protest.

Scientology fails again.

I want to join Anonymous! This cult needs to be stopped. Maybe someone needs to contact Senator Grassley so that he can do something as he is the prosperity preachers.

What the Church of Scientology don't realize is that people are picking up on what they are doing to themselves while blaming others. None of those people are right, their lights are on but noones home.

WE WANT OUT CITY BACK, GET THE HELL OUT OF CLEARWATER NUTJOBS, I MEAN SCIENTOLOGISTS!!!!

[Newly_Anonymous]

Guess what Scientology...
You just found a whole new group of willing peaceful protesters with this 'the last straw' manuever.

Free thinking freedom loving people of the world will no longer sit back and watch you try to silence the masses. You have really stirred the pot now, and brought many sideline activists out of the woodwork with this disgusting display.

[Support of Anonymous]

Clearwater, there is nothing juvenile about peaceful protests against an organization seen as blatantly criminal and as a surpressive body, seeking to deny rights to those that think it in the wrong.

I would guess you are a member of the church, prehaps in SeaOrg because you "attack" and do not defend your view against reasonable objections in order to steer the conversation away from those reasonable and true objections. I know you implied you are not a member, but honestly, we all know that is nearly doctrine- to deny membership and appear to be a disinterested third party.

The OSA dirty trick squad needs more tricks!

[The Clown]

Xenu rules!!! all other Deities Suck!!!
Signed
Thomas Cruise

[CoS and Effect]

If Scientologists can picket the HOMES those who merely question the more cruel practices of their cult...

...and Scientologists pay for dozens of private eyes to follow anyone who even looks side-ways at their buildings and gather that person's PRIVATE INFORMATION for intimidation...

...and if Scientologists can plaster invented criminal records about critics up in businesses and put them in the mailboxes of their critics' neighbors...

Then they very well do not own FREEDOM, nor do they even have any moral ground to stand upon anymore to wield their force.

The cult is paranoid. And vindictive. Hubbard scripture said: "Always attack. Never defend."

Not very peaceful themselves, the Scientologists, are they?

[Michael]

This is scandalous. The cult seems desperate to stop its own members from being exposed to the truth. It is essential that everyone comes out to protest for the sake of the cult's own parishioners. They need to know what is going on in the real world. If the injunction isn't granted (which it shouldn't be) then this will prove another glorious foot bullet by the "Church". The injunction attempt is a sign of pure desperation by Church management. That should give us all hope.

[donna]

i would like to inform anyone that happens to be reading this that you are more than welcome to join anonymous and us old school scientology critics this saturday at the for harrison hotel for PEACEFUL protest. the last one on feb 10 was great. its a serious subject but it will be fun. the more the merrier, and if youre on the fence about this subject, PLEASE do more research into the 'church' and its abuse. the tide is turning! lets get these creeps out of our city.

[Cklearwater]

All I am saying is it is unfortunate to have any group pit against any other group in this day and age. Peaceful demonstration is great but can also get heated and quickly move in a direction that NO ONE WANTS TO SEE. Peaceful well it seems quite hostile from all the postings I read. Who is Pat Harney anyway? I think we all should just get on with our own productive lives and leave this alone. Lets get on with more important things.

[CoS and Effect]

Very odd how you see a lot of faux naval uniforms on people forbidden to serve in our nation's armed forces.

And also, odd how you never see an American flag at "Flag"...

Isn't it?

How can this, this Scientology, dictate who can speak and who must shut up?

If it were up to Scientology, the US Constitution would be dissolved in favor of a melee of punishing "suppressive people" and "enemies" and "degraded people."

Enough is really enough.

[L. Ron Hubbard]

"If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any
organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to
cause them to sue for peace."
- L. Ron Hubbard

[nunnimaus]

Residents of Clearwater, FL, I highly recommend you take your city back. You don't have to join Anonymous because Anonymous is everybody.

Please come on March 15th. Save your city.

I just read the 23-some-odd pages of the injunction and can honestly say it is the best work of fiction composed since L. Ron invented the Church of Scientology.

[Support of Anonymous]

That is not all you are saying, Clearwater. Anyone with half a brain can read your previous comments and see what you are saying and where you stand. Your Scientology Mindtricks don't work on Free Peoples.

[Anon]

If you wish to join Anonymous, you're already Anonymous.

While protesting, REMEMBER THIS:

If anyone starts displaying VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR:

- STAND BACK
- ISOLATE them from the crowd
- POINT them out, preferably to the authorities.

This will make it very difficult for anyone wishing to infiltrate disrupt our peaceful protest to blend back into the crowd.

Stand up and be counted.

[Support of Anonymous]

Better, Anon, to sit immediately so that person is highlighted after stepping back.

And Clearwater- what is more important then freeing the victims of this cult, and restoring the city of Clearwater to its citizens?

[skinnysweatyman]

an atheist was going door-to-door. He stop by mine to talk about nothin'.

[Cynth]

I'll be there on Saturday to show my support for Anonymous. I know someone who got sucked up into Scientology and it ruined his life.

[CoS and Effect]

Poster "Clearwater"...have you been given the okay yet from Doyle (who runs the LEAF Counter-Critics Letterwriting Campaign) to begin your letter writing?

You know, the LEAF program that has been uncovered by an internal Scientology whistle-blower over at Wikileaks.org?

The LEAF program that mobilizes hundreds of Scientologists to decend on a site and shudder into silence regular citizen's viewpoints with a blizzard of emails and letters?

If you've started without Doyle's okay, you're going to have to answer to your Ethics Officer. I'd be sorry to see you thrown into the RFP for not following orders properly.

It's a very sad situation for staff at Flag. And the children of staffers. And the forced abortions to avoid the cost and inconvience of children at Flag (a David Miscavige policy dictate.)

Anonymous is informed to the plight of staff and Sea Org. 18 hour days. 7 days a week. 1 day vacation a year. NO SOCIAL SECURITY. No medical benefits.

Anonymous is concerned. Anonymous has a heart.

Does David Miscavige, who ex-executives have said in the media lately beat them...that David Miscavige...does he have a heart?

Anonymous is actually your friend. Perhaps someday you eyes will open and you'll see that.

Mike Rinder blew, so can you.

[David]

his is an awful attack - anyone whoe would condone such behaviour in this day and age against any group for such random reasons is encouraging violent hateful actions in our society. What made America what it is today was it was based on FREEDOM whether it be speech, religion, I don't care. THE ACTIONS OF ANONYMOUS ARE UNFORGIVEABLE AND BARBARIC.

Posted by: Clearwater | March 12, 2008 at 01:50 PM

DB, I understand BUT this behavior for any cause is juvenille at best and reminiscent of the KKK. Look what happened in Africa when all things white were killed. I know families that had to flee. This is ignorant behavior. Live and let live. I have no bones with CoS. This is like a gang bang. Those CofSs are just following their own cause. If the members choose to give themt their money then that is their decision.
Posted by: Clearwater | March 12, 2008 at 02:08 PM

All I am saying is it is unfortunate to have any group pit against any other group in this day and age. Peaceful demonstration is great but can also get heated and quickly move in a direction that NO ONE WANTS TO SEE. Peaceful well it seems quite hostile from all the postings I read. Who is Pat Harney anyway? I think we all should just get on with our own productive lives and leave this alone. Lets get on with more important things.

Posted by: Cklearwater | March 12, 2008 at 02:31 PM

This person is obviously full of it.

Get out of Clearwater.

[Curt]

I once tried to actualy learn something about Scientology by watching a show on Discovery. It bored the hell out of me and I only made it 5 minutes into the documentory. What is the point of protesting these people. In America we have freedom of religion. If it wasn't for those drones downtown Clearwater would have tumbleweeds rolling threw it. On the other hand why are they so worried about some group protesting them anyway? I think there are bigger fish to fry than scientologists.

[Samantha]

OH DEAR OH DEAR. Office of Special Affairs - realize this --> The more you try to slam Anonymous, the more the movement grows. The Co$ needs to do some major house cleaning. Attacking the critics, when we're growing exponentially, is never going to work.

And btw... I'm your average Clearwater citizen - not some internet geek and I have felt all the more moved to join these protests following the Co$' recent actions.

[Riddick]

The statements of the Church of Scientology are DISGUSTING. I have spent countless hours following the Anonymous movement, reading their organization board at www.Enturbulation.org and reviewing articles around the world. Any video that even suggests violence is immediately reported and ridiculed by people in Anonymous.

The worst thing I know of were the rare prank phone call. So WHY is this the first I heard of "vandalism" ... "bombs, hand grenades, machine guns and executions of Church leaders"?

Because it NEVER HAPPENED.

But Google "Operation Freakout" and you will know that their OFFICIAL CHURCH POLICY is to make up evidence of crimes if they can't find any.

So, citizens of Clearwater:

Tired of being under constant surveillance in your own city? Object to the police "losing" any of your complaints against often violent church members (caught on film nonetheless) only to have your personal information from the report made public?

If the order comes through, the system has failed. Like under any other oppressive group with a vice grip on perpetuating injustice, TAKE TO THE STREETS ANYWAY. It's time for civil disobedience, and like our forefathers in the 1960s, our children will live in a better world because of it.

You HAVE rights. The government can only acknowledge or ignore them, and it's YOUR responsibility to enforce them if all else fails.

[Curt needs to get informed]

Sure there are bigger fish to fry but this is the current fish. If you read up just a little http://youfoundthecard.com for maybe say 15 minutes you'd realize that there are people within scientology that are indoctrinated and need every one's help. We aren't protesting that these people not believe in scientology we are protesting their treatment and the systematic mind control mechanisms used by the CoS.

Read up a little your mind will change.

[The Count]

I think you guys have it all wrong. To Scientologists Clearwater is like Nazareth. The great Saint L Ron Hubbard finally came back form his long cruise and Clearwater was where he came for Sanctuary. The good people of Clearwater should be ashamed from all the money you have made from Scientologists boosting your tourist economy with Pilgrimage Money. You really have to sit and think esepcaially during a recession if Clearwater can economically survive without Scientology

Curt, go to xenu.net or entrubulation.org and see why people protest. Or are you Clearwater under a new name? I think it is apparent and clear why they are being protested peacefully against. You know too, which is why your church is trying to shut Anonymous down.

Power to the People! Down with Scientology plants! Mostly because they are so obvious!

[AnonMomAnon]

ahhh, yes. beautiful downtown clearwater: built by teenage slaves from thirdworld countries, but that's not MY problem, right?
google operation normandy to see how the $cieno's planned to take over our downtown. even though we KNEW they had this plan...all we could do was basically watch in horror as they took our downtown.
the last item they needed to complete operation normandy? re-routing beach traffic out of the downtown area.
now that the beach traffic has been re-routed...operation normandy is finally a complete success.
"to sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."
~Abraham Lincoln
if for NOTHING else, let's save those kids that they're enslaving.
please, meet us around 11AM in coachman park on saturday march 15th for a peaceful protest.
i'm begging my fellow citizens to finally look at what's behind the "nice buildings."

[CoS and Effect]

Anonymous asks that David Miscavige, COB and sole head of the Church of Scientology hearby recind his order that all pregnant female Sea Org members, married or not, must have abortions.

Miscavige's decision was based on the trouble and expense of children over the past few decades at Flag.

It is a hard and fast policy. There is no room for dissent, without banishment, and without funds (Sea Org are paid approx. $40-60 per week.)

And, David Miscavige also demands that the State of Florida pay for these abortions, as there is zero medical benefits for Sea Org staff.

A woman that used to drive the bus of women weekly to Planned Parenthood has recently spoken out.

Anonymous asks that David Miscavige end this forced abortion policy now.

Citizens of Clearwater, it's your city. Can you not help these poor brainwashed people? Can you not take you city back from the Church of Scientology's management policies that affect you all?

Do you want to fund the things that go on at tax-exempt Flag any longer?

Do you want to foot the bill for the terminally ill that are off-loaded to state-funded hospitals?

This is why Anonymous peacefully speaks up.

Anonymous attempts to put the facts out there that intimidation has silenced.

Anonymous attempts to give a voice to the voiceless.

[DSAnon]

People of Clearwater! Take back your Beautiful City! Help Anonymous remove this Scourge of Human Rights through peaceful means and Join Us 3-15!

And... We will have Yummy Cake to celebrate LRons B-Day!

[The Clown]

Jesus, Xenu, whats the difference. Its all a bunch of hooey.

[Support of Anonymous]

Nice try The Clown, but this is not about religioous beliefs. They may believe what they want. You can believe in all the Scientology tech you want. It is the structure and its history of abuse against persons in and outside of the church, from children to adults that is being protested.

Sorry to downstat you, Clearwater/Curt/The Clown. You must be assigned the letter C...

[Downstat]

Hey OSA how long is it going to take you to dig out of this?

I mean these new critics, LRON being exposed for the Con he is. This is going to be a rough week.

On friday when you get sent to RPF know this. We will be outside peacefully protesting to end this abuse. Hopefully you'll wake up and decide to join us to help your fellow members. You know you can't be forcefully kept in the RPF right? It's not your fault that we found out the truth except you'll have to pay for people speaking their minds.

Seeking the truth is not a crime OSA and it's never too late to blow. Come join us and help your fellow Scns.

In the US we have freedom of religion, but where on earth does that equal freedom to abuse?

The catholic church was held responsible, as were the officials perpetuating the abuse. Shouldn't scientology be held responsible as well? This isn't a religious fight, it's a HUMAN RIGHTS fight.

[Commodore Biggles]

Human rights are not a "bunch of hooey" Mr. Clown.

[CoS and Effect]

Let's be "clear" right now:

Anonymous supports Freedom of Religion.

Scientologists' beliefs are their own business.

But the POLICIES of rich-beyond-avarice David Miscavige are human rights abuses.

The POLICY of "Fair Gaming" and intimidation of anyone with the slightest sigh about Scientology, is not acceptable in a FREE SOCIETY.

The POLICY of paying Sea Org about $50 a week, and the POLICY of providing no benefits, and the POLICY of taking advantage of the Florida public welfare system to pay for forced staff abortions, and the terminally-ill staff, is unbearably cynical as that it is the POLICY of the multi-millionaire Miscavige.

The church saves money on food, medical care, and retirement for their staff, force Floridians to pay for the staff welfare, and keeps the money to litigate cases like the one we're discussing to silence anyone and everyone.

Must I even mention forced family disconnection from your children if you do not become a Scientology booster?

Or the Children's RFP (internal work-camp prison)?

Enough is simply enough.

Compassion of the Sea Org staff. Compassion for the members.

David Miscavige, however, must be held responsible.

Thank you, David, for being so unreasonable and unpatriotic as to create a problem where your criminal enterprise is brought to light.

[Curt]

Hey 2:49

I will check that site out. I am not Clearwater under a differant name.My name is actually Curt. I am an agnostic person that is not involved in any church. I don't know why Anonymous is peacfully protesting Scientology. Are you some kind of wack job? I am curious as to weather Anonymous is a cult so I will research this.

[concerned citizen]

"to sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."
~Abraham Lincoln

i read that above, and though it needed repeating. this attempted injunction is obviously unconstitutional and if a judge agrees with this, we can only conclude that he is in someone's pocket. im watching and waiting for the conclusion.

[The Count]

Are Scientologists for or against Darth Vader?

Curt, you are the fool who was also making jokes about an elderly woman who got killed. You need to leave well enough alone, for you are foolish.

[Rick]

This is incredible. No wonder the protesters wore masks, the more I find out about this cult the more horrified I am.

[DB]

Mr/Ms Clearwater, I would hardly categorize a peaceful demonstration as a KKK tactic. In fact, the actions of the church against outspoken critics is far more reprehensible than any peaceful protest.

CoS has systematically degraded, humiliated, and destroyed anyone who dare speak out about them, and have been involved in cover-ups about multiple deaths of their own members. By allowing this 'church' to continue their actions, we as a society are condoning their actions. This cult MUST be stopped.

[Jorilla]

Commodore Biggles must serve on Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat!

[CoS and Effect]

Why does Scientology, who do not support freedom of speech, or the Constitution defame the military via their faux naval uniforms...especially since their members are forbidden from joining the US Armed Forces?

This is the height of hypocracy.

Staff wear the uniform, but simply cannot be spared from making money that goes straight to Miscavige, while being forced to live in squalor.

Miscavige allows Sea Org $50 a week for 18 hour days, every day of the week.

When they are sick, Miscavige's POLICY is to use Floridian welfare services.

When they are terminally ill, he says use Florida's welfare services.

When staff retire, they are off-loaded with $500 after a lifetime of Scientology no paying into Social Security.

Sea Org: Who is REALLY taking care of you? Who REALLY cares? The citizens you are trying to silence.

We citizens pay for all your care when you are ill or old.

And Miscavige keeps all the tax-exempt money you make for him to pay for extravagant lawsuits to silence those citizens that pay taxes to care for you.

There is a real problem. Can you see it?

And, yet...people still care for you, Sea Org staff.

That is why Anonymous is here.

[anonyTurk182]

Reading the posts about the abuses ordinary Clearwater citizens list above brings to my mind a passage from the Declaration of Independence that seems appropriate.

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government."

We in Anonymous invite all citizens to stand with us, or just come out and observe and learn more about us, on March 15 as we peacefully protest the Co$ crimes against their own members, their members' families, and against good citizens of cities such as Clearwater.

We Are Legion.

Anonymous, keep up the great work and you have yet another supporter.

COS is nothing but junk and they darn near ruined one of my family members, until he wisened up. Why must everything be so secretive, if you have nothing to hide? Because you do have things to hide and you do tell the people who are learning about your CULT what to say and what not to say. I'm glad I have my brother back and you (the COS) didn't get him for long. God is good, especially if you live a life the way he wants and don't follow false teacehers or cults.

Get out of town, Scientologists. This bunch of lies has really burned a lot of people up. We are angry now, watch for us at the PEACEFUL protest on Saturday!

Maybe the church needs to bring Randy White on board. He's nothing but a cult leader and con man himself. If I didn't know better, I'd say my old pastor was a Scientologist.

[scientomonymous]

Scientologists are already giving "hang up" calls to people whose sites criticize their cult. They leave numbers from a 727-461-xxxx account.

Maybe that can fall under a "Do not call" offender list?

[Michael A. Hobson]

The Youtube video in which terrorist threats were made against "Church" of Scientology sites and Heber Jentsch in which the voice speaking asserts they are "an elite Anonymous" - language which no true member of Anonymous would ever use as they are all peers - was almost certainly a "false flag" propaganda piece originating with C of S's very own Office of Special Affairs (OSA).

Manufacturing "evidence" to use against C of S enemies for whom actual wrongdoing cannot be documented is part and parcel of official C of S policy, which fact is well documented in court filings and documents.

It is to be hoped that whatever judge is considering this injunction realizes this.

Michael A. Hobson