Scientology bomb scare ends safely

A bomb squad robot heads into the alley behind the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center at 336 First Ave N in St. Petersburg after the Scientology headquarters in Clearwater received a bomb threat. A large suitcase found in the alley behind the office was found to contain clothing and a Bible. [Lara Cerri, Times]

ST. PETERSBURG -- When police opened the suspicious brown suitcase found behind a Scientology office downtown, it contained no bomb - just clothing, personal items and a Holy Bible.

Police opened the suitcase just after 5 p.m., after a Tampa Police bomb squad investigated it with a robot and detonated it.

The scare started earlier today, when Scientology officials say they received threats by phone and the Internet surrounding founder L. Ron Hubbard's birthday, which is today. That led them to ask employees to look for suspicious packages.

An employee found a new, brown suitcase behind the Life Improvement Center in St. Petersburg, located at 336 1st Ave. N, in the alley. Police received the call just after noon and asked the Tampa Police bomb squad to investigate.

Police closed 4th Street from Central Avenue to 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue North between 4th Street and 3rd Street. They evacuated buildings next to the center and offices on the north side of the Municipal Services Center.

-- Abhi Raghunathan and Stephanie Garry, Times staff writers

Comments

[Kelly]

They probably put there themselves to win their protection order.

[Kelly]

They probably put it there themselves to win their protection order.

[Anonymous]

Fake, totaly fake. OSA calls bomb threats on themselves all the time. Waste of police resources. They're like the Nazis, everytime there is a protest against them they pull a Reichstag fire.

[Gary]

Go Figure!
They probably planted it there themselves

[Sean]

Scientology is panicing.. Anonymous is finally getting to them B-)

[Anonymous]

Scientology already gets tax breaks. Now they're wasting our tax resources with frivolous restraining order petitions and fake "bomb threats." It's time for Tampa Bay to wake up and realize what a drain on our resources the Leech of Clearwater has been, and remains.

[David Chan]

Google "Operation Freakout".
Calling in bomb-threats on themselves is a favorite tactic of the CoS.

The government needs to crack down on the waste of emergency services time and tax payers money...when the CoS doesn't even PAY taxes!

[Anonymous]

We suspect this is planted by those inside the CoS to create fear and influence the public against their critics.

That said, I do truly hope every remains safe and unhurt. Major love to the bomb squad for being vigilant and fearless!

[sci-protester]

Typical scientologist move.

[Clearly Anonymous]

Co$ is such bull. I don't put it past them to attack, or even kill their own members just to point their finger at Anon. Their tactics are dirty, and now clearly ILLEGAL. Fake bomb threat brought to you by Scientology!

[joe]

This is pathetic. When this package turns out to be nothing, they better have to pay for all the commotion they are causing. This stuff is unbearably annoying. These folks self-importance is really making me want to join in protesting this junk.

[Tom]

TPD should bill them for the cost to send our bomb unit to Clearwater for a fake call. I'm calling my councilman today.

[KT]

They called in the bomb threat themselves, they should be billed for the time that the bomb squad wasted.

[Jillian]

I don't believe this! These idiots will stoop to all levels to get attention and blame others for thier shortcomings. I hope this package is fingerprinted and the person (COS member) who put it there is charged to the maximum extent of the law, as well as being made to pay for this "investigation". More Scientology bs and this is why we want them to GET OUT OF TOWN!

[Commodore Biggles]

Like Anonymous would really care about disrupting their sham of a founder's birthday celebration. Hell, we're throwing our own party for the guy on Saturday! Open invitation, everyone!

Obvious OSA hoax is Obvious.

[Commodore Biggles]

And remember, children, Thursday is Stat day...

[Anon]

$cientology's reputation precedes it and the eyes of the world are watching the cult$ every move. We see this tactic for what it is; A desperate remake of Operation Freakout to sway public opinion and impede the peaceful protests scheduled for 3/15.

Peaceful protest is our right, while faking a bomb threat is serious crime.

[Terryeo]

I don't even know what to say about management at this point. This raises serious questions.

[Erica]

Anonymous is peaceful. These fake bomb scares smack of Paulette Cooper tactics. Read up on them.

[MissPseudonym]

I wouldn't be surprised if they did this, considering most of their claims in the injunction dockets were proven fake (meaning no news reports of bomb threats, vandalism, etc). All of this effort being spent on keeping people from practicing their right to protest. Quit wasting our tax dollars, Scientology.

[Jeremy]

More fake bombthreats?
Or has Scientology's Office of Special Affairs moved on to planting real bombs this time.

This is a pathetic attempt to silence all peaceful critcism of thier own misdeeds and is within their modus operandi as is well documented.

The Church of Scientology will stop at nothing to supress those who speak against them. Bomb Threats are nothing new, remember Paulette Cooper.
THAT is FACT.

[Anon]

Terryeo? The real one? As in Terry Olsen? If you are the true Terryeo and you truly are concerned about this, please, PLEASE go to the police or FBI with any information you might have.

I know breaking out is hard, Anonymous WILL help. Tory, Arnie, Mark Bunker and all the other critics will help.

[LK]

This is obviously being set up by the COS because their case was denied.Maybe everyone will open their eyes to how scary this cult truly is, and I'm not a teenager or member of any anonymous group,I just did research.

[Juniper]

Church of Scientology: You have played this card too many times. Yes, we get how this works. Please report this incident to the FBI. They need to investigate your claims. Thoroughly.

[Dave]

They file a lawsuit based on threats they can't substantiate, that gets thrown out, now there's a "bomb threat" and a "suspicious package"? Sounds like a steaming pile of L. Ron Hubbard's "tech" to me.

[Anon]

The package was not sent through the mail. Right. Given the tight security typical of Co$ compounds, where no one can approach without two zombies toting video cameras following you around, this leads me to believe the package did not "arrive" at all, but was put there by the Scilons themselves.

Bombs? That's not how Anonymous rolls.

[Anonymous001]

Typical Hubbardian setup. They're known to threaten themselves when under external pressure. That and following the included policy from their founder 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, 1959

[chele]

Why would Anon attempt this. Its seems their cause is to bring attention to what's wrong with COS, so why take the chance that this stunt could get them restrained from the protest The only one to benefit would be the COS.

[Katie]

A suspicious suitcase in an area with lots of homeless?

Wow. Run for cover!

[Nick]

Scientology is a beneficial religion to Clearwater and the rest of the world. Those of you who sit in carping judgment are ignorant. After all, didn't the founding fathers give us the right to practice our religion freely? Wasn't that a tenet for the inception of this great nation? Americans - you're starting to disappoint me.

[Anonymous]

Google "Operation Freakout". Does the Co$ not have any new tricks up it's sleeve? We've seen the bogus bomb threat one before...

[Nick you're stupid]

Anon is not against the religion of scientology, just its abuses. You know this already though. The church plays dirty tricks (like this fake bomb scare). SO wake up.

[Paul]

a suitcase. big deal. isn't williams park, our cities homeless mecca, like right across the street from there? don't ya think some homeless person left their suitcase in the alley? calm down already and let us st pete folk not have to get mixed up in your Scieno drama.

[Quentin]

Looks like a OSA black operation so provoke a judge into giving corporate scientology the anti-first amendment injunction. They claim to be a religion, but behave more like a terrorist group.
Hubbard did say, "Never fear to hurt another in a just cause."

[Anonymous]

ATTENTION SCIENTOLOGY TROLLS:

Hello. This is Anonymous.

I am going to let you in on a little secret. This secret is a secret only from you. Anonymous does not do anything illegal.

Why?

Because we don't know one another, we don't trust one another. ANY member of Anonymous can be a Scientologist. Therefore we don't do anything illegal.

ALL of our plans can be read, right out in the open at enturbulation.org.

By the way, planting fake bombs and reporting fake bomb threats is a crime.

What are your crimes, OSA?

[LK]

Nick, yes you made the point in your post to practice religion "freely" not "paying" and being disconnected from family because they choose not to believe.

[Clearwater Economist]

Why didn't scientology send out an OT to rid the suitcase of bombs with their superpowers they are promised once they reach that level?

Probably, a suitcase full of unread L. Ron Hubbard books.

[Deborah]

They are known for this stuff, if a judge falls for it, then they're either in the Co$ pocket or just really really stupid.

[Deborah]

Nick - This is not religion, this is a cult. YOU do the research before you call someone ignorant, because right now you look like an apologist.

[me]

You people in St pete might want to look at this website: It claims that your elections were manipulated by scientolgy.

http://rs93.rapidshare.com/files/99292051/CCHRLeak3.pdf

[David Chan]

Yawn...I think everyone know this hoary old bomb threat yourself by now. Are the Co$ so dim that they believe Anonymous is stupid enough to mess with Homeland Security...after the past month and a half of legitimate and winning tactics?

For those who don't know, Anon has turned on their 'own' dimwitted '/b/rothers' and worked with the authorities to stop a school bomb threat (google Trey Burba)? And helped put a Canadian pedophile away (google Chris Forcand + Internet Vigilante Group).

[mike]

Clearly a stunt. prosecute the perpetrators.

[Knew L. Ron]

Just because certain Govt. officials were bribed into granting Scientology Religious tax-exemption, doesnt make it a Church. By Webster's definition, a "Church" is a place or building where Christians gather to worship Christ, not L. Ron Hubbard. However by definition Scientology does qualify as a religious cult. So "COS" really stands for Cult of Scientology not Church of Scientolgy.
Hubbard was never more than a small time con-man until he became friends with Gene Roddenberry and cooked up his science fiction novels based on Roddenberry's vision of the 23rd century. Hubbard never had an original thought but stole from others to fulfill his one and only desire, to make himself rich and powerful at the expense of the everyday working class people whom he despised and the upper class rich whom he envied.
Hubbard and the Scientology he spawned were and are only in it for the money and influencer great wealth brings. They dont care a hoot about anyone's well being only their wallets. L. Ron is still scamming, even from the grave. Who can bring down the beast? For now that person will have to remain anonymous

[Rodger]

right people wrong building isnt there more sicotologists in clearwater?

[Dave]

Everyone knows Scientology called this on themselves.

They are such pathetic lying cowards.

You have to be some kind of extra-stupid to swallow what they're trying to spoon out.

[Nixon]

I am not a "Crook" but Scientology is another story. The politicans are in their pockets. When testimony and videos finally come into evidence the
"Truth Will Set You Free"

[Jb]

I agree with all of you who think they called it in themselves,those people are way out there,ever see them walking around in Clearwater?
ZOMBIES

[Riddick]

CLEARWATER POLICE:

The Church has video of every entrance and alleyway in "their" city.

SUBPOENA THEIR VIDEO TAPES IMMEDIATELY

Or will they turn out to have been conveniently "stolen" by Anonymnous and their alien Psychiatrist overlords as well?

[Darren]

That was a shameful garbage move by the CO$...really wish they didn't strike so much fear in the local press. Someone should expose them thoroughly.

[A Candle]

In this brewing cauldron of lies-
who would ask you, my friend, to rise?
Who would ask you to know yourself?
Who would lend their hand to help?

There are those, worthy of protection,
who speak soft words of freedom
and offer all that they are
to those who would look upon the stars.

We are a nation
That believes in nothing more than freedom of religion.
More than anywhere, it is here
that believers should have no need to fear.

Let us stand beside those who speak for a better world-
those who treat wisdom as pearls-
let us stand shoulder to shoulder
and abide no acts of terror
to those who speaks messages of peace-
I say, let the power of darkness cease.

[Jb]

Candle get a grip,your still on earth,you idiot

[AnonMomAnon]

so, a suspicious package where? is that the ONLY area around ANY $cieno building in the tampa bay area that has NO video surveillance?
come on, people! anyone who's lived here for any amount of time KNOWS all about their surveillance cameras pointed EVERYWHERE!
anonymous is peaceful. we have no leaders. everything we plan is posted on www.enturbulation.org for the whole world to see.
anonymous welcomes and encourages a full-investigation into this so-called bomb threat.
i challenge my fellow citizens of tampa bay to join us in our next peaceful protest this saturday march 15th at coachman park in clearwater: meet around 10AM---march starts around 11AM.
all of us together can end the suffering and the human rights violations and the shady tax-exempt status of this cult.
even the judge who denied the Co$'s first injunction request called them a "corporation" and not a "church."
we can do this together.

[Denise]

Hey Nick, religion? yes, a cult based on a science fiction book from the 50s? you're kidding right? It is their right to practice whatever they like, as it is the right of ALL Americans to protest it peacefully.

[tom r.]

this is just scientologist dirty tricks that they use to suppress criticsm. this is what always do. personally, id like them out of my city.

[Melissa]

They (cos) needs to be given a bill,from the city of the cost of the sham!

[Citizen]

Scientology is getting desperate. They
WILL try to frame people. They have done so in the past.
Anonymous are peaceful, law abiding citizens.
Thanks to both judges for staying sane.
I hope they will not harrass you.

[Jb]

it just goes to show exactly how many fools are in this country,people,(sheep),will follow anyone or anything,anywhere.
Gotta go I think my spaceship just showed up

[JeraldR]

To the Clearwater police I would say google " Paulette Cooper "

To Nick I would say I agree you have every right to worship as you wish. No one really cares about your faith as long as it makes you happy and brings you peace.
However its not the faith we protest against, it's the very bad actions of scientology.

Freedom of Religion does not mean freeom to do whatever your group wishes to do. In the case of scientology this country needs Freedom from Religion.

Why not check out xenu.net and xenutv.com and see why we will be out front protesting this weekend?

[Reporter Elsewhere]

This esteemed newspaper has already been responsible for spreading sufficient hate in this town that Clearwater kids got beaten up by bullies for being Scientologists. German papers helped fuel assaults on Scientologists there. French media hate-speech preceded a bomb being planted in the Paris Church of Scientology.

It's time the SPTimes graduated from bland writing about this topic to editorial coverage decrying past lawlessness and promised violence.

Whenever there has been an anti-Scientology story, writers' personal points of view and word choice always sneaked in to color the story toward the negative.

Now, with proven cybercriminals, hate-mongers, and possible bomb-makers descending on your city--and recruiting its kids--the SP Times won't even editorialize against the criminals and for law and order.

Did everybody sleep through the lectures on social responsibilities of journalists?

[xenubarb]

Scientology made the bomb squad blow up a Bible? If I were a Christian, I'd be outraged at this offensive ploy! As I'm not, I'm kind of amused. Why not a copy of Dianetics?

[judy]

nick what name does scientology give whoever they claim their god is i will PRAY TO GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS THE CHRIST you see the TRUTH

id like to cordially invite all residents of clearwater, tampa, and st. pete to join Anonymous this saturday (3/15) at noon in front of the fort harrison hotel in clearwater for a peaceful protest agaisnt the church of scientology's fraud and abuse. there will be cake.

you are more than welcome. there will be many of us out there and we will be having a good time. scientology is applying these dirty tactics because this is the first time they have not been able to identify, sue, and smear their critics. stand up with us! hope to see you there.

judy, please leave jesus christ out of this. we dont care what scientologists believe. we are protesting the criminal actions of the organization and its senior members.

thats it.

thats all.

do some research on your own! maybe you will join us.

[judy]

JESUS THE CHRIST is watching so the TRUTH will be told GOD'S WORD THE BIBLE SAYS THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE, MY PEOPLE PERISH FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. nick get informed search the internet concerning scientology ask the if they will let you see the books regarding their policies ask them what name do they call their god. as i have said i will PRAY IB THE NAME OF JESUS THE CHRIST for Your SALVATION and others that are being decieved. GOD BLESS IN THE NAME OF JESUS THE CHRIST. so for the sake of Your Sole get informed. We only live once in this WORLD WETHER WE LIVE ETERNALLY depends on our acceptance of the TRUTH. JESUS THE CHRIST DID SUFFER,DIE AND RISE AGAIN SO WE WOULD BE REC ONCILED WITH HIM. PRAY TO GOD AND SEARCH

Did Scientology plant that suitcase & phone in threat to police?

Police should investigate that angle.

[anonymous]

yawn...

another dumb scientology tactic.

don't let it fool you.

this is what anonymous is protesting...

not the fact they worship aliens.

[anonymous]

More than a HALF DOZEN officers responded?
Heck, even the cops didn't take them seriously.
I had that many cops respond when I ran a red light.

[Judy]

when we are seeking the TRUTH concerning any abuses crimes ect PRAYER IS THE ANSWER i agree with Feedom to Worship as one chooses however the only way to make the right Choice is to be informed.

[judy]

i cannot leave JESUS OUT OF THIS HE is all about TRUTH and i have been PRAYING for the TRUTH concerning scientology and any other cult to be exposed

[William Johnson]

Two ideas....surveillance cameras
and phone records...that will show who did it

[Eliot Spitzer]

I will prosecute these people to the fullest extent of the law. Wait it was all a dream.You have my full support for this protest;if you need an escort let me know.

[judy]

BLESSED BE THE PEACEMAKERS PER JESUS THE CHRIST

[James]

Reporter Elsewhere - Would you like a side order of fries to go with your slander-burger?

For the world's "most ethical group on earth" Scientology seems to lie a lot.

[judy]

Eliot are You a Police Officer good because looks like the Protesters will will have support.i have read a lot about the crimes and abuses by scientology

[AliceAnon]

this is the usual route for the CoS. they are totally shameless and will do ANYTHING to get what they want... and what they want is for us NOT to protest. they fight down and dity- ask Wisebeard!

they also waste our resources and public services- WHICH THEY DON'T EVEN PAY TAXES FOR!

it really baffles me that we haven't kicked this cult OUT of our community. they are a drain and they should, at the very least, be made to pay taxes for the services they so liberally abuse!!!

this is almost as infuriating as the 2 completely BS injunctions they tried to file under 2 different statutes!

[Sid]

Stupid Scions.

[AliceAnon]

oh yeah, and please knock it off with the PRAISE JESUS stuff. this has NOTHING TO DO WITH GOD OR RELIGION.

sheesh. read about it. educate yourselves- www.xenu.net everything you need to know is there.

if you need to know about anonymous go to
www.enturbulate.org

so KNOCK IT OFF with this HOLY JESUS whatever stuff, because this is about protesting the ABUSES OF THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY...

not their right to read about the "Space opera" even though that story is extremely amusing.

there themselves to win their. They probably put it order protection

[rowdy]

WOW, what a tolerant group.

They themselves probably put it there to win their order protection

orderorderordorderorderer

[anonymous]

It's amusing that they included a link to the award-winning special report on the cult of scientology underneath the article. hehehehe

[anonFL]

everyone please ignore "judy". the group Anonymous does not have any problem with the religious beliefs of the church of scientology. we have a problem with the criminal actions of the church of scientology. this is about fraud and abuse; not your own personal religious beliefs.

judy and other intolerant people are NOT welcome at our peaceful protest.

[anonymous]

good lord, judy doesn't even know who eliot spitzer is...
talk about uninformed

[scientology old tricks]

Justice Anderson, Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia:

"Scientology is evil; its techniques are evil; its practice is a serious threat to the community, medically, morally, and socially; and its adherents are sadly deluded and often mentally ill... (Scientology is) the world's largest organisation of unqualified persons engaged in the practice of dangerous techniques which masquerade as mental therapy."

[scientology old tricks]

Federal prosecutor's memorandum to the judge urging stiff jail sentences for 9 top leaders of Scientology who had pleaded guilty to criminal charges:

"The crime committed by these defendants is of a breath and scope previously unheard of. No building, office, desk, or file was safe from their snooping and prying. No individual or organisation was free from their despicable conspiratorial minds. The tools of their trade were miniature transmitters, lock picks, secret codes, forged credentials and any other device they found necessary to carry out their conspiratorial schemes."

[scientology old tricks]

Ted Gunderson, former head of the FBI's Los Angeles office, quoted in TIME May 6, 1991:

"In my opinion the church has one of the most effective intelligence operations in the U.S. rivalling even that of the FBI."

[scientology old tricks]

Judge Constandia Angelaki:

"It is an organization with medical, social and ethical practices that are dangerous and harmful,"

"It claims to act freely so as to draw members who subsequently undergo ... brainwashing by dictated ways of thinking that limit reaction capabilities."

[anonFL]

i need to clarify my previous statement about judy and religious intolerance. EVERYONE in the community is more than welcome to come join us on saturday. i got carried away in trying to stress the point that this is not a war of faith. it is a war against evil actions. most scientologists are good people. misinformed and abused people. feel free to come out and join the party on 3/15.

[scientology old tricks]

Commissioners of the City of Clearwater, Florida, public hearings, May 5-10, 1982. The Commission received documentary and testimonial evidence with respect to the operation, activities and conduct of Scientology. Based upon the sworn testimony of witnesses, affidavits, state and federal court decisions, and miscellaneous documents reviewed and considered, the Commission made the following factual recitation:

"Evidentiary fact:
The Church of Scientology is currently engaged in a nationwide conspiracy to impede and obstruct municipal, state and federal taxing authorities, by adopting a religious and charitable guise to avoid payment of taxes.

"Scientology's internal policies state: "They (the public) want ministers. We will show them what ministers look like" (Vol. 1 p.41). "Churches are looked upon as reform groups. Therefore, we must act like a reform group" (Vol.1 p.196).

"Scientology has nothing to do with religion. The Church did not adopt the religious guise until it was necessary to seek First Amendment protection (Vol.4 p.405).

"Scientology uses a religious image check list designed to falsely portray a religious image to mislead officials (Vol. 2 p.238,239). "Church policy instructs members to lie to inquiring officials (Vol.1 p.226,227).

[scientology old tricks]

Kenneth Robinson, British Minister of Health:

"The government is satisfied that Scientology is socially harmful.

It alienates members of families from each other and attributes squalid and disgraceful motives to all who oppose it; its authoritarian principles and practice are a potential menace to the personality and well being of those so deluded as to become followers; above all, its methods can be a serious danger to the health of those who submit to them...

There is no power under existing law to prohibit the practice of Scientology; but the government has concluded that it is so objectionable that it would be right to take all steps within its power to curb its growth."

[scientology old tricks]

On December 1, 1997, a New York Times article described Scientology records seized in an FBI raid on church offices that prove "that Scientology had come to Clearwater with a written plan to take control of the city.

Government and community organizations were infiltrated by Scientology members.

Plans were undertaken to discredit and silence critics.

A fake hit-and-run accident [outlink] was staged in 1976 to try to ruin the political career of the mayor.

A Scientologist infiltrated the local newspaper and reported on the paper's plans to her handlers.

A related Times article also on Dec. 1, 1997, reported on a criminal investigation into Scientology's role in a member's death [offsite] in Clearwater, Florida.

In November 1998, the responsible State Attorney charged Scientology's Flag Service Organization with abuse or neglect of a disabled adult and practising medicine without a license.

[google is your friend]

The truth about $cientology, it's organizational goals and practices is available for anyone who want and cares to know the truth.

In the age of the internet, $cientology will not be able to contain it's putrid history of abuse.

The organisation has been in court over many many years and there is enough on public record to speak volumes about exactly how this shady so called "church" conducts itself.

[anonymous]

Join anonymous
Everyone is welcome
We represent people of all ages and from all walks of life.

enturbulation.org
youfoundthecard.com
whyweprotest.net
xenutv.com

[concerned]

It is well established that $cientology feeds funds and members through front groups.

These groups are not always owned by this corporation. In fact many are run by members whose "staff training" includes $cientology courses, others pay $cientology a percentage.

This creepy, backhanded and purposefully deceitful way of operating is offensive for those taxpayers who want government funds directed to legitimate sources.

Why is this "organisation" allowed to operate with tax exemptions in our country?

[whyweprotest.net]

whyweprotest.net

[Satans Call]

THE LORD HAS SPOKEN!!!

[Fun Fact]

Here's a Fun Fact:

(from wikipedia)

"The Cult Awareness Network (CAN) was founded in the wake of the November 18, 1978 deaths of members of the new religious movement Peoples Temple and assassination of Congressman Leo J. Ryan in Jonestown, Guyana. CAN is now owned and operated by associates of the Church of Scientology, an organization that the original founders of CAN strongly opposed. Prior to its takeover, CAN provided information on groups that it considered to be cults, as well as support and referrals to exit counselors and so-called deprogrammers. Supporters and detractors alike use the terms "Old CAN" and "New CAN" to refer to the two periods of the organization's existence.

From 1978 until 1996 when the Cult Awareness Network was bought out by associates of the Church of Scientology in United States bankruptcy court, CAN and its representatives were highly critical of Scientology, Landmark Education, and other groups and new religious movements that it considered to have potentially harmful tendencies. The Cult Awareness Network referred to some of these groups as "destructive cults." Cynthia Kisser, the then executive director of CAN, was quoted in the controversial 1991 TIME article, "The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power." These comments and other forms of criticism from CAN garnered the attention of the Church of Scientology and Landmark Education, and both separately began aggressive litigation proceedings against the organization. CAN was later driven into bankruptcy due to mounting legal expenses, and the organization was bought out in bankruptcy court by Church of Scientology attorney Steven Hayes in 1996."

That's right, folks. The Cult Awareness Network is one of MANY front groups for the Church of Scientology.

[Fun Fact]

Fun Fact:

(from wikipedia)

"The Cult Awareness Network (CAN) was founded in the wake of the November 18, 1978 deaths of members of the new religious movement Peoples Temple and assassination of Congressman Leo J. Ryan in Jonestown, Guyana. CAN is now owned and operated by associates of the Church of Scientology, an organization that the original founders of CAN strongly opposed. Prior to its takeover, CAN provided information on groups that it considered to be cults, as well as support and referrals to exit counselors and so-called deprogrammers. Supporters and detractors alike use the terms "Old CAN" and "New CAN" to refer to the two periods of the organization's existence.[1][2][3][4]

From 1978 until 1996 when the Cult Awareness Network was bought out by associates of the Church of Scientology in United States bankruptcy court, CAN and its representatives were highly critical of Scientology, Landmark Education, and other groups and new religious movements that it considered to have potentially harmful tendencies. The Cult Awareness Network referred to some of these groups as "destructive cults." Cynthia Kisser, the then executive director of CAN, was quoted in the controversial 1991 TIME article, "The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power." These comments and other forms of criticism from CAN garnered the attention of the Church of Scientology and Landmark Education, and both separately began aggressive litigation proceedings against the organization. CAN was later driven into bankruptcy due to mounting legal expenses, and the organization was bought out in bankruptcy court by Church of Scientology attorney Steven Hayes in 1996."

That's right, folks. The Cult Awareness Network is one of MANY front groups owned and operated by the Church of Scientology.

[Judy]

i have researched sites such as xenu.net whyaretheydead enturbulation scientomology lermanet and am as concerned as anyone else concerning the ceimes and abuses by the cult called scientology i also read about Paulette Cooper i do recall spitzer at this time i do my best to be informed before i speak however i somehow overlooked info concerning spitzer and i do not live in Your City i PRAY all goes well

[Judy]

correction concerning my last post i do not recall spitzer's name while researching an oversite

[anonymous]

* Operation PARTY HARD *
Is the name for the PEACEFUL worldwide protest against $cientology taking place this Saturday.

Join anonymous
Everyone is welcome
We represent people of all ages and from all walks of life

There will be delicious cake !

enturbulation.org
youfoundthecard.com
whyweprotest.net
xenutv.com

[Judy]

AnonFL Thankyou for apologizing You are obviosly a Good Person

[anonFL]

thanks, judy. i hope all goes well, too. the CoS is a cornered animal at this point and they have NEVER been put in this position before. i fully expect them to pull some type of shenanigans.

spread the word, and keep in mind that any people that do leave the cult are going to need the help and support of churches and concerned citizens to get them through. you may not be in our city, but you can definitely help! this is happening worldwide, not just in clearwater. pray for us.

[XenuReturns]

Sounds like a BUM scare to me. All the dangerous outspoken internet savvy anonymous homeless faction. I know, I be one. Watchin you so close you can smell me, CoS.

[Judy]

i am spreading the word by mouth and will definately PRAY i am a CHRISTIAN and fully believe in the POWER OF PRAYER and have Family Members that will PRAY also. i have have had and seen many PRAYERS answered IN THE NAME OF JESUS THE CHRIST. GOD BLESS You all.

[XenuReturns]

By the way, all. I have been waiting to see this happen for a long, long time. I am happy and excited for Saturday. Let us all enjoy a happy and peaceful celebration in my home town.

[Jayson L.]

Scientology is now outing Anonymous on youtube videos. They are saying that peaceful protestors whose identity they have figured out are terrorists.

http://uk.youtube.com/user/AnonymousFacts

This is libel. I hope the FBI is paying attention closely to this situation.

PUBLIC AT LARGE: This is why we must wear the masks. Hopefully, after 3/15, we won't have to. Please join us or at least show up and see what we are about for yourself.

[Control Tone]

I would like more information about the suspect that was arrested at the scene for Obstruction of Justice (according to Bay News 9).

[Anonymous]

This is worrying , next time they will hurt some of their own members and scream anonymous did it.

[Close Contact]

The feds have people inside working undercover copying documents, videotaping and using listening devices. Their network has been bugged. Their copy machines store and transmit images of every document place on it to various agencies. They also listen in by measuring the vibrations of solid surfaces using lasers from surrounding buildings. Every transaction goes under review. Don't worry the government has this covered.

[anonymous]

* Operation PARTY HARD *
Is the name for the PEACEFUL worldwide protest against $cientology taking place this Saturday.

Join anonymous
Everyone is welcome
We represent people of all ages and from all walks of life

There will be delicious cake !

enturbulation.org
youfoundthecard.com
whyweprotest.net
xenutv.com

[Close Contact]

P.S. I am clear.

[imgettingreallyscarednow]

It's not only anonymous that's in danger. One of the girls named in the court action was simply a starbucks employee who was sitting outside watching the protest. I know because I was doing the same thing. Just seeing what it was all about. Some guy sitting at her table chatted her up. I talked to her as well and she told me she was not a part of anonymous and was just observing the action, like me.
The next day, I see the guy she was chatting with in a yellow Scientology Volunteer t-shirt.
Then yesterday, I read in the paper she was accused of being Anonymous and accused of all those threats and violent crimes they are mistakenly attributing to anon. She was intervied in the paper and was real upset about being accused since she was just sitting there like me. I know for a fact that everything she said in the paper was true. I don't even know her, just talked to her that day. That's a horrible thing to accuse anyone of these violent acts, much less someone that is absolutely not associated with anonymous.
It makes me want to join. After all, if Clearwater citizens are going to be dragged in front of the court anyway, why not become Anonymous too? This whole thing HORRIFIES me. Scientology sucks. They seem to be just throwing out accusations and just old anybody's name that happens to be in the vicinity and seeing what sticks.

[Close Contact]

P.S. I am clear.

[Close Contact]

I am clear, clear, cleaaar.

[Close Contact]

Make me an OT 11 pleeeeeeze.

[Jackie Chan]

scientology needs to stop lying to people and face the facts that their "religeon" is nothing more than a lie

[The Cheat]

Meh!

[steve]

Where was Tom Cruise? Why wasn't he called in to difuse the bomb?

[Bret]

They're frickin' Scientologists! They could have used their superior mind powers to look through the suitcase and see that it wasn't a bomb...:-D

[Rob]

This is their history. Fake bomb threats against themselves.
It is very pitiful.

Judy comments like those are why many people don't like christians, I myself am a christian, but shoving it in the face of people only turns people away from it, if you wish to pray for them, you certainly may and I would encourage it, however saying that you pray for people in caps on message boards is not the way to do it

[Rick]

From a website on the church I found the following, taken from "The Creed" of the church of Scientology

"That all men have inalienable rights to think freely, to talk freely, to write freely their own opinions and to counter or utter or write upon the opinions of others"

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm....

[jill b.]

i want these weirdos out of my city. im showing up tomorrow with my own sign. "save clearwater from scientology" or something like it. i am not in this internet group, but i will join their cause.

[Anonymous]

We are Anonymous
We Are Legion
We Do Not Forgive
We Do Not Forget
Expect Us

Beware the ideas of March.

Links:

enturbulation.org
youfoundthecard.com
whyweprotest.net
xenutv.com

Yep, these people are bad real bad.
They hounded me for 2 years just because I made the mistake of buying the stupid Dianetics book. Don't ever trust a scientologist.

[Jim]

Yep, these people are bad real bad.
They hounded me for 2 years just because I made the mistake of buying the stupid Dianetics book. Don't ever trust a scientologist

[Brad]

The bible might as well have been a bomb. The bible is like poison to these freaks. They are sooooo wise and knowledgeable about EVERYTHING in the world, yet they don't seem to let ANYONE find out what they are all about. Unless you pay tons of money and plan on NEVER having your old friends and family anymore.

$%#K You Scientology!!!

[Anonymous73]

How convenient.

Well played Scientology doing exactly what everybody has been saying you would do. I like the spin with the bible in the suitcase because you know... we're huge on religion.

See you on Saturday Assholes.

[judy]

to mscavidge you are a monster keeping People from being able to reach out to those thst Love them in Their greatest time of need their blood is on the hands of those in your org that slander smear and suppress People to the degree that They kill Themselves.

[anonymous]

Judy...
You're learning.
Good job with last post.
Too bad you don't live in town. You could come out saturday and join the protest.

[Anonymous]

Hey guys! Scilons are handing out DVDs of the "threats" that were put onto youtube!

And those DVDs have a higher resolution than the youtube videos!

I'll give you two guesses for what that means.

[judy]

pass out copies of how the Court refused both request to stop the Protest that scientology person.s filed. obviously the Court knows the Protesters are Peacful.

[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 and reports that 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), an affiliate of the Church of Scientology, 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," says Ms. Lentsch. 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," Ms. Lentsch states.

"I left my Church because I was noticing the hypocrisies between what the Church tells the public versus what it actually does and then tries to hide. I did not wish to remain in a group that breaks up families and does not even trust its own staff to use their hard-earned vacation time and see their families. Living in fear and under threats is not spiritual to me," Ms. Lentsch states.

"The administration of the Church of Scientology is an oppressive organization. This is the worst betrayal."

[Anonymous]

I think it kinda went down like this...

Co$: "We want an order of protection!"
Judge: "Grow up and get out."
Co$: *Plants a bomb.* "Oh, would you look at that? See how serious this just got? They're threatening us with bombs!"

Goodness' sake, the Cult of Scientlology is getting less and less beLIEvable every day.

A video was once anonymously posted on youtube that contained a bomb threat. The Cult made a DVD that contained this video. The version on the DVD had much high picture quality than the one on youtube. That means, the cult made that video themselves to incriminate anon.