While a worldwide Anonymous protest is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 (Update: see photos from May 10 here), a small group of hardcore Anonymous protestors took to the streets Monday both in Hollywood at the Church of Scientology Office of Special Affairs and then Downtown at the United States District Court, Roybal Federal Building. Downtown, Anonymous lawyer Graham Berry was the subject to a deposition by Scientology lawyers. According to Anonymous members via e-mail, Graham Berry successfully represented Anonymous member Sean Carasov (read his story here), who was subject to a false police report (and subsequent charge) issued by the Church for Criminal Threats.
LAist Photographer Tom Andrews took to the streets to see what was up with Anonymous. Here is what he saw:
On the world misery scale Scientology rates about a .02. Hey Annonymous, ever hear of Darfur or if that is too far away for your simple minds to conceive of how about the state of our local schools, or the homeless, or anything meaningful.
I don't know why I let these overgrown children bother me...
They do have jobs and schools. But they are legion, so some of 'em always has a day off.
There are other problems in this world, yes, but anyone can protest Darfur or homeless problems. Seriously, you can do it! No one will come after you because of it.
But protesting scientology you need some special tactics if you wish to keep on living without harrassment, scare tactics and litigation. Anonymous was almost tailor made for this fight since they are anonymous. They protest because they are the ones who can. The victims of scientology are usually too scared or burned out to do it.
Church of Fair Game - thats why it is important for Anonymous to protest anonymously! Without masks, they will be taken down one by one then harrassed and litigated by the church, just like Sean Carasov.
Strange, but true.
Excellent article, great photos. I'm encouraged by the fact that so many people worldwide are willing in this day and age to stand up and protest peacefully and lawfully against injustices that plague all of us. Whether or not you agree with the protestors, their target, or the controversy surrounding all of it, it should be heartening to see so many people willing to take a stand against corruption and human rights abuses.
Is it so strange that Anonymous wears masks? Have you taken any effort to find out WHY Anonymous wears masks? Istnt it prudent to research something before posting about it. For example, i heard about Darfur from you. And before posting, i red what i coud about Darfur.
Yeh, someone shoud do something about Darfur, but you see, Anonymous is busy with the murderous cult that is Scientology. Let me ask you, what are YOU doing about the things you think shoud change?
To anyone who is willing to take a half an hour to read about the dangers of Scientology, feel free to go to either www.xenutv.com or www.xenu.net for the whole story.
I don't think that I have mentioned my feelings on anonymous wearing masks. My opinion on that is that it makes for interesting photography. I think I did write that I liked the pictures.
I am not going to defend Scientology. I have lived in LA my whole life and I am well aware of their members and policies. I personally find their approach simplistic and dull, but to each their own. Freedom of religion anyone??? They do not pull people off the street to join their cult/religion. People willing join. They don't practice "flirty fishing" like some other freaky religions.
Back in the 1970's the Hari Krishna's took in a young man who possessed great spirtitual awareness and could sit in a trance for many hours at a time. Apparently it wasn't oneness with the universe but a brain tumor and he died. I don't hate the Hari Krishna's for that.
Why not go after the Cathoilcs. Their damage is far more profound. A sexually abused child carries the abuse with them their whole lives. They have problems with intimacy, trust, alcoholism, the whole shebang. It destroys families, it's a pain that just won't go away. It is far more widespread than whatever you think the Scientologist have done (no I don't want to go to your website).
My problem is more with anonymous anyway. I observed but did not participate on the Meganhaditcoming.com. I was appalled at the words they had put up. It was ugly and meanspirited. The final message "don't believe what you read on the internet" was childish and clearly an afterthought. To put such ugliness out in the world shows a startling lack of empathy. It frightens me that I share this world with such mean bored people.
Yes I do help the homeless. I do help with Darfur. I give money to Project Angel Food on a monthly basis. I do what I can. I could probably do more, as could we all.
Yet with all the help you do, youre still insecure enough that you try and defend your stanse. You clearly dont understand Anonymous, but hey, thats your loss.
Why am i here? As a part of information campaign.
So here goes
- The Church does lie to its followers, and trick them into joining. Once again, dont speak about things you havent done any research on. One example? While they claim they are compattible with every other religion (allways wondered how that works), but if you spend enough money, and reach the OT levels, you will find out that
a)All religons are actually implants, and you need to clear them out of your sistem in order to advance
b)Jesus was gay, and a pedofile
Dont believe me? You dont have to, its parts of the OT III and OT VII levels, wich can be found on the internet- on wikileaks, on xenu.net, and i think on xenutv.com as well.
Why dont we go after the catolic church? Well, for one becouse we choose targets wich are our size. If you think that you can actually infuence stuff like Darfur, or for example the Nepal deal, youre kidding yourself. China will do whatever the fuck they want. Its sad ut true.
Also, as far as i know, freedo of religion means you can believe whatever you want, not do whatever you want.
Thanks again for covering and reporting the protests. Your work is really helping get the facts out about why critics and many former victims anonymously protest against scientology.
Graham Berry's moving and insightful report in full about the recent events with the deposition with some of the "Amonymouse" 's can be found at www.grahamberry.com
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Geez, don't these people have jobs?
On the world misery scale Scientology rates about a .02. Hey Annonymous, ever hear of Darfur or if that is too far away for your simple minds to conceive of how about the state of our local schools, or the homeless, or anything meaningful.
I don't know why I let these overgrown children bother me...
Nice pictures though.
lagirl65:
They do have jobs and schools. But they are legion, so some of 'em always has a day off.
There are other problems in this world, yes, but anyone can protest Darfur or homeless problems. Seriously, you can do it! No one will come after you because of it.
But protesting scientology you need some special tactics if you wish to keep on living without harrassment, scare tactics and litigation. Anonymous was almost tailor made for this fight since they are anonymous. They protest because they are the ones who can. The victims of scientology are usually too scared or burned out to do it.
Nice work guys.
Church of Fair Game - thats why it is important for Anonymous to protest anonymously! Without masks, they will be taken down one by one then harrassed and litigated by the church, just like Sean Carasov.
Strange, but true.
Excellent article, great photos. I'm encouraged by the fact that so many people worldwide are willing in this day and age to stand up and protest peacefully and lawfully against injustices that plague all of us. Whether or not you agree with the protestors, their target, or the controversy surrounding all of it, it should be heartening to see so many people willing to take a stand against corruption and human rights abuses.
Rock on, Anons.
Geez, isn't Scientology the dangerous cult that killed Lisa McPherson, Kyle Brennan and countless others?
http://www.whyaretheydead.net
lagirl65:
Is it so strange that Anonymous wears masks? Have you taken any effort to find out WHY Anonymous wears masks? Istnt it prudent to research something before posting about it. For example, i heard about Darfur from you. And before posting, i red what i coud about Darfur.
Yeh, someone shoud do something about Darfur, but you see, Anonymous is busy with the murderous cult that is Scientology. Let me ask you, what are YOU doing about the things you think shoud change?
To anyone who is willing to take a half an hour to read about the dangers of Scientology, feel free to go to either www.xenutv.com or www.xenu.net for the whole story.
I don't think that I have mentioned my feelings on anonymous wearing masks. My opinion on that is that it makes for interesting photography. I think I did write that I liked the pictures.
I am not going to defend Scientology. I have lived in LA my whole life and I am well aware of their members and policies. I personally find their approach simplistic and dull, but to each their own. Freedom of religion anyone??? They do not pull people off the street to join their cult/religion. People willing join. They don't practice "flirty fishing" like some other freaky religions.
Back in the 1970's the Hari Krishna's took in a young man who possessed great spirtitual awareness and could sit in a trance for many hours at a time. Apparently it wasn't oneness with the universe but a brain tumor and he died. I don't hate the Hari Krishna's for that.
Why not go after the Cathoilcs. Their damage is far more profound. A sexually abused child carries the abuse with them their whole lives. They have problems with intimacy, trust, alcoholism, the whole shebang. It destroys families, it's a pain that just won't go away. It is far more widespread than whatever you think the Scientologist have done (no I don't want to go to your website).
My problem is more with anonymous anyway. I observed but did not participate on the Meganhaditcoming.com. I was appalled at the words they had put up. It was ugly and meanspirited. The final message "don't believe what you read on the internet" was childish and clearly an afterthought. To put such ugliness out in the world shows a startling lack of empathy. It frightens me that I share this world with such mean bored people.
Yes I do help the homeless. I do help with Darfur. I give money to Project Angel Food on a monthly basis. I do what I can. I could probably do more, as could we all.
lagirl65
Are you sure they were the same people? I mean, people post comments anonymously all the time.
Yet with all the help you do, youre still insecure enough that you try and defend your stanse. You clearly dont understand Anonymous, but hey, thats your loss.
Why am i here? As a part of information campaign.
So here goes
- The Church does lie to its followers, and trick them into joining. Once again, dont speak about things you havent done any research on. One example? While they claim they are compattible with every other religion (allways wondered how that works), but if you spend enough money, and reach the OT levels, you will find out that
a)All religons are actually implants, and you need to clear them out of your sistem in order to advance
b)Jesus was gay, and a pedofile
Dont believe me? You dont have to, its parts of the OT III and OT VII levels, wich can be found on the internet- on wikileaks, on xenu.net, and i think on xenutv.com as well.
Why dont we go after the catolic church? Well, for one becouse we choose targets wich are our size. If you think that you can actually infuence stuff like Darfur, or for example the Nepal deal, youre kidding yourself. China will do whatever the fuck they want. Its sad ut true.
Also, as far as i know, freedo of religion means you can believe whatever you want, not do whatever you want.
Thanks again for covering and reporting the protests. Your work is really helping get the facts out about why critics and many former victims anonymously protest against scientology.
Graham Berry's moving and insightful report in full about the recent events with the deposition with some of the "Amonymouse" 's can be found at www.grahamberry.com