Click.
"And in tonight's news, the United Council of American Commonwealths has decided unanimously to endorse a 'zero-tolerance policy' regarding all things outside of a sociological norm. These include, but are not limited to, same-sex relations of any sort aside from strictly platonic, any indulgence in vice, lack of belief in a singular mono-theistic religion, decisions to educate children in safe-sex practices aside from abstinence, and refusal to participate in mandatory religious ceremonies at the beginning of every semi-official function. Further, they have begun to close down bor--"
Click.
"...a breaking story. Riots have begun spreading across the borders of the UCAC as disgruntled workers from other areas are barred from attending their jobs in UCAC-controlled territories. Officials say these riots have been fueled by recent talks of acceptance of the now-infamous 'Retoleration Act', an amalgamation of preemptive actions against codified law and the creation of what some have called 'the largest social prison in the world'. Union representatives have begun pursuing legal recourse for their contingents, arguing that --"
Click.
"...in Chile. Thousands have died in the latest 9.4 earthquake, which has submerged the lower half of the country entirely in the following tsunami. Countries, territories, and economic blocs around the world are scrambling to provide aid; the Buenos Aires Industrial Complex was the first to respond, air-lifting their employees from the affected areas after a BAIC oil rig was destroyed in the five-hundred-foot wave. Vast oil stores are beginning to seep into ocean water from the destroyed drilling platform, which many worry will have a serious impact on international economic standings. Early estimates predict a 4000% raise in oil price per barrel, to close to 900 dollars refined. Cities the globe over have begun --"
Click.
"...not harmed by the dog's actions. The Northern Eurasian Economic Bloc has begun imposing trade embargoes on other world nations in the face of a massive energy crisis as seven of the conglomerate's 43 nuclear reactors have failed. While smaller, personal reactors have come online to power individual city blocks, analysts worry that the increase in radioactive emissions from these generators will cause the emergency grid to face meltdowns as well. Berlin, Frankfurt, St. Petersburg and Moscow are currently without external power supplies, and most industry has ground to a halt, lacking the necessary energy requisites to power the factories. NEEB representatives have said that the embargoes will be lifted when aid arrives in the form of portable energy, allowing for the trade of automobiles, industrial products, and mechanical part fabrication goods to continue. Meanwhile--"
Click.
"...the Extranational States of Northern America have begun increasing their armament of military devices, sources say. This comes as a surprise to senators and constituents alike, who had voted for increased munitions stores but not increased use. 'We were looking to build up reserves in the event that UCAC began another expansion drive,' said senator Karl Reisling, representing the Southwestern Corridor States east of Fault Island. 'But now that the military has decided to put the additional weapons in the hands of soldiers, we're beginning to get concerned. Military intelligence has been very good for the last six years, and has been able to predict trends that would harm the ESNA, its people, and its interests. Now that they are gearing up, the people are beginning to get scared -- antsy, even -- and this is having an effect on the overall stress level of the people.' ESNA voted to support but separate military capabilities from the realm of politics six years ago, allowing for an increase in efficiency and a lack of wasteful spending, as well as protecting their people from restrictive agendas. Now, it would appear that this may be a mistake, according to General Cor--"
Click.
"...arrived finally to the people of the English Isles. The 'Black Decade' was officially ended around Winter Feast last year, though Allied Continental Entities across the Strait have not begun turning on the switches allowing for power flow back to the Isles until this month. After complications with the sunken conduits last month, it would appear that the first licks of electricity are returning to the people of the Isle, who have spent the last ten years without power after a disastrous attempt to become an economic superpower and force the rest of the Allied Continental Entities, formerly the Greater English Lands, to end practices of exportation of goods to other countries without paying the appropriate tithes. Due to their precarious island position, the other countries banded together and reduced power flow to the Isles over the course of several months, eventually pulling the plug entirely. Now that negotiations have finally concluded, we may see the English Isles trying to reestablish themselves in the global network by the end of the year. A representative from ACE offered this statement as to the reason for the delay--"
Click.
Showing posts with label good work guys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good work guys. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The State of the Union
There's been a strange trend in America lately, one of scandal and outrage, spying and glorification of espionage. In a recently-released statement, it was found that Bill Clinton rendezvous'd with Ms. Lewinsky while Hillary was home. And not just 'home'... In the White House itself. Thanks to some sort of disclosure running out, the records of Hillary's daily schedule for quite a long time (some 11,000 pages worth) were released by the National Archives, along with a huge mountain of raw data gathered elsewhere.
There are some who are supporting Hillary now more than ever thanks to the releasing and subsequent dissemination of this information; they admire her courage to stand by her man as he cheated on her under her nose. They think it is noble that she faced public humiliation time and time again and yet had the strength to stick with it, and now she's trying to get herself into a position to make things right.
On the other hand, there are those that are condemning Hillary more than ever over the very same things. They aren't sure they trust someone who could stand by her man as he abused her in a roundabout way, humiliating her over and over, forcing her into a spotlight -- and a position -- that she never asked to be put in. Many would say they think it is better when a person in an abusive or otherwise unsavory relationship comes to her senses and steps forward than to stick with it, trying to salvage something that might never have been in the first place.
My position and thoughts on the matter: Who the fuck cares? What business is it of ours, the general public, to pry into these peoples' lives with such vigor, to feast upon their inequities and flaws like slavering animals, to continually rip at the carcass of their underlives, bringing them into the open? Are we truly so mindless, so starved for fanaticism, that we must look inward to destroy what we already have than to look outward and hope to expose and, ideally, rectify issues -- which, arguably, are much more dangerous and pressing -- in the global reality?
JFK had a number of affairs both foreign and domestic, and nobody said a word until after his death. Hell, let's go further back: Jefferson had affairs with his slaves and fathered a number of illegitimate black children that we're only just now figuring out. Did this stop them from being excellent leaders? Did these revelations suddenly reverse the good that they did while running the country? Are they now to be vilified and left for dead in the annals of history as adulterers?
For a long time, things like leaders' private lives were taboo subjects for reporters and newspeople. Despite the sheer amount of dirt they may have had, unless it had something to do with a president's professional life and conduct (Watergate, anyone?) it was off-limits. And really, I think that's the way it should be. These people, for better or for worse, were elected by the people they were sworn to serve. In reality, what they did behind closed doors was their business and their business alone; far be it from us to judge. Are we so perfect ourselves? Shit.
For decades, America has been viewed rather globally as something of a cesspit, this writhing mass of sin washed over with a veneer of pompous righteousness. It's a gross indignation and outrage that we as a collective can feel anything other than indifference towards such acts; when 50% of all marriages in the country end in divorce, when infidelity rates are through the roof, when lives are shattered and families torn asunder daily via the improprieties of the people who live them (remember, a full half of the population)... who the fuck are we to judge?
Final thought: What Bill does with his trouser snake is Bill's business. What Hillary chose to do when confronted with the information was her business. It's not mine, yours, or anybody else's. You could argue that it reflects on their abilities as a leader, but it really doesn't. Find me someone in a position of power who hasn't succumbed to some modicum of desire, privilege, or the benefits the prestige of their office grants them, and I will show you someone you know absolutely nothing about.
And to be honest, I don't really blame Bill. It seems like the marriage was political to begin with... and really, if I had to wake up next to H-Cli every day, see that face staring at me first thing in the morning, well. I'd be looking for some relief, too. I wouldn't let that anywhere NEAR my wet, sticky cigar.
There are some who are supporting Hillary now more than ever thanks to the releasing and subsequent dissemination of this information; they admire her courage to stand by her man as he cheated on her under her nose. They think it is noble that she faced public humiliation time and time again and yet had the strength to stick with it, and now she's trying to get herself into a position to make things right.
On the other hand, there are those that are condemning Hillary more than ever over the very same things. They aren't sure they trust someone who could stand by her man as he abused her in a roundabout way, humiliating her over and over, forcing her into a spotlight -- and a position -- that she never asked to be put in. Many would say they think it is better when a person in an abusive or otherwise unsavory relationship comes to her senses and steps forward than to stick with it, trying to salvage something that might never have been in the first place.
My position and thoughts on the matter: Who the fuck cares? What business is it of ours, the general public, to pry into these peoples' lives with such vigor, to feast upon their inequities and flaws like slavering animals, to continually rip at the carcass of their underlives, bringing them into the open? Are we truly so mindless, so starved for fanaticism, that we must look inward to destroy what we already have than to look outward and hope to expose and, ideally, rectify issues -- which, arguably, are much more dangerous and pressing -- in the global reality?
JFK had a number of affairs both foreign and domestic, and nobody said a word until after his death. Hell, let's go further back: Jefferson had affairs with his slaves and fathered a number of illegitimate black children that we're only just now figuring out. Did this stop them from being excellent leaders? Did these revelations suddenly reverse the good that they did while running the country? Are they now to be vilified and left for dead in the annals of history as adulterers?
For a long time, things like leaders' private lives were taboo subjects for reporters and newspeople. Despite the sheer amount of dirt they may have had, unless it had something to do with a president's professional life and conduct (Watergate, anyone?) it was off-limits. And really, I think that's the way it should be. These people, for better or for worse, were elected by the people they were sworn to serve. In reality, what they did behind closed doors was their business and their business alone; far be it from us to judge. Are we so perfect ourselves? Shit.
For decades, America has been viewed rather globally as something of a cesspit, this writhing mass of sin washed over with a veneer of pompous righteousness. It's a gross indignation and outrage that we as a collective can feel anything other than indifference towards such acts; when 50% of all marriages in the country end in divorce, when infidelity rates are through the roof, when lives are shattered and families torn asunder daily via the improprieties of the people who live them (remember, a full half of the population)... who the fuck are we to judge?
Final thought: What Bill does with his trouser snake is Bill's business. What Hillary chose to do when confronted with the information was her business. It's not mine, yours, or anybody else's. You could argue that it reflects on their abilities as a leader, but it really doesn't. Find me someone in a position of power who hasn't succumbed to some modicum of desire, privilege, or the benefits the prestige of their office grants them, and I will show you someone you know absolutely nothing about.
And to be honest, I don't really blame Bill. It seems like the marriage was political to begin with... and really, if I had to wake up next to H-Cli every day, see that face staring at me first thing in the morning, well. I'd be looking for some relief, too. I wouldn't let that anywhere NEAR my wet, sticky cigar.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Wherein I Discuss My Relationship With Cigarettes
I bought a pack of cigarettes today (for those that must know, I bought them to sell; there's quite the amount of money to be gained from selling cigarettes to desperate college kids who are too lazy to go to the store themselves. One pack of cigarettes is about 20 cigs at around 5 bucks a pack depending on brand; sell those at two bucks a piece, you're making a 35 dollar profit. And people will pay it, because people are lazy) and on the front is a notice about how the tobacco contained in these cigarettes "mostly" comes from family-owned and operated tobacco farms. Camel filters, Turkish blend. You think the starving family tobacco farmers in Turkey care about how their crop is being used?
Before you go off on me, keep in mind I'm utilizing this as an extreme way to illustrate a point. People have been farming tobacco across the pond since before we were a twinkle in the New World's eye. I have little doubt that for millenia the various hashish smoking cultures have been cutting their grass with tobacco (or a very similar herb) in order to make it more 'friendly'; I know the old adage that if you don't cough, you don't get off, but c'mon; who actually likes hacking up a lung in an attempt to get high, other than dumb preteens in middle school who think being high is the single most awesome attempt you can make at being an adult? (Kids: Don't do drugs irresponsibly. I'm a Doctor, and I approve this message.) So what's the upshot? Guilt.
Guilt is a powerful motivator in American society, especially since that whole Recycling boom in the 80's and 90's, which is yet another bullshit thing but I may touch on that later. Nowadays you can't spit without hitting a product that has been partially recycled to save the planet, or grown in a free-range chemical (or "enhancement")-free environment in an attempt to ensure the least possible amount of suffering. So now we have this whole subculture that is convinced that helping free-trade is THE way to exist.
Now, I have no problem with free-trade. It helps the global economy in a general sense and, more importantly, it makes people feel special. (Dear reader: please keep in mind I really have no issue with helping the global economy, but there are multiple ways to accomplish this goal, none of which are inherently bad with the exception of the reinstatement of slavery. YOUR VOTE COUNTS.) But there's this push, especially in the US, about buying all-organic or torture-free or something that would benefit the non-commercial. Now, keep in mind I found this on a package of cigarettes, an item known to kill, perhaps the single most damaging legalized product in the nation (with the exception of semi-automatic ammunition). A little friendly sticker on the front with an image of two hands clasping each other, letting me know about the poor Turkish farmers I was benefacting by buying this particular pack of cigarettes.
I swear to fuck this is some sort of guilt-trip for the rich, for people who don't have real problems. Because now they KNOW Camel is the brand that supports the global tobacco market, they have to buy Camels to show they care, care in supporting farmers while killing their own kin. It underlines a deeper problem, that of supreme dissatisfaction, of not being a real human unless you take these asinine measures to show you care... which beggars the question, how much can a smoker really CARE about starving families in Turkey who supply their habit?
Something to ponder.
Before you go off on me, keep in mind I'm utilizing this as an extreme way to illustrate a point. People have been farming tobacco across the pond since before we were a twinkle in the New World's eye. I have little doubt that for millenia the various hashish smoking cultures have been cutting their grass with tobacco (or a very similar herb) in order to make it more 'friendly'; I know the old adage that if you don't cough, you don't get off, but c'mon; who actually likes hacking up a lung in an attempt to get high, other than dumb preteens in middle school who think being high is the single most awesome attempt you can make at being an adult? (Kids: Don't do drugs irresponsibly. I'm a Doctor, and I approve this message.) So what's the upshot? Guilt.
Guilt is a powerful motivator in American society, especially since that whole Recycling boom in the 80's and 90's, which is yet another bullshit thing but I may touch on that later. Nowadays you can't spit without hitting a product that has been partially recycled to save the planet, or grown in a free-range chemical (or "enhancement")-free environment in an attempt to ensure the least possible amount of suffering. So now we have this whole subculture that is convinced that helping free-trade is THE way to exist.
Now, I have no problem with free-trade. It helps the global economy in a general sense and, more importantly, it makes people feel special. (Dear reader: please keep in mind I really have no issue with helping the global economy, but there are multiple ways to accomplish this goal, none of which are inherently bad with the exception of the reinstatement of slavery. YOUR VOTE COUNTS.) But there's this push, especially in the US, about buying all-organic or torture-free or something that would benefit the non-commercial. Now, keep in mind I found this on a package of cigarettes, an item known to kill, perhaps the single most damaging legalized product in the nation (with the exception of semi-automatic ammunition). A little friendly sticker on the front with an image of two hands clasping each other, letting me know about the poor Turkish farmers I was benefacting by buying this particular pack of cigarettes.
I swear to fuck this is some sort of guilt-trip for the rich, for people who don't have real problems. Because now they KNOW Camel is the brand that supports the global tobacco market, they have to buy Camels to show they care, care in supporting farmers while killing their own kin. It underlines a deeper problem, that of supreme dissatisfaction, of not being a real human unless you take these asinine measures to show you care... which beggars the question, how much can a smoker really CARE about starving families in Turkey who supply their habit?
Something to ponder.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
THIS IS THE RECKONING
This is it, ladies and gentlemen. D-Day, February 10th, 2008. I'm watching this unfold with baited breath; simply spectacular displays of humanity and justice. There's been a decent showing of support for Anonymous and what they stand for; and the Australian protests have ended, to great effect. Here's a slideshow commemorating the events. By the way, this is the only proper use of this song. Ever. EVER. I mean that. The song is shit. But this is for a noble cause. I'll put my internet posturing away for a day in observance.
Meanwhile, I'm watching the London raid live as of 3:52 AM PST and it's pretty incredible. There's a parking complex of some sort across the street from the Scientology Org, and it's FULL of people chanting and picketing and generally fighting the good fight. At the same time there's raids going on in Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Italy, and so forth. There will be a small gap between the London raid and the raids in New York and Clearwater, which promises to be an amazing time. Clearwater has hired at least 10 off-duty cops to help control Anonymous should they get rowdy.
I promise more info as it becomes available. Rock the fuck on, Anonymous. Rock the fuck on.
EDIT #1: Anonymous addresses the Media, clearing some (really fucking retarded) misconceptions:
So incredibly intelligent.
EDIT #2, circa 11:45 PM: As D-Day '08 draws to a close, there is a lot to report about and a lot to reflect back on. Through the works of the Internet and the abilities of those involved, it has turned into a truly epic day. But first, what happened.
The London protests came to a close in spectacular fashion, with lots of support all around. For the most part it was a bit more on the silly side than most would have liked with lots of retarded memes being bandied about, but the good was done. People were educated. The BBC got involved... then Rolling Stone Magazine got involved, conducting an exclusive interview with one of the brainchildren of this whole thing, a beautiful Anonymous we owe Enturbulation to. Should prove to be a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, the rest of Europe was mostly a bust, due to adverse weather or political conditions, though Ireland had some amazing turnout. They really enturbulated their thetans, enough to necessitate a counter-protest. Even France got in on it, with Nono the Clown. Way to go Frenchfags!
Not much happened between there and the US, but I have to tell you, the US pulled it off with some amazing style. New York City had an incredibly impressive turnout, boasting over 250 Anons in attendance. The cops were for the most part on their side as well, everyone stayed behind the barricades, all was quite well. Score one for Anonymous on American soil.
Washington, D.C. had an excellent time of it, over 200 people showed to do what people do best in the capital: Protest their little hearts out. Lots of good came of it, as well as cake in memory of Lisa McPherson, whose birthday would be today if she was still alive. Granted, the cake itself was in slightly terrible taste (sporting an airbrushed design of her autopsy photo), but the message was heard loud and clear. The man himself, Arnie Lerma was there and couldn't have been prouder. And in a surprise twist, an amazingly strong young woman stepped forward and told her tragic tale of her father, who was a Scientology "minister" for 25 years before finally hanging himself 3 years ago because he felt he was so trapped. For three long years she had remained silent, but Anon gave her the strength to step forward, and she told the crowd, over 200 brave and compassionate strangers, her painful story. There is help out there for her.
Down south, Atlanta had quite the ride. Over 100 people peacefully protest the church from across the street. What do they do? Call in motherfucking riot police. Seriously, guys, isn't that a bit much for a peaceful protest?
And then, of course, ground zero. Clearwater, FL, home base for Scientology International and the resting place of the Ft. Harrison Hotel. It was truly an epic event, pulling in the anons from Tampa and Miami both to protest things on their own home turf. The hotel was more or less shut down as over 400 anons surrounded the building and protested. The people of Clearwater had had enough, even the news was for the most part on their side. Step 1, yeees.
Meanwhile, our friends in the great white north of Toronto rocked it out with over 200 people despite temperatures well below freezing. These guys were the troopers, staying out for hours, trading off signs between each other when their fingers went numb, doing everything they could to stand together as one legion against the freezing masses and educate. My heart goes out to these brave souls. Rock, Rock On!
The protests swept across the nation, traveling ever westward across the Midwest. Farmington, MI, Kansas City, Indianapolisand Cincinnati all sported well over 150 people a piece, spreading out thousands of fliers and cards and pamphlets out. Epic Win rocks the Midwest like a hurricane mixed with a tornado mixed with a plague of really annoying chirpy early-morning birds, though Columbus had some hardships with a bus... 2 Anons injured, one hospitalized, though there was no malice or tampering that anybody can see. Just a bizarre accident. Though that raid was still pretty awesome. And let's not forget the Texans, who managed to land some nice news time. Way to make it big, Houston.
A little closer to home, Seattle really rocked the house with over 250 people showing up to protest the Church and all it stands for. They got some really awesome media coverage as well, even though they had to travel to where the people were to be most effective. If I was still living in Seattle, you bet your ass I would've been there, wearing an awesome mask, a snappy 3 piece suit, rallying the troops and raising hell for the Co$. Come rain, sleet, or blood, i would have been there to show my support and rickrolling with the best of them.
But the big one was in Los Angeles. There was some confusion over this one, as there was so much ground to cover, but it was nothing less than a massacre, in a good way. Anonymous was out in full force, though the best thing I can do is give you a snippet of the raid report:
We arrived at the Complex at 11:00 sharp. There were already about 100 people there. We could not picket across the street because the sidewalks were blocked off, so we picketed on the same side of the street as the "church". Well, there was one security guard on a bike that was circling the parking lot. I have seen him before and I'm pretty sure he is a Scientologist. There were a few others hanging around, but it really looked like Co$ bussed their staff out of town for the day and hired some guards from a security company. They must have been really nervous! The Police were circling constantly, but there were no problems. Also, there was a mysterious Ice truck with tinted windows that parked close to us. It certainly looked like a tricked-out OSA-mobile. I'm sure they were recording and filming everything. We'll find out if anything shows up on RFW.
In addition to Anonymous, there were many old-time critics there: Tory and Mark, of course, Michael Pattinson, Graham Berry, Myself (I hope I'm not missing anyone). Mark Ebner showed up on a Scooter and circled around for awhile.
The public was great -- lots of honks of support and thumbs-up. People were handing out flyers to the stopped cars -- the Anonymous guys were really energetic and would not hesitate to run across Sunset to do this. About 12:30 we began circling the complex before heading to the HGB (Hollywood Guarantee Building where the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition is housed). I noticed that the windows of rooms where the staff is housed had been completely taped over, blocked out with white sheets taped to the windows. They must have stayed up all night! We're talked 8 floors, about 200+ windows that had been sealed off from the outside world. Did I say they were nervous? Scared shitless is more like it.
Warmed greatly, noted ex-Clam and rabid Anonymous supporterTory Magoo spoke her joy and admiration via video for all Anonymous to hear:
Thank you, Tory. And thank you, Anon. Truly today was a great success, but it is only the beginning. I am simply amazed at how well this worked, that nobody got so stupid that fights were started. The police were always cooperated with, even in Chicago where the protest was disbanded due to a mix-up filing the permit. I am astounded that no Anons got arrested, whereas two Scientologists (one in Adelide, Australia and one in Boston) were put in the clink. We've reached out and touched some people and saved at least one life, perhaps countless more. As the news outlets race to get the story out locally, perhaps they'll all look up and realize this was truly a global outreach (I'm looking at you, NPR) and people who aren't necessarily Internet savvy will begin to look up and wonder and learn. This is only step one, however. We have to keep the ball rolling. Perhaps if the weather is good I can head over the mountains and attend the raid in Seattle on March 15th to celebrate Hubbard's jowly birthday. I hear there's promise of non-offensive cake!
Thank god for the Internet.
Meanwhile, I'm watching the London raid live as of 3:52 AM PST and it's pretty incredible. There's a parking complex of some sort across the street from the Scientology Org, and it's FULL of people chanting and picketing and generally fighting the good fight. At the same time there's raids going on in Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Italy, and so forth. There will be a small gap between the London raid and the raids in New York and Clearwater, which promises to be an amazing time. Clearwater has hired at least 10 off-duty cops to help control Anonymous should they get rowdy.
I promise more info as it becomes available. Rock the fuck on, Anonymous. Rock the fuck on.
EDIT #1: Anonymous addresses the Media, clearing some (really fucking retarded) misconceptions:
So incredibly intelligent.
EDIT #2, circa 11:45 PM: As D-Day '08 draws to a close, there is a lot to report about and a lot to reflect back on. Through the works of the Internet and the abilities of those involved, it has turned into a truly epic day. But first, what happened.
The London protests came to a close in spectacular fashion, with lots of support all around. For the most part it was a bit more on the silly side than most would have liked with lots of retarded memes being bandied about, but the good was done. People were educated. The BBC got involved... then Rolling Stone Magazine got involved, conducting an exclusive interview with one of the brainchildren of this whole thing, a beautiful Anonymous we owe Enturbulation to. Should prove to be a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, the rest of Europe was mostly a bust, due to adverse weather or political conditions, though Ireland had some amazing turnout. They really enturbulated their thetans, enough to necessitate a counter-protest. Even France got in on it, with Nono the Clown. Way to go Frenchfags!
Not much happened between there and the US, but I have to tell you, the US pulled it off with some amazing style. New York City had an incredibly impressive turnout, boasting over 250 Anons in attendance. The cops were for the most part on their side as well, everyone stayed behind the barricades, all was quite well. Score one for Anonymous on American soil.
Washington, D.C. had an excellent time of it, over 200 people showed to do what people do best in the capital: Protest their little hearts out. Lots of good came of it, as well as cake in memory of Lisa McPherson, whose birthday would be today if she was still alive. Granted, the cake itself was in slightly terrible taste (sporting an airbrushed design of her autopsy photo), but the message was heard loud and clear. The man himself, Arnie Lerma was there and couldn't have been prouder. And in a surprise twist, an amazingly strong young woman stepped forward and told her tragic tale of her father, who was a Scientology "minister" for 25 years before finally hanging himself 3 years ago because he felt he was so trapped. For three long years she had remained silent, but Anon gave her the strength to step forward, and she told the crowd, over 200 brave and compassionate strangers, her painful story. There is help out there for her.
Down south, Atlanta had quite the ride. Over 100 people peacefully protest the church from across the street. What do they do? Call in motherfucking riot police. Seriously, guys, isn't that a bit much for a peaceful protest?
And then, of course, ground zero. Clearwater, FL, home base for Scientology International and the resting place of the Ft. Harrison Hotel. It was truly an epic event, pulling in the anons from Tampa and Miami both to protest things on their own home turf. The hotel was more or less shut down as over 400 anons surrounded the building and protested. The people of Clearwater had had enough, even the news was for the most part on their side. Step 1, yeees.
Meanwhile, our friends in the great white north of Toronto rocked it out with over 200 people despite temperatures well below freezing. These guys were the troopers, staying out for hours, trading off signs between each other when their fingers went numb, doing everything they could to stand together as one legion against the freezing masses and educate. My heart goes out to these brave souls. Rock, Rock On!
The protests swept across the nation, traveling ever westward across the Midwest. Farmington, MI, Kansas City, Indianapolisand Cincinnati all sported well over 150 people a piece, spreading out thousands of fliers and cards and pamphlets out. Epic Win rocks the Midwest like a hurricane mixed with a tornado mixed with a plague of really annoying chirpy early-morning birds, though Columbus had some hardships with a bus... 2 Anons injured, one hospitalized, though there was no malice or tampering that anybody can see. Just a bizarre accident. Though that raid was still pretty awesome. And let's not forget the Texans, who managed to land some nice news time. Way to make it big, Houston.
A little closer to home, Seattle really rocked the house with over 250 people showing up to protest the Church and all it stands for. They got some really awesome media coverage as well, even though they had to travel to where the people were to be most effective. If I was still living in Seattle, you bet your ass I would've been there, wearing an awesome mask, a snappy 3 piece suit, rallying the troops and raising hell for the Co$. Come rain, sleet, or blood, i would have been there to show my support and rickrolling with the best of them.
But the big one was in Los Angeles. There was some confusion over this one, as there was so much ground to cover, but it was nothing less than a massacre, in a good way. Anonymous was out in full force, though the best thing I can do is give you a snippet of the raid report:
We arrived at the Complex at 11:00 sharp. There were already about 100 people there. We could not picket across the street because the sidewalks were blocked off, so we picketed on the same side of the street as the "church". Well, there was one security guard on a bike that was circling the parking lot. I have seen him before and I'm pretty sure he is a Scientologist. There were a few others hanging around, but it really looked like Co$ bussed their staff out of town for the day and hired some guards from a security company. They must have been really nervous! The Police were circling constantly, but there were no problems. Also, there was a mysterious Ice truck with tinted windows that parked close to us. It certainly looked like a tricked-out OSA-mobile. I'm sure they were recording and filming everything. We'll find out if anything shows up on RFW.
In addition to Anonymous, there were many old-time critics there: Tory and Mark, of course, Michael Pattinson, Graham Berry, Myself (I hope I'm not missing anyone). Mark Ebner showed up on a Scooter and circled around for awhile.
The public was great -- lots of honks of support and thumbs-up. People were handing out flyers to the stopped cars -- the Anonymous guys were really energetic and would not hesitate to run across Sunset to do this. About 12:30 we began circling the complex before heading to the HGB (Hollywood Guarantee Building where the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition is housed). I noticed that the windows of rooms where the staff is housed had been completely taped over, blocked out with white sheets taped to the windows. They must have stayed up all night! We're talked 8 floors, about 200+ windows that had been sealed off from the outside world. Did I say they were nervous? Scared shitless is more like it.
Warmed greatly, noted ex-Clam and rabid Anonymous supporterTory Magoo spoke her joy and admiration via video for all Anonymous to hear:
Thank you, Tory. And thank you, Anon. Truly today was a great success, but it is only the beginning. I am simply amazed at how well this worked, that nobody got so stupid that fights were started. The police were always cooperated with, even in Chicago where the protest was disbanded due to a mix-up filing the permit. I am astounded that no Anons got arrested, whereas two Scientologists (one in Adelide, Australia and one in Boston) were put in the clink. We've reached out and touched some people and saved at least one life, perhaps countless more. As the news outlets race to get the story out locally, perhaps they'll all look up and realize this was truly a global outreach (I'm looking at you, NPR) and people who aren't necessarily Internet savvy will begin to look up and wonder and learn. This is only step one, however. We have to keep the ball rolling. Perhaps if the weather is good I can head over the mountains and attend the raid in Seattle on March 15th to celebrate Hubbard's jowly birthday. I hear there's promise of non-offensive cake!
Thank god for the Internet.
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