Spring Break
Mailbag: Scientology protest 'well-organized and peaceful'
Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Opinions
Like most of us, I heard about the recent protest of the Church of Scientology from fliers placed around campus, and took very little notice. Out of curiosity though, I decided to look into the group that was holding the protest, since I had never heard of Anonymous before. After an hour of looking around some articles and videos posted on Google, I was shocked by what I read. These articles painted Anonymous as Internet terrorists out to destroy anything that they wanted for their own enjoyment. There were reports of them calling people's homes leaving violent messages, mailing envelopes of white powder to Scientology churches and destroying and blocking Web sites of anyone who would appose them. After all this negative feedback, I decided to head over to the protest myself in order to see what would happen. I'll admit I brought my camera hoping to catch some sort of outrageous or violent action, but what I saw surprised me even more.
Anonymous wasn't some group of terrorists there to burn the church down to the ground. Rather, they were a well-organized and peaceful protesting group, handing out fliers and politely explaining their message to anyone who would listen. One member saw me taking photos of the group from about thirty feet away, and came over to invite me closer to get some better pictures. He talked calmly in a civilized tone and explained what exactly the point of the protest was, and I was surprised to find that I agreed with most of the major points. Coming back from the protest, I was upset at how the media and Scientology Web sites had portrayed the group. Making such an organized and law-abiding group look like monsters because you don't agree with what they are saying is wrong, to say the least.
Looking over the incidents that were reported as attacks by Anonymous, I'm convinced, rather, that they were splinter groups that claim the Anonymous name in order to get themselves noticed. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in learning about the group and its message to look up "Operation Clambake." I believe you'll find more respect for this so-called group of Internet terrorists.
Anonymous wasn't some group of terrorists there to burn the church down to the ground. Rather, they were a well-organized and peaceful protesting group, handing out fliers and politely explaining their message to anyone who would listen. One member saw me taking photos of the group from about thirty feet away, and came over to invite me closer to get some better pictures. He talked calmly in a civilized tone and explained what exactly the point of the protest was, and I was surprised to find that I agreed with most of the major points. Coming back from the protest, I was upset at how the media and Scientology Web sites had portrayed the group. Making such an organized and law-abiding group look like monsters because you don't agree with what they are saying is wrong, to say the least.
Looking over the incidents that were reported as attacks by Anonymous, I'm convinced, rather, that they were splinter groups that claim the Anonymous name in order to get themselves noticed. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in learning about the group and its message to look up "Operation Clambake." I believe you'll find more respect for this so-called group of Internet terrorists.
Steven Howard
psychology freshman
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 63
Anonymous
posted 2/15/08 @ 2:26 AM PST
You are correct about the splinter groups; they are definitely not supported by the main body of Anonymous. Thank you for a fair article. Do consider joining us on March 15th. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 2/15/08 @ 2:41 AM PST
Operation Clambake is a collective of former Scientologists who, while not formally affiliated with Anonymous, have helped Anonymous with advice, information, and moral support of our peaceful protests. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 2/15/08 @ 3:05 AM PST
Alot of the protestors are scientologist but not followers of the church of scientology but they practice it in their own way and agree that the COS is a money making scam. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 2/15/08 @ 6:11 AM PST
Not much can be said about anonymous as a whole. There is no organization. There are no leaders. Actions of single people cannot be attributed to the entire group. (Continued…)
Simon N. Garfunkle
posted 2/15/08 @ 6:32 AM PST
The protest was completely peaceful.
I did not detect an anti-Anonymous presence in the media (unlike yourself). Here is what I have noticed: The newsmedia are scared of Scientology because of the cult's potential for harrassment. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 2/15/08 @ 6:52 AM PST
Thank you for your article.
Anonymous protests are not a protest against religion. They are a protest against ATROCITY.
Scientology practices are what is in question. (Continued…)
thespidermind
posted 2/15/08 @ 7:09 AM PST
Of course, consider that the COS is well known for engaging in criminal activity to produce black propoganda-- they love to set up their enemies for criminal charges by manufacturing evidence. (Continued…)
anonymous
posted 2/15/08 @ 7:24 AM PST
I wonder if there are any bright young law students that would be willing to advise us on how we can help with the case discussed in this article:
Scientologists' Tax Break Cited in Suit Against I. (Continued…)
Sally
posted 2/15/08 @ 7:57 AM PST
It is true that when you do "research" on the internet you often get something 180 degrees from the truth. When someone anonymously hides behind their computer or a mask they typically are spreading lies. (Continued…)
Veronica
posted 2/15/08 @ 8:52 AM PST
Nobody has accused the Feb 10th raids as being violent or non-peaceful. But anonymous itself promotes violence. They use rhetoric like: "Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men and women," "your organisation should be destroyed, for the good of your followers, for the good of mankind and for our own enjoyment. (Continued…)
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