Off Topic - Anonymous Vs Scientology
 

Has anybody heard about this group that goes by the name anonymous? They are supposedly having some protest against Scientology March 10th (L. Ron Hubbards birthday) in which they sit outside Church buildings wearing the Guy Fawlkes Masks shown in V for Vendetta.

A friend of mine is going and wants me to go...I'm no fan of Scientology, but if I'm representing some group of internet terrorists or miscreants by attending this protest, forget it! I have no idea who this group is doing this or why.

What do you all think?


*GS* - I edited out my biased opinion of Said named religion! I didn't realize how harsh it sounded until you posted your reply! -Thanks!

Let's remember to keep it civil on this one gang..........thanks. :cool:

Ah, good point. I don't want this to become a "bash Scientology thread". You are free to believe what you want to, whether I agree with it or not.

That's NOT what I'm trying to get a discussion going about. I just wanna know if anyone knows more about this "Anonymous" group and what they stand for? (Other than obviously being a thorn in Scientology's side)

First I have ever heard of it, but then again I am across the world pond from you ;)

To me religion is the root of all evil (well ok, its not really that bad - but most wars are usually hidden behind ideologies and religion) , but people may believe in exactly what they want. As long as they don't spew it out on me, or try to convert me then I'm all for religion. - And this is just my opinion!

I would however not walk in a protest against any kind of religion, to me it kinda beats the point of having a free will and to be able to believe in whatever a person wants to believe in. Kudos to those who do believe in something! You have a much stronger faith in things then me! :)

This group "Anonymous" seems to have limited their attacks to internet, ie. hacking Scientology websites, protests, and "spam" attacks, e-mail, faxing black paper to use up their fax ink. No physical attacks have been made thus far.

That being said Frank, you are a member (still?) of the US military, who are supposed to uphold the rights and freedoms of your fellow countrymen and women. Freedom of Religion is one of those rights, and while you personally may not agree with Scientology, they have the right to practice their religion.

That being said, my personal opinion of this anonymous group, their attacks to me sound more sophmoric and childish than anything else. To quote the infamous Dennis Miller, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong!"

I think that might be an interesting line to walk.
On one hand he is a soldier and is protecting peoples right to have their own opinion about religion. On the other hand he himself has strong beliefs and one might be in total opposition of a religion.
Where is the line drawn? Is he vetoed from expressing his own thoughts and feelings on a subject because he is in the military?
Just some food for thought - I found this post a lot more interesting now actually. I have never heard about the Anonymous folks before now, sounds like they are choosing a passive aggressive way of dealing with something they don't agree with, childish as it may seem I'll bet its a nasty thorn in the side of the Scientology folks.

Are you guys familiar with 4chan.org?

Buddy at work said that they are preparing to stage a big (annoying) demonstration outside the Scientology offices and whatnot. I've never visited the site, but it's been shut down several times by the law due to childporn and other problems. And yet, that seems like the hot spot these days. *shrug*

I have not marched in protest to ideas. Personally, I believe in Jesus, and He calmly shared His message with others. He never tried to force His message on others, but rather provided the message for people to accept or reject. I willfully chose to accept.

Followers of several religions and also "ideologies" who masquerade as religions (presumably for legal, tax or social purposes) have done some good and some very evil things through the course of history.

Jesus never did evil things. I'll follow Him, and let others make their own decisions on whether to accept or reject His message.

As for that particular group, I have never heard of them...

Yeah, it's funny I put my life on the line for freedom and democracy, but If I had gay friends, I couldn't support my friends by marching in a "Gay Pride" parade with them, because it would violate Marine Corps standards. But it's ok. As Gene Hackman said in Crimson Tide "Gentlemen, we're here to PROTECT democracy, NOT PRACTICE IT!" LOL. Yeah, it's one of the things you learn to live with being military. You give up certain freedoms and liberties to protect the nations freedoms and Liberties. I get a kick out of seeing protesters and my friends saying "Don't they tick you off?"

I just laugh and say "Nope, they show I'm still on the job!"

From what I'm reading, Anonymous started with some pretty vicious attacks (not violent, just denial of service internet stuff and the like), and then changed their tactics for fear Scientology would play the victim card. Like someone said on one of the sites "Sounds more like Sophmore kids playing a prank".

And maybe their non violent , yet outlandish style of protest may bring light upon some of the things the "Church" has been doing. It seems the Church goes after any website or authors who try to make them look bad. From the sound of it, Anonymous just wants the Church to leave the naysayers alone and allow their detracters to be able to speak their mind without fear of bullying tactics! Sounds like something I could get into! And what's it take? I just put on a "V for Vendetta" mask and stand around with a bunch of people on a street corner across from some office building! If that's it, I just might go! No harm done!

Believe it or not,my "Friend" is actually my 12 YO son. He heard about this first and wants to go! I think because he's a "V for Vendetta" fan more than he's really behind their cause! But who knows, as long as it's non violent and supports a good cause, who am I to deny him the right to express himself? Let him enjoy the freedoms we provide in this great country of ours!

Jesus may not have tried to force his message, but his followers did - as a side note Christianity was brought to my country by the edge of a sword. You either went with the program or the head came off (this was the Viking era mind you).

When it comes to religion I think something said in the movie Dogma comes to mind. "All the religions on earth is close to it, but they all try to explain it" or somesuch, I am paraphrasing badly here, but the general gist was all religions have something to offer, they just try to explain it in human terms and thus get it wrong, the Idea is still right. (am I making any sense here? :confused: )

Anyhoo, as long as its a peaceful thing and you are 99.9% that nothing bad will happen then I don't really see the problem with standing there.