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Wasss once a man
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Posts: 1,430
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Join Date: Nov 2006
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I kinda like the sound of Anonymous, from reading those wiki articles. Since there's no structure, even no identifiable membership body (hence the name) they come across like more of a subculture than an actual organisation. (Like you can be a goth, a punk, a hippie, etc. -- certain ideological similarities but no structure beyond anything that like-minded individuals organise amongst themselves).
I admit I don't know loads about Scientology, but that's in large part due to the obsessive control of information that the Church exerts regarding itself. It certainly does look like part of the reason they've been able to grow to the extent they have is that they've put an incredible amount of pressure on anyone attempting to examine them, let alone criticise. You don't find large-scale organisations addressing them because the Church will target the individuals responsible before the ball gets rolling, apparently.
So it seems the only way to make any kind of protest against Scientology is to do it anonymously, organised in this decentralised way. Even if there's nothing wrong with the Church, its practices on a psychological or financial level, it doesn't cast them in a very good light if they're so secretive and defensive anytime someone looks on them with a critical eye. Perhaps this kind of pressure will get them to finally answer some questions that the wider world has regarding them -- if they're as virtuous as they claim, surely they have nothing to worry about? Hell, might even win over more converts.
I'm automatically put into a negative mindset towards any religion that doesn't allow itself to be criticised -- how strong can a faith be if those using it daren't allow themselves or other followers to have it questioned?
I can appreciate what has been said regarding Frank's defense of Scientologists' right to practice their religion, but at the same time he's been protecting the freedom of others to voice their concerns. Kudos to you Frank, for that but especially for taking your son's request seriously and looking into the situation with this depth. He may have been attracted to it by the V For Vendetta connection initially, but I hope you've both been able to talk about the reasoning behind the event and those matters of freedoms. I think it's great if you're going to let him attend (go with him even, if only in a supervisory capacity?) and judging by the fact there have been multiple similar events already it does give the impression it'll be the peaceful protest it purports to be and therefore safe enough. After all, anyone attempting anything more drastic would risk losing their Anonymity, and the Scientologists aren't likely to do anything overt or physical as it'd be bad for their public image.
I might keep an eye on this and future developments, and maybe look out for anything planned wherever I am at the time...
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