Picket reports

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Subject: Palo Alto Picket 10/13/98, appeal
From: hkhenson@netcom.com (Keith Henson)

I got the appeal on willfulness and damages in the mail (15 copies, 5 of the docket and related-- three inches thick, ) and two copies out to Hogan about 4 pm. Thanks to those who sent in corrections, most of them got in the final version.

I was going to go hand it in over the counter at the Appeals Court because needed something out of their files, but Helena (bless her heart) had filed what I needed in the district court and saved me two hours of time driving to SF and back.

I have to wonder what Helena thought she was doing by filing information from the Appeal Court in a case before Judge Whyte? Is it just to tell him they can waste vast amount of labor watching all the clerks offices? And by implication everything he does? Hah! The sorry clowns can't even keep up with counter picketing.

Palo Alto mission, 4:45 to 5pm. No in or out traffic, I finally had to go up and tell them through the glass they had been picketed. There was a time, over three years back when that mission hopped. No longer, I often have to go up and inform them because there is nobody to carry in the news.

No known counter pickets for me in close to two weeks. Now that I have the appeal filed, I can do more picketing--which is more fun. Keith Henson

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Subject: San Jose Picket 10/14/98
From: hkhenson@netcom.com (Keith Henson)

5:05-5:20. 29 cars. Minor traffic out. No interactions except to say hi to the body router John M. who came back empty handed as I was leaving. Keith Henson

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Subject: Mpls. Picket - 10/15/98
From: spartakus@my-dejanews.com

Thursday in Minneapolis means outdoor markets on the Nicollet Mall and lots of pedestrian traffic. Thursday is also 'get yer stats up' day for the Co$. Given those two facts, I decided to do a quick picket today. Sue couldn't make it because of her work schedule, so I soloed for about 1/2 hour. It was warmer and less windy than Tuesday, and I *did* promise myself to get in a few more pickets while the weather held up. :-)

For a sign, I had "SCIENTOLOGY HURTS PEOPLE" with "SCIENTOLOGY: RELIGION FOR THE WEALTHY" on the back, and I also brought "Why I Picket Scientology" and the "Rev." Bagley letter. I handed out 8 of each kind of flyer.

As I mentioned, it was 'get yer stats up' day, so two scienos were outside the org handing out tickets for a "free tour" and demonstrating an e-meter. As soon as I put my sign on display, they skedaddled back inside, taking the e-meter with them and leaving me alone for most of the picket. Their non-confront cost them the opportunity to talk to a *lot* of people. It was quite busy while they were gone.

As usual, reactions from the public were unanimously positive. Lots of smiles, thumbs-up and verbal tech like "I agree!", "Keep it up!" and "Thanks for doing this!" One of the people who works in a neighboring business told me that he is always glad to see Sue and me.

A woman pushing a stroller carrying her infant daughter stopped and asked in all seriousness "How does Scientology hurt people?" I gave her copies of both my flyers and told her that the "church" misleads people about what they are getting into and how much it costs; that they prescribe quasi-medical "services" like the Purification Rundown with no documented benefits and no small amount of medical risk; and that their training routines are considered brainwashing by cult experts and are also risky in terms of mental health. I described what happened to Lisa McPherson. She had heard of her case and had seen other stuff on "60 Minutes".

Then, she told me about her two friends who were considering joining the Co$. They were atheists, she said, and hadn't really been exposed to a "religion" before. She thanked me, saying that she'd been trying to persuade them not to join, but now she had some good information to share with them. She also said that she would look up some of the web sites listed on my flyers to learn more.

Also, two Target employees (Target Store's new corporate headquarters opened up across the street this week) came over to talk. They asked for flyers, read through them while asking questions, and then said, "We were toying with the idea of going for the free tour and book, but now we're going to pass". I encouraged them to make copies and share them with their colleagues, and they said "We will, definitely".

Remember, this all happened while the scienos were in retreat in their org. Eventually, they returned. A woman who appeared to be in charge read my sign and seemed to get a jolt from the message. The guy who called me a racist, anti-semitic bigot last month came out with a sign saying "Register to Vote" and made a lame attempt to cover my sign. He tried to make small talk at the same time. I was pleasant enough to him, but it was difficult for him to stay on task while talking; it was child's play to defeat his handling.

Two or three other scienos came out to body route or just keep an eye on me but it was too late. Lunch hour was over, pedestrian traffic was slowing to a trickle and it was time for me to split. I told my handler to "keep his TRs in" and split, making a few zigs and zags to make sure I wasn't been followed.

And as Forrest Gump often says, "That's all I have to say about THAT!"

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Subject: Hubbard, the Golden Sage of Dreck: Picket, AZ, 10-17-98
From: bpetty@primenet.com (BP)

Jeff Jacobsen, Kathy Pettycrew, and I picketed from 1:00 to 2:00 PM today. This is the weather that people live in Phoenix for: gorgeous, clear, 70's, light breeze, mountains 80 miles away showing detail - all too rare since the Valley passed the 1MPP (Million Polluting People) mark two decades ago.

The org was advertising the Golden Age of Tech workshops for 1:30 today. Almost no cars arrived during our picket, so it must be a flop, or the local copy of "Ability" magazine got the time wrong. Since they can't even get the map which shows the Org location to agree with the actual physical relation of the streets, the building, and the canal, I guess that something as ephemeral as "time" must be very confusing. That leaves Matter and Energy, and today's picket showed that they aren't very good with those, either: They had tried to spread steer manure on the plants along the sidewalk, and with typical Co$ incompetency had left piles of it on top of the ground cover, which will burn and destroy the plants. Too low a condition for a Big Being, spreading fertilizer?

There were 12 cars in the lot when we arrived; 2 left and 2 arrived during the picket.

This Monday we will meet again at the Mesa City Court, in regards to The OSA's last ditch (and failed) attempt to stop me from picketing.
Be there or be square, OSA shills.

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(multiple reports)
Toronto Picket Reports now at: (http://xenu.ca/pickets/)
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/3741/ More pictures
Note by archiver: I have (snipped) these reports

From: elrond@cgo.wave.ca (Gregg Hagglund)
Subject: Picket Report: Toronto October 17, 1998.
Message-ID: elrond-ya02408000R1910980619100001@news.cgocable.net

Highlights:
Once more, to avoid possible charges of Public Mischief the ORg had to finance an Off Duty Police Officer to keep them in line and protect our Charter Guaranteed Rights to Freedom of Expression.
Barbarino Tech and Clown Tech introduced by the Co$ -- And both fail.

OSA Embarassments:
1. Picketing a residence long unoccupied by Artemis.
2. Picketing my empty residence and being berated by neighbors.
"Those stupid goons wouldn't dare do this if Gregg were home. We wanted to turn our sprinklers on them but Gregg said we should not hinder their freedom to be stupid, cowards. But if I catch them talking to my kids then they'll find out what *real* trouble is."
3. Committing Criminal Trespass by going onto my property to leave me a copy of the Way to Happiness.
4. Barbarino Tech: Failed attempt at barbed witicisms by 'Dipshit Danny' results in Police Officer admonshing him to cease and desist being inciteful. Foul Mouth Martha ( local Maureen wannabe) gets loud and personally nasty in a disgusting public display and shows Co$ true colours. Draws looks of dsidain from the passersby.
5. Clown Tech: Borrowing from British SP Picket Tech but using a 'Chucky Wannabe' as the clown. Lack of loops on balloon ribbons causes children upset and distresses parents.

Org Failures:
No counterleafletting until after 11 am when Downstat the Co$Clown debuts. Misplacing of Orientation Leaflets results in only WTH being handed out by the Org until after lunch. Street cleaner Trophy: 2 garbage bags full of WTH swept up from street by 4 pm. Two street garbage receptacles also filled.
No SP flyers picked up. Some found in garbage.
No Stress Test table staff.

Weather: cool, overcast, damp - Leafletting: Brisk: Approx- 1700

Todays Picketers:
AM. Artemis, Wulfen, Deep Wog, Slippery Jim, /\\ndroid Cat, Gregg +Two observers drawn off the net who watched the Demo from the neighboring coffee shop.
PM. Artemis, Wulfen, Deep Wog, Gregg, Max(f) and Pepper(m)

Toronto, October 17th, 1998. Pre-amble
The Deadbeat Toronto Org, anticipating another Picket in Strength by the local contingent of the ARSCC(wdne) and having been berated by Maureen for past laxness and disinterest in 'handling' the picketers called out most of their staff. As we anticipated. I just love to make the Org staff dance to my tune and societies rules.(grin)

As usual our crew met at MacDonalds/Starbucks and then, after gearing up, headed over to the ORg at about 9:55 am.
The Extra Duty Cop was inside the Org trying to look polite while drinking the septic tasting Dianetics Center 'Coffee'
(Yes, after all of our comments for about a year they finally set up a coffee machine. They can't run it very well not having any Coffee Tech, but they have set it up. They should try to clean the pot more often and no, when the coffee gets left to burn dry you shouldn't use the pot scrappings in the drip filters.)

Knowing ( as published before on ARS) I am reticent to begin Picketing until the Duty Officer is on the street for our protection and so as to afford an opportunity to introduce myself and make sure we are all playing from the same deck, the Org tried a new tactic. I call this tactic Cop Tech II.©

Now Cop Tech I©, comprised of the Lies, Innuendo and Bullshit Rundown (about the Picketers and their motives.) ANd the TR CopChat and SuckUpRealHard, doesn't work because of the 'Toronto's Finest Patented BS Meter©'. Even tho' the Org uses its 'cutest' FemStaffers to Operate this Tech.
This is also countered in advance by the MetroCop Tech of 'Who the groups are and which one has the criminal conviction for stealing Police files and Gov't documents (Breaches of the Public Trust) Rundown, or to be Brief: A Pre Duty Briefing.

Then there is the SP Counter Cop Tech I© which consists of being polite, having an above average reputation and experience as an Officer of the Crown and letting the Officer know we are there only to disseminate information and not there for confrontation. This is called called establishing a rapport based on mutual respect, no BS attached.

However Cop Tech II© takes advantage of my respect for the role the Duty Officer has to fulfill and my desire to co operate with Metro Police. So, while we are gathered about at the north end of the Org the Org Femstaff keep the Duty Officer occupied with chatter and smiles until 10:15, whereupon we start the Demo anyway and I waited at the door for the Officer to emerge.

The Officer came out and I introduced myself. We had a brief chat. The Officer told me he had called the Duty Sergeant to come by because he needed to get a few things clarified about obstruction and such like. He explained to me he was not a 'beat cop' and felt he should get some pointers from the Day Sergeant. I accepted that and told him if there was anything we did which even vaguely out of line I would appreciate hearing about it.

[In future we will start on time. However, I will stand in the door and announce this fact on the Megaphone. Then I will take a break to liase with the MTPD DO.]

A few minutes later a really Big Cop on a motorbike pulls up. As he gets off his bike he glances up the side street where the Org staff are all parked. He picks up his Microphone and calls something in. He gives me a nod as he goes over to the Duty Officer. They confer for a few moments and then approach me.
I recognise this guy from last year and we exchanged pleasantries. He asked if I 'was still operating on the same guidelines as last year, you know, the flyer you have'.
I pulled one out the Picketers Advsiory and asked if this is the one he meant.. He nodded. Then he said that we knew what we were doing and hoped we would have and uneventful day. Then he left.
Shortly thereafter all the Org cars on the side street (no parking) were ticketed. (grin)

The Org was overstaffed or understaffed for its counter efforts, depending on your point of view.
It was overstaffed in that there were only one half dozen SPs and it looked like 'overkill' plus the MTPD DO had to keep telling them to stop 'clumping' up and blocking the traffic flow. Also the staff spent the day slouching about, looking either generally shiftless or severely underemployed. [There is a Outreach Mission one block east of the Org run by the Sally Annes and you will often see the down and out unfortunates 'hanging out' by the mission. This is what the Staff looked like in demeanor: Defeated and Resentful.]
It was understaffed as there *never* will be enough staff available to quell the Freedom of Expression of even a solo Picketer as long as the MTPD are on hand.

Most of the day I had a 'rotating gang handling' of about on average 6 Co$Hacks milling about behind me, mocking up loud conversations about me, my appearance, my sons poor choices, and other nastiness. This in loud enough voices for me to 'overhear'. Strictly High School Yard Clique Envy Tech (public domain).

I studiously ignored this BS until it became loud, aggressive and threatening, but more on that later.

The Picket:
I took my position and started my harangue/barkering of "Ontario Court slams Scientology. Criminal Cult Convicted, Two Counts, Shame, Shame, Shame on Scientology" etc.
We were instantly at cause over the Org. again from the get go. Between 10:15 and 11 am there were no counter picketers leafletting. There were staff doing the HSY Clique ET or 'bad mouthing' constantly and lots of 'wiseguy clumping and bravado' but little else.
Several staff were in the otherwise empty Dianetics centre filling blank balloons with helium and tying Ribbons to them. Then at 11am 'Downstat' the Clown emerged. This was some FemStaffer who had a terrible clown make-up job on with a poorly executed rouge smile, a grim visage, and lifeless staring eyes.
This young lady, (looked to be in her early twenties under the smeared white face) had an unhappy aura about her. There was no joy in her body language, expression, demeanor or voice. In other words: absolutely no 'street theatre'.

This was 'Clown Tech.'
This downstat Tech was made worse by the clown handing out the balloons and copies of WTH to children. The kids almost invariably let go of WTF after a moment and soon thereafter would lose the balloon as there was no end loop to slip over the childs wrist.
Now this was just plain stupid.
What happens when you give a child the magic gift of a tugging 'alive' toy of a balloon? Well they are delighted usually.
And what happens when this gift is bestowed in a thoughtless manner so the child soon loses it?
Major disappointments and tears, which the parents have to deal with. I kept telling the clown to have the staff make loops, but I was ignored. Later the clown took to tying the ribbon balloon tethers to kids wrists, coats, walkers etc.
They moved the clown across the street later in the day because I kept telling parents who were either handed the WTH themselves (or picked up the copy the child would drop) the origins of the WTH: The Co$. Most people were surprised, not having looked at it yet. They thought the Clown was part of the anti Co$ picket. Then they would dispose of the WTH in the handy garbage receptacle strategically placed by the City in front of the Org.

Sorry to have gone on so long about the 'Clown Tech'. Its just that I hated to see that wonderful light in those kids eyes turn to distress and unhappiness in moments and only because of easily remedied adult carelessness.

The Picket was very orderly and no major challenge. Everyone was upbeat and had fun. As usual the passersby, especially the locals, were consistent in their vocal praise of the picket and universally disapproving of 'that Criminal Cult'.

We had a larger selection of flyers today, including a very nice one which was tastefully done, but, as nicely as it was presented it did include an autopsy shot (b/w) of Lisa's roach bitten left hand. After consideration it was felt this was 'over the top' for our local styles and tastes. So that one was not put out. Later in the Day, when Max and Pepper joined us they brought along a flyer they had concocted called 'Hubbard Bucks' which was great too and well received by the public.

Pedestrian traffic was fairly light in the Morning and steady to heavy in the Afternoon. Passersby were all favourable to our Demo with the exception of the occasional Co$ Public sent out to try and create a 'scene'. This never works because as soon as they challenge my information and level of exposure to Hubbardspew then I offer them the chance to read my copy of OT3 or some of the NOTs which I carry at a Picket. This usually causes an exodus. ( Exit stage left: One Scn Public, Enturbulated)

[ Later in the day the Org sent out a Public or Staffer to engage me in conversation and ask what made me such an expert etc. He got very angry when I let him know I thought the tech was 'airware', the management morally bankrupt and why I felt that way. This guy actually cocked his fists at his sides and became rather loud and challenging. DeepWog moved to my side camera ready in case of trouble, but I just continued on with this fellow in a calm quiet way finishing with my observation that most Scn'tists meant well but were poorly and cynicially led. (Exit SL. --Entrub.) ]

We broke for lunch and /\\ndroid and Slippery Jim, after spending lunch with us, had to get on with mundane business tasks. However shortly after we resumed the Picket just after 2, Max and Pepper bounced in. How can I describe these two? Pepper is energetic and bouncy like Tigger. Max is more of a 'Christopher Robin' type; patient, unruffled, tolerant and smiling. These two had a great time enturbulating the Co$ staff with their antics. Not exactly my style, but they did listen to the guide lines I have and stayed within them.

The afternnoon was very busy as was the smaller group of 'bad mouthers' behind me. (Some had gone off to Picket my house in the morning. I called ahead to alert the neighborhood watch and receive the report of the Co$ Criminal Trespass onto my Property at lunch.)

Unfortunately the group of OT's behind me were getting bored. And irritated. This was because I had shifted Barkering technique and instead of using a variety of phrases and slogans to catch peoples interest I was using just one phrase. Over and over and over and over. Very monotonous and increasingly irksome for my handlers.
This little cadre, led by 'Dipshit Danny', were forced to hear me say several hundred times, perhaps well over one thousand times:
"Ontario Court Convicts Criminal Cult of Scientology for Breaches of the Public Trust. Shame Shame Shame. Read all about it."

And they were forced to watch as citizen after citizen would take the flyers from me. Some would stop and read them right there and laugh delightedly. The RXspecial version of theXenu tale went over well too. This was just torture for my handlers.

Now of course while I am doing this Barkering bit, I am very busy keeping track of who of the crew is where and if they are blocking the side walks,etc. Watching the crowd carefully for reactions and so as to avoid 'tone 40' ing when sleeping children were pushed by in strollers. Listening for 'where' the handlers were behind me more than 'what' the handlers were saying. Occasionally I'd mug for the video Camera they kept trained on me.

Late in the afternoon Airhead Andy came back from being 'at cause' over an empty street in Oakville while picketing my private residence.(snip)

Danny the Dipshit finally lost it in the late afternoon. They had gotten into the charges my son has against him at the moment. But I hadn't responded except to announce once or twice how the Pedophilia charges against Mr Buttnor were dropped, but not the Lawsuit he got himself and the Co$ embroiled in. Whereupon they again shut up.
Of course they were free to continue, but then so was I.
(As if anything I or my son has ever done will suddenly change the lies Scientlogy tells into truth; or the unethical and illegal activities of the Co$ management into fair and above board; or the factually mediocre life of Hubbard and his lacklustre achievements before starting a relgion to make money, suddenly brilliant and outstanding; or make the dangers of the processes in Scientology safe; or suddenly scientifically validate the tech.)

This is when I had to turn around and listen to face him. He was moving toward me a step or two and shouting he would 'Fix Me'. He was going to "tell everybody the truth about me". I asked him why he was threatening me. He said he wasn't. I asked him what he hoped to accomplish? Perhaps making me go away and shut up? Yeah he says. All you tell are lies and you should be stopped. I said then he was threatening me, and therefore he was jeopardizing the entire Org because of the law. He told me he was going to tell everyone 'all' the truth about me, but he was doing it on his own. I laughed and told him the court already didn't buy that excuse, but if that was his plan, fine.
( Only right then, physically advancing on me and seeking to limit my freedom of expression and threatening to 'fix me', 'show me', ' get yours etc, was inciteful and boarding on verbal assault and was an attempt, IMHO, to impinge on my Charter Right to unobstructed Freedom of Expression.) I told him I didn't have to stand about and be threatened. So I left and moved up the walk to get the Cop.
Now Dipshit Danny thought he had just made a 'win' and driven me off. He called after me, 'yeah you runaway to the other end fucking coward'. Then he proceeded to regale his pals with how he had 'showed' me and received the congratulations of his fellow OTs.
Until I came back with the Cop trailing after me.
As soon as I came back into his sight Dipshit Danny proceeded to snatch his defeat from the jaws of his victory by going at me some more vebally.
Same stuff.
He didn't see the Cop.
Until it was too late.
I asked the Officer if he could explain to 'Danny boy here' he was not to interfere with me in the manner he had just displayed, especially the threats. Danny starts protesting he wasn't threatening. I pointed to the Co$video Cam and said it was all on tape. Now here Danny kinda blanched a bit, until the Camera Operator says 'oh, theres no tape in here." Danny relaxes until the Cop says he 'didn't need a tape, he could hear what was being said and in what manner and it was being said and it was inappropriate (for Danny) to interfere in that manner. This was about information not confrontation. Clear?'

I had to stifle a laugh at that unintentional barb. Earlier a buddy of mine came by and asked what does OT stand for? I told him Operating Thetan.Oh, he says, I thought it mean't Obnoxious Twit. I guess he was right. grin)

Of course Mario was going crazy too. If I were running a bookstore and I thought it was a good day to sell 10 books, as he loudly bragged, then my accountant would likely doubt my sanity.
Mario and his pals also were going on about how we were all paid to picket. They even were telling each other it was $20.00 per hour. ROTFL!
I make 5 times that when I am paid to perform, but then I belong to a union, and have benefits beyond publicly funded HealthCare.
He and his buddies were sounding like lunatics going on about how we 'punch out on the clock' precisely at 5 pm. each picket.

Yep. We stage a 6 hour picket in a 7 hour time frame. (We used to picket just from 1 to 5 pm.) The Co$ has to fork out $400 for the MTPD DO. If we chose to we could stage an 8 hr picket in a 9 hr time frame. (9 am to 6 pm.) This would push the billing for the MTPD DO to $700. While I am tempted to dictate a larger amount of money the Org would have to spend on protecting SP Pickets, there are practical considerations with work schedules and just plain exhaustion.

I gave Mario a real bad moment when I asked the other Picketers if they wanted to stay for another hour, if it would give the Officer some more OT (OverTime). The Officer was in on this conversation and demurred that he had things to do. I said, well if we stayed for 15 minutes, would he get the full hour.
Yes, said the Officer grinning, but he would be stuck here, technically for the full hour, even if we left.
We could stay if we wanted to, but if the Org decided not to bear the expense then he would be leaving. ANd we would have to rely on the Beat and Bicycle Cops to drop by.

We decided to call it a day, this time.
[We have stayed beyond the Notice time before. Last year Artemis and I did an extended picket into a rush hour mob of passersby. We had decided to stay until the fliers ran out.]

One last note or two for OSA to pass on.
First: There will be Criminal Trespass Charges laid should the Co$, its staff, members or agents enter onto my property again. If you want to demonstrate, fine, but please stay on the sidewalk. Mind you don't hit the tree branches with your signs.

Second: To the large economy size late arriving foul mouthed FemStraffer who showed up at the end of the Picket:
Your obnoxious comments about lice, my wifes health, my sons predicament, my family, sources of income etc., clearly identified you as the guttersnipe you are. You drew looks of disapproval from many passersby. No wonder so many people have a low impression of the Co$. Based on your vileness of expression, loudly and publicly, other Org members should be ashamed to have you on their 'team'. Since the Deadbeat Toronto Org is bankrupt anyways and is only there to 'show the flag' and not to gain new members, I suppose it doesn't matter to you, but it should to your compatriots. In this country one should be able to disagree without coming to blows and all you wanted was a fight. Well you won't get it. You may think you have struck a blow against your enemy, but I think you are capable of doing more damage to the tattered remains of the Toronto Orgs Reputation, than I ever could. You should be ashamed of yourself.

You have my forgiveness and my pity. The sooner you are out of the Co$, the sooner you will get over being so low a human being.

We'll be back on November 14th. Try and get your act together before then.

========
Message-ID: 70dcbu$sr3$1@nnrp1.dejanews.com
1998 Oct 17, Toronto -- Deep Wog Reports
----------------------------------------

In vague order:
1. Five deeply supressive individuals gathered at Charles St. and Yonge St. at about 09:00. As Gregg and Wulfen went into a McD's for breakfast, Artemis and myself stayed outside and watched the Org rapidly fill up with people. At least 10 people when I lost count.
Seems like someone was expecting a big turn-out. Wonder whatever gave them that impression? ;-)
I spotted a yellow car with black lettering reading "DIANETICS" on the side. I wish I had the photo-gear up; I had no idea such a vehicle existed.

2. We arrived at 10:00 or so and began to supress. I decided to stick with photo stuff (and did so for the entire picket), occasionally engaging in conversation with the public.

Cult response is easily summarized: pathetic. These Orgies were not at "cause" over much of anything, let alone a bunch of "criminal" SP's picketing outside their door.

While they did setup the normal stress test tables, apparently they lacked the E-meters, or someone to man them. Only at the very end of the picket was an E- meter present on one table, and it only got use about 15 minutes before we quit.

Opposition, such as it was, came mainly from leafletting.
Two items.

One was a piece of white paper with the preamble to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the top, and Article 18 below which states:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

All well and good -- in fact, we may well hand out the exact same thing next picket! -- but what if the Co$ is not, as we contend, a religion but merely a business? Surely Article 18 becomes moot re: the Co$ and our objections?

And what can one make jurisprudence in Canada (helpfully supplied by the failed Co$ appeal of their breach of trust conviction) that has it that one can not shield criminal activity by invoking "religious belief".

If the Co$ disagrees, might I suggest it leave Canada and find a more suitable climate for the so-called "religion"?

In any event, a typical non-confront from the Co$. They can't address our points, so they attempt diversion. But then, what else is new, eh?

The other item, handed out with the first, was an amazing little booklet called "The Way to Happiness -- A Common Sense Guide to Better Living". (snip)

3. We SP's did the usual thing. We created more supperssons. Or maybe enthetons? Whatever the fundamental particle that carries the Suppressive Force. Gregg and Wulfen are amazing. They can belt out, at high volume, their pitches to take a flyer for hours. My vocal cords would have been ground into dust within 20 minutes. I am in awe.

4. I shot 2.5 rolls of film. It was a little dark, so there will probably going to be alot of throw-aways because of motion blur. Two events of some minor note:

4.1. Mario (clam, last name unknown), for some reason [I didn't ask!], began to model DMSH and and other Dianetics publications. I shot off a whole bunch of pictures, encouraging him to look into the lens for better portraits. While he is no professional model [in other words, Mario, don't quit your day job!] I think some of the pictures will be humourous, which was his obvious intent. I hope Mario doesn't get in any trouble for this bit of fun. I offered him prints, but he declined. Mario, the offer is nevertheless still open!

4.2. Some lady clam decides my big lens is too much to take. As I focus on her from close range, she walked up to me and places her hand on the lenshood and gives it (and in turn me) a push and walks away.
I am highly upset, but Gregg cools me down.
Whoever you are, if you do that again, I'm trotting down to College St. to immediately file a complaint [assault?] with a justice of the peace. I will gladly identify myself to the court (and hence the cult) to secure a **CONVICTION** of assault by a member of the Co$ in her duties as a Co$ member, thus making it a conviction *OF* the so-called Church of $cientology.
[Oh dim woman of $cientology, you have probably forgotten the little detail of the *fingerprints* you left on my lenshood ... hmmm??]

5. In one particular way, this was the most pathetic response by the cult I have yet witnessed. In a word: clown.

The cult got one of their members in makeup and vaguely clown attire and inflated a pile of balloons. This "clown" proceeded to wander the picket, and give out the balloons to children.

I have a large number of
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/3741/
pictures of this "clown".

Now I've seen clowns before. I've photographed them. And though I've never *been* a clown -- not much of an extrovert -- but I do know there are a few "rules" about the trade. For example, they smile. Almost all the time. Yet this Co$ "clown" had a distinct scowering gaze. In fact, whoever painted the makeup on must have realized the problem (subconciously?) because they painted a smile on the face of the clown. Unfortunately, this only made things *alot* worse. The dichotomy of a 'smile' and a nasty glare on the same face was ... very disturbing at times. And hilarious at others.

This "clown" also had a real problem with cameras. It seemed to be a bit allergic to them -- unlike all other clowns I've come across, which will invariably ham it up for the camera. I guess this is just another way of saying part of being a clown invovles being the center of attention, and to *like* being at such a focus. Why was the Co$ "clown" was so shy ... ?

Then there is the matter of, as Gregg described it, "street theatre". Wholly absent in this "clown". It just stood there, with that that horrifying/hilarious smile/glower on its face and waited for a kid to show up.

In short, the Co$ deployed an "anti-clown" at today's picket. And I hope to heck they aren't proud of their "achievement".

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From: wulfen@NOSPAMtotal.net (Wulfen)
Subject: Toronto Picket Report by Wulfen: October 17 1998
Message-ID: 362a3b12.9164302@news2.lightlink.com

Usual picket deal.. Woke up in my nice new apartment, and wandered over to the meeting place.. The usual Toronto crowd gathered. Gregg, Android Cat and me went into McDonald's for breakfast. Saw a Scientologist while I was in there.. She didn't smile at me, even though I smiled at her.. Hehe. ;-)

I made my own sign for this picket.. It had a split personality. One side:

WWW.XENU.NET

Other side:

$cientology
Costs
A
Mint

The $CAM side looked rather amateurish, though.. It was written in a typeface I call "If I don't get a move on with this sign, I'll be here all night" Friday Night point. ;-) I'll do a better job for next time...

Picket went well, although there were some bumps. First, it's a twisted world when I write a flyer yet Artemis gives out more of them than me. Odd, that.. I passed out a fair number of flyers, though. My $cientology Costs A Mint flyers (thanks to Jour0 for the idea), Roland's $cientology: Insane Cult (that was a popular one, thanks Roland), and the occasional Xenu/Crimes flyer that Gregg prints up.

Second, the Scientologists were doing their best to be real bastards this time. One kept saying to Gregg, "I'm going to expose you." Gregg called the police officer over, and complained.. It's funny, but when the police officer stayed for a while, the Scientologist cut it out. He did the same thing to me later.. Saying "Get a life. Get a life. Get a life." over and over and over. Pertinent question: Why wouldn't he do this in front of the police officer? Is he afraid that his Repeated and Vexatious conduct might be seen as harrassment (R and V is the legal definition of the term, as far as I know, I Am Not A Lawyer)?

As Deep Wog has already mentioned, the Org had Downstat the Theta Clown out passing out balloons. This clown would have scared me when I was a child.. Dirty shoes, a costume whose cleanliness was uncertain, and only a painted-on smile. At least Downstat was giving out balloons.. Which some kids lost, because they didn't have a loop tied in the balloon strings for kids' hands to hold.

The cult was handing out The Way To Happiness, and I did get my copy. No, I didn't nick it.. Down the street, there was a pile of them lying in a doorway where passers-by threw them away. This happens in every picket.. Scientology literature littering the street as garbage, whereas our leaflets vanish into purses and pockets. I get all my Scientology literature that way. And before you ask, no, I'm not fussy... Scientology literature belongs down there with all the other trash.

There were some funny events, as at every picket. For some reason, a Scientologist practically flung herself across the sidewalk to give a woman some literature. The Scientologists were laughing when I described the contents of the RealAudio files of Hubbard's lunacy (in Roland's $cientology: Insane Cult leaflet). They haven't heard it in the Original Hubbard, I suppose..

Also, Mario (Hubbard Dianetics Foundation missionholder) was saying how much we increase his book sales.. He said he'd sold 10 that day. I'd like to see the receipts for that one... ;-) He was also counting down to 5:00, when we wind down the picket. Mario can be a fun guy. Before, I yawned, and he imitated me with a bit of street theatre about how boring the picket was.. Mario is a funny guy. :-)

Speaking of Mario, he must be squeezed from all sides, financially. He has LOADS of overhead tied up in Scientology books.. He might be paying rent to the Org, and he certainly has to pay licencing fees to RTC (or whoever). Also, we're out there ensuring that people (at least some of them) are warned about the Scientology scam. Just out of curiosity.. Have I missed anything? What other fees does a HDF missionholder have to pay?
Well, it's been fun. Stay tuned for next month's picket!