While I haven’t covered much Scientology-related news lately, I’m still attempting to keep an eye on the global stage. Sometimes, the sheer amount of information causes my mind to get stuck in 2nd gear while attempting to pick out what’s really important. Fortunately, some of you readers tend to send links, which really helps me hone in on the issues that truly matter. The lovely and talented Nora sent this bit of news from France:
I’m French, and here the church of scientology has always been considered a dangerous cult, but anyway, now, the main structure of the church has been dismantled and judges are close to making it illegal. Alain Rosenberg, the founder of the French Church has been sentenced to up to four years (for fraud and practicing pharmacology without a license.) This is just a quick summary of the situation, but there is a full article here : Article Link
I wanted to give you a heads up so you would not lose faith in your never ending quest to see them brought to justice…
This is the kind of news that reminds one of the importance of vigilance, that is, keeping the truth about Scientology accessible and freely available. While some would argue that anti-Scientology groups such as Anonymous are inherently biased against the “religion,” think about this — to acquire Scientology’s side of the story, you first have to pay them thousands of dollars. So, which side really holds the vested interest here?
Next up, that multi-tasking group known as Anonymous joins the fight against tyranny in Iran:
Anonymous joined the game. “Anonymous” as the group is called has no leader, no structural hierarchy, but is somehow organized. Made up of every possible profession to include even hackers and business professionals alike, Anonymous has proven in their fight against Scientology, that they are a force to be reckoned with. “Anons” as they have come to be known started Tweeting open Iranian proxies, as well as started a forum http://iran.whyweprotest.net offering advice and help to Iranian protestors as how to surf securely and avoid censorship. They are also telling Protestors to turn off their cell phones as the government can track them via BT antenna, find, and arrest them later. A link was also posted of proxies that the Iranian Government is using to get around their own firewalls.
Anonymous is not going to pull any punches, they have never done so. Under the guise of Anonymity, their numbers are strong. Cells of Anonymous are willing and prepared to fight this fight, they do not let tyranny go un-punished or unreported.
Many journalists and US supporters of the protests have reported they have been threatened by the Iranian government. Since “Anons” are “Anonymous” and they know how to remain that way in the digital world, if they stick to their guns, we can see a whole new digital revolution, one that just might help change the world.
And another perspective on Anonymous stepping up to aid Iranians:
[T]he PirateBay, the Web’s lead download site (judging by the name, I’m guessing their prices can’t be beat), has changed its masthead. There is no masthead at all, but if you move your mouse up to the top half of the page, and let your mouse sit still for a few seconds, you’ll see the phrase “The Persian Bay” appear. If you click, the site links to:
And the masthead: Anonymous Iran.
You may remember “Anonymous.” They’re the guerrilla online activists taking on the Scientologists. Anonymous, with the support of the Pirate Bay, have set up a site to help Iranians interested in using the Internet to aide their battle – and you can tell it’s real because it’s the same URL that Anonymous uses. This is very cool. I’m just fascinated to see online, well, I won’t say anarchists, but folks who aren’t per se involved in politics, suddenly take up the cause of human rights in a country half a world away.
It’s just terribly terribly cool.
It’s not just that. Anonymous is totally fucking awesome.
No comments
Your joking right? Anonymous? Activists? Freedom fighters? Been into the thunderdome at whyweprotest.net? Maybe you should, then you can explain how the pornography and graphic violence found therein is the stuff of activists and freedom fighters. What a joke. Anonymous is a holier than thou group of miscreants with superiority and critical parent complexes who don’t have the balls to show their faces. Joke. Fail.
Bill: Of course I know what goes on at whyweprotest.net, and I can say with all certainty that you’re making crap up. Further, your IP address has rather interesting origins. Biased much?
yes.
bill: Uh…okay.
ab: You know what would be absolutely fun? If the CoS decided to do its slamming of Anonymous over this (which it seems they are doing already). Slamming one of the few groups trying to get information out of a locked down country after a seemingly crooked democratic election is going to be REALLY good PR.
Your praise of Anonymous as a force for freedom has always come off as awkward, given the number of internet users whose lives they have gleefully and maliciously set out to destroy. Possibly we should consider labels to help separate the Fights-Scientology-and-Frees-Iran Anons from the ones who glorify serial rapists, mock the deceased and the ethnic, and hack webpages for the purpose of spamming them with shock pictures. Anonymous as a whole is a terrible group, and roughly as awesome as syphilis.
How ironic that you accuse them of smearing individuals, when that is what the CO$ does on a daily basis. You either have no earthly idea what you speak of or (as is likely the case) are deliberately attempting to sully their reputation. SO, you can go do that in their forums, but I will not allow it here. This thread is now closed to your abuse.