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Thread: Sydney Protest

  1. #1
    Patron with Honors shader's Avatar
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    Default Sydney Protest

    Here's my Sydney protest story. Sorry it took so long, I had a nap. Unfortunately my camera died very early in the piece so I was using my phone, and my photos are crap anyways.

    I was really keen on getting to the meeting spot on time (12:00), as CoS had apparently submitted an application for a "Youth for Human Rights" march - meeting at the same place, starting at the same time, walking the same route. Police were planning the keep the two groups separate if any confrontations developed. So I really wanted to be around for that.

    Of course I foolishly offered to give a friend a lift who was running prodigiously late... so I got to the meeting spot at 12:50. They weren't supposed to leave until 1pm, but we arrived, and no-one was there. No "Youth for Human Rights", no Anonymous, nuthin...

    We started heading down towards the Class V, and found everyone was already there. Turnout was good, at least 200 people. Appears CoS didn't have their march at all - perhaps they couldn't get the numbers?





    Instead the big surprise CoS had for us was two illegally parked removal vans completely blocking the ground floor of the org from the main protest area over the road.



    and...



    As CoS apparently have permission to use that area as a loading zone, the police wouldn't make them move the vans. They claimed they were moving plenty of stuff, however at least one van was totally empty



    So the vans meant the protest was split into 2 groups - a small group between the vans and the org entrance (plenty of police + CoS security in there), and a larger group over the road, who could see the upper levels of the org:



    Notice in the lower right window is a camera, next to the vase of flowers:



    Occasionally, a mysterious hand could be seen adjusting the camera:



    Otherwise, the staff upstairs were seen rarely. Whenever any were there, and also for the camera, I would show the "Scientologist" side of my sign (seen here resting after the protest):



    Othertimes I showed the "Wog" side of my sign:



    Everyone was well behaved, the one aggro incident I recall resulted in the offending gentleman being led away by police to the cheers and thanks of all Anon.

    Gas Mask Girl was there:



    As were 3 imitators - a blonde in a natty grey pinstripe suit (didn't get a photo of her), and this colourful pair:



    Also, some competitors



    Later as people started dispersing, I spent some time in front of the org entrance getting in comm with the security guards and the guys in reception. Strangely as soon as my sign showed up, everyone cleared off except the security guards and the poor fellow manning the desk. (very poor photo of him behind the doors here):



    The "911 truth" conspiracy kooks showed up to try and hijack our protest, and got soundly debunked by a knowledgeable Anon. I contributed "Mudkipz on the Grassy Knoll did 911!"

    We then headed off to Town Hall (very popular meeting spot).



    Many George Street cars honked for us, and I gave out all of my flyers (about 150)



    After that, I headed off for some food and rest.

    Bonus pics:





    This said "TAX IT", not "TAXI" as it appears here:






    From town hall:



    And bonus pic, Gas Mask Girl + two friends:

    i am, therefore i'll think

  2. #2
    Shiny Free Crusader Free to shine's Avatar
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    Shader you are my hero! Excellent report.
    Love is stronger than mind control. Steve Hassan.


    My Story: - Sydney, Melbourne, Saint Hill - Becoming Free to Shine...

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    Here are some more photos - this guy caught the bit in the park before I got there:

    http://flickr.com/photos/therkd/sets/72157604117062382/
    i am, therefore i'll think

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    Shiny Free Crusader Free to shine's Avatar
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    I'm really glad to hear that the Youth march thing didn't happen. I just can't believe that kids were going to be used like that. Let's hope it doesn't happen elsewhere in the world!
    Love is stronger than mind control. Steve Hassan.


    My Story: - Sydney, Melbourne, Saint Hill - Becoming Free to Shine...

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    Heres some good photos of everyone and their signs:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dianape...29605/sizes/l/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/therkd/2333973069/

    An adorable child in Guy Fawkes face-paint:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dianape...45798/sizes/l/

    Some guy holding a sign with good advice:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/therkd/2333960649/
    i am, therefore i'll think

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    Gold Meritorious Patron Alan's Avatar
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    Wonderful report Shader!!

    EPIC WIN Sydney!!



    Thanks guys!!!!
    The truth is what it is - not what you want it to be.


    http://knowledgism.com/alan/default.asp

  7. #7

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    Great stuff Shader

    I love the yellow van and the 'random' photographers in the park. They just couldn't stand out more if they tried!

    What's the story about one of the protesters being assaulted by a CoS person?

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    Patron with Honors Goldenrod's Avatar
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    Win on!!!
    X GO X OT IV X SCIO

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    Quote Originally Posted by rubbertaster View Post
    What's the story about one of the protesters being assaulted by a CoS person?
    That's actually someone I know, but it happened when I was at town hall.

    Apparently someone shoulder barged him, then went inside the org and disappeared.

    Don't know any more than that.
    i am, therefore i'll think

  10. #10
    True Ex-Scientologist programmer_guy's Avatar
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    When some anon posters said "we are legion" I was thinking... okay we'll see.

    I have now seen that this is very true. I'm impressed.

    These world-wide protests are fantastic.

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