Wow, I teared up while reading your story, Kendra. The stories of the people who grew up in Scientology seem to affect me more than the stories of those who went there seeking answers to soul-deep questions. Maybe because you guys never had a choice or a chance.
I am not one of the real, 4chan Anonymous members, but I went and protested with them in my city largely because of posts I read on here from people who were feeling empowered at last by seeing an army of supporters. It suddenly seemed important to go stand up for those who were unable to; to do on their behalf the thing that they could not, out of fear or whatever other crippling psychological barriers they are/were struggling with, and of course, the very real threat that they would be recognized and harmed in someway. I don't know any Scientologists other than on the Internet, so it's not like they'd recognize my voice or something, and there was no reason that I couldn't go stand for a bit across form the local org and try to represent those who were still huddling together, but peeking at the spectacle through the Internet window. I broke my arm trying to pat myself on the back afterwards for being such a great guy and have secretly harbored some idle thoughts that I could sit the next round out, having done my part already. Seeing you put your face and name on the Internet like this and saying that you found the courage to do so from people who were willing to step up and protest, makes me feel ashamed for wanting to retire to the sidelines after the incredible self-sacrifice of like, a whole two hours of my time two weeks ago.
I will stick it out instead; I owe you that as a fellow human being.
I played MTG from 4th Edition on through Stronghold, and there were NEVER any hotties at the tournaments I played in. Maybe I should buy a new deck and take it up again.