Australian Critics of Scientology
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Avoiding CoS trouble at pickets

Degrado the Survivalist Clown, 26 Sep 1997


From: wbarwell@Starbase.NeoSoft.COM (William Barwell)
Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology
Subject: Re: Suggested Rules of Picketing Scientology
Date: 26 Sep 1997 17:15:10 -0500
Message-ID: <60hc5e$6ef$1@Starbase.NeoSoft.COM>

In article <60gnu8$mpn@nntp02.primenet.com>, <cultxpt@primenet.com> wrote:

We came up with these rules for the first picket in Clearwater. I think they are still good.

****************** Deleted ******************

everybody else (this will be announced), and don't walk in Clearwater by yourself. Carpooling is recommended, which will also reduce the chance of license plate numbers being collected by the church.

Rent a car. Let 'em find out it's a Hertz car. Tell the rental agency they may expect a call. Ask them to please tell the clams nothing.

6 - Bring cameras. Still, video or whatever. Documentation of the whole thing could prevent some ops by the cult. Bring extra film and batteries. Tape recorders may be handy too.

Cheap cameras can be had for $19.99 up at Walgreens. Sony makes a line of recorders, Sony Pressmen, ranging from $29.95 to $49.95. Check your better cost plus emporiums or electronic gadget stores. Don't forget batteries, tapes, and film.

7 - Be prepared to be photographed yourself, by the cult and your fellow picketers. Wear sunglasses if this is a problem for you.

Bring a comb and make yourself presentable. If bothered by this, bring a nice piece of cardboard to hide your face. On the other side of the cardboard, neatly print; "Help! I am being harassed by the cult of Scientology!"

8 - Wear good shoes. A few hours on the pavement can be hard on the feet. Remember, picketers have to keep moving, so as not to block traffic. Dress conservatively.

Unless you are a woman and want maximum attention to your picketing efforts, then dress sexy. You'll pass out a lot more Xenu pamphlets this way.

9 - Prepare for a reaction from the cult. They will likely walk alongside you, bullbait you, push your buttons, and report back what you've said. The audience is not these OSA-types. It's the public, the

Be prepared to make them part of the act.

new staff, the townspeople, and perhaps the media. If a Scientologist wishes to talk with you, let them know that you are picketing and if you wish and feel that you are able, you can set a later date to have a conversation. If you do feel that you would like to converse, please step away from the picket line and avoid heated arguments. Understand that a picket is not a shmooz- fest. It is walking with signs in a designated location and handing out literature.

Use that Sony Walkman you just bought. Ask them politely if you mind if you record them when you talk. If they say no, look surprised, ask what do they have to hide, and tell them, no recorder, no talk.

This will frustrate a few of them, but that is the idea. If they protest, tell them, hey, you clowns with the cameras should be able to figure this out.

Knock off the harassment, the camera stuff and you will be treated seriously too.

Degrado the survivalist clown.


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