The Bird pummels the MSCO, Scottsdale PD, and saves some licks for both Anonymous and Scientology

Unfortunately, I can't control what 70 people want to do standing on a public sidewalk. I can't tell everyone not to yell, or that the people threatening us weren't Scientologists. And I'm sure you'll remember the moment when I went screaming in front of the group telling them to shut their mouths because the people threatening us weren't Scientologists.

As far as the cat goes, of the group I know, none of us were responsible for the flyering or the cat. That's just disgusting and Anonymous does not condone such actions. We weren't even organized until January 30th and we were at ASU that night, so it was either a rogue, or Scientology doing it to themselves, which is not out of the realm of possibility. (See "Operation Freak Out")

And lastly, we're not going after Scientology's beliefs. When's the last time a Mormon or a Methodist picketed one of it's critics or locked one of it's own in a hotel room to die?

Dead cat? That doesn't sound very much like Anonymous -- Anonymous loves cats! (srsly) Not to mention that the whole srs bsnss thing is mostly kept for online.
I doubt that anyone who would be sick enough to do those things would get out of their mother's basements, unless of course it was (get ready for it) the Scientologists themselves who set it up (dun dun duuun).

Raids were held world-wide as Anonymous protested Scientology abuses globally. Is this all you got, this tepid, uninformed observation out there in Saguaroville?

"The Bird wishes Anonymous would focus on protesting real evils here in Sand Land, not just fools who believe in stuff that has no basis in fact. The Bird's saying, why not protest Methodists or Mormons, if you're going to go after Scientologists? Ripping off the weak-minded is what religion's all about."

Well, Anonymous wishes The Bird would spend less time crafting cutesy prose, and more time informing itself about the subject at hand before whipping out an off-handed comment like this. When the Methodists and Mormons start defrauding people of their life savings, launching fraudulent front groups that suck down public money and offer nothing in return; when they start harassing critics, forming paramilitary groups, spying on government and establishing prison camps for recalcitrant members, rest assured, Anonymous probably will.

In the meantime, "Bird," maybe you should have read some of the fliers Anonymous was handing out, rather than searching the Urban Dictionary for slang terms you haven't used yet. See ya in April. Expect us.

You GO Anonymous!! Scientology (the name alone is a JOKE) deserves as much negative publicity, criticism and exposure as possible.
And Birdman, ripping off the weak minded is NOT what real religions are all about. That description fits Scientology much better. Real religions are the source and foundation for just about every charitable endeavor under the sun, from the Salvation Army to St. Mary's Food Bank to Habitat for Humanity. Also, check out the location of most 12 Step Anonymous groups meetings. Yep, a majority of those meetings, whether they be AA, NA, GA, SAA or whatever, are held on the grounds of one church or another. Real religions contribute to the healing and welfare of people and groups, even ones outside of their religion. I know for a fact that the same cannot be said for Scientology.

Recall on Arpraio and Thomas was filed again and some how, the county attorney has decided on stiking back at the treasurer. More news if the Birdman gives me a call:602-300-8851.

So if I'm to believe what The Bird writes, Scientology is just about the same thing as Mormonism, young people shouldn't protest because they're young and nobody listens to them, and everyone protesting Scientology is a "Net geek".

I'm going to draw a parallel between your crusade regarding Apraio and the "Net geeks" crusade regarding Scientology. Anonymous, while a loosely-organized group largely founded out of humor, believes strongly in exposing Scientology for what it is and showing up on schedule to get their beliefs out there. You believe strongly in exposing Joe Arpaio for who he is and maintaining New Times' reputation for strong attack journalism. I respect Anonymous for doing something about their beliefs; it is often pickets that drive the gears of change. I respect you for writing about Arpaio every week and getting your message out there.

Your writing isn't working; Anonymous' protests are. More people are waking up about the truth about Scientology. However, even with NT's readership, Arpaio is still in office. Anonymous decided to get off their ass and do something about what they believe in, instead of sitting back and writing/blogging about it. Can you say the same?

I got a real bad taste in my mouth after this article. Don't slam "the kids" for taking action. If you cannot respect the opinions of those younger than you, then you will be phased out with the rest of the older population, slowly but surely.

People do protest the mormans, jews, etc... The only reason we protest scientology is there crimes and dissconnection policy. I can give 2 shits less about there religion. Sweet they belive in an alien, but they charge way to much money for salvation and forced donations, toyed with peoples minds and drove people to suicide. This editor should read up before he/she speaks. Dumb slut

You know, I've been a longtime fan of New Times and I've long been impressed with the amount of investigation that goes into its articles, but I'm sorely disappointed by the lack of attention being paid by the Bird and his mentions of Anonymous and the fight against Scientology.

If you're only going to pick out the juicy bits, and get most of THOSE wrong, why not just forget about writing about it at all.

I'm beginning to think the Bird is out of his tree.

This is the worst article I've ever read in my life. This is the first time the Phoenix New Times has ever let me down like this..

The article on Anonymous had nothing to do with the protest, and merely poked fun at the idea. It presented none of the information that the protesters had, and mearly summarized/described what it was in an extremely atheist biased view.

The shit has hit the fan and there is crap on the curtains.

Looks like Bird was let out of the cookoo nest a little to early.

what kind of people cart around a dead animal? disgusting. one can only wonder where the cat came from and how it came to be dead. clearly we need a version of the mann act: the catt act, making it illegal to transport a feline for purposes of intimidation. at the very least these people, whoever they turn out to be, should be slapped and sent home.

Scientology: suffix "ology" means the study of a particular subject. Therefore, are we to assume that Scientology is the study of science? If so, which science? And whatever happened to Dianetics? Is it still promoted by the "Church", or has it been disavowed or abandoned?
Whoever actually takes this stuff seriously is already two screws loose and a brick shy.

Anonymous is hardly secretive. All of the planning goes on in perfectly open forums like www.enturbulation.org or the Project Chanology website. The only thing we hide is our identities, and we do that for a good reason. Scientology is known for its litigious nature against those who criticize it, but the danger goes far beyond lawsuits. I urge anyone reading this to Google the story of Paulette Cooper (Operation Freakout), or check out the more recent examples of harassment that have happened since the protests began.
Once you begin to learn more - about the RPF and forced labor, child labor, disconnection, brainwashing - I guarantee you will be horrified that the CoS has been allowed to get away with so much horror.

So incredible that someone is finally taking a stand against the Church -- err, cult -- of Scientology.

Reading this article only proves to me what I witnessed on the 15th while watching you speak with with two Anon: You have your head shoved so far up your ass that anything presented in front of you must be seen through a thick filter of your own BS.

Really, if you aren't willing to actually listen to the people you interview then don't show up. Things were explained to you in plain English, and still you kept repeating the same questions. Getting something through to you is like hammering the triangle block into the star shaped hole.

You sound like every other sheep that has come bleating in our ears. BAWWW, WHY AREN'T YOU GOING AFTER THESE GUYS? THIS IS IMPORTANT TO MEEEEE. We aren't buying it. We're sick of it. We aren't your personal army. We chose this fight, and we're going to stick with it. In the meantime I suggest you stick to badmouthing Joe. He deserves it as much as Scientology deserves it and for many of the same reasons.

I'm also curious... You failed to mention these accusations the Church posed against us, simply throwing it into your article as if we had nothing to say on the issue. Of course, judging by your narrow perspective on things I can only imagine that you took their word for it simply because they weren't wearing masks. Did you not think it appropriate to call one of us up for a statement on the issue? Well, not that you'd listen anyway. Allow me, if I may, to sum this up in netspeak: lol

I think from now on when I read your works I won't be laughing with you but at you. It's like sloppy sex with an inexperienced ghetto hooker. Cheers. If you put more time into your work while keeping your sharp tongue you may actually be dangerous one day.

ROTFLMAO!!!! OMIGOD, These little anonymous tards are hilarious! They dress up like comic book characters, pick fights with people who just happen to work in the same building as Scientology, and leave dead cats on the doorstep of the Scientology church, and they wonder why people think they look like idiots? I reckon self-knowledge is hard to come by when you spend 16 hours a day playing World of Warcraft.

Scientology is full of shit, but so are these fucktards who are too pussy to actually protest without wearing masks. What a bunch of fucking pansy-assed cowards. If you ask me, Lemons was way too nice to them here. If they were protesting outside my building, I'd kick their fucking dweeb asses on principle alone.

"Kaput kitties aside, Scientology may be getting a taste of its own medicine"

There should be no 'Kaput kities aside' Scientology is WELL known for attempting to harm the pets of it's critics in their intimidation schemes.

"in 1993, a gal, a freezoner, named Enid Vein, was sued by scientology for making copies of thier rubbish for her courses.. her cat was shot. She settled that case, the last thing she told me, was she had to settle cause she could not afford to fight the case,and that they demanded that she never mention what happenned to her kitty again.. sealed.. gagged.. listed here http://www.Lermanet.com/silence.htm "

And now in 2008, Sean Carasov photographed unmasked at a peaceful protest, and accused of being a criminal, and terrorist by the Church of Scientology, (very publicly in video's online, now removed by youtube, that open the CoS up to slander/libel suits) shortly afterward he came home to find one of the cats he cares for dead, ammonia had been added to it's dry food left out for it.

http://forums.enturbulation.org/showthread.php?t=4795&highlight=ammonia

"a 20-year-old who goes by the online alias Kone, who drove from the San Luis Obispo area to protest in Hollywood on March 15. “Yesterday, one of our people, his cat was killed. He never lets his cats out — they’re his whole life. The cat was missing. There was blood and vomit all over inside his house. He thinks they poisoned it.”"
http://www.laweekly.com/news/news/anonymous-vs-scientology-group-targets-church-headquarters/18529/?page=1

Either

1. they ARE getting a taste of their own medicine back by an unhappy critic, most likely in shock, leaving their dead friend at the doorstep of those they feel responsible.

2. There was no dead cat, the CoS is trying to gain sympathy in the media before the stories of peaceful protestors with harmed animals make big media news.

3. The CoS put a dead animal on their own doorstep. for the same reasons as 2.

Many more stories of CoS abuse of animals belonging to critics :
http://www.solitarytrees.net/pickets/sp992a.htm

Directed at: "Comment by anonymousisfulloftards — March 21, 2008 @ 09:04AM"

Pick fights? We picked no fight! We held a peaceful protest, and had there actually been any sort of "picking fights", surely the SEVERAL officers we had there would've done something about it. But alas, no such even occured.

As for the cat thing, learn to read a few comments before you "open your mouth" and prove the fact that you're ignorant. That was NOT Anonymous.

It has nothing to do with being "pussy" or not. My full name is out there for anyone to find, and I protested twice with nothing covering my face. What do you have to say now about Anonymous being a pussy?

Honestly, none of us are cowards. We're putting EVERYTHING we have on the line to bring to light the crimes of a VERY DANGEROUS CULT.

We have the right to congregate and protest, without threat of having our "fucking dweeb asses" kicked for your enjoyment. Besides, 70 to 1 doesn't sound like fair odds, and not all of us are pale, scrawny WoW playing internet kiddies.

"There are maybe two or three people in the Scientology office," telemarketer Greg Guilford told The Bird. "The rest is us. So they're not really doing anything but bothering us."

Are you seriously showing compassion for TELEMARKETERS? I remember someone making a NO CALL list because they were tired of listening to these guys...

I really find something amiss about the article's take on Project Mayhem. Nowhere to be found is a single interview with one of the protestors besides Jacobsen, who was not even a part of the Anonymous effort. Good journalism requires a writer to take every side of a story into account; the facts, the stories of every party involved, and any other pertinent data that can be gathered. Instead, the head of the Scientologist organization was asked for his take and presented alongside not a single Anonymous opinion. While "The Bird" certainly did not give Scientology in general a handling that could be considered kid-glove, they were at least allowed a voice in the article.
What the story's coverage missed was this: Project Mayhem is not focused on alerting scientologists to the ignorance they believe. Anonymous believes in civil liberties, the right to think whatever nonsense you'd like to included. But when the criminal past of the church is taken into account, problems come into focus. Lisa MacPherson was murdered in 1995 by a yet unpunished Scietnologists who refused to give her adequate medical attention. Several other members of the church have been mysteriously killed. Members of the church who entered the IRS have ensured that the organization is kept tax-free status. Lies about the church's actions have pervaded the media for years; in fact, an internet article claimed that the protest had been organized by jilted members of the church who were bitter and wanted to spread lies about the oragnization out of spite. And embezzlement has plagued the hierarchy since the church's conception. Anonymous finds these facts problematic. "Methodists and Mormons" can believe whatever they want, as can Scientologists. But a corrupt and immoral clergy cannot be allowed to siphon money from innocent people to fund sometimes violent activities.
For anyone interested, Google the "Fair Game Policy" that Scientology abides by.
Please, it's enough to ask for readers to think critically when they take in writing. But journalists have to think critically, too, or else they cannot truly provide anything besides invalid opinions to their audience.

Pardon me for having to work for a living, Cob. Not all of us are supported by our parents, live in mom's basement, or are getting a free ride at ASU. I lost my job as an engineer recently, and telemarketing is a stopgap. I can tell you most people are doing it because they need the money to pay rent and/or feed their children. Something you apparently don't have to do.

I was working last Saturday. It's not something I like to do with my Saturdays, but I do it when I can. The folks you guys were harassing last week were mostly my fellow employees on their breaks. There were literally 3 Scientologists in the building. I was screamed at with obscenities. No one asked me if I was a Scientologist. It was just assumed. Everyone I saw out there had a mask on. In the gallery of shots posted on this site, all but a very few people have masks on.

After this treatment, I have more sympathy for the Scientologists than for your movement. Is this what you wanted to achieve? You guys should really think hard about that.

In response to the Anonymous poster bitching about how Lemons wasn't "Fair and Balanced," stop being babies and take the criticism like adults. And by the way, I agree with Lemons that there's more evil shit going on in the Valley. Look at what Sheriff Joe is doing to immigrants. That's a much bigger evil. If you want to show what big cojones you have, protest Sheriff Joe. He could fuck you up a lot easier than Scientology ever will.

Firstly, I don't know which Anonymous is writing in their comments that this is "Project Mayhem". No, not true at all. If there had to be a name given to it, it's "Project Chanology".

To "A Telemarketer": I'm sorry for Anonymous being a little uppidy that day. I'm working on steps to correct what I feel was a greivous error on Anonymous' part. Honestly, we shouldn't be threatening or screaming at anyone regardless of who they are and why they're there. We're not helping our own cause by doing such. Not all of the members of Anonymous are as socially versed as others, and not everyone takes it as seriously either.

To "David Peters": We're not "bitching" about the percieved unfairness of the article. We're only trying to bring to light the errors in journalism we see highlighted in this article. And while I agree that more things are "wrong" with the valley than just this, please also take into account that this is a WORLD WIDE protest, with over 8000 participating members in over 100 cities across the globe. World wide anonymous cares little about whatever else is going on in PHX. And other people are protesting Sherrif Joe as far as I know. This, however, is the fight we've chosen. This is what's gotten us to go "AFK" and take it to the streets. This is our issue. This is our choice. And honestly, scientology is more far reaching, better funded and a lot meaner than Sherrif Joe.

I know a lot of anonymous would even not agree with me using my real name to be posting comments on here. However, the organizers of the PHX protest have an email account, and if anyone would like to contact us directly, we'd appreciate it. However, any sort of threat or name-calling will not be tolerated or answered, and may be reported to the police if it's deemed necessary. Any other sort of comment or question is appreciated: azraids [at] gmail [dot] com

"And honestly, scientology is more far reaching, better funded and a lot meaner than Sherrif Joe."

what a stupid fucking cunt! repeat that ish to the families of people whove died in hisjails you pathetic little puter tardette. repeat that to the undocumented getting rounded up on FUCKINGGOODFRIDAY!!!

the only reason you give two shits about scientology is that ur fellow juniorhighlevelmentality tards were talking about it on chat boards. there's a life outside ur room u dumbass bitch.

ur a joke. ur movement is a joke. read the goddamn paper occasionally, shit4brains. put down the nintendo and the dingdongs, and read something about the ish going on in your own backyard. 4cryingoutloud!

To: "Comment by Anonymousissynonymouswithtards — March 23, 2008 @ 07:59PM"

Obviously, the name calling is pointless and juvenile.

How about the people dying by the hand of Scientology. What would you propose I say to their families? Oh sorry, someone commenting on a New Times article called us names and now we're going to back down. No, sorry, not going to fly in my book.

I'm not pathetic. You don't know me and don't assume you do. We all know what assuming does.

And so what about good friday? To me, it's another day. That comment was completely meaningless to me unfortunately. Again, you don't know me, so I'll let that one slide.

For the record, I've been of an above average intelligence long before I hit junior high, and I'm as far from being a "chat board tard" as one could get while still maintaining some level of geekdom, of which I'm not ashamed. And actually, i rarely spend time in my room aside from sleeping, but that's not really relevant, so I'm not sure why bring it up really. Moving on...

I personally don't find myself, or a worldwide movement, a joke at all. I'm not laughing about a serious protest with serious intentions. I don't like the newspaper, it's a little biased for my taste, I tend to get my news via internet and various sites and do this thing called "research" and then draw my conclusions based on that. I won't buy what one source says about anything. Again, this is personal stuff, but just showing you how off base you really are. And the shit4brains comment, c'mon, name calling is really degarding to one person and one person only: the person doing it.

Ding dongs? I haven't had one of those in ages, and alas, the nintendo hasn't been man handled much either. I've got other shit I'm busy with.

I'm fully aware of the shite going on here in AZ, and I may or may not to choose to be concerned; it depends on the situation, naturally. Also, the great thing about this country, and this state, regardless of how bass ackwards it may seem is that you have the right to choose your fights, as I have the right to choose mine. The fact that I can choose to do what I'm doing should make everyone happy; it means our country is still working regardless of the problems we're facing. Nothing's going to be perfect, but at least some people are getting off their butts to do SOMETHING. Who are you to tell me I'm choosing wrong? At least I'm choosing something, and it's not like I'm sitting here with a crack baby on welfare. Obviously I must be doing something right.

In regards to tard:

Why don't you go tell Lisa's family to stop crying about Scientology. Because of Scientology, she's dead. Why don't you tell all the people who grew up in Scientology to stop crying about the neglectful, sometimes torturous childhood they had to endure. Tell them the abuse they've suffered is nothing. Tell that to the families who have lost all contact with beloved wives, husbands, sons and daughters sucked into the cult of Scientology just because they questioned the validity of the 'Church', or simply did not agree with their system of belief. Tell that to people who've had all of their money and belongings ripped away from them due to the money-hungry system the 'Church' is based off of.

Point in case: Just because you think it's stupid, doesn't make the cause any less valid.

Oh, by the way. I have a feeling you're a Scientologist practicing some online Bull-baiting. Stop trying to illicit an inappropriate response from anon. The internet has a name for people like you: Troll.
If you really wanted to represent the cause against Joe you'd know better than to call names and type like a 10 year-old who has just discovered the internet. And you say anonymous is full of tards. Huh.

1.) Anonymous is not your personal army. You wish to slug it out with Christians, do it your damn self.

2.) Christians have had a 2,000 year head start to accumulate the things they've done. Scientology simply lacks the influence to launch a good ol' fashion "Holy War".

3.) Christianity was disregarded as a cult once, as well... until a Roman Emperor became Christian. Then the shit storm never stopped. There is a reason this cult recruits high-profile, popular names.

If you are going to dig through religious history to find reasons to be upset, then you best learn from it first. Furthermore, if you think people that are in this religion are idiots who are being swindled, think again. The people that "follow" Scientology know full-well what they are doing and are simply seeking to get "seniority" when they actually have a legitimate power base that isn't all PR, fluff, and intimidation.

Whether or not The Bird chose to pick out the dramatic parts, that is what Anonymous is all about. I suggest to everyone who gets completely butthurt about what we do: read the Anonymous article on encyclopedia dramatica (http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/Anonymous) and lulz (http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/Lulz). Do not attempt to turn Anonymous into something it is not. You will not succeed at this. Even though TBH the article is shit, I still got a big laugh out of it. I remember yelling at those people, who cares? Honestly, lulz were had so stop acting like a bunch of fucking butthurt faggots and gb2hugbox. Really, you people discredit Anonymous as a bunch of tree-hugging hippie faggots. None of us are as cruel as all of us, do not forget and do not forgive. If you do not like what "went down" with the last protest, you have one of two options: either show up to 4/12 and DO SOMETHING or sit the fuck down and get off your fucking soapbox. No one really cares about your opinion or feelings, save them for another group. We had lulz, we created drama, we got ourselves out there in the spotlight. Also: Anonymousisfulloftards, where is your building located. I'm sure a protest could come about and we would lol watching you get party vaned for being a general faggot on principle.

Also: people need to stop fucking acting like their are the spokeperson for Anonymous. Anonymous does what Anonymous wants, it will claim credit for everything it does. If it was an Anon who put the dead cat on their doorstep, bawwww fucking wahmbulance etc.

The Bird has definitely provided a delicious troll bait. Too bad so many Phoenix Anons fail at (1)not feeding the trolls and (2)not being fed as trolls.

Kudos for A Telemarketer and David Peters for pointing out the OTHER FUCKING SIDE of the problem with Anon's protests (lol irony Anon exposes $cientology and everything is AWW-RIGHT!!!!!~~~~ but once Anon gets criticized it goes all butthurt and cries like 12 year old ana girls wtf?). Honestly The Bird's article has definitely showed everyones' colors...mainly for the worse.

We are not your personal army.
We are legion.
We do not forgive.
We do not forget.
We are everywhere.
We are nowhere.
We are Anonymous

lulz
-Enon

Not all Anon cares what Encyclopedia Dramatica has to say about Anon. Not all Anon cares about LULZ and not all Anon feels that it has to stoop down to name calling. Not all Anon finishes things with "faggot" constantly, and not all Anon has to act like every other Anon. Anon doesn't have to be set in one way, or be chan, or be in a suit or wear a mask or even own a freaking computer.

Not all Anon has to either troll or be trolled.

"Legion" does not imply "Clone".

Anonymous needs no leader, no spokesperson. Yet, how can you say "Anonymous is NOT this, Anonymous is THIS instead" and not see that as hypocritical? Why do you, or ED, or anyone for that matter get to declare that ALL ANON IS THIS WAY AND THIS WAY ONLY?

Everything you spout could be turned right back at you. We're not YOUR personal army either.

The trouble is, anonymous has put itself forth as standing for something, despite all the murmers of "just for the lulz", and so it gets stained whenever somebody comes up with something that People Who Stand For Something might be failing at.

And the REAL joke on me, at least, is: I'm not even a moralfag. I don't fucking CARE about the law. I just care about getting as many of the public on our side as possible, because that will in the long run be a bigger win than fucking slashing some poor dolt's tires.

That is the closest description of Anonymous available. Not all Anons may care about what another Anon thinks, yet you are trying to justify and legitimize Anonymous as a sociopolitical collective that only commits acts of "good" and frowns upon all acts of "evil." Anonymous is the darker side of humanity, this cannot be denied. Even if people see Anonymous in a different light since the great yellow van vids, there will still be Anons out there who commit cruel, heartless acts. You faggots are killing Anonymous with your morality and your rationalizations. Anonymous will continue to do "good" things and "bad" things, do not forget to leave Anonymous to its own devices. These are the facts and they are undisputed.

I'd say simply by reading the comments on here, it seems the "facts" are VERY disputed, and therefore not really facts at all.

Just one other's take on Anonymous. And you BAWWWW about not having a spokesperson and then turn around and do it yourself. Brilliant man.

Hey Bird -- looks like you hit a home run on this one. Thanks for getting to the root of all this. This is what makes Phoenix New Times great! You're the only voice in town that has the courage to speak out.