Anonymous Protest The Church of Scientology of Toronto

Added: Feb 11, 2008

From: GuvnerX

Duration: 4:23

I have to put my own personal statement out for a description of this vid... I attended the 'Anonymous' Protest of the Church of Scientology in Toronto, ON on Sunday February 10th. I had seen the Message to Scientology on YouTube and happened to be in Toronto that weekend so decided to stop by the Church of Scientology of Toronto on Yonge St. In my personal position, I have no strong opinion towards or against either side of this debate/feud/war. Initially, I did feel negatively about the religion, but haven't actually heard or seen anything from their side, and have only heard from the negative side. I now personally feel that initial standpoint was wrong and would like to hear from both sides before developing an opinion of the protesters or the religion. I tried to take an observer standpoint at the event and I only videotaped the event for my own personal interest. I got interviews and comments from protesters in the crowd, took flyers and reviewed the message, call to action, and code of conduct released by Church0fScientology. I would have liked to obtain interviews and comments from Scientologists and even information to defend their religion and beliefs, but obviously on the day of a protest, entering with a camera into a building guarded by police officers would not be the best thing. I was not a protester at this event, I feel I was an observer only. I apologize if anyone appeared in this video who did not want to be, I tried to shoot protesters mainly, but hey, public domain ya know? I avoided shooting inside the building and police to avoid anymore attention you can get while carrying a camera. But, this event gave me a very strange feeling, I was asked if I was a Scientologist by numerous protesters, I assume because I did not hide my identity like everyone else. I knew I was watched when I carried the camera, some seemed skeptical to be on camera, this is how deep this is reaching and scaring people. I was stared and pointed at by security inside the building, and even photographed by someone inside. I noticed the people inside were gawked at, and from a distance, it seemed the protesters were watching them like the Scientologists were animals in a zoo. CTV news reported the Scientologists stated they wanted to charge the protesters with a hate crime. I think I would need to learn more from the other side of the spectrum though, but I doubt a Scientology representative would be available to comment to an outside observer. (Prove me wrong, I would enjoy videotaping it.) The event made Canadian National News on CTV the same evening and numerous internet articles. A Code of Conduct was issued by the Youtube video prior to the day of the protest, Toronto followed 'Anon's' rules and have declared their protest an 'Epic Win.' Protesters chanted and yelled, passed out flyers, encouraged cars to blare their horns and generally made a peaceful nuisance that day, but was this right? Without really knowing both sides, it's very difficult for me to say, I would rather stay a casual observer and see this play out. It's an internet sensation and protests were global with estimates at 10,000 people. Word has been spreading for a long while from anti-Scientologists, and even more so since the threat to sue was issued by the Church of Scientology for anyone hosting the leaked Tom Cruise promotional Scientology video. But what happens next Anon? You have gained 10,000 strong and most likely more to follow now that it has been covered by the media and you have the support. But what now? I'm going to continue to take a very 'Switzerland' standpoint and remain neutral on this subject but continue to follow and learn more. Thanks for taking the time to read all this ranting and for watching the video. Thanks Youtube 12 Honours for the day on Feb, 12, 2008, too many to list and gone so quick cause they were day awards... darn, shoulda copied them. 2 Honours for the week too. #42 - Most Viewed - News & Politics - Canada #25 - Most Rated - News & Politics - Canada More Honours as of Feb.16,2008 #19 - Most Discussed (This Week) - News & Politics #29 - Most Viewed (This Week) - News & Politics #16 - Top Favourites (This Week) - News & Politics #62 - Top Favourites (This Month) - News & Politics #35 - Top Rated (This Week) - News & Politics #88 - Top Rated (This Month) - News & Politics Thanks to all for the messages, comments, ratings and views.

Channel: News

Tags: church  demonstration  peaceful  protest  scientology  toronto