1959-1995
Lisa died needlessly at the hands of Scientology.
| Lisa
McPherson
1959-1995 |
Lisa died needlessly at the hands of Scientology.
|
 |
|
PROTEST SUGGESTIONS
1 - These are not really rules. We are individuals, and we don't have an imperial leader. There will be no protest RPF, no running program, and no heavy ethics.
2 - NO WEAPONS. Nothing that even could be perceived as a weapon, such as a thick picket sign stick.
3 - Don't drink alcohol before picketing. Bring water to drink if it will be a warm day.
4 - If you make your own, make your sign legible from a distance with only a short message. Six or eight inch letters are not too big. Make them sturdy, but light (they get heavy after an hour or more) Don't use metal. It can be considered a weapon. Ideas for construction here.
5 - Stick together. Don't try to show up alone. Find out where to meet everybody else. Carpooling is recommended, which will also reduce the chance of license plate numbers being collected by the church.
6 - Bring cameras. Still, video or whatever. Documentation of the whole thing could prevent some ops by the cult. Bring extra batteries. Audio recorders may be handy too. Understand local and state rules about recording someone in public.
7 - Be prepared to be photographed yourself, by the cult and your fellow picketers. Wear sunglasses if this is a problem for you.
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.
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 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.
10 - Designate certain people to talk to the media so those who do not wish to speak can suggest a person for the media. Of course you may talk as well, but if you wish you may simply refer them to the proper person.
11 - This is a peaceful, calm picket. There should be no yelling or deliberate confrontation with Scientologists. We are here to voice our concern, not create an incident. If someone confronts you and attempts to goad you into some type of reaction, do NOT react in any way that could even be construed as agressive. Simply walk away from that person.
12 - Handouts should be short and to the point, preferably one 2-sided sheet of information. If you wish to bring your own do NOT have anything that is other than fair use quotes from Scientology documents and writings for your documentation. Do not bring any flyers that denigrate the religion of Scientology. This is a protest against Scientology actions, it is not a slamfest of their religion.
13. Stay on the public sidewalk. Do not block pedestrian traffic.
14. Bring a garbage bag along for any trash. Clean up at the end.
15. Locate restrooms nearby ahead of time. Let people know where they are.
16. Have at least one cell phone available. Have the local police phone number in hand in case you have a non-emergency problem.
17. We will be on a public sidewalk exercising our Freedom of Speech rights guaranteed by the Constitution. No one but the police can order us to move, to give our name or any private information, or tell us how to picket. If someone demands information from you, you do not have to give it. If someone orders you around (again, other than the police) you do not have to obey. In the United States our Constitution guarantees us the right to express our displeasure in a peaceful, lawful manner.
A bit more info. here
Jeff's thoughts on Nonviolence
"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men" Abraham Lincoln
