On February 10 and March 15, my face was everywhere.  But if we walked past each other down at the Marketplace, you wouldn't even know me. 

I am a masked and peaceful protester against the Church of Scientology -- I am Anonymous. 

Prior to January of this year I knew very little about the Church of Scientology.  It took about 12 hours of studying back in January of this year to learn that I too, am Anonymous.  Cyber-terrorist on steroids?  Me?  I could correct that stereotype quite quickly by revealing my identity.  But I am Anon.  By my words, you will know me, until the rotten tower falls.

Two months ago, if you told me that I would be wearing a disguise to a series of worldwide protests, I'd have called you silly.  If you had told me that private detectives would find their way here to my front yard in little old Bakersfield, I'd refer you to the Department of Mental Health.  

But they've showed up for me, as they do for many critics of the Church of Scientology.(And the next time it happens, I'm leading 'em to Trout's).

I live more than two hours away from the nearest Church of Scientology.  But in the age of the Internet, anyone near or far may be considered Fair Game (an enemy of the church).  As L.Ron Hubbard's justice policy states, there is a certain way to quell rising disorder: target an individual and "raise his head on a pike."  But I am not alone.  Many participants in the recent peaceful protests have become the objects of harrassment and clandestine monitoring by private PI's, despite efforts to shield our identities.

So, with all the things to be upset with in this world -- terrorism, the elections, the war -- why have I got such a bee in my bonnet for Scientology?

I am especially concerned with the Church's treatment of its children.  

From the age of six, they are separated from parents and siblings, used for manual labor, offerred inadequate education, and shielded from child welfare workers.  It is not uncommon for a child of 10 to sign a billion year contract (that's NINE ZEROES) of indentured servitude to the church.  If, upon reaching adulthood, the child leaves the cult, he or she is declared a "suppressive person" and all family, friendship, and church contacts are severed.  The person is considered as if they were dead.  Except , that is, in relation to their ongoing financial obligations to the church: a bill is sent for "Freeloader Debt" that may amount to $50,000 or more. 

If you really want to get upset, read the Astra Woodcraft declaration, documenting a young woman's coming of age under a childhood pledge of servitude to the church.  You will desperately hope that her story is unique, but it's not.  In fact ,the only way that Astra's story is unique is that she had the courage and support to leave and start a new life. 

Astra, and two other extraordinary young women who have left the church, have begun a web community for ex-scientology kids.  It offers, hope, education, support, and advocacy.  Kendra Wiseman, daughter of high brass from one of Scientology's most successful front organizations, blogs with wit and intelligence from Beijing, China.  Jenna Miscavige-Hill, the neice of Scientology's High Commander David Miscavige, will soon share her story on Nightline. 

And the treatment of the kids is not all.  Suicide, wrongful death, extortion, fraud, and abuse -- with tax-exemptions greater than those enjoyed by any other faith-based organization.  If you had told me these things two months ago, I would have shaken my head, but still disbelieved.  My mind couldn't comprehend that an organization of such systematic cruelty and oppression could exist and flourish in the United States of America -- with the support and even the favoritism of the IRS.

Today, after meeting and corresponding with many individuals bearing credible stories, reading court cases and judgements, death certificates and policy letters, I can't and won't bury my head in the sand.  I know about the COS's own prison system, the RPF, just a few hours drive from here.  I've met smart, honest, civic-minded people who have been slandered and defamed on the Church's web-smear-central for its critics, "Religious Freedom Watch."  I have seen organized ugliness unmatched in my lifetime.  As for myself and my family, we have devoted ourselves creatively and politically -- and in our prayer life -- toward the end of these abuses. 

Like every other World Order, the Church of Scientology has a structured socioeconomic class system.  On TV and in the papers, we witness the glory-life of the church's illuminati -- stars like Tom Cruise,and John Travolta.  Then, there are its wealthy businesspeople who utilize the Chuch to make and exchange money, its professional apologists, and its leaders. 

But there is a voiceless underclass, tragically oppressed, impoverished beyond measure, who have surrendered both autonomy and hope to a lie.  If they attempt to leave the church, they are warned that they may commit suicide within the next six months.  And the history is riddled with those who have done exactly that.

Until these abuses cease, Anonymous will not forgive; will not forget.

Anonymous has no leaders.  Anonymous is a collective voice of informed outrage.  History shows that true change occurs only when driven by a spontaneous uprising of public morality.  Watch, listen: a Velvet Revolution has begun.  And in April, and May, and June, and on, you may Expect Me.