Anonymous – Not I

http://www.break.com/video/ugc/alan-shore-what-is-scientology-1975711

Unlike Anonymous, a cultural phenomenon which began on internet image boards, I have no problem putting my identity on the firing line if I happen to piss of the Church of Scientology enough. Although some of you may think I hide behind the GhostRider name, you can clearly see who I am on the, “About GhostRider…” page. GhostRider happens to be a character I created while writing the screenplay, “Bittersweet Dementia”, but I am sure that if I under went psychoanalysis, some textbook “PhD” would conclude that GhostRider is my alter-ego. This is where I’ll ask my signature question, “Does it make a difference?”

I do want to clarify that this is just how I choose to play the game but I have no problem with Anonymous and greatly respect their mission. I do agree that their knowledge is a fruit of their anonymity and their will as a whole is the combined will of individuals. Anonymous has left its mark on society more than once. Anonymous projects have resulted in the closing of the white-supremacist radio show produced by Hal Turner, and the criminal prosecution of Canadian pedophile Chris Forcand. Anonymous has been called a “Cyber Vigilante Group” by The Toronto Sun and Global News, to name but a few ways they have made a difference.

When it concerns Scientology, I understand why they wear masks. The primary reason for the masks is the protection of their identities, the protection of their lives and livelihood. Due to Scientology’s Fair Game policy – a quick summary would state that any person declared Fair Game by Scientology may be attacked by legal or illegal means, and the Scientologist who commits this act may not be punished by the cult for it – they put themselves at risk socially, politically, and financially when they speak out against this dangerous cult. This is a cult that has earned a reputation for harassing critics and openly critical ex-scientologists at their homes and workplaces, and while they claim to have ended the policy several decades ago, they did so only in name. The cult continues to practice this policy to this day. For an in-depth article on the Fair Game policy, go to the right sidebar of this page and you will find the, “Operation Clambake” link.

Taking measures to protect their privacy and anonymity when confronted by an aggressively litigious cult – a cult whose mantra is “Never Defend, Always Attack!” – is a matter of common sense. Does this mean that GhostRider has no common sense? Maybe, and maybe, that GhostRider has got nothing to lose.

In “Bittersweet Dementia”, GhostRider dies by the hands of Humberto Fontana, one of his wedding ushers and close teenage friend. Mr. Fontana, or Humby, as he was affectionately known, not only to GhostRider, but to his tight knit circle of friends and family, was lost to Scientology in the mid-eighties at the Miami Church and continued on to become The Director of Social Reform under The Office of Special Affairs, formerly know as The Guardian’s Office.

Here we are in the year 2009, 3 years after GhostRider comes to life following the experience of a consciousness awakening from the result of a near death experience, and he is still reaching out to the friend that taught him how to drive manual transmission. Still out there, Little Buddy?