Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology Subject: Kim Baker's Clearwater - Picket Report (for Kim) From: zinjifar@i.am (Zinj) Date: 13 Dec 1999 01:27:39 GMT -------- CW 1999 Picket: I finally made it to Flag! When I was in Scientology in South Africa, from 1990 - 1994, my Scientology friends and C/S were constantly on at me to go to Flag, the "mecca of technical perfection". Well, December 1999, I finally made it to Flag, although I don't think that was quite what they had in mind! :-) It was a symbolic time for me, because I am now 36, the same age Lisa was when she died under Scientology custody in the Fort Harrison. I felt the need to be there, this year in particular, to picket and add my bit to the group of brave and decent people who want justice for her. I know that many people accuse us of exploiting her death for "PR" purposes - nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing can fully describe the powerful feeling that swept us all, including Lisa's family, at the candlelight vigil for her. Justice WILL come. It will not bring her back, or make up for the tragic loss of her life, but it has to come. THAT is what this is all about. If Scientology is incapable of facing up to their role in her death, and taking responsibility for it, then society will have to make them do it. I firmly believe that never before has quite such a strong group of decent, dedicated and competent people come together to "put ethics in" on Scientology. I agree with Ed here - we have a group of real "OTs" here, and as Arnie shouted till he was hoarse (grin), there really are no OTs at Flag, just people in hiding. That amazed me, although Mike Rinder did come out and have a good look at me when I was picketing. I almost went to talk to him, but decided against it, under the circumstances. I'll say here what I would have said to him: Mike, if it gets too much, and you can't take any more (referring to what you must be going through behind the scenes), you'll have friends on the outside, who will help you if you want to leave. Remember that. We mean it. We do not hate you, but we do disagree with what you are doing, and when you are ready, those who understand will be here for you too. I was also amazed at the level of support from the ordinary people of Clearwater, honking their horns in encouragement, shouting out their agreement with us - contrary to what Scientology propaganda says, this is not hatred - it is just a community sick and tired of being bullied, and sick and tired of living in fear. As Steve Biko once said: "the most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed". When the collective mind decides it has had enough, oppression can no longer occur. Personally, this trip was cathartic for me. I met so many people that I had known for years in cyberspace only. Although it may or may not have been apparent, it was quite daunting for me - I was expecting far more hostility than I did get. Most people were really nice. I am VERY pleased that I did go, and get the chance to be in the presence of some of the most wonderful people I have met in a long time. I'm not going to name names, but those of you with whom I connected, know who you are - thank you for being so nice, and understanding. I love you! :-) Finally, I want to thank Bob Minton for being the incredible, kind, caring person that he is - I know that past mistakes have distorted the image of who he is, but the real Bob Minton is a wonderful, caring human being - and I am sure of this now. Despite everything that some are throwing at him, as long as he keeps hanging in there, and persisting with who he really is, we will all see the real Bob Minton for who he is. My own example: I was at the Conference, listening to Ken Dandar describe in detail how Lisa died. When he got to the part about how the Scientologists surrounded her hospital bed, and persuaded her to go back with them, I lost all control, and broke down sobbing. I flew out of the room, so as not to disrupt the proceedings, and couldn't even see what I was doing - it is a long time since I lost control like that, but what happened to Lisa was just too awful. And there was Bob, and he just hugged and held me till I was OK again, reassuring me, and providing me with his handkerchief. It was in that moment that I KNEW what a kind, caring, human person Bob is. He CARES. And Bob, I still have your handkerchief! What an incredible, cathartic trip. I was also delighted that the pickets went peacefully, without major incident. My thanks to all the people who were there - including those who were not comfortable with me being there - thank you for tolerating my presence, and to those others, it was an absolute honour to be there amongst you. Because of you, the Truth will prevail. Kim Baker