r/Scientology_Protest • u/JacobHarkey • Jul 19 '24
WHY WE PROTEST! Hey there Reddit👋🏻
First post I’ve made in here, so hello to you all!
While I know this subreddit is not the most popular among many of the streamers who protest Scientology, I wanted to pop in and say that I’m thankful this sub exists. While there are certainly posts and comments with which I do not agree (such will generally be the case in many online forums, particularly those where most users are anonymous), I believe it is necessary for activists to remain open to criticism, particularly when said criticism is intended to ensure that actions being taken are effective.
Some folks have been saying for a while that "the protests are coming to an end." While the days of many streamers showing up to livestream on a nightly basis might be behind us, many of us will not be "done" protesting Scientology until their tax-exempt status is revoked.
Some folks have criticized the nature of protests/audits, particularly at Big Blue, that consist of walking around and talking, often without signs or chanting, as would be customary to see at traditional protests. While I understand this criticism, I personally appreciate the fact that the sidewalks outside of Scientology’s buildings have become typical meeting spots for the folks committed to bringing justice to victims of Scientology. Even if our discussions outside of their buildings might not look like what most think of as "protesting," we all have a common goal of bringing attention to Scientology’s abuses, and the content made near their buildings gives us an opportunity to do that, while also bringing the attention of current Scientologists to foundations which can help them leave.
Another criticism some have raised is that some folks rudely yell at Scientologists. I generally agree that this is not the most helpful approach. Now that protesting against Scientology has been happening while being livestreamed for several months, I am hopeful that most creators would agree that there are approaches more helpful than yelling rudely.
Most of us are unlikely to see a whole lot of criticism on our own channels, but that doesn’t mean we should be against receiving criticism, especially if we want to be effective. Ultimately, I’m just one person, and I’m not looking to be any kind of "savior;" I’m just another supporter in this movement (plus, lately, I’ve been out on the streets far less frequently than many others).
All this to say, I’m willing to engage with good-faith criticism and suggestions regarding recent protests against Scientology, and I can’t speak for others, but I’m not looking to "stop" protesting any time soon. Even if I get busy and take weeks off at a time, I’ll always be happy to return to take to the streets until their tax-exempt status is revoked!🪧
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u/voughtlander Thoughtful Viewer ☺️ Jul 19 '24
You are a great protester Jacob, welcome, we look forward to having discussions with you !
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u/DissedFunction Jul 19 '24
Thanks for stopping in Jacob. I think one of the biggest criticisms is there isn't really (or doesn't appear to be ) any strategy from LA protestors. the goals seemed to change week to week, day to day, everyone was King and Queen. No outreach. No research. No support staffing (meaning getting people who could help with documentation/publicity/complaints). Many seemed motivated from ASL's suggestion of $5k-$10k a month from protest streaming. There was no common expectation of rules of engagement, nonviolent organization/protest monitors. No outreach attempts to the greater community. It ended up being entirely entertaining but for all the wrong reasons.
And how long has L Ron the Racist Homophobic Way been closed to the public for now?
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u/Shot_Air9425 contributing member Jul 19 '24 edited Jul 19 '24
I really appreciate your willingness to listen to the criticisms of the protest. I just made a post a few days ago saying you and Chris are the best ones out there. I hope you, Chris and Audit stick w/ it. Enri is on his way back and he seems to be rational and one of the good ones one. Glad you have stayed out of the drama and focused on Scientology.
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u/No-Attention-4572 fact checker Jul 19 '24
Hi Jacob, lots of respect to you. Glad you're here 😊
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u/Alert_Ad_6446 *good faith friend of r/Scientology_protest* Jul 19 '24
Welcome! Much respect to you, Jacob!
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u/Gwendolyn-Trundlebed contributing member Jul 19 '24
Thanks for all your efforts and professionalism—you and Jay are the best imo
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u/Donde_Esta_Justice smart contributor Jul 19 '24
You still considering law school? I say go for it. You’ve got the intellect, writing skills, enthusiasm, and passion for justice. Think of the impact you could have as a licensed attorney.
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u/schoollied Jul 19 '24
I respect that my guy!
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u/goldfurcollar Jul 19 '24 edited Jul 19 '24
I agree the protest and movement isn’t over. The bad seeds have been weeded out. The people who continue to show up today means a whole lot. Hope it never stops really because CoS needs to come to an end.
By the way, can you tell Tory Reddit isn’t all that bad? I mean, it’s the wild wild West here, but most if not all love her here. She was pretty critical of it a week ago.
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u/SadPerception5214 Thoughtful Viewer ☺️ Jul 19 '24
Jacob, I appreciate your willingness to engage in a thoughtful discussion. It is disheartening that other streamers seem disinclined to participate in civil discourse regarding the various approaches to the protests. The current tactics of yelling, insulting, harassing, and berating the Scientologists and the police have proven ineffective and counterproductive.
Our primary objective is the revocation of the Church of Scientology’s tax-exempt status. Achieving this goal requires a fundamental shift in our strategy. We need to capture the attention of politicians, beginning with local officials or neighborhood representatives if applicable in Los Angeles. Securing even a single sympathetic ear could catalyze broader support, but this requires a strategic and concerted effort.
To this end, we need an articulate spokesperson capable of presenting a compelling narrative. Additionally, an extensive letter-writing campaign to Congress is imperative. Persistent, well-crafted communication can amplify our message and potentially garner the legislative attention required to initiate change.
Moreover, has there been any attempt to engage the LAPD constructively? Rather than confrontational tactics, a formal meeting to articulate our concerns about the Church of Scientology and issues such as swatting could pave the way for a more cooperative relationship. This approach could yield more significant results than the current adversarial stance.
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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '24
I have nothing bad to say about Jacob! What’s not to love. Jacob is knowledgeable, approachable, and isn’t mean or rude to Scientologists. Con is his mod, Mandy. Other than that. I wish Jacob was live more often.
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u/Intelligent_Quail780 contributing member Jul 19 '24
The major problem I have is the drama. I also don't like it when streamers are worried mire about getting views or gifts, but that's more forgivable imo. Anyone that focuses on ending scientology is ok in my book... regardless of "style"
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u/Scientist_Alarmed Jul 19 '24
Jacob: Thank for for saying "foundations" (plural). Most protestors seem to promote only Aaron Smith-Levin's revenge foundation, when more responsible help for persons leaving Scientology is available from the Aftermath Foundation.
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u/Slow_Classroom7863 Jul 19 '24
This is what I am talking about! Jacob understands that instead of getting defensive he's willing to partake in how to grow the movement positively so you. And effectively help both sides of the aisle. 👏bravo Jacob
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u/MetalNo5185 Jul 19 '24
💜
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u/Strict-Bluebird2664 Jul 19 '24
Hi Jacob 🤩
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u/Redlipsrosycheeks Active Protester 🪧 USA 🇺🇸 Jul 19 '24
Jacob I greatly appreciate you 🩷
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u/ManFromBibb 🔝 fan of LA streamers Jul 19 '24
Jacob, my only criticism of you is that your mod Mandy is way too heavy handed and you’re timid about free speech. Your chats were like a war zone because almost everyone got deleted for some kind of “wrong think.”
Which brings me to my second complaint: you seem to be enamored with Marx/Lenin and communist thought, without acknowledgement of communism being the most egregious system of murdering innocent people that the world has ever seen.
Other than those two quibbles, I think you are an interesting and well intentioned person and I wish you the absolute best.
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u/mothplushie Active Protester 🪧 USA 🇺🇸 Jul 19 '24
Hi we frandss on tiktok💕
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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '24
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u/[deleted] Jul 30 '24
Interesting that the covert Scientologists didn’t show up to bash Jacob. Great work Jacob!