August 21, 1999 - Gypsyblue

What do I have to say today that I've not said in previous reports? This picket was much like the others I've been at since I started. So excuse any repetition...I will tell the tale as if I'd never told it.

I arrived late, as I always do. The picket was well under way. Before I had even said hello to any of my fellow 'ilk', a scieno. woman was snapping my pic. My standard stance is a big smile and a peace sign...let them put "This is the face of religious bigotry" on *that*...I want to join the ranks of Kady, Peach, CLK, etal., the female terrors of ars (our faces are ever so menacing and scary). Wulfen greeted me, introduced me to the Cop of the Day (who, deep in conversation with Andy Hill, did not seem too interested) and also to Mike, a new picketer and a former scientologist (way to go, Mike!). A quick hello to Android Cat and I was off to "the dark side" of the street to hand out my batch of neon green fliers, my favs. the "Xenu Specials".

As always, the passers-by who spoke to me had only negative things to say about the "Church". One man told me he'd lived for a time in Clearwater, so he knew all about their evil ways. At least five separate people thanked me for my efforts. One man asked me "What's in it for you?". I said "Knowing I'm doing my part against something I think is evil and insidious". He found that a fine answer and we had quite a pleasant conversation. He asked me if I thought the "deodorant tins" that they make you hold (of course he meant the soup tin e-meters) do any good and we had a laugh over that. Oh, and alot of people seem to be laughing at John Travolta these days (wonder what old Johnny boy would think of that?).

One thing I do find, however, is that even with our ARSCC badges, picket signs and fliers, sometimes people still think we are *with* the "church". Therefore, I have changed my phraseology and now never say the word 'church', but always 'cult'. The difference is remarkable...as soon as they hear that word, the manner of the average person changes from "ewww....go away" to "ohhhh, yes, tell me more, I think they're awful".

I passed out my first batch of fliers quite quickly and ran across for more. Unfortunately we had run out of Xenu so I settled for "The 'Science' of Scientology" which seemed to go over just as well. Before I knew it, I was beckoned for lunch and off we went to our regular haunt for a patio meal and a bunch of laughs over the never-ending foot bullets of our favourite cause.

We met our quiet ally, a former scientologist who meets us every picket for lunch, usually with a stack of interesting reading. There was quite a bit of paperwork flying around. The infamous Peter Ramsey (who I saw for the first time...oh, the shivers) handed big thick packets to a couple of our guys (I'm not totally clear on what they said so I'll let the guys tell you all about that). And I saw my first official SP Declare....an exciting moment. I just love the way the entheta flies when a few SP's get together, there is a definite amount of fun and laughter in the midst of our serious mission.

Elrond showed up, after having left in the a.m. before I had seen him, for an appointment of some kind. He mentioned that, for a change, he had worked the other side of the street that morning (he usually stands right in front of the Org. and doesn't budge an inch...no matter how 'in your face' the scienos. get) and had given out 100 Xenu fliers. I'm not sure what his tactics were for the afternoon, but I'm sure whatever his strategy, it worked.

I had to leave after lunch, so I'm feeling a tad guilty at not having done my full share. Hopefully, next month I can get my stats back up and go through as many fliers as I usually do. Sorry 'ilk'. I guess I won't get as many deuchmarks this time ;). But it was fun and I'm already looking forward to September.