Subject: picket report, San Francisco, 6/5/99
From: humanrights@racerrecords.com (Kristi Wachter)
Date: Sun, 06 Jun 1999 17:12:58 -0700

Photos of harassment picketers, critics, and Scientologists available at http://www.scientology-lies.com/picketphotos.990605.html.

Date: Saturday, June 5, 1999
Start and End Times: 12:05 - 2:05 pm
(11:40 - 2:05 if you include time walking to the org, which is time
spent handing out fliers and practicing wave tech)
Location: San Francisco
Picketers: Peaches, Kristi Wachter, M. Shannon
Handlers: Josh, Mr. Lady I Work Here
Weather: lovely - sunny, with some wind
Number of Handouts given away: 117 (upstat!)
Comments: very little handling; excellent reception from the public

flier stats:

1 Xenu fliers
4 Lisa fliers
4 AG postcards
3 Rodney Rimando
104 Mint/Law
1 picket advisory

117 total

(my stats only - Peaches gave away fliers, too)

Note: Quotes may not be exact, since I didn't listen to my tape recording at all. Also, I occasionally rearrange the chronology slightly to enhance the narrative flow.

Three of us picketed the San Francisco org today, including one newcomer, M. L. Shannon, an early researcher into Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard whose work was a great aid to later researchers.

DON WE NOW OUR GAY APPAREL

Prior to the picket, I donned my famous red picketing jammies (including red socks!) and loaded myself down with my by-now standard accoutrement: digital camera, flier-holder, extra cassette tapes and batteries, sandwich-board signs (today's were "SCIENTOLOGY HURTS PEOPLE" and "SCIENTOLOGY ATTACKS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM", in honor of Safe), and my picket sign itself ("SCIENTOLOGY: -> STILL <- BREAKING THE LAW") with my trusty tape recorder in its holder.

Prior to donning all that stuff, I made my usual call to the police station. I informed the officer that a handful of us would be picketing, and he was familiar with the routine. I mentioned that we weren't expecting any confrontations, but pointed out that the Scientologists had been much more confrontational in other cities lately. He noted that there hadn't been much trouble here, fortunately, and added, "But if you need us, we're right across the street."

THE OBLIGATORY PHOTO SHOOT

My secret admirers / harassment picketers were waiting downstairs to see me off. Today's trio consisted of Craig (still hiding behind his sign whenever I had my camera in my hand), Joanna, and a newcomer, Bill, who operated the video camera. I informed Bill that it was my opinion that the fliers and signs were libellous, and he said "I don't care."

Joanna was, at times, fairly pleasant. She commented on my famous red picketing jammies (she asked if they were supposed to represent blood or something and I said, "Oh, heavens no - I just wear red to get attention"). As I started off on my walk to the org, she ran after me, saying she'd forgotten she had her camera with her (I guess she's not Clear[tm] yet) and asking if she could get a picture. I cooperated, moving into a sunny spot at her request. She then rejoined her co-picketers, yelling after me, "I hope you know you look like a psychopath!"

THE PRE-PICKET PICKET

I handed out several fliers during my walk to the org. I encountered a pleasant gentleman handing out tracts for his (Christian) church, and he agreed to trade fliers with me. I asked him to tell his congregation about Scientology's lies about compatibility with Christianity, and he has since e-mailed me back to thank me for the info in the flier ("I was not aware of many of the illegal practices of the organization until seeing them in your info.") Several people made a point of telling me that they agreed with my message.

THE LADIES' BRIGADE

Peaches arrived before me (more evidence of my suppressive personality: I am often late), but she had gone over to Market Street to check out the big anti-war anti-NATO demonstration. She joined me shortly, though, and we had a lovely time catching up.

Once again, there was no sign of Jeff Quiros (I hope he's not doing heavy ethics conditions or anything); instead, Josh did camera duty, coming out to get photos of each of us. Mr. Lady I Work Here asked Peaches for a flier, but she chose not to give him one. Later, he approached me and asked if he could talk to me, indicating he wanted to be out of earshot from Peaches. He then asked me for a flier, which I gave him. He turned and brought it back into the org without looking at it. Peaches and I chuckled over his secretive behavior.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

We saw a few of the regulars, such as the already-mentioned Josh and Mr. Lady I Work Here. (Several minutes after I gave him a flier, I called over to him to ask his name, so I wouldn't have to use his nickname, but he just shook his head.) Burly Guy hung around outside for a bit. Cute Sea Org Lady went out for a while with Mr. Lady I Work Here, and I tried hard to get pictures of her for those who want to see what a cutie she is. Mr. Get Your Facts Straight came by and gave me the barest hint of a smile, to my utter delight. (Usually he just scowls.)

There seemed to be a fair number of people going in and out of the org ... maybe a couple dozen?

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND

As we were merrily picketing along, a gentleman approached us and asked, "Are you Kristi?" I said yes, and he said, "Hi, I'm Shannon." He was loaded down with interesting-looking electronic equipment. It was a real delight to have Mr. Shannon hang out with us - he mostly came to say hello, but he did carry Peaches' signs for a while when she went on a coffee run.

It was wonderful to meet him, and I'm hoping he'll join us for more pickets.

There's not much more to report. We had a lovely time, gave away a lot of fliers, got to meet Mr. Shannon, caught some rays, and got some exercise and fresh air.

The next regularly scheduled first-Saturday-of-every-month picket is July 3 at the regular time, 12 - 2. See you then!

Kristi

-- Kristi Wachter the activist formerly known as "Jour" (before $cientology outed me)

I think $cientology is hurting people and breaking the law, and I want them to stop it. See http://www.scientology-lies.com for more.

Can you say "Xenu?" ... I knew that you could.

Click here for some additional truth about the Scientology crime syndicate: XENU.NET

Further facts about this criminal empire may be found at Operation Clambake and FACTNet.