I stumbled across 'Operation Clambake' about 3 years ago when I decided to start researching religions. (I wanted to see why Jehovah's Witnesses were so tenacious) I was amazed at how controlling the CO$ organization was, and really didn't believe all the stories about it!

Since then, I've done some pretty in-depth research, in each case trying to find the critic's sources. 20-20, Dateline, Time magazine etc... Unlike an ex-member, I have never read the original Scn documents, and now knowing what I do, I am unwilling to pay the price! But I may ask the Freezone for help with future research.

The reason why I'm writing, is that in 1998 Scientology moved into my city, Clovis California. (Clovis is Stuck to the side of Fresno California for you non-Californians) They moved in only a few blocks from my house!!! At first I was amused, I had my very own 'pet cult' to watch! But I've noticed that they have made some gains, and now I'm worried.

Fresno is a state college town. California State University, Fresno (CSUF) is not an Ivy league university, but it attracts a LOT of foriegn students, Ag students, and business students.

I take classes there at night. Asking around, I found my fellow students knew NOTHING about the cult!

So I gave a talk on it.

I know, I know, that's dangerous, but I felt that the time and place of my talk minimized the risk to me and mine.

I didn't lambast the cult, I showed the two sides of the argument, (CO$ and Critics) and urged the students to learn more about it themselves. Luckily we have 'A Piece of Blue Sky' in the library here! I was gratified that the following month one student told me that she actually went out and read 'Blue Sky'!

But now the CO$ has invaded my space! 2 days ago, they started a flyer campaign. My neighborhood, (and others I presume) was plastered with a newsprint flyer, (tabloid style, folded down to 8 1/2" x 11", and rolled into a tube) It headlined a war, with 'Your mind' being your best weapon. (I'll scan the first page and post it to the group later) I was a little upset, because I know that this targeted people just like my classmates!

So I made 100 copies of the Xemu flyer, and have been distributing them ever since!

But I'm not enough. I don't have the guts (yet) to start a picket of my own. I don't want to have my personal life raked over the coals! I'm not worried about my job, or my personal life. (I'm pretty square - my worst habit is a gardening compulsion! ) I DO worry about Scientology attacking those around me tho...

My wife, my kid, my parents and friends.... I know what kind of resources that CO$ has available to attack and harrass.

So I'm asking for help. I KNOW why they chose the sleepy town of Clovis, we are a 'nobody' town. Our major claim to fame is that Ken Curtis, 'Festus' from Gunsmoke used to live here. (Hey, there's a statue in Downtown Clovis of him!!) Many people here don't have Internet access, and don't care to either. The demographics of this area are perfect for Scientology. Lower income, and general ignorance about this cult. Clovis people are not prepared to deal with this. I would like to help prepare them, but I can't do it on my own.

Any help, or suggestions would be welcome!

Vox

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