Flagdown 2014: media coverage, etc

[failboat]

LOL. Seriously? Laura (AMA) was handled an injunction before the event began & it did not prevent the event from going on. In fact, she commented on WWP the injunction was going into the trash. Sure doesn't sound like she's concerned about any lawsuits. Sheesh.

She was handed a copy of the injunction. It doesn't matter if it could be applied, it only matters that the cult tried to use it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Lonsdale

Lonsdale was subpoenaed by the Church of Scientology in 2006, and they accused him of being affiliated with the Lisa McPherson Trust, a group critical of Scientology which was restricted in where it could protest in Clearwater.

She wasn't handed a sub poena, which would require her to appear in court. However, Shawn Lonsdale was, and he had to go to court, and hire a lawyer.

She doesn't want to associate with members of the former LMT for this reason.

It's actually a pretty good reason, supported by the record.

I don't know why you're twisting the facts, Smurf. I can only guess that it's something old and personal.

 

[CommunicatorIC]

Mark's banishment had zero to do with the injunction, as it only applies to *protesting*, not attending a "public" event.

Witih regard to Mark Bunker your argument is without merit. That was and is not Laura's concern with regard to the injunction and Mark Bunker's attendance at the conferrence.

The Permanent Injunction provides in relevant part:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that:

1. A permanent injunction is entered against the defendants, Robert S. Minton, Jr., Lisa McPherson Trust, Inc,, Jesse Prince, Grady Ward, Stacy Brooks, Jeff Jacobson, Patricia Greenway, Peter Alexander, Mark Bunker and Tory Bezazian, their members, officers, agents, servants, employees and those persons and entities in actual concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of this injunction, enjoining them from picketing, protesting, and/or demonstrating in the areas designated in BLUE (the "prohibited zones") (picketing, protesting, and/or demonstrating is ALLOWED in areas designated in ORANGE) on the diagrams of certain properties owned and/or operated by the Church (see Composite Exhibit A?1 attached hereto and incorporated into this Order), and from engaging in any of the aforementioned activities within ten feet of any entrance or exit actually used frequently on a daily basis to all Church property listed on Exhibit B and not expressly included in the prohibited zones designated in Exhibit A? I .

2. The foregoing paragraph prohibits picketing, protesting and/or demonstrating in areas designated in BLUE (see Exhibit A?1) ac well as in areas within ten feet of any entrance or exit actually used frequently on a daily basis to Church property that is not expressly included in the prohibited zones designated in BLUE (see Exhibit B). As to all other areas in Pinellas County, Florida, the named defendants, and their officers, agents, servants, employees and those persons and entities in actual conccrt or participation with them, are free to engage in lawful picketing, lawful protesting and lawful demonstrating. "Lawful" picketing means "not contrary to or forbidden by law", provided that at all times while picketing, all persons bound by this injunction shall comply with the anti?noise provisions of this injunction.

3. The defendants, Robert S. Minton, Jr., Lisa McPherson Trust, Inc., Jesse Prince, Grady Ward, Stacy Brooks, Jeff Jacobson, Patricia Greenway, Peter Alexander, Mark Bunker and Tory Bezazian, their officers, agents, servants, employees and those persons and entities in actual concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of this injunction are permanently enjoined: (1) from coming within ten (10) feet of any member of the Church; (2) from blocking the path of any member or any motor vehicle of the Church; and (3) from physically or by any other means inhibiting any Church member, any member of the general public, or any motor vehicle, from entering or leaving any Church properties that are listed in the schedule of properties that is Exhibit B to this order.

4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall not be a violation of this permanent injunction for any person otherwise engaged in lawful conduct to move without interruption through a prohibited zone en route from one non?prohibited zone to another non?prohibited zone, so long as that person keeps any pickets or other signs held below the waist and upside down or otherwise covered or obscured or held horizontally in such a way that the writing on the pickets or other signs is not obviously displayed, and so long as the person complies with the prohibition on excessive noise making set forth in paragraph S below. This provision applies to all persons and entities who are subject to the terms of this injunction.

5. The defendants, Robert S. Minton, Jr., Lisa McPherson Trust, Inc., Jesse Prince, Grady Ward, Stacy Brooks, Jeff Jacobson, Patricia Greenway, Peter Alexander, Mark Bunker and Tory Bezazian, their officers, agents, servants, employees and those persons and entities in actual concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of this injunction, are permanently enjoined from making any loud and raucous noise such as, but not limited to yelling, shouting, whistling or singing (whether by natural or amplified voice), or by the employment of any mechanical device such as a horn, whistle, or other noisemaker that creates a loud and raucous noise that can be heard inside any of the Church properties that are listed in the schedule of properties that is Exhibit B to this order. A "loud and raucous noise" is any sound which because of its volume level, duration, and character, annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities.

6. The defendants, Robert S. Minton, Jr., Lisa McPherson Trust, Inc., Jesse Prince, Grady Ward, Stacy Brooks, Jeff Jacobson, Patricia Greenway, Peter Alexander, Mark Bunker and Tory Bezazian, their officers, agents, servants, employees and those persons and entities in actual concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of this injunction, are permanently enjoined from entering upon any of the Church properties that are listed in the schedule of properties that is Exhibit B to this order.

7. The defendants, Robert S. Minton, Jr., Lisa McPherson Trust, Inc., Jesse Prince, Grady Ward, Stacy Brooks, Jeff Jacobson, Patricia Greenway, Peter Alexander, Mark Bunker and Tory Bezazian, their officers, agents, servants, employees and those persons and entities in actual concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of this injunction, are permanently enjoined from committing any acts of harassment or violence against any member of the Church, including, without limitation, any UNSOLICITED physical, verbal or written contact with any Church staff or parishioner. Videotaping from a distance of more than 10 feet shall not be considered harassment.

Laura's concern was and is that if she allowed Mark Bunker to attend the conference, and she or another person who had attended the conference later picketed in a area or in a way subject to the injunction, the COS would later asset in Court that Mark Bunker's permitted attendance at the conference showed that she or the other person who had attended the conference and later picketed was acting "in actual concert or participation" with Mark Bunker, and thus: (a) subject to the permanent injunction; (b) in violation of the permanent injunction; and (c) should be held in Contempt of Court

People here might think that concern is unreasonable. Then again, they aren't the one's who would be hauled into Court, have to litigate against the COS, face the risk of incurring substantial attorney's fees, and face a contempt citation. It wouldn't be Mark Bunker, or anyone here, who would be hauled into Court, forced to litigate against the COS, forced to incur substantial attorney's fees, or risk being held in contempt of Court.

I also don't see Mark Bunker, or anyone here, offering to pay Laura's attorney's fees in the above scenario, much less show they have the financial resources to do so.

Anyone who doesn't think the COS would try to use the Permanent Injunction as described above doesn't know what they are talking about.

The sad truth is that Mark Bunker and the other people named in the Permanent Injunction are radioactive to anyone who intends to picket in Clearwater in a zone or way subject to the injunction.

To anticipate one possible response, the fact that Mark Bunker received assurances from the police is meaningless for two separate reasons. First, those assurances did not address the above scenario and concerns. Secondly, the police do not have the last word in this matter. Even if the police refuse to enforce an injunction because they believe the it is inapplicable and/or the conduct at issue is not in violation thereof, the COS can always independently serve someone with a Order to Show Cause that they are not in contempt of a court order (i.e., the injunction) and haul them into court. The final decision on whether someone is subject to the injunction and violated is not up to the police, but the Court.

Yes, the event was generally open to the public. That doesn't mean the event organizers can't exclude certain persons. For example, the event organizer's could exclude OSA agents, PIs, etc.

Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in Mark Bunker. He knew he was not welcome at the conference. The reasons for excluding him, articulated above, were and are not frivolous. Nonetheless, he just had to show up, make himself the issue, cause a big mess and, as the Anons would say, ego fag.

 

[Smurf]

She was handed a copy of the injunction. It doesn't matter if it could be applied, it only matters that the cult tried to use it. She wasn't handed a sub poena, which would require her to appear in court. However, Shawn Lonsdale was, and he had to go to court, and hire a lawyer.

She doesn't want to associate with members of the former LMT for this reason. It's actually a pretty good reason, supported by the record. I don't know why you're twisting the facts, Smurf. I can only guess that it's something old and personal.

Pot kettle black on misstating the facts, Failboat. It's already been documented that Laura took it on herself to ban Mark Bunker & Tom Smith because, she, personally dislike them. You can hem & haw with the facts as much as you want, it doesn't change what happened & why it happened, and many critics know it. I'm not going to further argue with you.

One PM'd me on Facebook today suggesting she may sue Laura Flynn to return her (2) donations to Flag Down because Laura decided it wasn't going to be a public event.

On another front, I ran down the Process Server Number of the cult-paid schmuck that served Laura with the injunction.

Michael N. Mattia
Zenith Investigations, Inc.
P.O. Box 2244
Tarpon Springs, Florida 34688
Phone: (727) 365‐9141
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tarponspringsdetectives.com
Services: PS‐CF‐CRS‐ST‐PI (Fee in advance)
PI License No.:C 9600636
Counties Served: Pinellas, Pasco

APS07232 (Appointed Process Server)

http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Michael-Mattia/214548540

https://www.facebook.com/michael.mattia.9 (age: 75)

 

[Little David]

Arnie,

I don't see/know the context of this post . . . What are you explaining here? I see no earlier traffic on this thread that this relates to . . . .

Rog

Read post #70 in this thread.

 

[Purple Rain]

Witih regard to Mark Bunker your argument is without merit. That was and is not Laura's concern with regard to the injunction and Mark Bunker's attendance at the conferrence.

The Permanent Injunction provides in relevant part:

Laura's concern was and is that if she allowed Mark Bunker to attend the conference, and she or another person who had attended the conference later picketed in a area or in a way subject to the injunction, the COS would later asset in Court that Mark Bunker's permitted attendance at the conference showed that she or the other person who had attended the conference and later picketed was acting "in actual concert or participation" with Mark Bunker, and thus: (a) subject to the permanent injunction; (b) in violation of the permanent injunction; and (c) should be held in Contempt of Court

People here might think that concern is unreasonable. Then again, they aren't the one's who would be hauled into Court, have to litigate against the COS, face the risk of incurring substantial attorney's fees, and face a contempt citation. It wouldn't be Mark Bunker, or anyone here, who would be hauled into Court, forced to litigate against the COS, forced to incur substantial attorney's fees, or risk being held in contempt of Court.

I also don't see Mark Bunker, or anyone here, offering to pay Laura's attorney's fees in the above scenario, much less show they have the financial resources to do so.

Anyone who doesn't think the COS would try to use the Permanent Injunction as described above doesn't know what they are talking about.

The sad truth is that Mark Bunker and the other people named in the Permanent Injunction are radioactive to anyone who intends to picket in Clearwater in a zone or way subject to the injunction.

To anticipate one possible response, the fact that Mark Bunker received assurances from the police is meaningless for two separate reasons. First, those assurances did not address the above scenario and concerns. Secondly, the police do not have the last word in this matter. Even if the police refuse to enforce an injunction because they believe the it is inapplicable and/or the conduct at issue is not in violation thereof, the COS can always independently serve someone with a Order to Show Cause that they are not in contempt of a court order (i.e., the injunction) and haul them into court. The final decision on whether someone is subject to the injunction and violated is not up to the police, but the Court.

Yes, the event was generally open to the public. That doesn't mean the event organizers can't exclude certain persons. For example, the event organizer's could exclude OSA agents, PIs, etc.

Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in Mark Bunker. He knew he was not welcome at the conference. The reasons for excluding him, articulated above, were and are not frivolous. Nonetheless, he just had to show up, make himself the issue, cause a big mess and, as the Anons would say, ego fag.

"Somebody some day will say 'this is illegal.' By then be sure the orgs [Scientology organizations] say what is legal or not." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 4 January 1966, "LRH Relationship to Orgs"

 

[failboat]

Pot kettle black on misstating the facts, Failboat. It's already been documented that Laura took it on herself to ban Mark Bunker & Tom Smith because, she, personally dislike them. You can hem & haw with the facts as much as you want, it doesn't change what happened & why it happened, and many critics know it. I'm not going to further argue with you.

Gosh, I bet you never did anything for more than 1 reason in your life. I bet you never did anything for, say, a major reason - for instance, it was your legal duty - and for, say, a minor reason - it was also enjoyable.

People can't have multiple reasons for their decisions, right Smurf? If they say that their decisions are because of one particular reason, you should be the one to hold them to that reason, and not allow them to have other major reasons.

Edited to add:

Major reason - avoid legal fees of fighting CoS in frivolous court actions

Minor, unimportant reason, which could be overlooked if not for the major reason - she personally dislikes them for stirring the pot

That's how anyone reasonable might interpret the situation.

 

[Purple Rain]

You know, we could look at it like it's good that this happened - like this is an opportunity for everyone to pool their resources to get the thing overturned. Regardless of anything else, we can't let them continue to shit all over what should be fundamental rights to protest, to freely associate and to have freedom of movement. Can we all agree on that maybe?

 

[Lexing Jenkins]

You know, we could look at it like it's good that this happened - like this is an opportunity for everyone to pool their resources to get the thing overturned. Regardless of anything else, we can't let them continue to shit all over what should be fundamental rights to protest, to freely associate and to have freedom of movement. Can we all agree on that maybe?

NO WAY! I want to continue invalidating anyone who disagrees with me!

 

[Type4_PTS]

Photos from the Underground Bunker for your enjoyment

Big crowd. Props to Laura for her excellent PR skills.

During this moment when Russell Miller was speaking there were close to 3 1/2 thousand people watching via the live feed.

If I was a betting man I'd say that hundreds of thousands will view that recording in the future.

 

[Smurf]

You know, we could look at it like it's good that this happened - like this is an opportunity for everyone to pool their resources to get the thing overturned. Regardless of anything else, we can't let them continue to shit all over what should be fundamental rights to protest, to freely associate and to have freedom of movement. Can we all agree on that maybe?

No doubt but it would be very costly in attorney's fees & court costs & OSA Legal (with their unlimited litigation budget) would most certainly fight it & drag the process out.

You willing to donate $100,000 to start the effort?

 

[Purple Rain]

No doubt but it would be very costly in attorney's fees & court costs & OSA Legal (with their unlimited litigation budget) would most certainly fight it & drag the process out.

You willing to donate $100,000 to start the effort?

Well, I can't do that, but I can do something. We all could if we wanted to.

 

[Lermanet_com]

The date of the injunction was 1999. It arose out of a protest with Bob Minton of the Lisa McPherson Trust, who later, changed sides to avoid further actions by the cult to scrutinize & publicize his financial & professional dealings. The injunction, itself, was not contested that I'm aware of.

Last January, Mark Bunker filed a motion with the Pinellas Circuit Court to remove him from the injunction. The judge that issued the injunction is deceased.

The real story re Minton here

 

[FoTi]

There's fear and there's smart. Here's what Tory has to say about Flag Down and the injunction and why she stayed away:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voH3J26RKag

Thank you TGI. I get the picture now.

Great video.....and thanks Tory.

 

[programmer_guy]

Tory also said:

Yes, most of it is not about a picket, HOWEVER flagdown.org says that there will be a picket on the 10th.
Has that picket been cancelled?

 

[Anonycat]

Yes, most of it is not about a picket, HOWEVER flagdown.org says that there will be a picket on the 10th.
Has that picket been cancelled?

I think it's all as scheduled.

Saturday May 10, 2014: Conference attendees will gather for a ‘megaraid’ picket of Flag in Coachman Park located at 301 Drew St. in Clearwater, Fl, starting at 11:00 a.m. EDT. We will march along such streets as Ft. Harrison Ave., Cleveland St., Osceola Ave., Court St., Pierce St. and Garden Ave. We will have intermittent stops at various Scientology buildings, with the picket scheduled to conclude at 5:00 P.M. EDT. We encourage all protest attendees to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. Water will be provided – it’s a good idea to drink some to avoid dehydration. We also encourage every protester to wear a hat, sunglasses, and maybe a bandana, or even a full face mask, if you want to hide your identity from any Scientology stalkers. See you downtown!

 

[Magoo]

Yes, most of it is not about a picket, HOWEVER flagdown.org says that there will be a picket on the 10th.
Has that picket been cancelled?

I don't know...my suggestion would be:
ASK PETE (or check w/ others who are there)

Tomorrow they are going on a "tour", which was announced by Pete, at the end of today.

I *******loved********* listening to everyone (esp today after the sound was fixed).

Most of all, for me, my fav that I heard was Russell Miller.
Although I really loved each speaker, today. (Yesterday I could hardly hear them)

I Hope they can re-do Day 1, due to the sound...or fix it up to put on YT where it will ALL
be forever.

My Best to you All,
Tory/Magoo

 

[Smurf]

Yes, most of it is not about a picket, HOWEVER flagdown.org says that there will be a picket on the 10th.
Has that picket been cancelled?

Laura posted on WWP...

"Saturday's Protest theme will be Sea Arrrrgh Eleventy!!!!1!!!11!!! The Clearwater Cell is known for their nonconformity so pirates are okay, but Santa hats, banana suits, bikinis, OSA outfits, and nudie suits are all de rigueur. Suitfag up if you got it. Red tie or black tie? CW prefers red, but black is acceptable if you're as suave as the Norwegian Anons used to be. Wear what you want as long as you wear comfortable shoes. Mask up or wear something to cover your pretty faces. It's allowed in CW. See you downtown."

 

[tetloj]

I hope this isn't what Laura has in mind for Banana Suits for the megaraid

Woops - that's a banana hammock - my bad!

 

[Smurf]

Woops - that's a banana hammock - my bad!

I don't see a banana.

 

[Magoo]

Yes, and she is not going around posting criticisms about the event. Matter of fact, she supports it!



https://www.facebook.com/groups/325785144156523/permalink/629852590416442/?stream_ref=3

AnonyMary---yes, I did and do support Flag Down 2014.
(Sorry if this is "tl;dr"...I suggest you deal w/ it and read it. In the past you have, to quote someone else,
"attacked you *(me) mercilessly". So spare me doing this again. I'm TRYING to sort this out for all.

I want to say s/t to you.

I believe in PEACE vs fighting, war, harm. I am *for* FLAG DOWN...the people who have worked hard
to get people there, and the speakers. I've loved listening to the speakers!

$cientology is famous for pushing fear
You say you're an Yet the Anons I know would *never* kick Mark Bunker out, giving over ALL power to
the CULT.

Oh I understand your thinking (and obviously I did not come as I know OSA and I was pretty sure
IF they could they would drag that old "Injunction" out and try to run it on all...and as I said, I didn't want to
be a part of that in any way. Mark LIVES in Clearwater, so he going was a bit natural.

However, AM: Please, please *never* forget our freedoms. Men, women, children, people of all ages have
stood up and fought and even died to protect the very freedoms we enjoy each day.

I see it as our responsibility to make sure these freedoms continue to be protected.

I get it: you knew $cientology *might* come after you due to "The Injunction".
Well, first off, that very "Injunction" ONLY relates to **picketing**....not a conference or ANY
other gathering, certainly NOT in Largo.

Secondly: Even IF they could "Serve" people due to Mark being there...that would ONLY BE AFTER
1) *IF* You all went picketing..it has *nothing* to do with conferences, get together 's, etc. It was designed due to a picket
we were having in honor of Lisa McPherson.
2)*IF* Legally it was decided that old Injunction of 2000 did have the same legal value that it did then. (which has NOT happened)
3) *IF* Someone picketed and then violated that injunction. ONLY THEN would there be any need for an attorney.

I get it. It's easier to just kick people out and move along. :confused2:
Mark Bunker has done more to expose this insidious CULT OF $CIENTOLOGY.......certainly more than most.

However....again....back to our freedoms:

They were NOT Picketing---which is ALL the "Injunction" is about.
and
Per the Injunction, even if we took the old one and tried to use it now: HOW?

It doesn't work.
Never forget the freedoms you are allowing the CRIMINAL CULT OF $CIENTOLOGY to take away
from others. THEY ARE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING *AT* *ALL*. They create fear
Run lies and get people to REACT, which you did. I just wanted to clarify this re "The Injunction"...
and OSA? FU. The "win" of Flag Down 2014 has and will continue and I can only suggest we all try to learn
from this mistake (as I see it).

To all at Flag Down 2014: Have a *great* time! Take photos, and stick together.
Let's let this go. There's nothing $cientology would like more than to have ALL the attention be on this,
vs the amazing stories shared by speakers, those who have attended, and the thousands of us supporting
it on-line.

To all:

My best to all,

Tory/Magoo