Cyberterrorism, hacktivism: Trying to find hope
Anonymous fights Co$ while Chinese launch cyber attacks on human rights groups
Scott Stewart
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Opinion
Watching the behavior of countries like China and the United States underscores one of the most important insights you can have into geopolitics: Essentially, the world community is in anarchy. The world stage is in a Hobbesian state of nature; there are no rules for those with enough strength or influence to avoid them.
Consider, for instance, the United Nations' lack of concern for the situation in Tibet. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for restraint, but given China's status as a permanent member of the Security Council, there's no hope of any aid or justice coming to the providence from the organization.
In fact, according to the Associated Press, the Security Council has never debated Tibet and its issues have not been raised by the General Assembly since 1965. Its treatment of Tibet is just one of the many abuses that the Chinese government continues to get with simply because it has the power to do so.
However, the geopolitical arena is not the only international stage essentially in anarchy. The Internet provides many people who have an above-average technical prowess to establish themselves as powerful members of an loosely regulated and hard-to-control domain of virtual interaction that can translate into real influence.
For example, look at the Internet phenomena that is Anonymous, the collective formed by some visitors to image-sharing Web sites where users are typically listed as anonymous. Imageboards like 4chan.org (which a friend once described as being where the worst people on the Internet hang out) provided a vehicle for a loose association of people who decided to take on one of the scariest organizations to target: the Church of Scientology (sometimes pejoratively called "Co$" online just like Microsoft is sometimes called "M$.")
The non-group sponsored protests on Feb. 10 and March 15 (church founder L. Ron Hubbard's birthday) in front of Church of Scientology buildings across the world. Many participants sported Guy Fawkes masks to draw attention both to their identity as Anonymous and the Church of Scientology's abuse of litigation and coercion to suppress anti-Scientology viewpoints. The Web site goanonymous.org says the next wave of protests is scheduled for April 12 and provides information on how to join the effort.
Consider, for instance, the United Nations' lack of concern for the situation in Tibet. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for restraint, but given China's status as a permanent member of the Security Council, there's no hope of any aid or justice coming to the providence from the organization.
In fact, according to the Associated Press, the Security Council has never debated Tibet and its issues have not been raised by the General Assembly since 1965. Its treatment of Tibet is just one of the many abuses that the Chinese government continues to get with simply because it has the power to do so.
However, the geopolitical arena is not the only international stage essentially in anarchy. The Internet provides many people who have an above-average technical prowess to establish themselves as powerful members of an loosely regulated and hard-to-control domain of virtual interaction that can translate into real influence.
For example, look at the Internet phenomena that is Anonymous, the collective formed by some visitors to image-sharing Web sites where users are typically listed as anonymous. Imageboards like 4chan.org (which a friend once described as being where the worst people on the Internet hang out) provided a vehicle for a loose association of people who decided to take on one of the scariest organizations to target: the Church of Scientology (sometimes pejoratively called "Co$" online just like Microsoft is sometimes called "M$.")
The non-group sponsored protests on Feb. 10 and March 15 (church founder L. Ron Hubbard's birthday) in front of Church of Scientology buildings across the world. Many participants sported Guy Fawkes masks to draw attention both to their identity as Anonymous and the Church of Scientology's abuse of litigation and coercion to suppress anti-Scientology viewpoints. The Web site goanonymous.org says the next wave of protests is scheduled for April 12 and provides information on how to join the effort.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
David
posted 3/25/08 @ 4:53 PM CST
It makes me proud to see people, especially young ones, stand-up and face an abusive organization like the Church of Scientology.
Of course the Church of Scientology is going to try to label them as "religious bigots" and "terrorists" while resorting to ad hominem attacks comparing them to the KKK or Al Qaeda. (Continued…)
Marc Abian
posted 3/25/08 @ 4:57 PM CST
Following video about anonymous seems relavent to the article:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cuHF_br-DBs
Tony Meman
posted 3/25/08 @ 5:46 PM CST
For more on why Anonymous is opposed to Scientology:
www.exscientologykids.com
Come on Down!
posted 3/25/08 @ 10:42 PM CST
The website is exscientologykids.org, not .com, but by all means, please read up on the criminal activities of the Church of Scientology at xenu.net and/or exscientologykids. (Continued…)
DamOTclese
posted 3/26/08 @ 11:32 AM CST
Anonymous is doing what law enforcement is supposed to be doing: Putting a stop to an organized crime syndicate. Scientology is organized crime. Its history and its current actions are bespeak a criminal enterprise, one that engages in racketeering, blackmail, extortion, kidnapping, murder, money laundering, all the usual RICO predicate acts, all designed to seporate the marks, rubes, and suckers from their money. (Continued…)
Rosemary
posted 3/26/08 @ 7:09 PM CST
If Anonymous are some of the worst people on the internet then you haven't been a member of the "church" of Scientology. See exscientologykids.com for more information,or many other websites that give clear and concise information on what Scientology is all about. (Continued…)
Brad Bauman
posted 7/21/08 @ 11:04 PM CST
Curious series of responses. They appear quite contrived and reminiscent of propaganda the Nazi party disseminated against the Jews in Germany. No hint of true observations based upon direct involvement, just second hand comments lifted from questionable, uncredible sources meant to foment hate. (Continued…)
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