Westboro protesters come up flat
By MANNY GAMALLO World staff writer
Published: 11/13/2010
McALESTER — Members of a Kansas church who protest at military funerals may have found themselves in the wrong town Saturday. Shortly after finishing their protest at the funeral of Army Sgt. Jason James McCluskey of McAlester, a half-dozen protesters from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., headed to their minivan, only to discover that its front and rear passenger-side tires had been slashed.
To make matters worse, as their minivan slowly hobbled away on two flat tires, with a McAlester police car following behind, the protesters were unable to find anyone in town who would repair their vehicle, according to police. The minivan finally pulled over several blocks away in a shopping center parking lot, where AAA was called. A flatbed service truck eventually arrived and loaded up the minivan. Assistant Police Chief Darrell Miller said the minivan was taken to Walmart for repairs.
Even before the protesters discovered their damaged tires, they faced off with a massive crowd of jeering and taunting counter-protesters at Third Street and Washington Avenue, two blocks from the First Baptist Church, where the soldier's funeral was held. Miller estimated that crowd to number nearly 1,000 people, and they not only drowned out the Westboro protesters with jeers, but with raucous chants of "USA, USA."
Westboro members picket military funerals across the country, spreading their message that "God hates America" because it tolerates homosexuality. The church is now embroiled in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that it has a right to picket the funerals.
That story just breaks my freakin heart.
Quote from: guido911 on November 13, 2010, 08:47:13 PM
That story just breaks my freakin heart.
Me too.
/sarcasm
It is hard to find a good mechanic on a Saturday, I guess.
If I were them, I would start keeping some extra tires in their minivan.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on November 13, 2010, 09:11:53 PM
It is hard to find a good mechanic on a Saturday, I guess.
It would appear that way.
They made it out of McAlester alive? I would have thought the bodies would have been hidden in one of the ammunition bunkers just outside of town.
Those Bayonet knives come in pretty handy.
A for Effort
F for Creativity
Their van should've looked like a gay pride float when they came back.
I discovered something today. There are in fact people in this world whose misfortune I take pleasure from. I thought I had trained myself better than that. ;)
Quote from: sgrizzle on November 15, 2010, 09:01:44 AM
A for Effort
F for Creativity
Their van should've looked like a gay pride float when they came back.
This is one of the rare cases where I totally approve of vandalism.
YAY, TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is really needed is group activities in Topeka at the seat of this disgusting bunch of maggots. Do EXACTLY the same to them that they are doing - signs, slogans, chanting, yelling, etc at every "church service" they have.
Good idea. I'm in. Topeka is about fours hours away. We could leave early, protest their morning services, catch lunch and be home by dark.
I have thought the same thing. Would be nice to give a little back to em. Would be great if we could get the word out across the country of demenstrations. But then again, to give them what they have been given would mean a protest just about every day.
Giving attention to these people only serves to feed their illness.
They need to be ignored. . .utterly!
Let them become untouchable, invisible, and lend them no quarter.
While I don't approve of the message they are protesting or preaching if you will, I find that they have a right to do so if they wish. Anyone who vandalizes their van is basically vandalizing freedom of speech IMO. This is America after all..right? Again I don't approve of their message but they should be allowed to do it and not get their tires slashed.
Quote from: zstyles on November 15, 2010, 05:02:02 PM
While I don't approve of the message they are protesting or preaching if you will, I find that they have a right to do so if they wish. Anyone who vandalizes their van is basically vandalizing freedom of speech IMO. This is America after all..right? Again I don't approve of their message but they should be allowed to do it and not get their tires slashed.
Jeez, overreact much? In my opinion, those people are by no means trying to exercise their first amendment rights like every day citizens. They are deliberately trying to hurt the feelings of the grieving families of American heroes.
Fred Phelps thrives on controversy. Ostensibly he keeps himself and his flock (made up of the rest of the Phelps clan) flush by filing lawsuit after lawsuit springing from his controverisal views and provocations. If there was ever someone fitting of the title "dooshbag" it's Phelps. I think George Takei needs to take him on in one of his videos.
Quote from: Gaspar on November 15, 2010, 04:48:29 PM
Giving attention to these people only serves to feed their illness.
They need to be ignored. . .utterly!
Let them become untouchable, invisible, and lend them no quarter.
The only problem with that is it's hard to ignore them when they are standing outside your son's/father's/brother's/sister's/mother's/daughter's/husband's/wife's funeral with their hate.
Quote from: zstyles on November 15, 2010, 05:02:02 PM
While I don't approve of the message they are protesting or preaching if you will, I find that they have a right to do so if they wish. Anyone who vandalizes their van is basically vandalizing freedom of speech IMO. This is America after all..right? Again I don't approve of their message but they should be allowed to do it and not get their tires slashed.
Phelps' scumbag nature goes far, far beyond his "protests". I posted a link a long while back about it. The guy should be in prison.
Quote from: nathanm on November 15, 2010, 07:02:46 PM
Phelps' scumbag nature goes far, far beyond his "protests". I posted a link a long while back about it. The guy should be in prison.
That was a scary read. Wife-beater, child-abuser, and I'd be willing to bet a sexual predator as well. I hope there really is a pineapple treatment in Hell.
They are probably covered under the first amendment, as were the marches in Phoenix over the weekend.
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Tear-gas-used-to-break-up-neo-Nazi-107801469.html (http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Tear-gas-used-to-break-up-neo-Nazi-107801469.html)
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/11/13/20101113neo-nazi-protesters.html (http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/11/13/20101113neo-nazi-protesters.html)
Just my $.02 I think that something similar to what happened in the 60's is brewing now. You have the argument between the Rep. and the Dem., we are involved in a conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have a conflict in our own gov't, we have issues over our own border between the US and Mexico, and all of the issues around that (drugs & human smuggling) and issues of states rights versus the federal rights. I just feel that America is headed for a major change.
I HATE Illinois Nazis!
(http://bb.wynnear.com/pics/Illinois_Nazis2_medium.jpg)
Quote from: Conan71 on November 15, 2010, 09:59:43 PM
I HATE Illinois Nazis!
(http://bb.wynnear.com/pics/Illinois_Nazis2_medium.jpg)
Thanks Conan, I appreciate that.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 15, 2010, 09:59:43 PM
I HATE Illinois Nazis!
(http://bb.wynnear.com/pics/Illinois_Nazis2_medium.jpg)
Yes and this is my adress
http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/national/wrigle.htm (http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/national/wrigle.htm)
Quote from: dbacks fan on November 15, 2010, 09:32:59 PM
They are probably covered under the first amendment, as were the marches in Phoenix over the weekend.
Just my $.02 I think that something similar to what happened in the 60's is brewing now. You have the argument between the Rep. and the Dem., we are involved in a conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have a conflict in our own gov't, we have issues over our own border between the US and Mexico, and all of the issues around that (drugs & human smuggling) and issues of states rights versus the federal rights. I just feel that America is headed for a major change.
I don't know. I wasn't around for the 60s, but it seems like today it's more of an issue of media-fueled (and a little help from the Koch brothers and their Tea Party monster) artificial division.
It's pretty funny that 85% of Republicans were reelected in the midterms, despite having a generic approval rating lower than the generic Democrat. How did this happen? High favorables for the Tea Party brand and a bunch of Republicans wrapping themselves in the Tea Party flag. Public Relations (prior to WWII unironically known as propaganda) is grand.
If you look at opinion polls, you'll notice that when ideas and values are described in neutral terms, we all have the same concerns and there's agreement on almost everything. Well over 70% of the public wanted "health care reform". Under 20% wants "death panels." When you break it down further, everything except the individual mandate polled with over 50% favorability, despite the overall bill being pretty lame.
We saw similar results in the financial regulation bill. We see similar agreement on our foreign adventures. We even see some agreement regarding saving banks from going under when it's described with any word other than "bailout." That last one is more controversial, as it should be. There aren't a lot of firm answers on that one, so significant division is only natural.
The marketers have turned most of us into Pavlov's dogs. The little bell gets rung and we froth based on the code word. Describe things without the code words, and suddenly we return to being reasonable. It's surreal.
We have a little ways to go yet. They still haven't put the National Guard back on campus's to kill students. Yet.
I can think of several things I would rather do to them. None legal .
Quote from: Quinton on November 17, 2010, 07:04:08 AM
I can think of several things I would rather do to them. None legal .
Uh-oh. The big bad post critic will be coming for you.
http://www.ktul.com/Global/story.asp?S=13520403&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter (http://www.ktul.com/Global/story.asp?S=13520403&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)
QuoteFuneral Protesters Now Targeting Oklahoma Children's Funerals
Quote
"Thank God For More Dead Children In Oklahoma!".
Okay, enough is enough. Something needs to be done.
Quote from: custosnox on November 17, 2010, 02:02:58 PM
Okay, enough is enough. Something needs to be done.
You'd figure someone'd be smited wouldn't you?
Some insight from a friend of mine:
The group is tied to several attorneys. What you are seeing is their business model. This is their livelyhood, how they pay their for their food, mortgages, cars etc... They deliberately provoke people into assaults, etc... and then they file civil suits for actual and punitive damages. They have obtained many court judgments and many out of court settlements. Their so called ideology is a mask for the "scam." They do this because they profit from it. It is a sick abuse of our system but to them, the effort/reward ratio is positive.
Quote from: Gaspar on November 17, 2010, 03:11:35 PM
Some insight from a friend of mine:
The group is tied to several attorneys. What you are seeing is their business model. This is their livelyhood, how they pay their for their food, mortgages, cars etc... They deliberately provoke people into assaults, etc... and then they file civil suits for actual and punitive damages. They have obtained many court judgments and many out of court settlements. Their so called ideology is a mask for the "scam." They do this because they profit from it. It is a sick abuse of our system but to them, the effort/reward ratio is positive.
They aren't tied to attorneys, most of them ARE attorneys.
Quote from: swake on November 17, 2010, 03:25:58 PM
They aren't tied to attorneys, most of them ARE attorneys.
Yep.
Shirley Phelps-Roper is an attorney (and quite a looker)
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrSamCGtO2jzRVtYYGICrJ5GZdefoaN-3MsF_3AasJRgd0fzbI8Q)
Quote from: guido911 on November 17, 2010, 03:37:57 PM
Yep.
Shirley Phelps-Roper is an attorney (and quite a looker)
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrSamCGtO2jzRVtYYGICrJ5GZdefoaN-3MsF_3AasJRgd0fzbI8Q)
you scare me at times
Quote from: custosnox on November 17, 2010, 03:41:37 PM
you scare me at times
You want to know what's really scary? She has numerous children so someone actually tapped that hag.
And no, it was not this Mr. Roper:
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfODPenjH7sFh9I0xbyRyHOMB9TqqoxqFeFWjN2zgFjEFbQrUqgQ)
Quote from: guido911 on November 17, 2010, 03:44:17 PM
You want to know what's really scary? She has numerous children so someone actually tapped that hag.
And no, it was not this Mr. Roper:
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfODPenjH7sFh9I0xbyRyHOMB9TqqoxqFeFWjN2zgFjEFbQrUqgQ)
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQk-fZ1cEWv2sF37AZHhope5NAIzxCO5VDe2qF0bbpTVS1vWym5CA)
The resemblance is...strange
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrSamCGtO2jzRVtYYGICrJ5GZdefoaN-3MsF_3AasJRgd0fzbI8Q)
IIRC, Phelps himself has a law degree. Something makes me think he was disbarred years ago though.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 17, 2010, 03:56:57 PM
IIRC, Phelps himself has a law degree. Something makes me think he was disbarred years ago though.
he was disbarred, and I believe for ethical reasons. So he takes as many federal cases as he can, since he can still practice there.
Quote from: custosnox on November 17, 2010, 04:00:22 PM
he was disbarred, and I believe for ethical reasons. So he takes as many federal cases as he can, since he can still practice there.
Here's the wiki story on Fred's disbarment
QuoteDisbarment
A formal complaint was filed against Phelps on November 8, 1977, by the Kansas State Board of Law Examiners for his conduct during a lawsuit against a court reporter named Carolene Brady. Brady had failed to have a court transcript ready for Phelps on the day he asked for it; though it did not affect the outcome of the case for which Phelps had requested the transcript, Phelps still requested $22,000 in damages from her.[citation needed] In the ensuing trial, Phelps called Brady to the stand, declared her a hostile witness, and then cross-examined her for nearly a week, during which he accused her of being a "slut", tried to introduce testimony from former boyfriends whom Phelps wanted to subpoena, and accused her of a variety of perverse sexual acts, ultimately reducing her to tears on the stand.[15] Phelps lost the case; according to the Kansas Supreme Court:
The trial became an exhibition of a personal vendetta by Phelps against Carolene Brady. His examination was replete with repetition, badgering, innuendo, belligerence, irrelevant and immaterial matter, evidencing only a desire to hurt and destroy the defendant. The jury verdict didn't stop the onslaught of Phelps. He was not satisfied with the hurt, pain, and damage he had visited on Carolene Brady.[15]
In an appeal, Phelps prepared affidavits swearing to the court that he had eight witnesses whose testimony would convince the court to rule in his favor. Brady, in turn, obtained sworn, signed affidavits from the eight people in question, all of whom said that Phelps had never contacted them and that they had no reason to testify against Brady. Phelps had committed perjury.[15]
On July 20, 1979, Phelps was permanently disbarred from practicing law in the state of Kansas,[15] though he continued to practice in Federal courts.
In 1985, nine Federal judges filed a disciplinary complaint against Phelps and five of his children, alleging false accusations against the judges. In 1989, the complaint was settled; Phelps agreed to stop practicing law in Federal court permanently, and two of his children were suspended for periods of six months and one year.[16]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on November 15, 2010, 12:59:16 PM
What is really needed is group activities in Topeka at the seat of this disgusting bunch of maggots. Do EXACTLY the same to them that they are doing - signs, slogans, chanting, yelling, etc at every "church service" they have.
I thought someone earlier had mentioned making their own signs but I can't locate the post. They are scheduled to protest in Owasso this week or next, at a young girls funeral. I can't access their site or schedule from work.
I have what I feel is a simple yet elegant solution. We make our own signs. 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It should only take 20 to 30 people to totally surround the scum to the point where they can't be seen nor see anything.
I wonder, what would be the legal issues with this? Could you block them behind a barracade of signs? Could the "crowd" block their egress spontaneously? It could also be effective in shielding them from seeing their van converted into a "gay pride" float as mentioned.......
For your viewing pleasure. The 30 best Anti-westboro protest signs.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-3o-best-anti-westboro-baptist-church-protest-s
If you surround them and don't let them out, that could be an issue. But nonthreateningly surrounding them ought to be fine, so long as they are free to walk past at any time and there are no threats made. Were it up to me, I'd just keep them encircled all the way back to their vehicle. Step as they step and all that. They can go anywhere they like, just with a bunch of people holding derogatory signs surrounding them at all times. :P
Quote from: nathanm on November 18, 2010, 01:27:09 PM
If you surround them and don't let them out, that could be an issue. But nonthreateningly surrounding them ought to be fine, so long as they are free to walk past at any time and there are no threats made. Were it up to me, I'd just keep them encircled all the way back to their vehicle. Step as they step and all that. They can go anywhere they like, just with a bunch of people holding derogatory signs surrounding them at all times. :P
To bad. I do plan on attending the event with my own signs. I have two 4X8 sheets of plywood that I intend to make signs from.
I do like the "God hates signs" sign.
An effective method that would likely never work would be to have as large a group as possible (with the 4 x 8 signs!) that would gather but maintain absolute silence regardless of what they say or provocations. It is uncanny how eerie silence can be after just a very short time.
Move to allow their movement, then fill in around them again when they stop. Keep them completely ringed and not a sound, no matter what. Humans hate a "noise vacuum" and they will make plenty, no doubt.
And make absolute total eye contact. Maybe even some signs that explain it as 'speaking' through signs for those who can't - meaning the subject of the funerals.
No, this is not an original idea - I have seen it from time to time over the last 40 years+, (like gatherings that happen from time to time) but I think it could be effective. Yelling or even talking to these people will only play their game.
I would be up for being a sign holder. I would even be willing to do a silent stand. I do like the idea of stepping with them to keep them surrounded at all times. Just hope they don't get the idea to split up.
Just had an idea - need a 4 x 8 LED sign like they are putting on billboards now. Can make a slide show with dozens of signs/slogans/chants, etc. Probably have to put it on rollers with a portable power supply!
Man, that would have been REALLY great during Viet Nam!!
My understanding is the Patriot Guard does a very good job of containing and blocking out these miscreants. You might not be able to get real close to them thanks to the PG.
I think my sign would read: "God loves all fags even the closet cases like Fred Phelps"
This is a dangerous practice. Their intent is obviously to move people towards confrontation and possibly violence. . . and by reading these posts and the posts on other local forums, they are succeeding. A victory for them would be some angry citizen or group turning to violence. This is what they want. This is what they are prepared for.
They want you to show up and make the spectacle even more notable. Each counter-protester, group, or incident gives more reason for media coverage and increases the possibility of confrontation and law suit. Once an incident occurs, law enforcement WILL get involved and that will trigger a suit against the city or possibly the state. They will also garner national attention from it, and their band of crazies will grow.
This is a stray dog. It doesn't mind if you beat it, as long as you feed it. Apparently no one gets that. :-\
Quote from: Gaspar on November 19, 2010, 07:38:56 AM...
This is a stray dog. It doesn't mind if you beat it, as long as you feed it. Apparently no one gets that. :-\
Yeah, now tell that, in person, to the relatives of those soldiers killed in action and see what kind of response you get...
Quote from: Gaspar on November 19, 2010, 07:38:56 AM
This is a dangerous practice. Their intent is obviously to move people towards confrontation and possibly violence. . . and by reading these posts and the posts on other local forums, they are succeeding. A victory for them would be some angry citizen or group turning to violence. This is what they want. This is what they are prepared for.
They want you to show up and make the spectacle even more notable. Each counter-protester, group, or incident gives more reason for media coverage and increases the possibility of confrontation and law suit. Once an incident occurs, law enforcement WILL get involved and that will trigger a suit against the city or possibly the state. They will also garner national attention from it, and their band of crazies will grow.
This is a stray dog. It doesn't mind if you beat it, as long as you feed it. Apparently no one gets that. :-\
As long as no one gets physical with them, they can't bring a suit. Keep a safe distance so they can't start a shoving match and claim it was the other way around. Their ranks only appear to grow via procreation. According to an expose' Nathan linked to a few months back, the Westies are all relatives of the Phelps family.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 19, 2010, 08:58:09 AM
As long as no one gets physical with them, they can't bring a suit. Keep a safe distance so they can't start a shoving match and claim it was the other way around.
That is indeed good advice, however I have doubts that I could contain myself if put in close proximity to this bunch. Surround them with a hundred angry Okies, and you are prime to get at least one willing to unleash. The flames are there, it only takes a little more fuel.
Put your head in the tiger's mouth enough times, and eventually he'll rip your throat out.
When the Phelps cult was protesting Elizabeth Edwards funeral, you could see two of the minors holding signs while kicking a live pigeon back and forth between them in the FOX news video.
That's some upbringing those kids are getting.
Freedom of speech is one thing. Cruelty to animals is another. They should have been arrested.
Since all of those people appear to be related, and they pretty much all live in the same compound area, ya gotta wonder just how many little in-breds Daddy Phelps has running around in the pack there. Isn't there something in the laws of physics or biology that would at least imply it's a bad idea to have kids with your kids?? Oh, yeah - the end results of the Roman Empire!!
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 12, 2010, 11:33:38 PM
Freedom of speech is one thing. Cruelty to animals is another. They should have been arrested.
Where is PETA when you need them?
I could see them protesting the Phelps Cult.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on December 13, 2010, 10:56:56 AM
Since all of those people appear to be related, and they pretty much all live in the same compound area, ya gotta wonder just how many little in-breds Daddy Phelps has running around in the pack there. Isn't there something in the laws of physics or biology that would at least imply it's a bad idea to have kids with your kids?? Oh, yeah - the end results of the Roman Empire!!
Ever heard of Colorado City Arizona? Inbreeding at it's best.
http://www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy4.html (http://www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy4.html)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_City,_Arizona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_City,_Arizona)
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on December 13, 2010, 10:56:56 AM
Since all of those people appear to be related, and they pretty much all live in the same compound area, ya gotta wonder just how many little in-breds Daddy Phelps has running around in the pack there. Isn't there something in the laws of physics or biology that would at least imply it's a bad idea to have kids with your kids?? Oh, yeah - the end results of the Roman Empire!!
I think the Phelps family tree looks somewhat like a
Christmas holiday wreath.
Patric,
I guess I am a little bit confused by your statement.
How would PETA (People Enjoying Tasty Animals) help that situation??
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on December 13, 2010, 06:03:50 PM
Patric,
I guess I am a little bit confused by your statement.
How would PETA (People Enjoying Tasty Animals) help that situation??
I'm sure that the women of PETA would be persecuted by the Phelps gang if they were to have a naked protest anywhere near them, and would soon be targeted by this inbreeding group before too long, so it would be a preimptive strike.
How can DHS allow the kids to remain with these ingrates... ??? ??? ???
Quote from: Breadburner on December 13, 2010, 06:55:46 PM
How can DHS allow the kids to remain with these ingrates... ??? ??? ???
The cult was supposedly in Tulsa this morning at the funeral of the guardsman killed during a home invasion, to punish Oklahoma for "abusing God's servants".
I think I remember some stories about discipline problems among God's servants before. I wonder what corrective measures will be taken.
I sse the WBC is at it again condeming the residents of fag and faux-Christian infested Oklahoma.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/wbc.jpg)
Photo courtesy of KFOR
I won $15 at a casino a few days after Christmas. Does that mean God doesn't hate Oklahoma after all?
Also, did I miss a news story about their vehicle being vandalized in Arkansas? There seems to be all sort of end-times smile going on over there lately..
Perhaps God hates tires?
Don't know about tires, but God hates Westboro.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on January 10, 2011, 09:52:58 AM
Don't know about tires, but God hates Westboro.
He can only weep for their ignorance.
Quote from: DolfanBob on January 10, 2011, 10:00:20 AM
He can only weep for their ignorance.
Well actually He should be able to give them plagues if I read things correctly.
This will be interesting, Fred Phelps and WBC meet Hell's Angels.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2011/01/westboro_bapstis_church_to_pro.php# (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2011/01/westboro_bapstis_church_to_pro.php#)
Quote from: dbacks fan on January 10, 2011, 05:10:15 PM
This will be interesting, Fred Phelps and WBC meet Hell's Angels.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2011/01/westboro_bapstis_church_to_pro.php# (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2011/01/westboro_bapstis_church_to_pro.php#)
I'm a firm believer in the First Amendment and the freedom of speech it guarantees for all American citizens, and despite the hateful message from Ph3lps and his band I still support their rights. It's nauseating and disturbing, but the best counter to his speech is more speech. Speak out against hate. Speak out against bigotry. Speak out against violence.
Quote from: Ed W on January 10, 2011, 05:48:11 PM
I'm a firm believer in the First Amendment and the freedom of speech it guarantees for all American citizens, and despite the hateful message from Ph3lps and his band I still support their rights. It's nauseating and disturbing, but the best counter to his speech is more speech. Speak out against hate. Speak out against bigotry. Speak out against violence.
I think Phelps has actually done quite a bit of good for the Gay community. He really exposes how evil unmasked biogtry against gays is and kind of forces otherwise decent people that might have had problems with gays to rethink their beliefs and actions.
Quote from: dbacks fan on January 10, 2011, 05:10:15 PM
This will be interesting, Fred Phelps and WBC meet Hell's Angels.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2011/01/westboro_bapstis_church_to_pro.php# (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2011/01/westboro_bapstis_church_to_pro.php#)
Well this proves it wasn't politically motivated, if the rantings of Fart Phelps are to be believed. God sent the shooter:
"Members of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, announced today that they plan to protest the funeral of a 9-year-old girl murdered during Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson.
In a press release, the group -- made infamous for holding protest rallies at other funerals, including that of Elizabeth Edwards, cancer victim and wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards -- says 9-year-old Christina Green "was killed for your rebellion when
God sent the shooter to deal with idolatrous America."Just a crying shame it wasn't six of the Westies killed instead.
Quote from: Conan71 on January 10, 2011, 07:34:56 PM
Just a crying shame it wasn't six of the Westies killed instead.
I think Phelps the elder meeting his end would probably cause the group to slowly disintegrate. Not that I advocate anybody shooting him in the head or anything. Maybe after a trial...
A conversation with the Reverend. Towards the bottom of the page.
http://www.ankarlo.net/?s=Fred+Phelps&cmdSubmit.x=47&cmdSubmit.y=15 (http://www.ankarlo.net/?s=Fred+Phelps&cmdSubmit.x=47&cmdSubmit.y=15)
QuoteArizona lawmakers take up funeral protest legislation
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/11/arizona.funeral.westboro/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/11/arizona.funeral.westboro/index.html)
Quote from: Townsend on January 11, 2011, 04:37:40 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/11/arizona.funeral.westboro/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/11/arizona.funeral.westboro/index.html)
How long do you think it will take Phelps to file against it as it restrists his First Amendment rights
Quote from: custosnox on January 11, 2011, 08:03:25 PM
How long do you think it will take Phelps to file against it as it restrists his First Amendment rights
"The bill is patterned after an Ohio law that establishes a 300-foot protection zone around a funeral location from one hour before the event until one hour after it. The Ohio law was recently upheld by the Sixth U.S. Court of Appeals, which made Arizona lawmakers confident their proposal is constitutional."
http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/011111_funeral_picket_ban (http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/011111_funeral_picket_ban)
Quote from: dbacks fan on January 11, 2011, 09:12:25 PM
"The bill is patterned after an Ohio law that establishes a 300-foot protection zone around a funeral location from one hour before the event until one hour after it. The Ohio law was recently upheld by the Sixth U.S. Court of Appeals, which made Arizona lawmakers confident their proposal is constitutional."
http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/011111_funeral_picket_ban (http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/011111_funeral_picket_ban)
That's good to know, but doesn't mean that phelps won't try to fight it anyhow
Quote from: custosnox on January 11, 2011, 09:43:06 PM
That's good to know, but doesn't mean that phelps won't try to fight it anyhow
Someone needs to file a lawsuit that will break the family.
Some family somewhere should be able to convince a jury they suffered billions of dollars in emotional distress due to the Westies protesting their child's funeral. I'm sure there's more than one attorney who would take that action pro-bono and let the plantiffs keep 100% of any recovery.
Quote from: custosnox on January 11, 2011, 08:03:25 PM
How long do you think it will take Phelps to file against it as it restrists his First Amendment rights
He has to get nicked for it first.
Edited to add: Not anywhere they have a cap on non-economic damages, Conan. ;)
Quote from: Conan71 on January 12, 2011, 12:03:43 AM
Some family somewhere should be able to convince a jury they suffered billions of dollars in emotional distress due to the Westies protesting their child's funeral. I'm sure there's more than one attorney who would take that action pro-bono and let the plantiffs keep 100% of any recovery.
One already has. The family won over $10 million in court, but lost on appeal and is now to the Supreme Court.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2010/04/marine_scotus_040510w/
Quote from: Conan71 on January 10, 2011, 07:34:56 PM
Just a crying shame it wasn't six of the Westies killed instead.
Conan, there is a group wanting to protest you for comparing Westies to the WBC Clan, and this is their leader:
(http://westiepuppiesblog.com/files/westie1.jpg)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/01/12/132861422/report-westboro-baptist-wont-protest-at-funeral-of-9-year-old (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/01/12/132861422/report-westboro-baptist-wont-protest-at-funeral-of-9-year-old)
Just in from Topeka's Capital-Journal:
"Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church won't picket the funeral of a 9-year-old girl killed in Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz., in exchange for getting airtime on two radio stations, a church spokeswoman said Wednesday morning."
But the tiny, controversial church that stages protests outside funerals of soldiers and others to spread its anti-abortion message, is going ahead with plans to be outside Friday's funeral of federal Judge John Roll, another of the six people killed on Saturday
I was prepared for this.
Sic 'em Butch!
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/HPIM0723.jpg)
Quote from: Conan71 on January 12, 2011, 11:42:25 AM
I was prepared for this.
Sic 'em Butch!
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/HPIM0723.jpg)
Touche'
I really wish people would stop referring to this group of people as a "church." A child abuse ring is not a church.
They won't be protesting Christina's services, but they will protest all the others.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/01/12/20110112arizona-shooting-church-agrees-not-to-protest.html (http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/01/12/20110112arizona-shooting-church-agrees-not-to-protest.html)
Quote from: nathanm on January 12, 2011, 01:14:17 PM
I really wish people would stop referring to this group of people as a "church." A child abuse ring is not a church.
Spot on!
WBC being complete scum seems to be one common ground everyone can agree on.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas church that pickets the funerals of soldiers and blames their deaths on the country's tolerance of homosexuality now says it won't protest the funerals of any victims of Arizona's mass shooting.
Shirley Phelps-Roper, of Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, says her church has agreed to avoid Thursday's funeral of 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green in exchange for live radio interviews in Canada and Arizona.
The church also promised to not protest the funeral of U.S. District Judge John Roll or other victims of the shooting after a nationally syndicated radio show agreed to host church members Monday.
Christina and Roll were among six killed in the shooting Saturday targeting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Westboro church members picket high-profile funerals to promote their beliefs.
http://www.ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110112/Church-decides-not-to-protest-slain-child's-funeral (http://www.ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110112/Church-decides-not-to-protest-slain-child's-funeral)
Quote from: dbacks fan on January 12, 2011, 04:37:06 PM
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas church that pickets the funerals of soldiers and blames their deaths on the country's tolerance of homosexuality now says it won't protest the funerals of any victims of Arizona's mass shooting.
Shirley Phelps-Roper, of Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, says her church has agreed to avoid Thursday's funeral of 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green in exchange for live radio interviews in Canada and Arizona.
The church also promised to not protest the funeral of U.S. District Judge John Roll or other victims of the shooting after a nationally syndicated radio show agreed to host church members Monday.
Christina and Roll were among six killed in the shooting Saturday targeting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Westboro church members picket high-profile funerals to promote their beliefs.
http://www.ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110112/Church-decides-not-to-protest-slain-child's-funeral (http://www.ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110112/Church-decides-not-to-protest-slain-child's-funeral)
Be great if they put them on live with a few members of our military.
Quote from: Townsend on January 12, 2011, 04:41:57 PM
Be great if they put them on live with a few members of our military.
I wonder how long that would last.
On second thought, our military is more honorable than that. (Even though they may wish to act otherwise.)
Quote from: Red Arrow on January 12, 2011, 06:18:42 PM
I wonder how long that would last.
On second thought, our military is more honorable than that. (Even though they may wish to act otherwise.)
+1