Phelp's freaks protest Delaware Marine's funeral

[NI4NI]

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

[KittyWampus]

1. Phelps is going to end up hurting some day, IMO.

[mcscajun]

6. Probably, but they'll have to Find Him First.

When the Heat is On, Where's Phelps?

(Emphasis mine.)

A crowd of about 1,000 -- mostly city residents -- shouted obscenities, honked horns and revved engines to protest about a dozen demonstrators in Gateway Park.

Tensions reached a peak about 2:55 p.m. when one man stormed through a barricade and attacked one of the demonstrators, punching him several times. Commotion followed, but no one was seriously injured.

The demonstrators -- followers of Topeka, Kan., minister Fred Phelps -- held signs that read: "God Hates Fags," "Fags Doom Nations" and "Vengeance is Mine, Sayeth the Lord."

Phelps, who has coordinated dozens of demonstrations at the funerals of U.S. soldiers who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, believes God is punishing the country because it tolerates homosexuality. It was unclear whether Phelps himself took part in Sunday's demonstration.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060522/NEWS/605220347/1006

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. He rarely appears at demonstrations anymore

Also, they aren't exactly followers, they are his family. Without them, he wouldn't have a following.

For more info on Phelps, read this. It's long but very informative.

http://www.rslevinson.com/gaylesissues/features/collect/phelps/bl_phelpsmain.htm

[mcscajun]

14. Thanks, but I've read about him already.

He makes me ill.

If I rode a motorcycle, I'd be with the Patriot Riders on some of their nearby counterdemonstrations.

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. I like that idea

That, IMO, is the best tactic I have heard of to counter phelps.

[mcscajun]

17. More info...

Actually, I misspoke before: it's the Patriot Guard Riders.

(Emphasis mine.)

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

[Initech]

2. Lewis Black mentioned Phelps on the Daily Show the other day

And the audience got pissed! I'm glad we're not the only ones who think that what that piece of shit is doing is wrong

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Can you link that article directly?

I don't see it there.

Thanks.

[NI4NI]

4. It's linking for me

after I click on the photo.

[mcscajun]

8. Try this.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060522/NEWS/605220347/1006

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Thank you

Please know that Fred Phelps is an embarrassment to all Kansans.

[mcscajun]

15. Beyond that...he's an embarrassment to humanity.

All of it.

[blogslut]

5. Why is that man

so damned cruel?

What a waste of human effort.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. He is mentally ill

There really is no other explanation.

[MrSlayer]

7. I really wish someone would wade into them with bats and pipes.

Violence really doesn't solve much but sometimes people just ask you to beat the living shit out of them. These people beg for it. They are vile.

[Buns_of_Fire]

9. Alas, that's just what Phred Phelps and the Phreaks want...

There's a reason most of his "phamily" are lawyers.

That being said, though, if it were my son or daughter being buried, I'd happily be at the front of the pack with whatever I could swing. Let 'em sue. By that point, I'd have lost everything I cared about anyway.

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. And get arrested for assault?

Sure, that's a smart idea.

[MrSlayer]

18. If the whole funeral goes in, they can't get everyone.

Besides, it would be worth it. I'd take the fine and suspended sentence to crack a few of their heads. And there is always the possibility that the cops would look the other way, a lot of them hate these bastards too. Remember, these scumbags celebrated the deaths of the police and firemen who died in 9/11.

[proud2BlibKansan]

20. If the cops looked the other way,

they wouldn't be doing their jobs.

[MrSlayer]

21. It has been known to happen.

From time to time. There's all kinds of justice in this world.

[MrSlayer]

19. Ah, but they were chased out with bottles and eggs.

http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_142103801.html

<snip>

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church came to Seaford’s Gateway Park to demonstrate before the funeral for Marine Corporal Cory Palmer, who died earlier this month from injuries suffered in Iraq. The group believes God is punishing America for being too tolerant of homosexuals by killing soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But they were far outnumbered by troop-supporting demonstrators. Some broke through police barricades, hurling insults and chicken eggs onto the anti-homosexual demonstrators.

<end snip>

Good to see someone holding these pieces of shit to account. Damn shame they didn't get to really roll over them and cause some serious damage.

[Bluerthanblue]

22. can someone explain how 'free-speech' is

a 'defense' here?
I have always understood the reality that 'my' "right to free speech"- ends, when it infringes upon the 'rights' of others, to live their lives without being tormented unjustly, or bothered.

For Gods sake, there are laws against playing your stereo too loud, for saying fuck on 'the air'- for all sorts of things, but when it comes to people who are already in tremendous pain, having this jerk off abuse them further, under the guise of 'free-speech' makes absolutely NO sense-

I despise what this man, and his deluded followers are doing- and words ARE weapons- and harm in ways that last oftentimes far longer than flesh wounds- the scars may not show, but they often never heal.

[lies and propaganda]

23. now why don't we have Minutemen who go after these nutballs?

not really, but you know what I mean.

Its just surprising to me what we care about, and what we barely bat our lashes at.

I hope Jesus isn't a pacifist when he meet Phelps.