Fred Phelps to picket at Senator Baucus' nephew's funeral

[Ediacara]

Hate church to picket Baucus family funeral

By MARTIN J. KIDSTON
Independent Record

Less than a day after the Baucus family announced its funeral plans for Cpl. Phillip Baucus, who was killed in Iraq this week, the Westboro Baptist Church announced its own plans to picket Sunday's service.

The group listed the Sieben Ranch near Wolf Creek on its Web site Thursday, including the ranch's address and the time of 1:15 to 2 p.m.

The church, based in Topeka, Kan., has gained headlines for its religious-based rhetoric bashing gays and, more recently, fallen U.S. servicemen who the church believes are fighting on behalf of a "sinful nation."

More at the Billings Gazette

[Nikki Stone 1]

1. Where does he get the time to do all this crap?

>

[Ediacara]

2. it's generally not him doing it...

....but a few members of his deranged family and "church." I have a feeling he may show up for something as high profile as Baucus' nephew though. As for where they get the money to keep shuttling these people around, that's a very good question.

[Fountain79]

3. It's a family of lawyers....they get it from lawsuits when people attack

them.

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. Most have been disbarred

I believe there is only one lawyer left in the family.

[mcscajun]

4. You ask a pertinent and very interesting question...

...if his "church" didn't mostly consist of his own family members, many of whom are on the front lines of his protests, I'd say he did it on income sheared from his "sheep". As it is...where DOES the bastard get his money? You sure as hell can't make a living protesting. Ask any of the 60s protest veterans here at DU (there are many of us, and we never saw a dime...so much for "professional protesters".)

It should be noted that Phelps doesn't show up at all the protests, but he IS the driving force behind them.

[Erika]

7. Phelps hates gays

The fundie Christian extremists who share his hate are there giving him $.

[Fountain79]

9. I don't think most prominent Christian Evangelicals want anything

to do with him. This is the same man who regularly blast Falwell and Billy Graham.

[MnFats]

6. one imagines that ol' Fred may draw a counter-protest..

...with a certain ardent outlook in this case.
...I know Fred's been punched a time or two, he just LOVES to sue over stuff like tthat but....has he ever been slapped silly? Just asking. I do NOT condone violence at all.

[Ediacara]

10. His "flock" was at a protest in Missoula in 2002

concerning the Montana University System giving domestic partner benefits. The flock made sure not to step on UM property, but they were "unfortunately" on someone's lawn. The people in the house pelted them with eggs. They left pretty quickly.

[Erika]

5. Montana people won't tolerate this

He and his fundies better watch their step.

[Fountain79]

8. that's what Phelps is probably banking on...

literally.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. He isn't tolerated here in KS either

So he leaves the state to protest.

[JesterCS]

21. oh if it were legal.

Bullet between the eyes.

But since its not... its just a wish ><

[cynatnite]

25. Just talked to Hubby...

He and his family are from Montana. He called his mother and she's going to call friends of hers and so on...

He was livid and I sure wouldn't want to be around when more people get word of this.

[Monkeyman]

11. Bikes from all over are coming to protect this one

[Pushed To The Left]

22. Those bikers are great!

I love what they do to counteract the sick Phelps family.

[Ilsa]

12. I'm really gad the bikes are coming. Sometimes, I think some

subterfuge is in order with these high profile funerals. Have the media announce it is scheduled for the day after the real memorial.

[ruggerson]

13. He's been doing this at funerals of gay people for years

but now that he's doing it at military funerals, all of a sudden everyone is up in arms over it.

Fuck. That. Shit.

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. AMEN!!

Makes me mad too.

[FairVotes4all]

14. Tell me if theres a counter-protest.

I'm within driving distance of Billings, and even moreso for some of my family.

[mcscajun]

15. Here's the folks you can hook up with for the day...

www.patriotguard.org

You don't have to ride a motorcycle, or be of any particular political persuasion to join them in a mission ride.

Here's their 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.

[blogslut]

16. I think that Phelps is about to

poke a bear.

I also wonder if the Senate and the Congress know of Phelps' plan? Does the President know? Will our executive and house branchees try to prevent the putrid Phelps-ians from spewing their bile? Will the supreme court kids attend? Will this finally be Dubya's first funeral for a lost American soldier? Will they show him anywhere near the coffin?

I hope to anybody's deity that the neocon evil-doers don't turn this into...oh, I can't even type it out.

Lots of questions.

[Ediacara]

20. I think you may be right

Phelps' tactics have always been beyond tasteless, but he was tasteless, but he's never been tasteless to a politician's family AFAIK....

[Bombero1956]

24. my take

If the local police have to provide special protection for those "protesters" then the city should give them a bill for services rendered payable in advance.

[Pushed To The Left]

23. Phelps will die someday too....

His funeral should be very interesting to say the least!:evilgrin: