Disturbed beyond the telling . . .

[oggbashan]

I'm sure that the UK is not free from this kind of hatred, but it doesn't get reported or encouraged.

I think that any such demonstration at a funeral would be quickly dispersed by the Police and, if necessary, those protesting could be arrested for a breach of the peace. That would not apply if those legitimately attending the funeral were protesting at the manner of the deceased's death. The general approach is 'softly, softly' when people are very emotional at a funeral.

Og

 

[Guest]

Yes, unfortunatly some problems are not of the "Just ignore it and it will go away." varity. This is probablly one of those. And I agree that sometimes society as a whole has to stand up to these hatemongers and say 'go crawl back under your rock'. I think that waht the Patriot Guard is doing is a great thing and a nobel service to fallen soldiers and their families.

Unfortunatly, wackos and crazymen are interesting and nothing makes people want to tune in at 6:00 like a little outrage. Death, destruction, hate, outrage, and tragedy all sell papers and airtime. As long as we keep tuning in, they'll keep covering.

I think your idea is a good one, CD. The hard part of the "ignore them" policy is getting EVERYONE to ignore them.It only works when everyone manages it. Also, not reacting to a particular example of blatant assholery does not exclude ACTING in favor of other ways of doing things (like supporting equal rights, working for AIDS awareness, care and cure, etc.) Attention of any kind, positive or negative, oblique or direct, feeds the bully in his attempt to make the world a less scary place for his particular set of internal monsters.

It's just really, REALLY hard to keep your attention on doing the good stuff without reacting to the bad stuff. People who can manage it are usually called saints. I'm not up for beatification any time soon, but, doggone it, I try!

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I've heard of this Phelps guy before. He protested in favor of Saddam Hussein and Robert Mugabe, both men of which I am sure the historical Jesus of Nazareth would be proud, right? He also protested at Barry Goldwater's funeral, which was his right, but demonstrated disrespect for a man far greater than Fred Phelps will EVER be. Having once lived in Arizona, I can tell you that Fred Phelps will always be persona non grata in that state after doing THAT (especially after showing placards of "Barry in Hell").

 

[Svenskaflicka]

Imagine locking Phelps up in a basment, tie him up, and let a bunch of gay guys have their fun with him.

"We won't let you go until you cum!"

 

[Boxlicker101]

I've heard of this Phelps guy before. He protested in favor of Saddam Hussein and Robert Mugabe, both men of which I am sure the historical Jesus of Nazareth would be proud, right? He also protested at Barry Goldwater's funeral, which was his right, but demonstrated disrespect for a man far greater than Fred Phelps will EVER be. Having once lived in Arizona, I can tell you that Fred Phelps will always be persona non grata in that state after doing THAT (especially after showing placards of "Barry in Hell").

This Phelps seems like the worst kind of excreta. What good thing could he or anybody ever say about Saddam or Mugabe, two of the worst scum to ever crawl out of a pond? Conversely, what bad things could he ever say about Goldwater? Whether you agree with him or not, and I do agree with many of his stands, he was 100% honest and upright. He talked the talk and walked the walk.

 

[Guest]

After seeing the response from the rest of the world these past weeks, I believe that publicity is key to ending the overt acts of hatred from this group.

We've tried ignoring him in Kansas for twenty years. He hasn't gone away.

Now people are shining a bright light on him and his followers. His tactics are open for public debate, many forums across the net are discussing him, dozens of news crews across the world are remarking upon his bigotry.

None of that matters to him, of course. He welcomes it.

BUT what will happen now, is that other people, good people, like this incredible Patriot Guard, will band together and protest.

And THAT is key to ending it.

I feel better about the Phelps situation than I ever have before (and I'm not even originally from Kansas).

You shine a bright enough spotlight on his bigotry, and like the cockroach he is, he'll have to scurry and hide.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

I feel a great sense of pride in those that ride with the Patriot Guard and refuse to let the lost lives of fallen soldiers be overshadowed by hatred.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I feel a great sense of pride in those that ride with the Patriot Guard and refuse to let the lost lives of fallen soldiers be overshadowed by hatred.

Just goes to show that there really are still good people left out there.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

Just goes to show that there really are still good people left out there.

Thankfully.

The last time I was reminded that humankind was basically good was after Katrina. *sigh*

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Thankfully.

The last time I was reminded that humankind was basically good was after Katrina. *sigh*

I'm reminded every time I see my daughters. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps me going.

 

[blackhaus7]

Freddie started off as an attorney in Topeka over thirty years ago. He defended weird shit while conducting himself in a less than professional manner and finally got disbarred. One of his daughters followed him into law and I don't know if she is still there or not. I suspect not. Freddie ran for govenor on the Democatic ticket 10-15 years ago. Even rode through my little burg on his bicycle campaigning. He lost. He then turned to religion. Probably got his license from Monkey Wards (There's a phrase you haven't heard lately, I'll bet.) But he has continued to increase his wackiness. The thing is I honestly don't know if he believes the shit he spews or is refusing to leave the stage after his 15 minutes of fame are up. I couldn't make a bet either way.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

This Phelps seems like the worst kind of excreta. What good thing could he or anybody ever say about Saddam or Mugabe, two of the worst scum to ever crawl out of a pond? Conversely, what bad things could he ever say about Goldwater? Whether you agree with him or not, and I do agree with many of his stands, he was 100% honest and upright. He talked the talk and walked the walk.

Lunatics and fanatics sometimes like accord each other professional courtesy, I suppose. And they naturally hate real statesmen like Barry Goldwater, a man with not only the balls to say what he thought, but the courage to change his mind at times (on social issues, for instance).