I came across this story yesterday afternoon while watching my local news, and it so infuriates me I want to first puke, then beat somebody, maybe the Pastor with a baseball bat!
I guess some "church" in Texas is going to use some football game, like Colorado Vs. Texas as a venue to help in their words " celebrate the 4 year anniversary of Mathhew Shepherds' decent in to hell"!!!!. :mad:
I wonder where this is in Texas. Nice church!!! Nice religion!!! I couldn't believe what I heard. This is an outrage!!!!! :mad:
[Thread title modified for clarity. - Outsports moderator]
[ May 06, 2004, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]
Full Version: Fred Phelps - God hates fags
Yeah, they have been talking about this for a while. It is not really a church more of a cult.. Membership is more or less the pastor and his family, including his in-laws. It is the westboro baptist church... He runs the website www.godhatesfags.com check it out sometime and you will be in an even worse attitude... They even have Matt screaming in the background while he is burning in hell. Talk about pissing you off.. Like I said...Society Sucks. What are we going to about it?
Do the human rights powers-that-be know about this?
of course.....Why wouldn't they...But it is freedom of speech, which is what makes this country sooooo wonderful.
Jason asked [quote]
what are we going to do about it? [quote]
. I will tell you what. I called my local ABC affiliate just a minute ago, and found out the exact same information someone above posted. The good ole Westboro Baptist Church is behind it, and Reverand Fred Phelps, whom most of us should know.
I understand their little ceremony is going to take place from what I gathered at a Colorado State Univ. vs. Wyoming college football game somewhere on Oct. 12th. This is what I have been able to tell.
What I am calling on everybody to do now is to send the good ole Westboro Baptist Church an e-mail or two, it just takes a minute or two.
My e-mail will not be of a threatening tone, but I will let them know in no uncertain terms how wrong they are, point out their lack of compassion, which I find to be very anti-religious
and even though I don't consider myself to be very religious, that I shall pray for them!!
I should have guessed Fred Phelps was behind this. I am also going to see if I can get ahold of Mrs. Shepherd somehow and co-ordinate things with her, and see what she has planned. Stay tuned folks!!
what are we going to do about it? [quote]
. I will tell you what. I called my local ABC affiliate just a minute ago, and found out the exact same information someone above posted. The good ole Westboro Baptist Church is behind it, and Reverand Fred Phelps, whom most of us should know.
I understand their little ceremony is going to take place from what I gathered at a Colorado State Univ. vs. Wyoming college football game somewhere on Oct. 12th. This is what I have been able to tell.
What I am calling on everybody to do now is to send the good ole Westboro Baptist Church an e-mail or two, it just takes a minute or two.
My e-mail will not be of a threatening tone, but I will let them know in no uncertain terms how wrong they are, point out their lack of compassion, which I find to be very anti-religious
and even though I don't consider myself to be very religious, that I shall pray for them!!
I should have guessed Fred Phelps was behind this. I am also going to see if I can get ahold of Mrs. Shepherd somehow and co-ordinate things with her, and see what she has planned. Stay tuned folks!!
okay people. I was able to get ahold of the shephards direct e-mail website. I assured them how outraged I was to hear about this, and that I just could not sit idly by.
If you want to contact the shephards and offer them some support their address is as follows:
shephards' e-mail address
If you want to contact the shephards and offer them some support their address is as follows:
shephards' e-mail address
Please. This Westboro thing isn't a church, it's a freak show. Paying attention to them only feeds the beast. I swear, I think some of you guys secretly love it when this sort of thing happens because you just like having something to be upset about. Switch to decaf, please.
They were the folks who protested at Matthew Shepard's service in Lamarie. Chances are very good that the college will ban them from campus as promoting hate speech.
You may also want to browse over to GodLovesFags.com, whose mission is "Monitoring Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church while providing information to the gay and lesbian community about what it really means to be gay and believe in God."
[edit to correct link format]
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: redsoxbreath ]
You may also want to browse over to GodLovesFags.com, whose mission is "Monitoring Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church while providing information to the gay and lesbian community about what it really means to be gay and believe in God."
[edit to correct link format]
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: redsoxbreath ]
That type of response on a subject that is not related to politics is unacceptable, in my view, for this site.
If it were a party matter, I would have let it go. But this is a matter that concerns us as human beings. Hence, no matter what YOU would do in response - please keep your judgements of others' feelings to yourself.
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
If it were a party matter, I would have let it go. But this is a matter that concerns us as human beings. Hence, no matter what YOU would do in response - please keep your judgements of others' feelings to yourself.
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
I could not get through using the link.....
william, you could not be any more wrong. Like being upset?? Thats pretty judgemental. I guess I am an average concerned gay citizen here, and when I heard about this thing, it infuriated me. Maybe it should you too. Wishing away these kind of people just doesn't work, at least for me, and if theres something I can do to make me feel better about this thing, I am going to do it.
bluebird, its funny that link won't work, because I just went to another link on Matthew Shepard, and verified that is the shepards' e-mail address, matthewshepard@wyoming.com .
I can't muster anger for those people, disappointment and disgust, yes. And no, I don't think we have to defend ourselves against this situation...they're clearly insane, we don't need to point that out...
I do feel a great deal of compassion for the Shepard family and how painful it must be to know that there are human beings out there degrading their son's violent and horrible passing. Perhaps sending emails of support to the Shepards is the best thing to do...
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: bryan d. ]
I do feel a great deal of compassion for the Shepard family and how painful it must be to know that there are human beings out there degrading their son's violent and horrible passing. Perhaps sending emails of support to the Shepards is the best thing to do...
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: bryan d. ]
[quote]Originally posted by bluebird48234:
That type of response on a subject that is not related to politics is unacceptable, in my view, for this site.
If it were a party matter, I would have let it go. But this is a matter that concerns us as human beings. Hence, no matter what YOU would do in response - please keep your judgements of others' feelings to yourself.
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
Westboro Baptist Church doesn't concern me as a human being because it is a ridiculous fringe group that is irrelevant, especially the less the gay communty itself publicizes the Church's efforts. And anyway, in deeming my response "unacceptable" you yourself are judging my feelings on this matter, and rather harshly, I might add, so your response is illogical and hypocritical and, thus, hereby judged by me to be unacceptable.
That type of response on a subject that is not related to politics is unacceptable, in my view, for this site.
If it were a party matter, I would have let it go. But this is a matter that concerns us as human beings. Hence, no matter what YOU would do in response - please keep your judgements of others' feelings to yourself.
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
Westboro Baptist Church doesn't concern me as a human being because it is a ridiculous fringe group that is irrelevant, especially the less the gay communty itself publicizes the Church's efforts. And anyway, in deeming my response "unacceptable" you yourself are judging my feelings on this matter, and rather harshly, I might add, so your response is illogical and hypocritical and, thus, hereby judged by me to be unacceptable.
[quote]Originally posted by William1865:
Please. This Westboro thing isn't a church, it's a freak show. Paying attention to them only feeds the beast.
AMEN' brother - Phelps is a SICK SICK man!
Please. This Westboro thing isn't a church, it's a freak show. Paying attention to them only feeds the beast.
AMEN' brother - Phelps is a SICK SICK man!
The best response I have heard of to this freak show (oh my God, William1865 and I agree on something!) is what some gay bars have done. They take pledges, like you would for someone running a marathon, for X amount of money per minute they protest. So, if you pledge $0.50 per minute, and they protest for an hour, you pay $30. The money goes to any gay-related charity you want. Actually, the web site for these freaks talks about this strategy - apparently it's more proof that we're all sick and perverted.
[quote]Originally posted by CPT_Doom:
William1865 and I agree on something
You forgot the supercilious, unprovoked personal insults.
William1865 and I agree on something
You forgot the supercilious, unprovoked personal insults.
[quote]Originally posted by William1865:
Paying attention to them only feeds the beast.
Absolutely right. Those of us who live in areas that are frequently picketed by Phelps' "congregation" have learned to ignore them. KC is the closest big city to his home of Topeka, so they often picket events here. They picketed a Culture Club concert that I went to last year, and of course they picket the annual pride events and AIDS walk, etc.
The city of Topeka has passed anti-hate resolutions in to let the world know that Fred Phelps does not represent their city, but as William said, it just spurs him on even more. His website is sick. He is a sick, psychotic, paranoid man, incapable of speaking or writing logically. And he's probably gay.
EDITED -- Of course I mean if he is gay, he's filled so overwhelmingly with self-hate and loathing that he's gone totally nutso. Did you know he will picket any public appearance by any NYC firefighter or police officer, because NYC has gay firefighters and officers? He will even picket the likes of President Bush and Jerry Falwell because they might have once uttered something that could be construed as possibly being not totally nasty about a gay person.
EDITED AGAIN -- Yes, I realize Bush (and maybe Falwell) has a few non-homophobic bones in his body, and that he appointed a gay Ambassador. I was just trying to illustrate how crazy Phelps is.
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: maxallen ]
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: maxallen ]
Paying attention to them only feeds the beast.
Absolutely right. Those of us who live in areas that are frequently picketed by Phelps' "congregation" have learned to ignore them. KC is the closest big city to his home of Topeka, so they often picket events here. They picketed a Culture Club concert that I went to last year, and of course they picket the annual pride events and AIDS walk, etc.
The city of Topeka has passed anti-hate resolutions in to let the world know that Fred Phelps does not represent their city, but as William said, it just spurs him on even more. His website is sick. He is a sick, psychotic, paranoid man, incapable of speaking or writing logically. And he's probably gay.
EDITED -- Of course I mean if he is gay, he's filled so overwhelmingly with self-hate and loathing that he's gone totally nutso. Did you know he will picket any public appearance by any NYC firefighter or police officer, because NYC has gay firefighters and officers? He will even picket the likes of President Bush and Jerry Falwell because they might have once uttered something that could be construed as possibly being not totally nasty about a gay person.
EDITED AGAIN -- Yes, I realize Bush (and maybe Falwell) has a few non-homophobic bones in his body, and that he appointed a gay Ambassador. I was just trying to illustrate how crazy Phelps is.
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: maxallen ]
[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: maxallen ]
Exactly, maxallen.
- - - - -
But if Phelps is a sick freak, doesn't that mean that he and his people still deserve attention, say by the police?
Denouncing Phelps as sick does not translate for me into denying he exists. When the sick people of the Klan burn houses, do caring people say, "Oh those are just sick people, man. Get over it"? Or, when your lover is raped and assaulted by criminals while on vacation, do you think, "Oh God, now I'll never hear the end of this"?
I doubt it. We all deal with tragedy and its memories somehow, even you choose to ignore it - and we are all different in our take on these issues.
I don't think I was prescribing how others should act. Nevertheless, I draw the line at perjorative comments for people who do have feelings on something that is obviously a personal matter.
Anyway.....
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
- - - - -
But if Phelps is a sick freak, doesn't that mean that he and his people still deserve attention, say by the police?
Denouncing Phelps as sick does not translate for me into denying he exists. When the sick people of the Klan burn houses, do caring people say, "Oh those are just sick people, man. Get over it"? Or, when your lover is raped and assaulted by criminals while on vacation, do you think, "Oh God, now I'll never hear the end of this"?
I doubt it. We all deal with tragedy and its memories somehow, even you choose to ignore it - and we are all different in our take on these issues.
I don't think I was prescribing how others should act. Nevertheless, I draw the line at perjorative comments for people who do have feelings on something that is obviously a personal matter.
Anyway.....
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
[QUOTE]Originally posted by bluebird48234:
Denouncing Phelps as sick does not translate for me into denying he exists. When the sick people of the Klan burn houses, do caring people say, "Oh those are just sick people, man. Get over it"? Or, when your lover is raped and assaulted by criminals while on vacation, do you think, "Oh God, now I'll never hear the end of this"?
Good points bluebird....while Phelps is clearly a VERY sick, demented individual I certainly don't think we should sit idly by and hope that by ignoring his insanity Phelps and his "followers" will simply go away....his actions infuriate me like nothing else I could possibly think of and to further his "cause" by continuing to demean the memory of an innocent victim like Matthew Shepherd and cause his family additional suffering is unconscionable beyond words....IF Phelps' group IS permitted to demonstrate at the upcoming Colorado State-Wyoming college football game (which, by the way, is being played in Fort Collins, CO on October 12th and NOT in Laramie but I can't imagine why the school administrators at CSU would allow it on campus grounds despite the privileges that our constitution provides) then we SHOULD rightfully demonstrate in return in overwhelming numbers that show the country and the world how demented he is and that "citizens" who support him are in the vast minority....it's unfortunate that the noble intentions of our Constitution protect the idiocy of people like Phelps to preach their hatred and bigotry without legal repercussion.
On a more positive note, the University of Maryland student theatre department will be performing "The Laramie Project" in College Park from Nov. 9th-23rd and tickets for every show of the two week run sold out quicker than any production in the school's history (fortunately, I purchased tickets early after seeing a writeup in The Washington Post)....I also saw "The Laramie Project" performed this spring at a small community theatre in Olney, MD, which was met with critical and box office success....such continued support nationwide will hopefully serve to reinforce the rational thinking of the overwhelming majority of Americans and quelch out the reprehensible actions of bigots like Phelps, who make Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell look like parade marching members of PFLAG.
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: gamecock ]
Denouncing Phelps as sick does not translate for me into denying he exists. When the sick people of the Klan burn houses, do caring people say, "Oh those are just sick people, man. Get over it"? Or, when your lover is raped and assaulted by criminals while on vacation, do you think, "Oh God, now I'll never hear the end of this"?
Good points bluebird....while Phelps is clearly a VERY sick, demented individual I certainly don't think we should sit idly by and hope that by ignoring his insanity Phelps and his "followers" will simply go away....his actions infuriate me like nothing else I could possibly think of and to further his "cause" by continuing to demean the memory of an innocent victim like Matthew Shepherd and cause his family additional suffering is unconscionable beyond words....IF Phelps' group IS permitted to demonstrate at the upcoming Colorado State-Wyoming college football game (which, by the way, is being played in Fort Collins, CO on October 12th and NOT in Laramie but I can't imagine why the school administrators at CSU would allow it on campus grounds despite the privileges that our constitution provides) then we SHOULD rightfully demonstrate in return in overwhelming numbers that show the country and the world how demented he is and that "citizens" who support him are in the vast minority....it's unfortunate that the noble intentions of our Constitution protect the idiocy of people like Phelps to preach their hatred and bigotry without legal repercussion.
On a more positive note, the University of Maryland student theatre department will be performing "The Laramie Project" in College Park from Nov. 9th-23rd and tickets for every show of the two week run sold out quicker than any production in the school's history (fortunately, I purchased tickets early after seeing a writeup in The Washington Post)....I also saw "The Laramie Project" performed this spring at a small community theatre in Olney, MD, which was met with critical and box office success....such continued support nationwide will hopefully serve to reinforce the rational thinking of the overwhelming majority of Americans and quelch out the reprehensible actions of bigots like Phelps, who make Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell look like parade marching members of PFLAG.
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: gamecock ]
My favorite response to godhatesfags.com is the parody website www.godhatesfigs.com. Sometimes the best thing to do with someone as hateful as Phelps (who, BTW, runs a church in Kansas, NOT Texas as the topic states) is to roll your eyes and make fun of him.
[quote]Originally posted by bluebird48234:
Exactly, maxallen.
- - - - -
But if Phelps is a sick freak, doesn't that mean that he and his people still deserve attention, say by the police?
Maybe my free-speech fetish is kicking in, but I'm not sure what these people have done to warrant attention from the police. You mention gay-bashing, etc., and if Fred Phelps is beating people up in a public forum, I think law enforcement should certainly intervene. If they are just picketing, though, as disgusting as their ideas might be, they have a right to express them. And I'm certainly not opposed to private, free-market initiatives to discredit this group, but to me it seems at this point a bit like trying to discredit the Klan, which is already thoroughly discredited. People who think they might have something interesting to say are more than likely hopeless, and people who agree with you don't need anymore convincing.
And I am not ashamed to say that I believe many people - not all, but many - who so vehemently oppose a fringe group like Phelps' either 1) dig the idea that the barbarians are always at the gate or 2) enjoy criticizing worthless fringe groups as an excercise in smug self-righteousness. That's what I honestly believe.
Exactly, maxallen.
- - - - -
But if Phelps is a sick freak, doesn't that mean that he and his people still deserve attention, say by the police?
Maybe my free-speech fetish is kicking in, but I'm not sure what these people have done to warrant attention from the police. You mention gay-bashing, etc., and if Fred Phelps is beating people up in a public forum, I think law enforcement should certainly intervene. If they are just picketing, though, as disgusting as their ideas might be, they have a right to express them. And I'm certainly not opposed to private, free-market initiatives to discredit this group, but to me it seems at this point a bit like trying to discredit the Klan, which is already thoroughly discredited. People who think they might have something interesting to say are more than likely hopeless, and people who agree with you don't need anymore convincing.
And I am not ashamed to say that I believe many people - not all, but many - who so vehemently oppose a fringe group like Phelps' either 1) dig the idea that the barbarians are always at the gate or 2) enjoy criticizing worthless fringe groups as an excercise in smug self-righteousness. That's what I honestly believe.
[quote]Originally posted by gamecock:
[QUOTE]...we SHOULD rightfully demonstrate in return in overwhelming numbers that show the country and the world how demented he is and that "citizens" who support him are in the vast minority....it's unfortunate that the noble intentions of our Constitution protect the idiocy of people like Phelps to preach their hatred and bigotry without legal repercussion.
I do realize that his picket signs could potentially give some psycho an idea to go out gay bashing, but I honestly believe ignoring him is the best chance we have of getting him to stop. Counter protesting will only cause him to stage even more protests of his own.
Don't you see (maybe some of you who haven't seen Phelps and his ilk in person don't see), the country and the world already know how demented he is, and that he and his congregation are fools. The average joe, and even the average homophobe on the street thinks they are sick idiots and pay no attention to them when they are picketing. He is his own worst enemy just by showing up at these events.
[QUOTE]...we SHOULD rightfully demonstrate in return in overwhelming numbers that show the country and the world how demented he is and that "citizens" who support him are in the vast minority....it's unfortunate that the noble intentions of our Constitution protect the idiocy of people like Phelps to preach their hatred and bigotry without legal repercussion.
I do realize that his picket signs could potentially give some psycho an idea to go out gay bashing, but I honestly believe ignoring him is the best chance we have of getting him to stop. Counter protesting will only cause him to stage even more protests of his own.
Don't you see (maybe some of you who haven't seen Phelps and his ilk in person don't see), the country and the world already know how demented he is, and that he and his congregation are fools. The average joe, and even the average homophobe on the street thinks they are sick idiots and pay no attention to them when they are picketing. He is his own worst enemy just by showing up at these events.
Don't you think that it's a lot of effort for Phelps and his people to exert, year after year (it's a given that they have nothing better to do), just to have "Jerry Springer" moments? Surely, he intends to incite the homophobes and the disenfranchised on the fence who have yet to grow the balls to rise up in crime.....
Dementia and anti-social motives do not always go hand in hand with a low I.Q. and paucity of political strategy skills.
Dementia and anti-social motives do not always go hand in hand with a low I.Q. and paucity of political strategy skills.
Max, have you ever heard the stat that Kansas has only 1% of the U.S. population but 13% of all militia members? Doesn't say much for our home state, does it?? (actually, you don't say which side of the state line you live on, so I don't know if it's your home state too) Anyway, point being that for whatever reason (only God knows), Kansas is home to more than its fair share of loonies.
Regarding the subject at hand, I have a fairly large circle of born-again friends and acquaintances, and without exception they are utterly horrified by Phelps & Company. To stand outside Shepard's funeral with signs like "Matthew deserved to die" reveals a heartlessness that no self-respecting Christian (whether identified as born-again or not) would abide.
I don't expect this particular point of view to be popular on this board, but I am actually far more offended by Phelps as a Christian than I am as a gay man. As a gay man, I dismiss Phelps as a lunatic extremist. To compare him to the KKK is hysterical overreaction and an insult to the victims of the KKK's murders, lynchings, church-burnings, and other pernicious acts of violence. I am far more offended as a Catholic (and therefore a Christian) that Phelps claims to be a Christian and to act in the name of God.
If I did stand in protest to Phelps, it would be as a Christian. My sign would say, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
Regarding the subject at hand, I have a fairly large circle of born-again friends and acquaintances, and without exception they are utterly horrified by Phelps & Company. To stand outside Shepard's funeral with signs like "Matthew deserved to die" reveals a heartlessness that no self-respecting Christian (whether identified as born-again or not) would abide.
I don't expect this particular point of view to be popular on this board, but I am actually far more offended by Phelps as a Christian than I am as a gay man. As a gay man, I dismiss Phelps as a lunatic extremist. To compare him to the KKK is hysterical overreaction and an insult to the victims of the KKK's murders, lynchings, church-burnings, and other pernicious acts of violence. I am far more offended as a Catholic (and therefore a Christian) that Phelps claims to be a Christian and to act in the name of God.
If I did stand in protest to Phelps, it would be as a Christian. My sign would say, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
[quote]Originally posted by William1865:
I swear, I think some of you guys secretly love it when this sort of thing happens because you just like having something to be upset about.
At the Conservative Christian Fellowship website, http://ccfwebsite.com/mission_page.php?ID=2 , it says, "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."
At the ACLU website, http://forums.aclu.org/messageview.cfm?cat...3&threadid=1793 , it says, "... the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." The quote is attributed to "Edmund Burke, The Founding Father of Conservatism."
Adding some links both from Fred Phelps' page.
http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2002/09/19/2
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,3...E876896,00.html
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: twin58 ]
I swear, I think some of you guys secretly love it when this sort of thing happens because you just like having something to be upset about.
At the Conservative Christian Fellowship website, http://ccfwebsite.com/mission_page.php?ID=2 , it says, "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."
At the ACLU website, http://forums.aclu.org/messageview.cfm?cat...3&threadid=1793 , it says, "... the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." The quote is attributed to "Edmund Burke, The Founding Father of Conservatism."
Adding some links both from Fred Phelps' page.
http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2002/09/19/2
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,3...E876896,00.html
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: twin58 ]
[quote]Originally posted by BoSoxRudy:
To stand outside Shepard's funeral with signs like "Matthew deserved to die" reveals a heartlessness that no self-respecting Christian (whether identified as born-again or not) would abide.
)
Well said BO SOX (I agree with you 99.99% of the time) As a Christian _ I am embarassed and ashamed that Phelps can do such horrible things in the name of Christ ! And I hate the bad name he gives true Christians who may get tarred weith the same brush.
To stand outside Shepard's funeral with signs like "Matthew deserved to die" reveals a heartlessness that no self-respecting Christian (whether identified as born-again or not) would abide.
)
Well said BO SOX (I agree with you 99.99% of the time) As a Christian _ I am embarassed and ashamed that Phelps can do such horrible things in the name of Christ ! And I hate the bad name he gives true Christians who may get tarred weith the same brush.
How can the comparison to the KKK be exaggerated? The KKK work on the basis that the dominance they seek to enforce is sanctioned by God. Phelps works on the same basis, and although he may not hurt people PHYSICALLY, he endeavors to incite (which, by the way, is against the law), and he stands for the obliteration of a human rights platform for LGBT people. The game is more modern, mind you, but it is practically the same game.
Please explain to me: demented/ill or not, is Phelps merely "exercising his right" to freedom of speech? What person travels around the country in the name of constitutional rights?
[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
Please explain to me: demented/ill or not, is Phelps merely "exercising his right" to freedom of speech? What person travels around the country in the name of constitutional rights?
[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]
[quote]Originally posted by bluebird48234:
Please explain to me: demented/ill or not, is Phelps merely "exercising his right" to freedom of speech? What person travels around the country in the name of constitutional rights?
Why does traveling around the country undermine one's claim to constitutional rights? If I go to Virginia or Maryland is my claim to free speech less valid?
Please explain to me: demented/ill or not, is Phelps merely "exercising his right" to freedom of speech? What person travels around the country in the name of constitutional rights?
Why does traveling around the country undermine one's claim to constitutional rights? If I go to Virginia or Maryland is my claim to free speech less valid?
I am in Virginia, you have nooooo idea how bad it is here. I used to live about 45 miles north of Liberty U. Hell, My Brother in Law went there.....Talk about a bad experience. Much less holidays in my house.
[quote]Originally posted by BoSoxRudy:
Max, have you ever heard the stat that Kansas has only 1% of the U.S. population but 13% of all militia members? Doesn't say much for our home state, does it?? (actually, you don't say which side of the state line you live on, so I don't know if it's your home state too) Anyway, point being that for whatever reason (only God knows), Kansas is home to more than its fair share of loonies.
They must be out in the nether-regions of the flatlands of Western Kansas.
Here in the eastern part of the state ( actually the west half is pretty civilized too), Fred has been pretty much ignored in recent years. The lone exception that I know of is a group in Topeka called "Not Today Fred", which started doing peaceful counter-protests in Topeka following the 9/11 attacks, when Fred had planned a "God Hates America" demonstration. Read about it here. The many years of putting up with Fred here have had the opposite of his intended effect, particularly in Topeka, where he calls the city council "love mongers."
[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: maxallen ]
Max, have you ever heard the stat that Kansas has only 1% of the U.S. population but 13% of all militia members? Doesn't say much for our home state, does it?? (actually, you don't say which side of the state line you live on, so I don't know if it's your home state too) Anyway, point being that for whatever reason (only God knows), Kansas is home to more than its fair share of loonies.
They must be out in the nether-regions of the flatlands of Western Kansas.
Here in the eastern part of the state ( actually the west half is pretty civilized too), Fred has been pretty much ignored in recent years. The lone exception that I know of is a group in Topeka called "Not Today Fred", which started doing peaceful counter-protests in Topeka following the 9/11 attacks, when Fred had planned a "God Hates America" demonstration. Read about it here. The many years of putting up with Fred here have had the opposite of his intended effect, particularly in Topeka, where he calls the city council "love mongers."
[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: maxallen ]
In another thread, Sergei posted
The extremist self proclaimed 'preacher' Fred Phelps of Colorado, U.S.A. will be picketing an Iowa City, Iowa high school graduation ceremony because a student named Ilse Bendorf will be rewarded a college scholarship named after the late Matthew Shepard. Phelps and his followers who only consist of his family members have targeted many glbt events and even picketed the funerals of gay men who have died of AIDS. His family runs the godhatesfags.com website which I must warn everyone is nauseating and infuriating stuff. I have heard that gay activists have created a godlovesfags website.
I know the gay activists are playing with the word but I personally don't like the use of the word fag. And when did it become acceptable for heterosexuals to call homosexuals 'queers' as in the U.S. series Queer Eye For the Straight Guy"?
bobby78751 replied
Fred Phelps is based in Topeka, Kansas...check the facts. And his church is comprised of more than just family members.
Jorel replied
I too get a bit uncomfortable when I hear the words fag and/or queer but I guess the idea is, the more we (gay people) use it, the less weight in insult it will have.
I've been to two events, a gay wedding and a funeral of a friend who passed away from AIDS, where Mr. Phelps and his goons have attended. Both events were held at a church so everyone just ignored them and tried to remain civil.
Police were also present to make sure nothing got out of hand. I've also heard that sometimes, Mr. Phelps just sends his goons and he doesn't attend. Sometimes they just don't show up.
If they are there and they call you a fag or queer, just say, "Yes I am, so what?" If they tell you that god hates fags, just them, "No, god hates hate." I try to ignore them unless they get in my personal space or if they get physical with any of "our people."
The extremist self proclaimed 'preacher' Fred Phelps of Colorado, U.S.A. will be picketing an Iowa City, Iowa high school graduation ceremony because a student named Ilse Bendorf will be rewarded a college scholarship named after the late Matthew Shepard. Phelps and his followers who only consist of his family members have targeted many glbt events and even picketed the funerals of gay men who have died of AIDS. His family runs the godhatesfags.com website which I must warn everyone is nauseating and infuriating stuff. I have heard that gay activists have created a godlovesfags website.
I know the gay activists are playing with the word but I personally don't like the use of the word fag. And when did it become acceptable for heterosexuals to call homosexuals 'queers' as in the U.S. series Queer Eye For the Straight Guy"?
bobby78751 replied
Fred Phelps is based in Topeka, Kansas...check the facts. And his church is comprised of more than just family members.
Jorel replied
I too get a bit uncomfortable when I hear the words fag and/or queer but I guess the idea is, the more we (gay people) use it, the less weight in insult it will have.
I've been to two events, a gay wedding and a funeral of a friend who passed away from AIDS, where Mr. Phelps and his goons have attended. Both events were held at a church so everyone just ignored them and tried to remain civil.
Police were also present to make sure nothing got out of hand. I've also heard that sometimes, Mr. Phelps just sends his goons and he doesn't attend. Sometimes they just don't show up.
If they are there and they call you a fag or queer, just say, "Yes I am, so what?" If they tell you that god hates fags, just them, "No, god hates hate." I try to ignore them unless they get in my personal space or if they get physical with any of "our people."
Here's a letter written by Fred Phelps's son (who lives, I understand, in West Hollywood!):
http://www.rickross.com/reference/westboro.../westboro8.html
I understand how people get pissed at somebody like this, but seriously guys, he's the kind of wingnut who is best left to make a fool of himself. Evidence: here are a couple photos of his "congregation" (family) picketing an appearance by Fag Pimp, which is his name for Laura Bush -- (yes, you read that right -- he calls Laura Bush "Fag Pimp"):
http://www.godhatesfags.com/images/2002/Pe...ef_1-9-2002.jpg
http://www.godhatesfags.com/images/2002/Go...ca_1-9-2002.jpg
I'm just glad I don't work for her. I hear she's one MeanAss pimp.
http://www.rickross.com/reference/westboro.../westboro8.html
I understand how people get pissed at somebody like this, but seriously guys, he's the kind of wingnut who is best left to make a fool of himself. Evidence: here are a couple photos of his "congregation" (family) picketing an appearance by Fag Pimp, which is his name for Laura Bush -- (yes, you read that right -- he calls Laura Bush "Fag Pimp"):
http://www.godhatesfags.com/images/2002/Pe...ef_1-9-2002.jpg
http://www.godhatesfags.com/images/2002/Go...ca_1-9-2002.jpg
I'm just glad I don't work for her. I hear she's one MeanAss pimp.
See also the Addicted to Hate series ... Phelps is beneath contempt by pretty much any conceivable standard.
On a side note: Howard Stern will be doing a spoof of "Family Fued" with a team of gays vs. a team of the God Hates Fags people. Stern makes these folks look even more stupid then they really are. Can't wait! Surely this is what Marconi had in mind when he invented the radio! wink 
Here's the way I look at it.
Phred Phelps is a form of life lower than pond slime in my books.
BUT. I do honestly beleive that the hard right christians, while publically condemning him, are glad he exists, and even support him in a back handed way.
The more publicity that Phelps gets, the more that the real enemies, like Falwell, Robertson, the Coulter ***, Hannity, and gang can be made out to seem almost middle of the road acceptable.
If there were no Phred Phelps coverage, the other enemies would be seen for who they really are.
Right now, compared to him, they are acceptable to a lot of people.
THAT is a real danger.
Phred Phelps is a form of life lower than pond slime in my books.
BUT. I do honestly beleive that the hard right christians, while publically condemning him, are glad he exists, and even support him in a back handed way.
The more publicity that Phelps gets, the more that the real enemies, like Falwell, Robertson, the Coulter ***, Hannity, and gang can be made out to seem almost middle of the road acceptable.
If there were no Phred Phelps coverage, the other enemies would be seen for who they really are.
Right now, compared to him, they are acceptable to a lot of people.
THAT is a real danger.
I went to an anti-Phelps rally in Seattle two years ago, and the huge turnout from all types of people and from many religions, was very reassuring. I tend to think that when idiots like Phelps do thier schtick, it makes the majority of thinking people realize how dangerous they are.
I preached the Matthew Shepard Memorial Sermon at out church two years ago, and the reaction in the congregation to the Phelps obscenity was reassuring (the sermon is at http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/joyanywa...ay/joy181.html)
Nat
I preached the Matthew Shepard Memorial Sermon at out church two years ago, and the reaction in the congregation to the Phelps obscenity was reassuring (the sermon is at http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/joyanywa...ay/joy181.html)
Nat
Wouldnt it be nice if some Christians thought that they could get to Heaven by blowing themselves up? Then we wouldnt have to hear from these people anymore.
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