R&S people any ideas?

Question

The first soldier from our small town died in Iraq. His funeral is this weekend and Fred Phelps and his freaks (Westboro Baptist Church) have announced on their website they are showing up to protest and have faxed plans to the local police department.

I am looking for a simple, quiet, nonconfrontational, loving counterresponse to their vile hate. Any ideas?

Answer 1

There is evidently a motorcycle gang that will come there and play bagpipes (Amazing Grace) to drown out their hatred. I wish I knew how to get in contact for you. Perhaps there is a website where this group is located. I'm so sorry this is happening. Fred Phelps is clueless about Christianity.

Here are some files I found that may give you some ammunition I'm glad that you are trying to do this in love. Just realize that someday we all have to account for what we do, and so will Fred Phelps.

EDIT
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2005/06/index.html

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1189333,00.html

also this site is for people wanting to fight Fred Phelps
http://fightphelps.proboards16.com/index.cgi

Answer 2

First: It really would have been nice for ONE person to tell those of us who don't understand, what this is all about.

I still haven't found WHY he protests military funerals, but here's a link on this nut (Fred Phelps, not the asker):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps

He's a Bible-thumping loon who says god is punishing this country for tolerating gays.

Anyway, to address your question:

It's a small town, meaning everyone is on the side of NOT letting that fruitcake have his way (or so I assume) in this time of the family's and the whole town's grief.

So you probably don't even need help, just get some volunteers, especially among the tallest and biggest, to be a wall around the mourners with their backs to the protest.

The "no confrontation" idea needs to be stressed (don't let any hot-heads be part of the wall).

The harshest thing you can do is to pretend someone doesn't exist.

That's the effect you're going for here.

BTW, I saw a bumper-sticker recently: I support the Separation of Church and Hate.

Just thought I'd share.

Maybe some signs could be posted nearby, just to make the statement.

Remember, if anyone loses it and attacks them, THEY win.

Do what you can to convince your neighbors of this.

And would someone please explain why he goes after military funerals, of all things?

disgusting

Answer 3

This group was formed specifically in response to Phelps and his bigots. They're very experienced at protecting fallen soldier's families and funerals from the Westboro Baptist Church.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

Answer 4

Well, maybe if god isn't at Dunkin' Donuts on break (again), maybe his lordship could arrange a liitle accident for his comrade in religion, fred phelps. Of course the supporters of the war say that our troops are over there defending our freedoms, one of which, the freedom of speech, mr. phelps is exercising. Still, and this is coming from an atheist, he should still go straight to hell, sooner than later...

Answer 5

Tell them to piss off. It's simple and nonconfrontational. Doesn't the constitution say something about freedom of assembly? I don't know. Change the location of the funeral at the last minute. They'll show up and get all confused.

Answer 6

The Hell's Angels (Biker gang) have been known to attend soldier's funerals and block the whackos from the Westboro church.

Answer 7

Maybe try and find the groups that have already had counterresponses and contact them.

I read that some groups have formed a circle around the protest with their backs facing them.

Answer 8

I have a better idea...let your local biker union know what is going on...most bikers will jump at the chance to put up a wall of bikes and bodies to keep that cretin and the vile ilk that follow him out of the way for the funeral...that way you don't have to deal with that crowd, because there is no way that there can be non-confrontational response to those kooks!

Answer 9

I think your best response is to ignore them and their message and spend your energy on the bereaved family. Goodness knows, this is going to take a lot out them. I do not understand how these people justify this. I am opposed to the war, but I completely sympathize with the families and would never try to make their pain worse.

Answer 10

I'd ask the local Churches to send a letter of sympathy to the family, and flowers.

I can't believe the leadership at that Church.