Foes of Phelps fight ire with ire

[kweerwolf]

Whenever the few protesters from Topeka’s Westboro Baptist Church shouted or sang Wednesday in South Haven, the earth trembled.

Any time they spoke up, the wrists of biker veterans twisted on dozens of throttles to strike the thundering chords of Honda and Harley-Davidson.

More than 200 bikers had made themselves into a chrome-and-black leather barrier. The 10 anti-gay picketers stood on one side, drowned out by the noise. Mourners arriving for the funeral of Army Sgt. Evan Parker passed on the other side.

“We’re supporting the family of a fallen soldier,” yelled Don Barr of American Legion Post 138 of Caney. “And we’re telling these jokers” — he jutted a thumb in the direction of Phelps’ picketers — “to get lost.”

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13087184.htm

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. That is WAY cool!

Good for them!

[noiretextatique]

2. beautiful show of support

for the family. phelpsites have no shame...protesting someone's funeral is beyond indecent.

[kweerwolf]

3. As much as I like to see Phelps get his comeuppence ...

... I have to wonder where all these concerned folks were when Phelps and his clan of inbred idiots was picketing funerals of gays who had died of AIDS. Sure, a lot of people were sympathetic, but it never went beyond expressing sympathy.

I guess it shows the inherent heterosexism of society that most people outside the LGBT community didn't care about getting involved until it involved "normal" people.

[beyurslf]

4. I would go further that most people didn't even know they protested those

funerals because they were too busy to pay attention to a dead guy with AIDS. And more than involving "normal" people; it now involves those who are worthy of time and attention.

[William769]

5. Your post really stinks!!!

Only because it's true. :-(

[MuseRider]

7. Exactly

and so very sad. I remember being terrified that they would protest my brothers funeral. I made no secret when I wrote his obituary that he had worked for and supported many AIDS groups. Since we have always known them I figured they would remember him, see his age, his associations and his occupation (I know but they stereotype everyone) and be there. Thankfully they were not.

It seriously hurts that nobody has done anything while they continued to picket the funerals of GLBT people but you know, most simply ignore them and that in itself is a form of protest, perhaps one of the best forms considering Fred's penchant for fame.

Good for the bikers anyway. I am glad that the family and friends did not have to hear the hateful message of the Phelps clan.

[Rowdyboy]

6. Sad that it took so long, but thank God for those bikers....They deserve

our (belated) respect and support.