I found this on Yahoo. This really disgusts me and really makes me consider moving back to Europe. We have to deal with this Maniac at every tragedy this nation has known. He said the same thing about 9/11. The man has got to be stopped. It really gives Kansas a bad name.
SMYRNA, Tenn. - Members of a church say God is punishing American soldiers for defending a country that harbors gays, and they brought their anti-gay message to the funerals Saturday of two Tennessee soldiers killed in Iraq.
The church members were met with scorn from local residents. They chased the church members cars' down a highway, waving flags and screaming "God bless America."
"My husband is over there, so I'm here to show my support," 41-year-old Connie Ditmore said as she waved and American flag and as tears came to her eyes. "To do this at a funeral is disrespectful of a family, no matter what your beliefs are."
The Rev. Fred Phelps, founder of Westboro Baptist in Kansas,contends that American soldiers are being killed in Iraq as vengeance from God for protecting a country that harbors gays. The church, which is not affiliated with a larger denomination, is made up mostly of Phelps' children, grandchildren and in-laws.
The church members carried signs and shouted things such as "God hates fags" and "God hates you."
About 10 church members protested near Smyrna United Methodist Church and nearly 20 stood outside the National Guard Armory in Ashland City. Members have demonstrated at other soldier funerals across the nation.
The funerals were for Staff Sgt. Asbury Fred Hawn II, 35, in Smyrna and Spc. Gary Reese Jr., 22, in Ashland City. Both were members of the Tennessee National Guard.
Hundreds of Smyrna and Ashland City residents and families of other soldiers turned out at both sites to counter the message the Westboro Baptist members brought.
So many counterdemonstrators were gathered in Ashland City that police, sheriff's deputies and state troopers were brought in to control traffic and protect the protesters.
The church members held protesting permits, and counterprotesters in Smyrna turned their backs to Westboro Baptist members until time expired on the protest permits.
"If they were protesting the government, I might even join them," Danny Cotton, 56, said amid cries of "get out of our town" and "get out of our country."
"But for them to come during the worst time for this family — it's just wrong."
Thump, why would what one idiot and his family say make you want to move to Europe? They have freedom of speech there too! Just ignore it, do not read it if it bothers you. We all know that it is not true, so move on! I agree that what he did is a disgrace, but do not let it bother you, he is an idiot!
UGH. i KNOW Ruby but @#$)#)#$%U&$)@# it just chaps my butt that people like this are still around. Its just a sad state. Life goes on tho. just ticks me off that they will do this at a Military funeral. I guess teh good thing is that teh Congregation is mostly made up of his own family members and that no one in Topeka actually takes him seriously.
I know that part of the Constituion says free speach and that they have a rigth to be there its just sad that it is done in the wake of a tragedy. The families have already been trough enough. At least the saying "All men are created equal" does not apply to him.
Jumpin key-riste. What village idiot would grant a permit for the day of the funeral ? Maybe they can give one to the KKK on MLK's birthday ! I was thinking about upgrading from a 5 shot bolt action to a 25 shot semi-automatic , but you know what ? I don't have to ! I think all involved are just dumb enough to stand around while I re-load.
I'm with Dave on this one. I'm a pretty kind, patient, calm person, but if these people showed up at one of my family member's funeral, it would be hard for me to contain my rage. This guy is a nominee for the Shut the GC Mutha F'in Burn in Hell Reward.
