This is a Time of Mourning

I think its a good idea. What i also think is a good idea, is that if we can catch these scumbags someplace out of ear/eye shot of the memorial, they get the sh!t kicked out of them.

I never heard of Phelps, so I read Wikipedia info on him. The guy's a fruitloop. He's nuts. But I don't think the counter-protest does anything but draw attention and credibility to Phelps. Sounds like he can't even attract two dozen like minded protesters. But a big reaction gives him coverage. He wants the media spotlight. Don't give it to him.

I hope the media, if any are in attendance, totally disregards the Phelps bunch. As well, I am hopeful that any law enforcement will be able to invoke a noise ordinance to arrest the protestors on that, if anything. Sure, everyone is allowed to assemble, but local laws and ordinances must be met. From what I hear, they make a lot of noise and noise ordinances could be the factor needed to rid them from the area.

I was very sad to read that Mr. Phelps, who has received far too much media attention for his disgusting antics, might venture into western New York to stir up trouble. I hope no one gets hurt as he ratchets up his venom.

Please consider another alternative. Whether by angels or counter protest , paying any attention to these idiots makes them a news story. They feed on publicty and confrontation and are very good at both. I started a Facebook page last night and have more than 100 people signed on supporting the idea of making it a wasted trip for them by simply ignoring them and asking our local media to do the same. Local law enforcement is already prepared and well equipped to control them and protect the mourners most effectively. Costumes or confrontation means we've engaged them and the story will be reported. Since last night I've gotten a half dozen emails from people all around the country supporting the idea of not feeding them controversy or coverage - some had been through it already and wished that they had taken that approach. They clearly have nothing to do with the victims or the service - they are not part of the story unless we make them so. Please consider another option. There's more info at the Facebook Group Buffalo Says No to Westboro Hate.

This article isn't all that informative... what is this guy picketing? Why is he a hater?

Do we really need people running around in tacky angel costumes at memorial services for the deceased? The local media will be smart enough to not cover Phelps, without sending people out in ridiculous toga-party castoffs. Also, let's stop trying to foist an unwanted Extreme Makeover house on the family. Can't we just let everyone grieve?

We thought the Facebook page link gave enough Phelps info to back up the news that he's coming. We didn't feel a need to outline his issues here, and the thought of linking to his website was repugnant.

By Googling it, you've used your prerogative to read more about him, removing the onus on BR of calling too much attention to Phelps - the type of promotion he looks for.

It's a fine line, to be sure, but please count us as having erred on the side of what we consider to be most decent, given Phelps' proclivity toward hatred and our respect for the people he targets.

http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1044016.html

Would definitely have to agree with ECB here.

Seems that people are going to complain either way. I respect that for the most part, BRO doesn't moderate comments.

lets hope they fly in on a prop plane on a cold night.

The anti-demonstration's main purpose is to protect those who are grieving and not to gain media attention. Simply look at video of previous demonstrations by Phelps. I can't possibly describe the reaction of those mourning when confronted by these signs of hatred. The people who dress up in "costumes" are simply attempting to overcome this group hate with symbols of hope and comfort.

I agree with SadLlama.

Moreover, to simply ignore these people, to suggest that we not feed the media cravings of these people is already too late. The media has covered their coming - it's in the Buffalo News. The media will cover their protest - because crap like this always attracts the rubber-necking public.

So action must be taken. A QUIET, simple, yet effective stance of blocking the view of the mourners from seeing these hateful people is good. It says, we care about the people who have loved ones who died in the crash. It says we will not respond with equal hate, but with love for those who mourn.

In the case in Buffalo - I don't think they did get the attention they wanted - they ended up just leaving because they were outnumbered.

Some snippets from the Buffalo News Article...

"Published on February 23, 2009
Author: Aaron Besecker - NEWS STAFF REPORTER
© The Buffalo News Inc.
Outnumbered more than 50 times over, three members of a Kansas-based fringe
group here to picket a memorial service for a victim of the crash of
Continental Connection Flight 3407 were hushed and eclipsed Sunday by
counterprotesters in Buffalo and Clarence.
With many counterdemonstrators wearing white plastic angel wings and others
holding large white flags and banners, two efforts by the three from Westboro
Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., were rousingly overshadowed by the response of
area students and residents who gathered because they said they opposed the
group's hateful, anti-gay message.
"We wanted to show people that we don't put up with that sort of hate in
Buffalo," said Meghann French, a city resident who stood Sunday afternoon on a
Main Street sidewalk near the University at Buffalo's South Campus. "We just
don't tolerate it." The Westboro group had announced plans to picket near a memorial service in
St. Joseph-University Catholic Church for Alison Des Forges, a human-rights
activist who was one of the 50 people who died in the Feb. 12 plane crash.
At about 1:45 p.m., when the service had been scheduled to begin, the three
Westboro pickets started walking along Main Street from Allenhurst Road.
In a matter of minutes, they were surrounded by dozens of the more than 150
counterdemonstrators, who came armed with the plain white cloths to hide the
Westboro group's signs."

"After the counterdemonstration, Patrick McGrath, a freshman at Buffalo
State College, said, sarcastically, he hoped the Westboro members got their
word out in the few minutes they walked along Main Street.
"As a community, we sure did," McGrath said.
Kitty Lambert, president of OUTspoken for Equality, a local gay-rights
advocacy group, stressed the counterprotesters' intentions of keeping the
fringe group's messages from being seen by those attending the service for
Des Forges.
Lambert said she hopes the Des Forges family knows the event was intended
"not to disrupt, but to support."
"This was done because we love what Alison stood for," she said."

"The morning's counterprotests included people from across Western New York,
as well as such groups as Vietnam Veterans Legacy Club and OUTspoken for
Equality.
Joe and Marilyn Ruszala of Hamburg held homemade signs along the side of
Clarence Center Road.
"I'm not standing for this in my neck of the woods," Marilyn Ruszala said.
"This doesn't belong anywhere, and if no one stands up, they'll get away with
it."
About a half dozen Erie County sheriff's deputies and other police kept the
counterdemonstrators and the Westboro protesters separated, and no fiery
confrontations occurred. The three Westboro protesters remained mostly silent,
while a few counterdemonstrators occasionally jeered them.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office said the demonstrations resulted in no
arrests."

Good Job, city of good neighbors!