You can choose any of these words, and you still would not be close to characterizing someone who'd protest at another person's funeral. Well, that's exactly what the Rev. Fred Phelps was planning. Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church congregation had plans to protest at each funeral and memorial service for the shooting victims at Virginia Tech. Phelps has said vicious acts of violence like what happened in Blacksburg is God's punishment for homosexuality. Huh? Homosexuality is the cause of Monday's events? That's definitely a stretch.
It's a joke to take someone serious when his Web site address is http://www.godhatesfags.com. See, according to Phelp's esteemed theory, God is angry at America because of its tolerance of homosexuality. So according to Phelps, America must hold tightly onto intolerance homosexuality. Too bad for Phelps. I don't think homosexuality was the reason a crazed, young man shot his peers and left the world, including his family, with trauma and questions. But let me clarify: This editorial is not about homosexuality. This editorial is about the efforts courtesy of a mindless cattle driver and his blind herd.
Phelps and his followers are known to travel to people's funerals in attempts to protest because, as they see it, homosexuality is an insult to God Almighty. Matthew Shepard, the gay college student killed in Wyoming in 1998, was also targeted by Phelps at his funeral. Funerals for fallen U.S. military service members have been targeted by Phelps. The U.S. Congress passed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act. This legislation outlaws persons from protesting within 300 feet of a cemetery an hour before and after a funeral or memorial service. U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tennessee, said, "It's a sad but necessary measure to protect what should be recognized by all reasonable people as a solemn, private and deeply sacred occasion."
I certainly agree with Sen. Frist on this issue. There is no dignity in protesting at someone's funeral. Phelps and his WBC mob lack the slightest amount of humanity or decency.
Thankfully, Mike Gallagher, a New York radio host with a nationally syndicated show, offered Phelps airtime so he would not picket at the victims' funerals. Next Tuesday, Phelps will have the opportunity to spew his hate on air instead of in someone's face on the way to a funeral of a colleague, friend or neighbor.
Phelps does not understand people are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one in such a tragedy. They shouldn't be badgered by hate groups such as Phelps and his WBC, especially while they are grieving. Family and friends, even strangers, come to pay their respects. Phelps and his clan should not bother them with idiotic rhetoric.