Right up front, I must apologize. Using the term Baptist in the same sentence, or even the same article with a “man” like Fred Phelps is to disrespect Baptists everywhere. I was raised Baptist and the vile hatred these people spew is beyond contempt.

As an example, let me point you to the latest atrocious demonstration they are planning in Louisiana this Saturday at the funeral of a fallen American soldier. The motorcade and funeral of a hero and defender of freedom will be picketed as he is lain to rest by the very clueless people he died defending.

That’s some fine gratitude there Fred. I hope you choke on it.

I first heard of this from a certain corndog loving blogger and soon found that others such as Pat at So it Goes in Shreveport, and Bob at The Camp of the Saints had joined the cacophonous outrage that surrounds the stupidity.

But wait, there’s more! According to the appropriately named Lipton T. Bagg, at the newly bloggrolled website Viewed From The Right:

Beside protesting at the funerals of SPC Joshua Tomlinson in Minden, LA. (PGR is on this one, I understand) and Ronnie James Dio in Los Angeles, Westboro will also be doing multiple protests at Arlington National Cemetery, Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery in KS., Boston and Lexington, MA. and in Portland, OR.

This is a travesty beyond comprehension.  To think they were educated within our own borders speaks volumes to the underlying problem these maroons represent. How can these people be Americans? They surely haven’t been properly educated as to what has made our country great. At least what it was before the progressives gained a foothold in government.

I understand moral and political outrage. Most times I think there should be more of it, and I don’t disagree with their right to protest, I just wish they would find another, more appropriate way to vent their anger. This soldier was the instrument of policy, not the maker of it. Take your protest to Washington, not the funerals of brave defenders of the very freedoms you enjoy. For that, you are awarded the title “douche-bag”.

Knowing the members of this hate-cult will never take the advice offered here, to the people who would stand by our soldiers, I will pass on a suggestion or two from the comments at Pat’s blog:

Janet said… At one of the other funerals where the WBC picketed, some students counter protested by holding up white sheets to shield the family from the picketers. What an awesome, peaceful way to take the wind out of their sails. It would be amazing to see that become a trend…

Also, stolen from Pat’s comment section, is this excellent counter measure from First Baptist Minden:

First Baptist Minden said… In response to the Westboro protest group, First Baptist Church Minden is providing a way for you to positively and to peacefully express your support. So for every minute that the protestors are on site, we are asking you to pledge a per minute monetary amount. ALL the proceeds will be given directly to the widow of a TRUE HERO, SPC. JOSHUA TOMLINSON. So the longer they choose to stay and protest, the more it will benefit SPC. JOSHUA TOMLINSON’S family.

If you would like to help, you can print and fill out this card and bring it by the church office, email it to fbcminden@firstminden.org or mail it to the church office at:

FBC Minden
ATTN: TOMLINSON FUND
301 Pennsylvania Ave.
Minden, LA 71055

Or you can call the Church Office at: 318-377-4434

http://www.facebook.com/thomasworsham#!/photo.php?pid=178886&id=299800060

I tried the FB page link. It appears to be down. The First Baptist Minden link should be working however.

Read more on this at My Bossier and an invitation  here, and at Andy’s Place, both also added to the blogroll.

God Bless America and the men and women who defend her.

UPDATE: Looks like the Westboro folks were a no-show. Good. Lipton T. Bagg has video of the patriots who lined the streets to honor this man and his service. Warms my heart to see Americans standing on principle.