Cross-posted at
Blog the Valley
Well, here we go again. Just weeks after holding protests during the funerals of Sago Mine Disaster victims, Reverend Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church again plans to protest --- at the funeral of a West Virginia soldier killed in action on January 23.
US Army Sgt. Matthew Hunter, 31, of Valley Grove, WV was killed on January 23 in an attack by an improvised explosive device. His funeral is planned for this Saturday at the West Alexander (PA) Presbyterian Church. I attended school with Sgt. Hunter's brother, I once worked with his mother, and he will be interred at the same cemetery as my father.
Here's an excerpt from the Wheeling Intelligencer:
Shirley Phelps-Roper, an attorney with the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, on Thursday evening said some members of the congregation plan to hold a peaceful protest starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday outside of the West Alexander Presbyterian Church in West Alexander, Pa., which is where Hunter's funeral service is scheduled to he held at 11 a.m.
Phelps-Roper said the purpose of the protest is to help people "connect the dots," to help them realize that "America is doomed."
Westboro Baptist Church members believe God is punishing America's support of homosexuality.
Reverend Phelps recently stated on his website, "Godhatesfags.com", that his organization received over 500 death threats in response to his planned protest for the Sago miners.
Connect the dots, you West Virginia fools. You issued 500 bloody death threats 5 against WBC members when we picketed your memorial for 12 dead miners. We warned you that God knows where all 315 mines are and that God would take vengeance. You ignored our warning. Then God killed 2 more miners, and we warned you again. Now God has killed 2 more miners in 2 mines. This is another warning!
From the Westboro Baptist Church Press Release:
Though West Virginia lawmakers are
looking to ban such protests, the funeral is taking place in Pennsylvania.
The only hope now is an effective and strong counter-protest.
Update [2006-2-3 18:39:52 by mph2005]:
On Saturday, Feb. 4, a RALLY FOR RESPECT AND REVERENCE will be held at 9:45AM with participants to meet at the West Alexander Post Office on Liberty Street in West Alexander, PA. The rally will continue toward the West Alexander Presbyterian Church and funeral of Sgt. Matthew Hunter.
THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-WAR RALLY! THIS IS NOT A PRO-BUSH RALLY! We will be there to ensure respect and reverence at this solemn occasion.