Bikers Counter-Protest At Soldier Funerals
The Patriot Guard is a motorcycle 'gang' motor around the country, going from one soldier funeral to the next.
Why? They are shouting and cheering, covering the jeers and boos of 'Rev.' Fred Phelps' protests of military last rights. Phelps actually thinks that God is punishing American soldiers with death for being part of a military that harbors homosexuals. His cool-aid drinking followers bring signs to funerals thanking God for IEDs.
The bikers stand between the soldiers families and cover the jeering morons with patriotic shouts and cheers of gratitude to our honored dead. Instead of ridiculous signage, they carry flags.
"The most important thing we can do is let families know that the nation cares," said Don Woodrick, the group's Kentucky captain. "When a total stranger gets on a motorcycle in the middle of winter and drives 300 miles to hold a flag, that makes a powerful statement."
Usually when the Patriot Guard shows up, the community comes out in force to help them with their cheers and solidarity for the soldiers.
The so-called church, Westboro Baptist (I'd like to interject that these freak jobs are NOT real Baptists. I was raised Southern Baptist and my church would've had something to say if these guys showed up in our community!) is not affiliated with a real denomination and is mostly made up of Phelps' extended family.
"The scriptures are crystal clear that when God sets out to punish a nation, it is with the sword. An IED is just a broken-up sword," Phelps-Roper (Phelps' daughter and a lawyer) said. "Since that is his weapon of choice, our forum of choice has got to be a dead soldier's funeral."
Since when is an IED the weapon of choice for the Lord? And since when is an IED a broken up sword? What a crappy metaphor.
During the 1990's Phelps' family/church would picket funerals of those who died of AIDS.
So far, 14 states are drafting legislation to bar protestors from attacking funerals. Protestors would have to maintain a distance of at least 300 ft. or earshot, and would keep protestors from using equipment to broadcast their assaults.
Why? They are shouting and cheering, covering the jeers and boos of 'Rev.' Fred Phelps' protests of military last rights. Phelps actually thinks that God is punishing American soldiers with death for being part of a military that harbors homosexuals. His cool-aid drinking followers bring signs to funerals thanking God for IEDs.
The bikers stand between the soldiers families and cover the jeering morons with patriotic shouts and cheers of gratitude to our honored dead. Instead of ridiculous signage, they carry flags.
"The most important thing we can do is let families know that the nation cares," said Don Woodrick, the group's Kentucky captain. "When a total stranger gets on a motorcycle in the middle of winter and drives 300 miles to hold a flag, that makes a powerful statement."
Usually when the Patriot Guard shows up, the community comes out in force to help them with their cheers and solidarity for the soldiers.
The so-called church, Westboro Baptist (I'd like to interject that these freak jobs are NOT real Baptists. I was raised Southern Baptist and my church would've had something to say if these guys showed up in our community!) is not affiliated with a real denomination and is mostly made up of Phelps' extended family.
"The scriptures are crystal clear that when God sets out to punish a nation, it is with the sword. An IED is just a broken-up sword," Phelps-Roper (Phelps' daughter and a lawyer) said. "Since that is his weapon of choice, our forum of choice has got to be a dead soldier's funeral."
Since when is an IED the weapon of choice for the Lord? And since when is an IED a broken up sword? What a crappy metaphor.
During the 1990's Phelps' family/church would picket funerals of those who died of AIDS.
So far, 14 states are drafting legislation to bar protestors from attacking funerals. Protestors would have to maintain a distance of at least 300 ft. or earshot, and would keep protestors from using equipment to broadcast their assaults.
Richard Wilbur, a retired police detective, said his Indiana Patriot Guard group only comes to funerals if invited by family. He said he has no problem with protests against the war but sees no place for objectors at a family's final goodbye to a soldier.
"No one deserves this," he said.
I couldn't agree more! These people are definately canidates for a good horsewhipping!
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When I first read about this group in a news blurb, I googled them and came up with their website: www.godhatesfags.com
No joke - they are just that out there. I laughed my butt of at some of the stuff because, honestly, I thought it had to be some kind of spoof. Then I realized just how serious they are - can you say P-S-Y-C-H-O?
Comment by Cate— 2006/02/22 @ 01:38 PM — (Reply)
Comment by C-Mom— 2006/02/23 @ 05:16 AM — (Reply)
using capital letters is a good way to describe them
Comment by elmers brother— 2006/02/23 @ 05:22 AM — (Reply)