Fred Phelp's mother's grave is TeaBagged after Satanist marriage of two pairs of Same Sex partners.

[MoufOfKhaos]

I heard on the news the other day they were planning on doing their usual protest crap at that Glee Kid's funeral.

I'm sure, unlike Sandy Hook and the Boston Bombing funerals, this will be the one they actually show up to, in full view.

 

[Anders123]

Are you guys crazy or something!? That's awesome! They have absolutely no consideration for the ones that suffer through some ones death, sooooooo now that its happened to them, maybe they'll back off a little from knowing how hard it is.

More likely, it'll only serve to reaffirm in their minds how abhorrent and sinful we gay folk (and our apologists) are. They really don't seem to be the self-reflective types, unfortunately.

I'm with dpnice on this one though. Responding to disrespectful obscenity with disrespectful obscenity only helps to legitimise it as a valid approach. I remember reading about people setting up donation drives for a HIV/AIDS organisation across from WBC protests as a counter. Seeing such vitriolic hate up close resulted in many bystanders donating; they came together to counter the negativity in a tangible way. To me, that's much more productive than flinging their shit back at them just for some momentary satisfaction.

 

[JPGhost]

Awesome

Im drunk with you..

TOTALLY what I feel now ^^

 

[borg69unimatrix]

More likely, it'll only serve to reaffirm in their minds how abhorrent and sinful we gay folk (and our apologists) are. They really don't seem to be the self-reflective types, unfortunately.

I'm with dpnice on this one though. Responding to disrespectful obscenity with disrespectful obscenity only helps to legitimise it as a valid approach. I remember reading about people setting up donation drives for a HIV/AIDS organisation across from WBC protests as a counter. Seeing such vitriolic hate up close resulted in many bystanders donating; they came together to counter the negativity in a tangible way. To me, that's much more productive than flinging their shit back at them just for some momentary satisfaction.

Great Point. I hadn't thought of this aspect of it.

... and while I don't agree with desecrating someone's grave, neither do I think we should just lay down, shut up, and take their crap either. There has to be some kind of (mostly) civil middle ground without stooping to their level.

I didn't mind when Anonymous was harassing them.

 

[JPGhost]

More likely, it'll only serve to reaffirm in their minds how abhorrent and sinful we gay folk (and our apologists) are. They really don't seem to be the self-reflective types, unfortunately.

I'm with dpnice on this one though. Responding to disrespectful obscenity with disrespectful obscenity only helps to legitimise it as a valid approach. I remember reading about people setting up donation drives for a HIV/AIDS organisation across from WBC protests as a counter. Seeing such vitriolic hate up close resulted in many bystanders donating; they came together to counter the negativity in a tangible way. To me, that's much more productive than flinging their shit back at them just for some momentary satisfaction.

Anders, are you christian? Because that's a christian way to do- it's on the bible I forgot what verse ^^

Not being sarcastic or anything, but that's actually the best way to kill fire...- with water. I agreed, dont blow fire with fire, it'll spread the entire forest. ^^

 

[Saybrooke]

More likely, it'll only serve to reaffirm in their minds how abhorrent and sinful we gay folk (and our apologists) are. They really don't seem to be the self-reflective types, unfortunately.

I'm with dpnice on this one though. Responding to disrespectful obscenity with disrespectful obscenity only helps to legitimise it as a valid approach. I remember reading about people setting up donation drives for a HIV/AIDS organisation across from WBC protests as a counter. Seeing such vitriolic hate up close resulted in many bystanders donating; they came together to counter the negativity in a tangible way. To me, that's much more productive than flinging their shit back at them just for some momentary satisfaction.

Yeah, maybe you're right :/

 

[mbamike]

Since there was no property damage, isn't this just freedom of speech?

Moreover . . .

 

[Kahaih]

Since there was no property damage, isn't this just freedom of speech?

Moreover . . .

Pretty much. This time.

But the group invites others to do the same thing - videos and all - and they offer to send maps to the gravesite to anyone interested. Who knows what might come of this?

I'm still very undecided as to the right or wrong of this event.

I know there are more dignified ways to go after the Phelps clan. I was deeply moved when I read about the school kids that time they came out to out/over chant the Phelps crew. It was spontaneous, it was heartfelt, and it was wonderful.

But, after all of those peaceful attempts, the Phelps clan is still going course unchanged.

Maybe it's time for them to get a taste of their own crap. I don't know.


ps, I have all things video/YOUTUBE disabled. Sorry, didn't see it.

 

[CowboyBob]

Isn't this just sinking down to their level? Who knows if Fred Phelp's mother shared her son's and granddaughter's views. Actions like this give WBC fuel for their hate. It's just giving them more attention which is what they want.

No one hates this group more than me but there must be better ways of dealing with them than teabagging the Mother's grave.

 

[guyfromNY]

At first I thought "good for them".... But really, I don't think being associated with satanists is good for any group, especially one that's just starting to make strides.

 

[Kahaih]

No. Graves are actually owned, and are not public space. The plots are actually owned land. No one has the right to trespass on private land in order to express one's political views.

Further, there are laws against desecration of graves, which were violated obviously.

Dismissing these acts as "freedom of speech" is putting lipstick on a pig.

The acts are at once barbaric and depraved.

If it were done to the grave of Stalin's parents, or Mao's, or Nixon's, or Manson's, or Kennedy's, or anyone else, it would still be the lowest of low acts.

Any act of depravity is deserving of condemnation, and redress of the Westboro atrocities does not require atrocity. We argue for respect as gay men. There is no way acting disrespectfully helps to earn respect. It is a form of societal masturbation -- and is as productive.

Obviously?

How does the State of Mississippi (and perhaps other local offices) define 'desecration' here? Does actual physical property damage have to occur?

Charging the group with trespassing might be a bit of a challenge depending on when the gates are open to the public (signage?), and/or if this 'Satanist' group actually enjoys legal "Church" status. And, taking a few nude shots in a cemetery might not be a big deal to them.

Seriously, Real Estate law is very tricky stuff and varies tremendously from one location/government to the next, but it can be extremely fascinating. I'm asking.



-------
I'd imagine the Phelps folks could use the posted pictures and videos in court, but I don't know.

 

[Kahaih]

Isn't this just sinking down to their level? Who knows if Fred Phelp's mother shared her son's and granddaughter's views. Actions like this give WBC fuel for their hate. It's just giving them more attention which is what they want.

No one hates this group more than me but there must be better ways of dealing with them than teabagging the Mother's grave.

Who knows, is right.

When she was alive, she might have enjoyed a good 'teabagging'.

I'm not saying that I approve of what happened, but really, how big of a deal is this?

 

[mbamike]

Further, there are laws against desecration of graves, which were violated obviously.

How was the grave desecrated?
The body was not disturbed. The grave was not damaged. Nothing was stolen. Cemeteries are normally open to the public.

Maybe it's time for them to get a taste of their own crap. I don't know.

Using a few cliches':

Payback is a bitch!

What is good for the goose, is good for the gander.

What goes around comes around.

My mother use to say, "It will all come out in the wash."

 

[Anders123]

Anders, are you christian? Because that's a christian way to do- it's on the bible I forgot what verse ^^

Not being sarcastic or anything, but that's actually the best way to kill fire...- with water. I agreed, dont blow fire with fire, it'll spread the entire forest. ^^

I'm actually an atheist, but have always been a proponent of the more progressive Christian denominations wherein the primary tenet is to put others first (the conservative fundamentalists preach that one too, but seem to ignore it in favour of other laws). People on JUB tend to forget the humanitarianism and charity associated with churches when they see certain religious groups fighting against marriage equality, so it made me smile to see you using Christianity in a positive context. That's far too rare around here.

... and while I don't agree with desecrating someone's grave, neither do I think we should just lay down, shut up, and take their crap either. There has to be some kind of (mostly) civil middle ground without stooping to their level.

Personally, I believe that what I mentioned in my previous post is the middle ground. Collectively ignoring them simply isn't a viable option, as the media loves to publicise news about them, and they know exactly what to say/do to elicit public outrage. As long as the U.S. keeps giving them a megaphone, they're always going to scream into it and their voices will always be heard. It's not as if they're going to fade into obscurity any time soon, not realistically anyway.

Given their knowledge of the law, they're not likely to overstep their 'rights' and find themselves in hot water legally either. More obtrusive action against them by the public is likely to infringe upon those rights and will only reward them financially. Directly countering their message of hate with one of love (whilst raising money for fantastic causes in the process) isn't really lying down and taking their crap I don't think. I wonder how many bystanders would have donated to the HIV/AIDS organisation I mentioned above where it not effectively a middle finger to the WBC protestors across the street? I'd say with confidence that it wouldn't be as many.