WBC sinks to new low

Sabrina · 11th April 2011, 03:45 PM

Didn't think it was possible? You're wrong.

Westboro Baptist will picket Ft. George G. Meade Middle School on April 14th, 2011.

A MIDDLE SCHOOL. Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children.

I'd like to call on all the skeptics in Maryland to head to the middle school (it's off post, which is why Phelps can get at it; he can't go on school grounds, naturally, but he can get to the school pretty easily) on the 14th and give Phelps the same treatment he got at DragonCon and other times. Turn his tactics against him with the silly signs.

I'm also curious if the Patriot Guard Riders might be interested in showing up; does anyone know if they have a local chapter near Ft. Meade? I can't help but imagine that seeing a bunch of motorcycles with flags waving will lift the spirits of the kids there and show them that most people in the US support their parents for the job they do.

I can't get off of work that day, unfortunately, or I'd be there myself. I hope that by letting you all know about this that it goes as viral as possible and we get tons of people to show up and counter Phelps' sick, twisted message with one of support for these kids' parents. Help me out, please?

Arisia · 11th April 2011, 04:21 PM

Looks like a High School, actually, so I'm sure some of those teenagers will join in whatever creative counter protest does form. As always, taking as much media attention as possible away from the WBC members should be the focus, doing it as humorously as possible with signs that are silly instead of hateful.

Emet · 11th April 2011, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

I'm also curious if the Patriot Guard Riders might be interested in showing up; does anyone know if they have a local chapter near Ft. Meade? I can't help but imagine that seeing a bunch of motorcycles with flags waving will lift the spirits of the kids there and show them that most people in the US support their parents for the job they do.

They won't. IIRC, when WBC threatened to protest the Arizona funeral of the little girl killed in the Giffords shooting, they respectfully declined. I can't find it on their web page now, but I'm fairly certain they responded on-line and explained their mission--to shield the mourning family and their friends of fallen military from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

Puppycow · 11th April 2011, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

A MIDDLE SCHOOL. Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children.

I can't get off of work that day, unfortunately, or I'd be there myself. I hope that by letting you all know about this that it goes as viral as possible and we get tons of people to show up and counter Phelps' sick, twisted message with one of support for these kids' parents. Help me out, please?

Why are you linking to their hate site? Has it occurred to you that you are playing right into their hands?

Instead of paying attention every time they "sink to a new low" and helping them to spread the word by linking to their hate site, how about ignoring them, and instead not showing up, which is what they want. The more attention they get, including negative attention, the happier they are. Why can't people figure this out.

Please everybody, there's nothing to see here. Put them on ignore.

Zep · 11th April 2011, 06:25 PM

And they are picketing that particular school because...?

Also, they are intending to be there from 6:45 to 7:15am. Why so early? Assuming it is what they will do, why not ask the school principal to tell the teachers, parents and students not to come near the school until after, say, 8:30am as it will be locked until then. Then the Phelpsian twats will be picketing in an empty street against no-one - yet another fail.

Emet · 11th April 2011, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Zep

And they are picketing that particular school because...?

Also, they are intending to be there from 6:45 to 7:15am. Why so early? Assuming it is what they will do, why not ask the school principal to tell the teachers, parents and students not to come near the school until after, say, 8:30am as it will be locked until then. Then the Phelpsian twats will be picketing in an empty street against no-one - yet another fail.

Quote:

Westboro Baptist to protest outside Meade High

(...)
Members of Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas will picket outside of the high school between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. as students arrive to school for the day.
(...)
However, in a statement issued today announcing the picket line, the church said it was targeting the children of soldiers at the school.

Meade High serves military families who live on or around Fort Meade, as well as civilian families who live in the surrounding area.

School officials have been working with county police and Fort Meade police for the past week in preparation of the protest, said Bob Mosier, county schools spokesman. Meade students took home a letter this afternoon from schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell informing parents about the protest.

http://www.mdgazette.com/content/wes...ide-meade-high

patchbunny · 11th April 2011, 06:35 PM

They picketed Mr Roger's funeral. They can't top that one. If there's anyone on this planet who would have passed through the Pearly Gates, I figure it was him.

Lowpro · 11th April 2011, 08:48 PM

Ya know what the middle school needs to do is "redirect parking" constantly so the picketers cannot settle down. That happened at my High School where a bunch of parents were setting up a picket thingy or whatever, and the principle just constantly changed parking rules so that they were continually violated and the picketers couldn't set their stuff up anywhere XD

Sometimes I enjoy abuse of power, as long as I'm on the good side of it.

BTW I just read that flier...it makes no case in particular against the school. Are they just against the educational system in general since there's not enough of their God in it?

Alt+F4 · 11th April 2011, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Didn't think it was possible? You're wrong.

Why are you linking to this? Very not nice. How many more threads do we need on this BS?

KoihimeNakamura · 11th April 2011, 10:00 PM

Yeah, heaven forbid she's outraged and wants to counterprotest.

(Or: Ignoring them doesn't really work.)

Zep · 11th April 2011, 10:13 PM

I wouldn't even try to counterprotest. I like the adpative parking rules idea too. But I still reckon just not being there is the best. Perhaps everyone goes away on a school outing?

So imagine: The school is totally silent and closed, birds tweeting in the trees, happy spring morning... Phelpsian twats appear with their silly signs ready to shout down...absolutely nobody. They will be the only people there; even the media might be asked to stay away. Keep an eye on them from afar, and when they eventually get tired, resume life as normal.

Option 2: No kids, but a few troops of hefty Marines doing rifle drill.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ill_Team_6.jpg

KoihimeNakamura · 11th April 2011, 10:55 PM

Or shutting it down works well.

Puppycow · 11th April 2011, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by KoihimeNakamura

(Or: Ignoring them doesn't really work.)

What do you mean it doesn't work? It works for me.

Roger Ramjets · 11th April 2011, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me.

Mission accomplished!

Zep · 11th April 2011, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by KoihimeNakamura

Or shutting it down works well.

Shutting what down?

Ryokan · 11th April 2011, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

I'd like to call on all the skeptics in Maryland to head to the middle school (it's off post, which is why Phelps can get at it; he can't go on school grounds, naturally, but he can get to the school pretty easily) on the 14th and give Phelps the same treatment he got at DragonCon and other times. Turn his tactics against him with the silly signs.

Right. Give him lots and lots of attention. That's the last thing he wants!

If people had just ignored these guys from the start they'd be gone by now..

Rolfe · 12th April 2011, 01:52 AM

Oops, when I saw the title of the thread, I thought it was either an AIDS patient deteriorating, someone who'd been exposed to radiation looking bad, or a patient on cancer chemotherapy being monitored.

My bad. I'll go away now....

Rolfe.

timhau · 12th April 2011, 02:57 AM

My first thought was "Oh, what has the World Boxing Council done now?"

I'd pay to see Vitali Klitschko go against Fred Phelps for 10 rounds. I'd pay even more if I could be the referee ("What? Stop the fight? Naah, Phelps is fine, he's just doing the horizontal version of rope-a-dope." "1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... No, he's not out! His foot just twitched! Box!")

Matthew Best · 12th April 2011, 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children.

It's right there in the OP. They don't like being ignored. Therefore the best thing to do is ignore them.

Kestrel · 12th April 2011, 05:05 AM

Originally Posted by Matthew Best

It's right there in the OP. They don't like being ignored. Therefore the best thing to do is ignore them.

Having to ignore idiots is the price we pay for free speech. I used that line years ago in a successful effort to have Phelps and his WBC minions ignored.

Emet · 12th April 2011, 05:13 AM

Here's the letter from the school superintendent, sent to parents:

http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/wp-con...rchProtest.pdf

Retrieved from this link.

Arisia · 12th April 2011, 06:10 PM

Ignoring them will only work if we can convince the media, of all kinds, to ignore them, and for long enough for the WBC crew to get tired of the expense of going all around the country to spew their hateful message. Sadly, I don't see all elements of the media doing that.

Emet · 12th April 2011, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Arisia

Ignoring them will only work if we can convince the media, of all kinds, to ignore them, and for long enough for the WBC crew to get tired of the expense of going all around the country to spew their hateful message. Sadly, I don't see all elements of the media doing that.

And now there's an article in The ~~Crapital~~ Capital:

Linky.

LibraryLady · 12th April 2011, 06:39 PM

They love Maryland because of the lawsuit situation.

Puppycow · 12th April 2011, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by Kestrel

Having to ignore idiots is the price we pay for free speech.

That's a great pithy crystallization of the truth.

They can't bother us if we don't let them get under our skin.

They are very careful about following the letter of the law, which means the only thing we can do is to ignore them. Laugh if you want, but don't go out of your way to call attention to them.

Puppycow · 12th April 2011, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Arisia

Ignoring them will only work if we can convince the media, of all kinds, to ignore them, and for long enough for the WBC crew to get tired of the expense of going all around the country to spew their hateful message. Sadly, I don't see all elements of the media doing that.

Well, what can you do. Someone will always respond to trolls, but we don't have to add to it. The rest of us can still ignore it. Just pay attention to something else, anything else that interests you, and soon they will be out of your mind. And if anyone else mentions them to you, just point out that attention is what they want, and we don't have to pay them any attention: Voila, problem solved!

Sledge · 12th April 2011, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

They can't bother us if we don't let them get under our skin.

Order today to receive other gems of half-assed wisdom like "Bullies always run away if you stand up to them" and "Wasps won't sting you if you hold still."

Way I see it: these people want to be assaulted. There are other people who want to assault them. I say we give them a nice area to meet, give the police the afternoon off, and whatever happens, happens.

Nihilianth · 12th April 2011, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Didn't think it was possible? You're wrong.

Westboro Baptist will picket Ft. George G. Meade Middle School on April 14th, 2011.

A MIDDLE SCHOOL. Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children.

I'd like to call on all the skeptics in Maryland to head to the middle school (it's off post, which is why Phelps can get at it; he can't go on school grounds, naturally, but he can get to the school pretty easily) on the 14th and give Phelps the same treatment he got at DragonCon and other times. Turn his tactics against him with the silly signs.

I'm also curious if the Patriot Guard Riders might be interested in showing up; does anyone know if they have a local chapter near Ft. Meade? I can't help but imagine that seeing a bunch of motorcycles with flags waving will lift the spirits of the kids there and show them that most people in the US support their parents for the job they do.

I can't get off of work that day, unfortunately, or I'd be there myself. I hope that by letting you all know about this that it goes as viral as possible and we get tons of people to show up and counter Phelps' sick, twisted message with one of support for these kids' parents. Help me out, please?

All I can is is:

At this point, they have used up any interest people may have taken in their crazy antics. At this point, it's just becoming boring now.

I am not all that far from MD, as I am in York PA at the moment. I may go for the lulz.

Nihilianth · 12th April 2011, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Emet

http://www.mdgazette.com/content/wes...ide-meade-high

I was wondering something: Why do they not incur the costs of cities having to provide extra security for these douchebags?

Nihilianth · 12th April 2011, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Emet

Here's the letter from the school superintendent, sent to parents:

http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/wp-con...rchProtest.pdf

Retrieved from this link.

That's a neat little letter. Thanks. On further investigating, it probably is not worth my time to travel the two hours or however long it takes to get to Ann Arundel County from York.

Puppycow · 12th April 2011, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Sledge

Order today to receive other gems of half-assed wisdom like "Bullies always run away if you stand up to them" and "Wasps won't sting you if you hold still."

Fail. The WBC people just carry signs. They won't lay a finger on you. If they do, prosecute them, but they haven't and I don't expect they will.

Quote:

Way I see it: these people want to be assaulted. There are other people who want to assault them. I say we give them a nice area to meet, give the police the afternoon off, and whatever happens, happens.

Why do you hate the First Amendment?

Emet · 12th April 2011, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Nihilianth

I was wondering something: Why do they not incur the costs of cities having to provide extra security for these douchebags?

Why should they? Other than permit fees (where applicable), one has the right to demonstrate. The municipality is charged with keeping the peace.

Sledge · 12th April 2011, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

Fail. The WBC people just carry signs. They won't lay a finger on you. If they do, prosecute them, but they haven't and I don't expect they will.

... what? Are you ill? Where did I say "The WBC are running around beating people"? Are you confusing me with someone else?

Quote:

Why do you hate the First Amendment?

Don't know what that is, so I'll assume I'd hate it because it's fat.

Puppycow · 12th April 2011, 07:42 PM

Here's an interesting fact:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westbor...Church#Funding

Quote:

WBC's travel expenses alone exceed $200,000 annually.[152] According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Westboro is funded entirely by its congregation.[153] The church also makes money through lawsuits and legal fees.[153][154] For example, they sued the city of Topeka several times in the 1990s.[153] WBC received $16,500, and is pursuing another $100,000, in legal fees for a case won in court.[154] WBC is a government recognized religious institution, and is therefore tax exempt.[155]

This is why ignoring them every time, would be a win.

They are paying real money to travel to Maryland for this protest, and they are counting on getting some kind of attention, and hopefully something that they can sue somebody over. If they are ignored, they can't sue anybody, and it's just wasted money for them and a win for the rest of us.

Puppycow · 12th April 2011, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Sledge

... what? Are you ill? Where did I say "The WBC are running around beating people"? Are you confusing me with someone else?

You compared my statement with statements about wasps and bullies. Were you not suggesting that the statements are analogous? If not, why did you bring up statements which you admit are not comparable with my statement?

Quote:

Don't know what that is, so I'll assume I'd hate it because it's fat.

My bad. I assumed you were an American. The First Amendment is the part of the United States constitution which guarantees freedom of speech.

Sledge · 13th April 2011, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

You compared my statement with statements about wasps and bullies. Were you not suggesting that the statements are analogous?

No.

Quote:

If not, why did you bring up statements which you admit are not comparable with my statement?

I was comparing it with other, equally silly, common statements.

Quote:

My bad. I assumed you were an American.

Well if we're going to insult each other...

Quote:

The First Amendment is the part of the United States constitution which guarantees freedom of speech.

Fine. Then I hate it because it's stupid, or perhaps more accurately because people are using it stupidly. Freedom of speech is a right to excercised with care and restraint. It's not a defense for shouting "fire!" in a crowded theatre, nor do I see why it should be a defense for a protest with no purpose other than pissing people off.

Matthew Best · 13th April 2011, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Sledge

nor do I see why it should be a defense for a protest with no purpose other than pissing people off.

How do you know that's their only purpose?

RenaissanceBiker · 14th April 2011, 10:24 AM

Sooooo, what happened?

phunk · 14th April 2011, 10:37 AM

Hopefully, they were ignored and wasted their money going there to troll for lawsuits.

Emet · 14th April 2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Anti-gay church outnumbered in Meade High protest

Hundreds show up to call for tolerance, schools divert buses to hide demonstration from students
(...)
The counter protestors, including a number of men dressed as Jesus, carried signs relaying the Christian icon's message of love and waving American flags.

The crowd cheered as members of the Freedom Riders motorcycle club passed the dueling protests at the intersection of Disney and Annapolis roads, revving their engines to drown out the shouts from church.
(...)
Members from several different Annapolis churches staged a "flash mob" piece of performance art, dressing in matching white T-shirts adorned with scripture. They sang and prayed for the members of the Kansas church.
(...)
The intended target of the Westboro protestors was the students who would be arriving to Meade between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. However, county school officials rerouted buses to avoid the protest. The buses entered the school from Clark and Rochenbach roads. Students who normally walk to school were offered a bus, schools spokesman Bob Mosier said.
(...)
Ultimately, church members said they weren't concerned by the decisions to reroute the buses or the overwhelming number of counter protesters.

"You see, our images are all over the Internet. You think these kids don't know what we've got to tell them?" Phelps-Roper said.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/new...h-protest.html

11th April 2011, 03:45 PM	#1
Sabrina Wicked Lovely Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spinning through space Posts: 6,868	WBC sinks to new low Didn't think it was possible? You're wrong. Westboro Baptist will picket Ft. George G. Meade Middle School on April 14th, 2011. A MIDDLE SCHOOL. Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children. I'd like to call on all the skeptics in Maryland to head to the middle school (it's off post, which is why Phelps can get at it; he can't go on school grounds, naturally, but he can get to the school pretty easily) on the 14th and give Phelps the same treatment he got at DragonCon and other times. Turn his tactics against him with the silly signs. I'm also curious if the Patriot Guard Riders might be interested in showing up; does anyone know if they have a local chapter near Ft. Meade? I can't help but imagine that seeing a bunch of motorcycles with flags waving will lift the spirits of the kids there and show them that most people in the US support their parents for the job they do. I can't get off of work that day, unfortunately, or I'd be there myself. I hope that by letting you all know about this that it goes as viral as possible and we get tons of people to show up and counter Phelps' sick, twisted message with one of support for these kids' parents. Help me out, please?
	__________________ "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is the right thing to do."-Justice Potter Stewart, US Supreme Court Justice 1915-1985 *Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons... for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.* *Sins are very desirable... as long as no one judges you for them.*

11th April 2011, 06:03 PM	#3
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395	Originally Posted by Sabrina I'm also curious if the Patriot Guard Riders might be interested in showing up; does anyone know if they have a local chapter near Ft. Meade? I can't help but imagine that seeing a bunch of motorcycles with flags waving will lift the spirits of the kids there and show them that most people in the US support their parents for the job they do. They won't. IIRC, when WBC threatened to protest the Arizona funeral of the little girl killed in the Giffords shooting, they respectfully declined. I can't find it on their web page now, but I'm fairly certain they responded on-line and explained their mission--to shield the mourning family and their friends of fallen military from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395

11th April 2011, 06:17 PM	#4
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Originally Posted by Sabrina A MIDDLE SCHOOL. Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children. I can't get off of work that day, unfortunately, or I'd be there myself. I hope that by letting you all know about this that it goes as viral as possible and we get tons of people to show up and counter Phelps' sick, twisted message with one of support for these kids' parents. Help me out, please? Why are you linking to their hate site? Has it occurred to you that you are playing right into their hands? Instead of paying attention every time they "sink to a new low" and helping them to spread the word by linking to their hate site, how about ignoring them, and instead not showing up, which is what they want. The more attention they get, including negative attention, the happier they are. Why can't people figure this out. Please everybody, there's nothing to see here. Put them on ignore.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

11th April 2011, 06:25 PM	#5
Zep Banned Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 26,985	And they are picketing that particular school because...? Also, they are intending to be there from 6:45 to 7:15am. Why so early? Assuming it is what they will do, why not ask the school principal to tell the teachers, parents and students not to come near the school until after, say, 8:30am as it will be locked until then. Then the Phelpsian twats will be picketing in an empty street against no-one - yet another fail.
Zep Banned Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 26,985

11th April 2011, 06:32 PM	#6
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395	Originally Posted by Zep And they are picketing that particular school because...? Also, they are intending to be there from 6:45 to 7:15am. Why so early? Assuming it is what they will do, why not ask the school principal to tell the teachers, parents and students not to come near the school until after, say, 8:30am as it will be locked until then. Then the Phelpsian twats will be picketing in an empty street against no-one - yet another fail. Quote: Westboro Baptist to protest outside Meade High (...) Members of Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas will picket outside of the high school between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. as students arrive to school for the day. (...) However, in a statement issued today announcing the picket line, the church said it was targeting the children of soldiers at the school. Meade High serves military families who live on or around Fort Meade, as well as civilian families who live in the surrounding area. School officials have been working with county police and Fort Meade police for the past week in preparation of the protest, said Bob Mosier, county schools spokesman. Meade students took home a letter this afternoon from schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell informing parents about the protest. http://www.mdgazette.com/content/wes...ide-meade-high
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395

11th April 2011, 04:21 PM	#2
Arisia Muse Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 495 & MassPike, MA Posts: 584	Looks like a High School, actually, so I'm sure some of those teenagers will join in whatever creative counter protest does form. As always, taking as much media attention as possible away from the WBC members should be the focus, doing it as humorously as possible with signs that are silly instead of hateful.

11th April 2011, 06:35 PM	#7
patchbunny Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2004 Location: Right about... here. Posts: 1,551	They picketed Mr Roger's funeral. They can't top that one. If there's anyone on this planet who would have passed through the Pearly Gates, I figure it was him.
	__________________ "So, they laugh at my boner, will they? I'll show them! I'll show them how many boners the Joker can make!" -- The Joker, Batman #66

11th April 2011, 08:48 PM	#8
Lowpro Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 4,519	Ya know what the middle school needs to do is "redirect parking" constantly so the picketers cannot settle down. That happened at my High School where a bunch of parents were setting up a picket thingy or whatever, and the principle just constantly changed parking rules so that they were continually violated and the picketers couldn't set their stuff up anywhere XD Sometimes I enjoy abuse of power, as long as I'm on the good side of it. BTW I just read that flier...it makes no case in particular against the school. Are they just against the educational system in general since there's not enough of their God in it?
	__________________ "If I actually believed that Jesus was coming to end the world in 2050, I'd be preparing by stocking up on timber and nails" - PZ Myers Last edited by Lowpro; 11th April 2011 at 08:50 PM.

11th April 2011, 09:03 PM	#9
Alt+F4 diabolical globalist Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Department of Abandoned Places Posts: 9,782	Originally Posted by Sabrina Didn't think it was possible? You're wrong. Why are you linking to this? Very not nice. How many more threads do we need on this BS?
	__________________ "My folks touched a lot of kids." - Jerry Sandusky

11th April 2011, 10:00 PM	#10
KoihimeNakamura Creativity Murderer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Graham, WA Posts: 6,848	Yeah, heaven forbid she's outraged and wants to counterprotest. (Or: Ignoring them doesn't really work.)
	__________________ Don't mind me. Last edited by KoihimeNakamura; 11th April 2011 at 10:01 PM.

11th April 2011, 10:13 PM	#11
Zep Banned Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 26,985	I wouldn't even try to counterprotest. I like the adpative parking rules idea too. But I still reckon just not being there is the best. Perhaps everyone goes away on a school outing? So imagine: The school is totally silent and closed, birds tweeting in the trees, happy spring morning... Phelpsian twats appear with their silly signs ready to shout down...absolutely nobody. They will be the only people there; even the media might be asked to stay away. Keep an eye on them from afar, and when they eventually get tired, resume life as normal. Option 2: No kids, but a few troops of hefty Marines doing rifle drill. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ill_Team_6.jpg
Zep Banned Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 26,985

11th April 2011, 10:55 PM	#12
KoihimeNakamura Creativity Murderer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Graham, WA Posts: 6,848	Or shutting it down works well.
	__________________ Don't mind me.

11th April 2011, 11:07 PM	#13
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Originally Posted by KoihimeNakamura (Or: Ignoring them doesn't really work.) What do you mean it doesn't work? It works for me.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

11th April 2011, 11:32 PM	#14
Roger Ramjets Muse Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 707	Originally Posted by Sabrina Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Mission accomplished!
Roger Ramjets Muse Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 707	__________________ We don't want good, sound arguments. We want arguments that sound good.

11th April 2011, 11:53 PM	#15
Zep Banned Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 26,985	Originally Posted by KoihimeNakamura Or shutting it down works well. Shutting what down?
Zep Banned Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 26,985

11th April 2011, 11:56 PM	#16
Ryokan Insert something funny here Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 8,178	Originally Posted by Sabrina I'd like to call on all the skeptics in Maryland to head to the middle school (it's off post, which is why Phelps can get at it; he can't go on school grounds, naturally, but he can get to the school pretty easily) on the 14th and give Phelps the same treatment he got at DragonCon and other times. Turn his tactics against him with the silly signs. Right. Give him lots and lots of attention. That's the last thing he wants! If people had just ignored these guys from the start they'd be gone by now..

12th April 2011, 01:52 AM	#17
Rolfe Anti-homeopathy illuminati member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NT 150 511 Posts: 34,315	Oops, when I saw the title of the thread, I thought it was either an AIDS patient deteriorating, someone who'd been exposed to radiation looking bad, or a patient on cancer chemotherapy being monitored. My bad. I'll go away now.... Rolfe.
	__________________ "The way we vote will depend, ultimately, on whether we are persuaded to hope or to fear." - Aonghas MacNeacail, June 2012.

12th April 2011, 02:57 AM	#18
timhau NWO Litter Technician Join Date: May 2004 Location: East of Sweeden Posts: 9,654	My first thought was "Oh, what has the World Boxing Council done now?" I'd pay to see Vitali Klitschko go against Fred Phelps for 10 rounds. I'd pay even more if I could be the referee ("What? Stop the fight? Naah, Phelps is fine, he's just doing the horizontal version of rope-a-dope." "1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... No, he's not out! His foot just twitched! Box!")
	__________________ When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord, in his wisdom, doesn't work that way. I just stole one and asked Him to forgive me. - Emo Philips

12th April 2011, 03:27 AM	#19
Matthew Best Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Leicester Square, London Posts: 4,113	Originally Posted by Sabrina Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children. It's right there in the OP. They don't like being ignored. Therefore the best thing to do is ignore them.

12th April 2011, 05:05 AM	#20
Kestrel Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: DM79 Posts: 4,202	Originally Posted by Matthew Best It's right there in the OP. They don't like being ignored. Therefore the best thing to do is ignore them. Having to ignore idiots is the price we pay for free speech. I used that line years ago in a successful effort to have Phelps and his WBC minions ignored.

12th April 2011, 05:13 AM	#21
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395	Here's the letter from the school superintendent, sent to parents: http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/wp-con...rchProtest.pdf Retrieved from this link.
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395

12th April 2011, 06:10 PM	#22
Arisia Muse Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 495 & MassPike, MA Posts: 584	Ignoring them will only work if we can convince the media, of all kinds, to ignore them, and for long enough for the WBC crew to get tired of the expense of going all around the country to spew their hateful message. Sadly, I don't see all elements of the media doing that.

12th April 2011, 06:16 PM	#23
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395	Originally Posted by Arisia Ignoring them will only work if we can convince the media, of all kinds, to ignore them, and for long enough for the WBC crew to get tired of the expense of going all around the country to spew their hateful message. Sadly, I don't see all elements of the media doing that. And now there's an article in The ~~Crapital~~ Capital: Linky.
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395

12th April 2011, 06:39 PM	#24
LibraryLady ...but not JUST a LibraryLady Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Building a house in the common ground Posts: 13,065	They love Maryland because of the lawsuit situation.
	__________________ What would Hüsker Dü? I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about. Mildred Loving

12th April 2011, 06:47 PM	#25
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Originally Posted by Kestrel Having to ignore idiots is the price we pay for free speech. That's a great pithy crystallization of the truth. They can't bother us if we don't let them get under our skin. They are very careful about following the letter of the law, which means the only thing we can do is to ignore them. Laugh if you want, but don't go out of your way to call attention to them.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

12th April 2011, 06:52 PM	#26
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Originally Posted by Arisia Ignoring them will only work if we can convince the media, of all kinds, to ignore them, and for long enough for the WBC crew to get tired of the expense of going all around the country to spew their hateful message. Sadly, I don't see all elements of the media doing that. Well, what can you do. Someone will always respond to trolls, but we don't have to add to it. The rest of us can still ignore it. Just pay attention to something else, anything else that interests you, and soon they will be out of your mind. And if anyone else mentions them to you, just point out that attention is what they want, and we don't have to pay them any attention: Voila, problem solved!
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

12th April 2011, 07:09 PM	#27
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by Puppycow They can't bother us if we don't let them get under our skin. Order today to receive other gems of half-assed wisdom like "Bullies always run away if you stand up to them" and "Wasps won't sting you if you hold still." Way I see it: these people want to be assaulted. There are other people who want to assault them. I say we give them a nice area to meet, give the police the afternoon off, and whatever happens, happens.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

12th April 2011, 07:11 PM	#28
Nihilianth Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,224	Originally Posted by Sabrina Didn't think it was possible? You're wrong. Westboro Baptist will picket Ft. George G. Meade Middle School on April 14th, 2011. A MIDDLE SCHOOL. Words cannot express how disgusted this makes me. Apparently Phelps and his brood got tired of being ridiculed and ignored, so they've decided to attack innocent children. I'd like to call on all the skeptics in Maryland to head to the middle school (it's off post, which is why Phelps can get at it; he can't go on school grounds, naturally, but he can get to the school pretty easily) on the 14th and give Phelps the same treatment he got at DragonCon and other times. Turn his tactics against him with the silly signs. I'm also curious if the Patriot Guard Riders might be interested in showing up; does anyone know if they have a local chapter near Ft. Meade? I can't help but imagine that seeing a bunch of motorcycles with flags waving will lift the spirits of the kids there and show them that most people in the US support their parents for the job they do. I can't get off of work that day, unfortunately, or I'd be there myself. I hope that by letting you all know about this that it goes as viral as possible and we get tons of people to show up and counter Phelps' sick, twisted message with one of support for these kids' parents. Help me out, please? All I can is is: At this point, they have used up any interest people may have taken in their crazy antics. At this point, it's just becoming boring now. I am not all that far from MD, as I am in York PA at the moment. I may go for the lulz.

12th April 2011, 07:20 PM	#29
Nihilianth Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,224	Originally Posted by Emet http://www.mdgazette.com/content/wes...ide-meade-high I was wondering something: Why do they not incur the costs of cities having to provide extra security for these douchebags?

12th April 2011, 07:27 PM	#30
Nihilianth Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,224	Originally Posted by Emet Here's the letter from the school superintendent, sent to parents: http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/wp-con...rchProtest.pdf Retrieved from this link. That's a neat little letter. Thanks. On further investigating, it probably is not worth my time to travel the two hours or however long it takes to get to Ann Arundel County from York.

12th April 2011, 07:27 PM	#31
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Originally Posted by Sledge Order today to receive other gems of half-assed wisdom like "Bullies always run away if you stand up to them" and "Wasps won't sting you if you hold still." Fail. The WBC people just carry signs. They won't lay a finger on you. If they do, prosecute them, but they haven't and I don't expect they will. Quote: Way I see it: these people want to be assaulted. There are other people who want to assault them. I say we give them a nice area to meet, give the police the afternoon off, and whatever happens, happens. Why do you hate the First Amendment?
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

12th April 2011, 07:34 PM	#32
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395	Originally Posted by Nihilianth I was wondering something: Why do they not incur the costs of cities having to provide extra security for these douchebags? Why should they? Other than permit fees (where applicable), one has the right to demonstrate. The municipality is charged with keeping the peace.
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395

12th April 2011, 07:37 PM	#33
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by Puppycow Fail. The WBC people just carry signs. They won't lay a finger on you. If they do, prosecute them, but they haven't and I don't expect they will. ... what? Are you ill? Where did I say "The WBC are running around beating people"? Are you confusing me with someone else? Quote: Why do you hate the First Amendment? Don't know what that is, so I'll assume I'd hate it because it's fat.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

12th April 2011, 07:42 PM	#34
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Here's an interesting fact: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westbor...Church#Funding Quote: WBC's travel expenses alone exceed $200,000 annually.[152] According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Westboro is funded entirely by its congregation.[153] The church also makes money through lawsuits and legal fees.[153][154] For example, they sued the city of Topeka several times in the 1990s.[153] WBC received $16,500, and is pursuing another $100,000, in legal fees for a case won in court.[154] WBC is a government recognized religious institution, and is therefore tax exempt.[155] This is why ignoring them every time, would be a win. They are paying real money to travel to Maryland for this protest, and they are counting on getting some kind of attention, and hopefully something that they can sue somebody over. If they are ignored, they can't sue anybody, and it's just wasted money for them and a win for the rest of us.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

12th April 2011, 07:51 PM	#35
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,721	Originally Posted by Sledge ... what? Are you ill? Where did I say "The WBC are running around beating people"? Are you confusing me with someone else? You compared my statement with statements about wasps and bullies. Were you not suggesting that the statements are analogous? If not, why did you bring up statements which you admit are not comparable with my statement? Quote: Don't know what that is, so I'll assume I'd hate it because it's fat. My bad. I assumed you were an American. The First Amendment is the part of the United States constitution which guarantees freedom of speech.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22