In the Name of Religion

anonymous

New member
I think that there are wackos in any generalized group of people name. I think most Christians find what this group does just as horrifying as you find it.
 

Scarlett81

New member
There's a quote from Queen Rania of Jordan that I love-"there are extremists in the east and west, all over the world. Extremism isn't a nation, its a mindset."
I agree with that-maybe we hear more about certain forms of extremism b/c they're in the news more, but its everywhere, including our own backyard. I think comments like that are sick. I'm kind of glad I didn't see that on tv, it would have just pissed me off. But thanks for sharing.
Let's hope that these families can move from this as peacefully as possible.
 

Scarlett81

New member
There's a quote from Queen Rania of Jordan that I love-"there are extremists in the east and west, all over the world. Extremism isn't a nation, its a mindset."
I agree with that-maybe we hear more about certain forms of extremism b/c they're in the news more, but its everywhere, including our own backyard. I think comments like that are sick. I'm kind of glad I didn't see that on tv, it would have just pissed me off. But thanks for sharing.
Let's hope that these families can move from this as peacefully as possible.
 

Scarlett81

New member
There's a quote from Queen Rania of Jordan that I love-"there are extremists in the east and west, all over the world. Extremism isn't a nation, its a mindset."
I agree with that-maybe we hear more about certain forms of extremism b/c they're in the news more, but its everywhere, including our own backyard. I think comments like that are sick. I'm kind of glad I didn't see that on tv, it would have just pissed me off. But thanks for sharing.
Let's hope that these families can move from this as peacefully as possible.
 

anonymous

New member
<i>Jade here....
Check it out. Their called the patriot guard. <b>Protesting the protestors</b>...I love it.</i><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

<i>I found this article and I truly hope the legislation mentioned at the end passes soon. Here's my ???, some cemetaries are private owned and also aren't funerals considered a private thing. Couldn't these <i>self righteous </i>S.O.B's be prevented from even entering a funeral.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0"></i>

<b>Veterans to block funeral protests
Patriot Guard plans to prevent disruption of services for soldier in Grand Ledge.</b><u>Mike Martindale / The Detroit News</u>

GRAND LEDGE -- As family and friends of a Michigan soldier killed in Iraq gather today to say their final farewells, a church known for its anti-gay protests will picket the services before heading to Lansing to protest lawmakers' attempts to outlaw the practice.

And hundreds of military veterans, including members of Michigan motorcycle clubs who are part of a group called the Patriot Guard, will be on hand to keep demonstrators away.

Army Cpl. Nyle Yates III, 22, died in Bayji, Iraq, on March 16 when he came under small-arms fire by enemy forces during combat. The Lake Odessa native and 2002 graduate of Lakewood High School was in his second tour of duty in Iraq. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, a Topeka, Kan.-based congregation, plan to travel to the Lansing area to protest at the funeral. They contend that soldiers' deaths are "God's way" of punishing the nation for permitting homosexuality.

The group, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, is a small, fundamentalist congregation composed mostly of Phelps' family and relatives. They have picketed military funerals across the nation -- including twice last month at funerals of fallen Michigan servicemen in Flushing and Flint.

The Patriot Guard has responded by putting out "action alerts" to shield family members of fallen soldiers from the pickets at funerals nationwide.

"Every one of us veterans has fought for the rights of freedom of speech and press. But this is just a hate group looking for publicity," said Larry Helser, a 59-year-old Marine Corps veteran from the Lansing area and member of the Patriot Guard.

"We want to obscure the view of this fallen hero's family from these protesters. No politics. No violence. We just want to make sure, in a peaceful fashion, they are able to say goodbye without any problems."

The protesters have cited free speech as a defense in their activities over the past decade, including the picketing of funerals of AIDS victims and that of Matthew Shepard, a Wyoming college student beaten to death because he was gay.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, is seeking federal legislation to ban pickets from within 500 feet of a funeral. Michigan state Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan, and Rep. John Gleason, D-Flushing, are sponsoring bipartisan legislation in Lansing that would similarly protect the rights of families.

Yates is among more than 2,500 coalition troops, including 2,322 U.S. troops, who have died in Iraq since March 19, 2003. At least 17,000 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.
 

anonymous

New member
<i>Jade here....
Check it out. Their called the patriot guard. <b>Protesting the protestors</b>...I love it.</i><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

<i>I found this article and I truly hope the legislation mentioned at the end passes soon. Here's my ???, some cemetaries are private owned and also aren't funerals considered a private thing. Couldn't these <i>self righteous </i>S.O.B's be prevented from even entering a funeral.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0"></i>

<b>Veterans to block funeral protests
Patriot Guard plans to prevent disruption of services for soldier in Grand Ledge.</b><u>Mike Martindale / The Detroit News</u>

GRAND LEDGE -- As family and friends of a Michigan soldier killed in Iraq gather today to say their final farewells, a church known for its anti-gay protests will picket the services before heading to Lansing to protest lawmakers' attempts to outlaw the practice.

And hundreds of military veterans, including members of Michigan motorcycle clubs who are part of a group called the Patriot Guard, will be on hand to keep demonstrators away.

Army Cpl. Nyle Yates III, 22, died in Bayji, Iraq, on March 16 when he came under small-arms fire by enemy forces during combat. The Lake Odessa native and 2002 graduate of Lakewood High School was in his second tour of duty in Iraq. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, a Topeka, Kan.-based congregation, plan to travel to the Lansing area to protest at the funeral. They contend that soldiers' deaths are "God's way" of punishing the nation for permitting homosexuality.

The group, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, is a small, fundamentalist congregation composed mostly of Phelps' family and relatives. They have picketed military funerals across the nation -- including twice last month at funerals of fallen Michigan servicemen in Flushing and Flint.

The Patriot Guard has responded by putting out "action alerts" to shield family members of fallen soldiers from the pickets at funerals nationwide.

"Every one of us veterans has fought for the rights of freedom of speech and press. But this is just a hate group looking for publicity," said Larry Helser, a 59-year-old Marine Corps veteran from the Lansing area and member of the Patriot Guard.

"We want to obscure the view of this fallen hero's family from these protesters. No politics. No violence. We just want to make sure, in a peaceful fashion, they are able to say goodbye without any problems."

The protesters have cited free speech as a defense in their activities over the past decade, including the picketing of funerals of AIDS victims and that of Matthew Shepard, a Wyoming college student beaten to death because he was gay.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, is seeking federal legislation to ban pickets from within 500 feet of a funeral. Michigan state Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan, and Rep. John Gleason, D-Flushing, are sponsoring bipartisan legislation in Lansing that would similarly protect the rights of families.

Yates is among more than 2,500 coalition troops, including 2,322 U.S. troops, who have died in Iraq since March 19, 2003. At least 17,000 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.
 

anonymous

New member
<i>Jade here....
Check it out. Their called the patriot guard. <b>Protesting the protestors</b>...I love it.</i><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

<i>I found this article and I truly hope the legislation mentioned at the end passes soon. Here's my ???, some cemetaries are private owned and also aren't funerals considered a private thing. Couldn't these <i>self righteous </i>S.O.B's be prevented from even entering a funeral.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0"></i>

<b>Veterans to block funeral protests
Patriot Guard plans to prevent disruption of services for soldier in Grand Ledge.</b><u>Mike Martindale / The Detroit News</u>

GRAND LEDGE -- As family and friends of a Michigan soldier killed in Iraq gather today to say their final farewells, a church known for its anti-gay protests will picket the services before heading to Lansing to protest lawmakers' attempts to outlaw the practice.

And hundreds of military veterans, including members of Michigan motorcycle clubs who are part of a group called the Patriot Guard, will be on hand to keep demonstrators away.

Army Cpl. Nyle Yates III, 22, died in Bayji, Iraq, on March 16 when he came under small-arms fire by enemy forces during combat. The Lake Odessa native and 2002 graduate of Lakewood High School was in his second tour of duty in Iraq. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, a Topeka, Kan.-based congregation, plan to travel to the Lansing area to protest at the funeral. They contend that soldiers' deaths are "God's way" of punishing the nation for permitting homosexuality.

The group, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, is a small, fundamentalist congregation composed mostly of Phelps' family and relatives. They have picketed military funerals across the nation -- including twice last month at funerals of fallen Michigan servicemen in Flushing and Flint.

The Patriot Guard has responded by putting out "action alerts" to shield family members of fallen soldiers from the pickets at funerals nationwide.

"Every one of us veterans has fought for the rights of freedom of speech and press. But this is just a hate group looking for publicity," said Larry Helser, a 59-year-old Marine Corps veteran from the Lansing area and member of the Patriot Guard.

"We want to obscure the view of this fallen hero's family from these protesters. No politics. No violence. We just want to make sure, in a peaceful fashion, they are able to say goodbye without any problems."

The protesters have cited free speech as a defense in their activities over the past decade, including the picketing of funerals of AIDS victims and that of Matthew Shepard, a Wyoming college student beaten to death because he was gay.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, is seeking federal legislation to ban pickets from within 500 feet of a funeral. Michigan state Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan, and Rep. John Gleason, D-Flushing, are sponsoring bipartisan legislation in Lansing that would similarly protect the rights of families.

Yates is among more than 2,500 coalition troops, including 2,322 U.S. troops, who have died in Iraq since March 19, 2003. At least 17,000 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.
 

JazzysMom

New member
What gets me (IMHO) about this whole idea is just because the USA has Freedom of Speach doesnt mean that give you the right to not use some moral judgement. Not to mention that (again IMHO) this type of demonstration (funerals of fallen soldiers etc) reads anything BUT christianity to me. I thank god that I have never fallen "victim" to what I consider brain washing. Having faith & standing up for your beliefs is one thing. The extremests is another!
 

JazzysMom

New member
What gets me (IMHO) about this whole idea is just because the USA has Freedom of Speach doesnt mean that give you the right to not use some moral judgement. Not to mention that (again IMHO) this type of demonstration (funerals of fallen soldiers etc) reads anything BUT christianity to me. I thank god that I have never fallen "victim" to what I consider brain washing. Having faith & standing up for your beliefs is one thing. The extremests is another!
 

JazzysMom

New member
What gets me (IMHO) about this whole idea is just because the USA has Freedom of Speach doesnt mean that give you the right to not use some moral judgement. Not to mention that (again IMHO) this type of demonstration (funerals of fallen soldiers etc) reads anything BUT christianity to me. I thank god that I have never fallen "victim" to what I consider brain washing. Having faith & standing up for your beliefs is one thing. The extremests is another!
 

anonymous

New member
I am a conservative Christian and I am appalled by this cult's actions. I also find it disgraceful when Americans protest at a fallen soldier's funeral. I live in the midwest and we actually had members of that cult travel all the way up here to a soldier's funeral to protest. Thankfully, a group of bikers (as in Harley bikers) showed up waving American flags and formed a processional to block the protestors from the family. Regardless of what one thinks about the war, the grieving families and their loved one deserve a peaceful funeral. So sad<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> I can only pray that if these wackos show up for the funerals of these poor little Amish girls, that another caring group will step forward to shield the families.
 

anonymous

New member
I am a conservative Christian and I am appalled by this cult's actions. I also find it disgraceful when Americans protest at a fallen soldier's funeral. I live in the midwest and we actually had members of that cult travel all the way up here to a soldier's funeral to protest. Thankfully, a group of bikers (as in Harley bikers) showed up waving American flags and formed a processional to block the protestors from the family. Regardless of what one thinks about the war, the grieving families and their loved one deserve a peaceful funeral. So sad<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> I can only pray that if these wackos show up for the funerals of these poor little Amish girls, that another caring group will step forward to shield the families.
 

anonymous

New member
I am a conservative Christian and I am appalled by this cult's actions. I also find it disgraceful when Americans protest at a fallen soldier's funeral. I live in the midwest and we actually had members of that cult travel all the way up here to a soldier's funeral to protest. Thankfully, a group of bikers (as in Harley bikers) showed up waving American flags and formed a processional to block the protestors from the family. Regardless of what one thinks about the war, the grieving families and their loved one deserve a peaceful funeral. So sad<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> I can only pray that if these wackos show up for the funerals of these poor little Amish girls, that another caring group will step forward to shield the families.
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
My husband's cousin rides Harleys and has been part of the Patriot guard in our area. Since DH used to be in the army, he told him he should learn how to ride and help them out. With every military funeral in our area and adjoining state, there's been the threat of this group attending from Kansas, so the Patriot Guard has been on hand for each one.
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
My husband's cousin rides Harleys and has been part of the Patriot guard in our area. Since DH used to be in the army, he told him he should learn how to ride and help them out. With every military funeral in our area and adjoining state, there's been the threat of this group attending from Kansas, so the Patriot Guard has been on hand for each one.
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
My husband's cousin rides Harleys and has been part of the Patriot guard in our area. Since DH used to be in the army, he told him he should learn how to ride and help them out. With every military funeral in our area and adjoining state, there's been the threat of this group attending from Kansas, so the Patriot Guard has been on hand for each one.
 

anonymous

New member
I did not see the video. However, they have had a woman on from that church before. I'm not sure if it's the same one. It was pretty disgusting and absurd what she had to say. Here is a link to that video if anyone wants to see it:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdSHhWN4LAs">Crazy Woman</a>
 

anonymous

New member
I did not see the video. However, they have had a woman on from that church before. I'm not sure if it's the same one. It was pretty disgusting and absurd what she had to say. Here is a link to that video if anyone wants to see it:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdSHhWN4LAs">Crazy Woman</a>
 

anonymous

New member
I did not see the video. However, they have had a woman on from that church before. I'm not sure if it's the same one. It was pretty disgusting and absurd what she had to say. Here is a link to that video if anyone wants to see it:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdSHhWN4LAs">Crazy Woman</a>
 

Scarlett81

New member
wow. I saw the link anon provided-that woman looks posessed. How cruel can people be? Well, I'm a Christian too and I'm appaled at this. That is the opposite of true christian kindness. People deserve the right to grieve peacefully and respectfully regardless of any viewpoints on war, religion, whatever. I don't consider people like that christians at all-they may call themselves that but they're not at all-read the bible, it says plainly how to act if you choose to be a christian.

I don't know what they're reading.
 
Top