The truly lunatic fringe

Fred Phelps is the leader of a very small band of followers, mostly relatives, from Kansas. His family tree does not fork.

He showed up at the funeral of Matthew Shephard with picketers and signs.

He turns up at the funerals of U. S. soldiers who were killed in Iraq. He says their deaths are a punishment from God for this country's acceptance of homosexuals.

They have a website and a bus (or maybe they form a convoy, I'm not sure).

They showed up in a small, Republican, conservative city not far from here last year. There was much alarm, much like what we'd expect if the KKK planned a rally. Actually, they're somewhat similar although I don't think they wear hoods and burn crosses. Much more hi-tech. Anyhow, in spite of the worries, no (or very few) supporters showed up in that conservative stronghold but many counterprotesters did.

Phelps is a lunatic and so far is supported only by other lunatics. He is filled with hate but, like Pat Robertson, has crossed the line so far that he would be ludicrous if not for the emotional disarray he leaves in his wake. No bereaved family deserves those clowns picketing a funeral or a memorial service. I can oppose the war and still cry inside about family loss.

I despise him and everything he stands for but I'm far more worried about the smooth talking men (and women) with their designer clothing, perfect hair and makeup, and their rationalizations of hatred. People listen to them. Go back and check Christian Reconstructionists again. Or the mega-churches springing up all over the country. The suits and pretty dresses cover up the white sheets just underneath.

Thanks Tina for the post. We're adding you to the blogroll and I'll be checking back in.

I'm trying to add like minded people as we find them. Communication is important and I think we have much to learn from each other.

Busy day today so I may not be back for awhile. I'm sure everyone will be sad.