Turns out that virulent hate-mongering can put a crimp in one's travel plans. Now, I support the right of the toads at the Phelpses' "church" to say what they wish, but I certainly don't think that any other country has to welcome them in so they can say it while they visit. What I particularly love is this quote:The British government has banned Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper from entering the United Kingdom.
The Phelpses, whose protests at military members’ funerals in the U.S. have prompted lawsuits and legislation, apparently had planned to fly to the United Kingdom to protest a performance of “The Laramie Project.”
[snip]
The Phelpses have become notorious in the U.S. for carrying provocative [ed: that's one word for them] banners with the phrase “God Hates Fags.” They have picketed the funerals of U.S. servicemen who died in Iraq and Afghanistan because they believe their deaths were the result of the government’s tolerance of gays.
“You just have to wonder why they did it,” said Phelps-Roper, who on Thursday was in Topeka, where the family’s Westboro Baptist Church is located. “We’re going to picket a second-rate play, put on by a third-, fourth-rate college. What the heck?”If the play is so lousy, and the venue is so chintzy, why are you flying all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to picket in the first place, you ignorant harpy? I, for one, don't wonder why they did it at all. They don't want you there. I think I speak for the vast majority of people on the planet when I agree with their sentiments.
Posts
Agreed 110.781% with you.
ReplyDeleteWell, except for "most loathsome human beings in the US" -- as loathsome as the Phelps' are, and they are a sick bunch, their behavior is AIUI limited to speech. They don't shoot anyone, they aren't physical sadists. Sadly, we have animals in human form who really commit physically violent acts on innocents in the US, and I'd rate that higher on the loathsome scale than the six sigma nutcase Phelps' clan. If all the nutters of the world only expressed their venom via protest signs, the world would be a substantially better place.
Of course, YMMV.
Well, yes. I did err on the side of hyperbole with my characterization of the Phelpses. But "the most loathsome human beings, with the exception of actual rapists and murderers" is a bit wordy.
ReplyDelete