This shouldn't be happening.

[SayGoodbye]

And yet it is.

http://lowellsun.com/archives/ci_2733877

Not only am I incredibly sad that people still think like this, I'm pissed that they're bringing it to MY home.

BTW, the permit was passed and the protest WILL be happening. :no:

[Some Rogue]

Yeah, damn that First Amendment....


Not that I agree with their message either but they've got the right to speak their minds too.

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Some Rogue]

[SayGoodbye]

Yeah, It's fucking hate.

I really don't give a shit if the First Amendment lets them hide behind it.

[Apotheosis]

eh, I don't mind protestors of any group so much because it reveals what freaks people are.

(kkk, anti-gay groups, PETA, anti-bush protestors, anti-world trade protestors, etc...)

[HarmNone]

I suppose they have a right to their views, however foolish they may be. They also have the right to protest. I can say that if I had a child in that school, my child would not be at school that day. We'd have a discussion at home about hate and the damage it can do.

[Tsa`ah]

It is their right to protest, so long as their right doesn't tread on the rights of others.

I don't agree with the message Phelps spews, but unless he violates the law, he has the right of protest. From what I read, they're not going to allow him on school property, which is a good thing. In fact, I don't think he should be allowed within sight of the school. Let them protest the village board or town hall ... not children.

[SayGoodbye]

If I'm not around on June 7th, I'm in jail. :(

[HarmNone]

I hear you, SayGoodbye, and I understand your distress. I'd feel the same way if it were happening in my town. :(

[Tsa`ah]

Originally posted by Yswithe
(kkk, anti-gay groups, PETA, anti-bush protestors, anti-world trade protestors, etc...)

Call me a freak then.

I think it's beyond retarded to group political protestors with racist, animal rights terrorists, and people like Phelps.

[Doyle Hargraves]

So these church people are protesting a middle school because the essay that won the award happened to be about someone who's gay, and paying no attention to how well the paper may have been written? If so (which seems to be the case) then yeah that's pretty fucking stupid.

Is the essay itself posted anywhere?

Religion = root of all evil

[Apotheosis]

Originally posted by Tsa`ah

Originally posted by Yswithe
(kkk, anti-gay groups, PETA, anti-bush protestors, anti-world trade protestors, etc...)

Call me a freak then.

I think it's beyond retarded to group political protestors with racist, animal rights terrorists, and people like Phelps.

stop by my town and you will meet the same, 67 year old, patchouli wearing, vegan, dope-smoking, still need to "fight the man" people protesting the world trade organization, bush sneezing, and any other off the wall cause that you can think of.

IE: the people who actually tend to protest in ANY group/cause they support tend to be the most radical, therefore least "sane".

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Yswithe]

[SayGoodbye]

Originally posted by Doyle Hargraves
Is the essay itself posted anywhere?


Not that I can find. It did, however win a national award if the information is correct.

[Jolena]

All I can say is that my child would not be attending school that day. Thats ridiculous but cannot be stopped. They are protected in their right to demonstration and free speech.

[Back]

Originally posted by Yswithe

Originally posted by Tsa`ah

Originally posted by Yswithe
(kkk, anti-gay groups, PETA, anti-bush protestors, anti-world trade protestors, etc...)

Call me a freak then.

I think it's beyond retarded to group political protestors with racist, animal rights terrorists, and people like Phelps.

stop by my town and you will meet the same, 67 year old, patchouli wearing, vegan, dope-smoking, still need to "fight the man" people protesting the world trade organization, bush sneezing, and any other off the wall cause that you can think of.

IE: the people who actually tend to protest in ANY group/cause they support tend to be the most radical, therefore least "sane".

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Yswithe]

You’re both nuts.

[Vixen]

I would be sad and outraged as well. And wondering if maybe I did make a good move after all leaving north of Boston when I did...

Free speech is one thing, but spreading hate, and using an environment filled with impressionable children to do it... is rediculous.
Had I children... they would NOT be going to school that day and I agree with whoever it was that said we'd be having an at home talk about hate and what it can do to people. We don't need more reasons to be fighting each other. Maybe thats naive of me, but I think they should practice THEIR beliefs, and leave it at that. Just because thats what they think, doesn't make it right, or even fair to force them down other peoples throats, especially children. Praise the writing effort it took to win an essay contest, and let the poor kid feel good about themself.

And just to throw this in there.. if anyone showed up at a funeral for one of my loved ones with signs saying they were in hell... I'd send them there to visit myself.

[SayGoodbye]

Originally posted by Vixen
I would be sad and outraged as well. And wondering if maybe I did make a good move after all leaving north of Boston when I did...


Vixen, Just to clarify..

These people aren't from Massachusetts, we're a pretty tolerant group. Rather, they are coming into our state to spread the hate that they preach.


Originally posted by Vixen
.. if anyone showed up at a funeral for one of my loved ones with signs saying they were in hell... I'd send them there to visit myself.

Agreed.

[peam]

Fred Phelps' vacation in Hell can't come soon enough.

These people truly are the scum of the Earth. If they care to hold such views, that's fine, but the intolerance and ignorance that they teach their children is unacceptable.

Here is a link to their photosite. You can see first-hand what kind of garbage this group is here. I apologize for the URL's title, but again, it's just another indicator as to who you're dealing with.

http://www.godhatesfags.com/photos/thisyear.html

[Chadj]

Originally posted by Doyle Hargraves
So these church people are protesting a middle school because the essay that won the award happened to be about someone who's gay, and paying no attention to how well the paper may have been written? If so (which seems to be the case) then yeah that's pretty fucking stupid.

Is the essay itself posted anywhere?

Religion = root of all evil

True fucking that. How many problems in the world come up due to religions? Shit.

[SayGoodbye]

Originally posted by peam
Fred Phelps' vacation in Hell can't come soon enough.

These people truly are the scum of the Earth. If they care to hold such views, that's fine, but the intolerance and ignorance that they teach their children is unacceptable.

Here is a link to their photosite. You can see first-hand what kind of garbage this group is here. I apologize for the URL's title, but again, it's just another indicator as to who you're dealing with.

http://www.godhatesfags.com/photos/thisyear.html

This shit actually makes me sick to my stomach. I feel physically ill.

[Jorddyn]

My only hope for this protest is that it leads those who are on the fence to realize what frickin' nutjobs those who hate based on something so stupid as sexual orientation (or color, or gender, etc.) are.

Jorddyn

[Vixen]

Oh , if it seemed like I was blaming Massachusetts, trust me that wasnt my intent. My hubby had never lived outside of Danvers till he met me, and I've no desire to die ;)

Merely that if stuff like that is spreading there, maybe I'm glad I am having our baby here in nowhere NC instead of up there, though I miss it terribly.
Then again, if it can happen there, I suspect even my nowhere could turn into hate central given the proper provocation.
Its just sad all around, really that its happening at all, especially under the guise of religion. It seems to be a convenient excuse for a lot of bad actions...

[SayGoodbye]

I really hope the people of Dracut pull through and send a message that hate will not be tolerated.

I know I'll be there.

[Delirium]

IE: the people who actually tend to protest in ANY group/cause they support tend to be the most radical, therefore least "sane".

No truer words have ever been written. Even if i agree with what a person is protesting, just take a look at those people. Yikes!

I dont understand why people hate groups when individually humans are much more fun to hate :)

[HarmNone]

Agreed. I, too, hope the people of Dracut show up in numbers to let these hate-mongers know they're not welcome.

[DeV]

Originally posted by Delirium
I dont understand why people hate groups when individually humans are much more fun to hate :) :yeahthat:

[HarmNone]

Actually, I don't think I can come up with five people in my lifetime for whom I felt hate. Usually, if I don't like someone I dismiss them from my life. They're not important enough to warrant hating, in my opinion. :shrug:

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by DeV

Originally posted by Delirium
I dont understand why people hate groups when individually humans are much more fun to hate :) :yeahthat:

Because it is easier to hate a group. An individual has a face, a life, people who love him/her. A group is easier. "Damn Republicans" (:lol: ), "Friggin' Arabs", etc.

Of course, the problem comes about when you know and like someone on an individual basis, when you don't realize that s/he is "one of those!", whatever "those" it may be.

Jorddyn, doesn't really care if people are these or those

[Skirmisher]

Originally posted by Delirium


I dont understand why people hate groups when individually humans are much more fun to hate :)

It takes actual reasons to hate an individual.

It only takes vague exhortations to hate a group.

Edited to say that Jorddyn beat me to the punch darnit.

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Skirmisher]

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by Skirmisher
Edited to say that Jorddyn beat me to the punch darnit.


Don't hate the quick :D

Jorddyn

[Skirmisher]

I'm all about the hate.

[DeV]

Originally posted by HarmNone
Actually, I don't think I can come up with five people in my lifetime for whom I felt hate. Same goes for me.

I can understand why people choose to hate groups intead of an individual or their ideas, beliefs, opinions, etc... It's just mind boggling that people actually devote that amount of time and attention to hating someone or something that doesn't affect them negatively in the slightest.

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by DeV
It's just mind boggling that people actually devote that amount of time and attention to hating someone or something that doesn't affect them negatively in the slightest.

It saves valuable time that most of us spend thinking and making rational judgements.

Jorddyn

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by SayGoodbye
These people aren't from Massachusetts, we're a pretty tolerant group.Just look at Bobmuhthol and Arkans.

Anyway, I don't know if this Phelps fellow can get much lower than where he already is after that funeral thing.

Finally, I do hate Jorddyn, because SHE RUINED NAPTIME. :cry:

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by Latrinsorm
Finally, I do hate Jorddyn, because SHE RUINED NAPTIME. :cry:

:lol: I did something productive today!

Jorddyn, no hate for Latrinsorm :)

holy shit nuke kansas with all its homophobic dorothys and totos :weird:

[Jorddyn]

Kansas can be a strange place, with strange people, but please don't nuke it. There's some very interesting places.

Garden of Eden (http://www.kansasphototour.com/eden.htm)

World's largest ball of twine (http://skyways.lib.ks.us/kansas/towns/Cawker/twine.html)

To name just a couple :) I have very fond memories of a road trip through some of the odder places in Kansas.

Jorddyn

[HarmNone]

Umm, thanks, Jorddyn. Those links were...enlightening.

HarmNone does not plan to visit Kansas...ever:scared:

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by HarmNone
Umm, thanks, Jorddyn. Those links were...enlightening.

HarmNone does not plan to visit Kansas...ever:scared:

In all honesty, much of Kansas is a bit... scary to say the least. However, the trip through folk art and random crap definitely gave me some wonderful (if slightly fuzzy) memories.

Though, perhaps if I had to live there, I'd hate everyone else, too!

Jorddyn, very on topic

[HarmNone]

Actually, maybe you are spot on topic, Jorddyn. Maybe the things in those links, and the miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles are what creates some of the freaks this thread is talking about. :lol:

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by HarmNone
Actually, maybe you are spot on topic, Jorddyn. Maybe the things in those links, and the miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles are what creates some of the freaks this thread is talking about. :lol:

True. My first trip through Kansas was on the tollway (Tollway in Kansas!), and I swear we went 50 miles without seeing a single house. Perhaps if all you have is time to ponder, you come up with lots of people to hate.

Jorddyn

[Edaarin]

I can't stand people who have no tolerance for others. Fucking intolerable.

[Vesi]

Originally posted by Yswithe

stop by my town and you will meet the same, 67 year old, patchouli wearing, vegan, dope-smoking, still need to "fight the man" people protesting the world trade organization, bush sneezing, and any other off the wall cause that you can think of.

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Yswithe]

67? OK, in 1969 that 67 year old would have been 31 and as any good hippie would know ... you NEVER trusted anyone over 30. <wink>

Anyway, I'm sure if there is a hell, that this preacher will be VERY surprised when he gets there and sees who actually ended up there. I hope he gets the grand tour. (I don't believe in heaven and hell but have to say I take a perverse pleasure in imagining this scenario)


True, they have the RIGHT to have their protest ... doesn't make what they are protesting RIGHT. This group fosters hate. It is truly scary that people hide behind religion to commit atrocities, but it's happened for thousands of years and will, unfortunately, continue to happen.


Vesi

[Vesi]

Originally posted by Edaarin
I can't stand people who have no tolerance for others. Fucking intolerable.

You know... I almost put something like that in my post. It's a concept that sort of plagues me.

Vesi

[Snapp]

The only problem I have with it is the children. They shouldn't have to witness that kinda shit. Otherwise, let em do what they want. They're just making fools of themselves. :shrug:

[Ravenstorm]

Originally posted by Snapp
The only problem I have with it is the children.

And the children of the Phelps assholes. It's a crime that they're being indoctrinated with that kind of shit. Unfortunately, it's not. Then again, it would be one of those slippery slopes if it was.

Raven

[Brattt8525]

Originally posted by Snapp
The only problem I have with it is the children. They shouldn't have to witness that kinda shit. Otherwise, let em do what they want. They're just making fools of themselves. :shrug:

I was appalled at the t-shirts they had children wearing. Hate all you want but don't push that shit on kids and dress them up in your pathetic hate crap.

[ElanthianSiren]

If Matthew is in hell and people like this go to heaven, then hell's where I'd like to be too.

-Melissa

[Back]

Maybe Freedom of Speech should be amended to Free Without Hate.

[ElanthianSiren]

Originally posted by Backlash
Maybe Freedom of Speech should be amended to Free Without Hate.

I disagree -- someone can always try to twist your words to say that they are hateful. I think if parents find it as offensive as I would, not sending your kids to school the day that the protestors would be there would make a world of a statement as public schools are required to hold a certain level of attendence by state (I believe).

-Melissa

[HarmNone]

Originally posted by ElanthianSiren
If Matthew is in hell and people like this go to heaven, then hell's where I'd like to be too.

-Melissa

I don't believe in heaven or hell. However, if it were to come to be that I am wrong, I'm sure I'll be better off in hell. That's where all my friends are going to be. :D

[Edaarin]

To paraphrase Barney Gumble...

"All I'm sayin' is that when we die, the Chinese people will have their own planet, the Germans will have their own planet, the idiots will have their own planet, and everyone will be much happier."
"Mr. Gumble, you're upsetting me."

[Doyle Hargraves]

Originally posted by Chadj
True fucking that. How many problems in the world come up due to religions? Shit.

I would guess roughly 99.99999999%.


Link (http://www.godhatesfags.com/photos/thisyear.html)

Maybe I missed something here, but what the hell does 9/11 and the tsunami have to do with these people?

And how about the irony of this one?

Link2 (http://www.godhatesfags.com/images/2005/20050320_shirts3.jpg)

[Edited on 5-21-2005 by Doyle Hargraves]

[Edited on 5-21-2005 by Tijay]

[Hulkein]

This all 'religion is the reason for evil' is bs.

Everyone knows at least one person who isnt't religious and just dislikes people who are different than them for no other reason than they're different than them. It has nothing to do with what Leviticus or whatever other book says, it's just human nature.

Evil acts are committed no matter what, religion is just used as a reason to do so once in a while.

If religion didn't exist, the acts would continue, and some other justification would be used.

[Edited on 5-21-2005 by Hulkein]

[ElanthianSiren]

Originally posted by Hulkein

If religion didn't exist, the acts would continue, and some other justification would be used.

Yes, but currently, religion does exist. So perhaps we ammend the statement to say: "The attempted control and manipulation of others is the root of all evil". In that case, we have a lot of institutions/groups etc to work on.

I have known some very GOOD religious people, and I have known some like the individuals that run that site. The chief difference is one judges and one does not, in my mind. If a religion helps an individual, I am all for them practicing it -- whatever gets you through the day. When religious groups start condemning and spewing hate is when I start viewing them as non-religious.

So to me, the aforementioned group is not a religious group but more a hate group that hides behind select passages in the bible, much like Al Qaida hides behind select passages in the Koran.

In short, I agree with you.

-Melissa

[Slider]

Religion is not the root of all evil...people are. People can take anything to extremes; religion is just one of the more obvious examples that we hear about.

There are billions of people in the world who practice religion without ever once spouting the kind of mindless hate mongering that this idiot preaches. Strange to me that on the one hand you condemn this group for their intolerance of something, yet many of you seem to have the same level of intolerence and hatred for religion.

Slippery slope indeed, eh?

[Wezas]

These people sicken me when I hear them on Howard Stern. I can handle Daniel Carver (the KKK guy) being on because he's a complete dumbass and is invited on to be made look like a dumbass.

But these kids marching around saying f*ggot this and f*ggot that is just disheartening.

And:

Phelps gained notoriety by demonstrating at the funeral of Matthew Shepard, the 21-year-old Wyoming man who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in 1998. Phelps and his supporters stood across the street from the church shouting at the mourners and holding signs that read, “Matthew is in hell.”

It's his fucking funeral. If you had any self decency you'd give him that one day of peace.

[Edaarin]

You don't believe in hell?

Clearly, you've never tried to get on the George Washington Bridge at 5:30.