Controversial church to picket soldier’s funeral

RADCLIFF — Members of gay-bashing Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., plan to picket the funeral Saturday of Pfc. Sammie Phillips.

The group will protest before services begin at 2 p.m. at Stithton Baptist Church in Radcliff, according to a news release that also features biblical quotations and interpretations.

The church advised Radcliff police of its plans. Organizers asked the department to designate an area for 10 church members to picket, police spokesman Bryce Shumate said.

They will be restricted to an area across Dixie Boulevard and about 300 feet away from the church.

The Patriot Guard Riders also will attend the funeral and visitation today at Coffey and Chism Funeral Home in Vine Grove, said Melinda Willcut, an administrative assistant at the church. ADVERTISEMENT *

The riders attend services for military members as invited guests. Their objectives are to show respect for the deceased and shield family and friends from interruptions caused by protesters, according to the group’s Web site.

“We’re really happy for those attitudes,” Willcut said, referring to the guard.

“Our main concern … is it’s our job to ensure the safety of the folks and citizens in Radcliff,” he said, adding that included visitors.

Westboro Baptist Church and its controversial leader, the Rev. Fred Phelps, claim homosexuals run the country and military and call the deaths of those serving the military punishments from God. Similar protests in Kentucky led legislators to enact laws regulating protests at funerals.

Phillips, 19, of Vine Grove, served in the Kentucky National Army Guard and was killed Sept. 10 when his vehicle overturned while on a traffic control mission near Rustamiyah, Iraq. He was a 2006 North Hardin High School graduate.

Comments from the local paper.

Helen wrote on Sep 21, 2007 4:45 PM:
“ I was just wondering where these people get the money to travel around the U.S. protesting these funerals. Surely a sain person wouldn’t give them a dime. They are sick. She lost a son in this war. Does she think he would be proud of her. I hope everyone who knows about this will be in Radcliff Saturday. This Mother and family is going thru enough without some idiots trying to intrude. We should put them in a box and ship them over seas and plant them right in the middle of downtown Bagdad and let the muslums have them. Treat the women like they do their own. I would love it. Maybe they could show it on T.V. if it isn’t to graphic. She should not be in the news. I hope this will be her last protest. “

ANGIE wrote on Sep 21, 2007 4:28 PM:
“ IF THIS GUY IS SUPPOSED TO BE A PREACHER I DON’T THINK I’D WASTE MY TIME GOING TO HEAR HIM. HE SORTA SOUNDS LIKE A “JIM JONES” HAVING ALL THESE FOLLOWERS. IS THIS HOW HE WOULD WANT HIS OWN SON’S FUNERAL? MAYBE HE NEEDS TO GIVE UP PREACHING AND FIND GOD IN HIS OWN HEART FIRST. TO THE FAMILY OF MR. PHILLIPS, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE PAIN YOU MUST FEEL. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU THROUGH ALL OF THIS. “

Patricia wrote on Sep 21, 2007 4:06 PM:
“ I am a memeber of the SBC. I am disgusted from what I have heard and read. My father served in the military and we almost lost him in 1991 From the Gulf War. I understand what the family of this soldier is going threw. I don’t know what my family would have done if they brought there “sorry butts” to my fathers or any member of my familys funeral. All I can say is that this family is grieving and they should be left alone to honnor there son and family member. God BLESS AMERICAN AND EVERYTHING WE STAND FOR. My condolances go out to PFC Phillips and his family May you rest in peace. With all my familys love “

Best wrote on Sep 21, 2007 3:52 PM:
“ Rev. Phelps and his followers need to protest among the living, and those who are laid to rest—let them REST IN PEACE! I’m sure they could fund their way to Iraq and conduct their protest there. After experiencing one moment of what our soldiers experience while defending everyone elses freedom, they’ll be praying for forgiveness and shouting for protection. My heart goes out to this family and the brave unjudgemental soldier who decided to defend US ALL! Pfc. Sammie Phillips! “

darbsaq wrote on Sep 21, 2007 3:36 PM:
“ boy, gotta love the whole freedom of speech thing. whatever happened to the rule you can’t yell “fire” in a crowded theater, that you mustn’t say things that will hurt people. i served 21+ years in the army defending these people’s right to protest a funeral of a fallen servicemember? This nut job phelps is the same whacko who tried to arrest the governor of kansas for treason. jane fonda doesn’t play in our theater for a reason. may God bless pfc phillips’ family for the have paid the ultimate sacrifice for these people’s right to protest him. “

Kim wrote on Sep 21, 2007 3:17 PM:
“ Check these people out on youtube.com Then you will see the true hatred these fanatics spread. They are listed as a hate group against,homosexuals, Jews,Catholics, etc. “

Sickened and Angry wrote on Sep 21, 2007 3:11 PM:
“ I lost a much loved cousin in Viet Nam. He was a young man who I respected and looked up to as a small child. He didn’t have to serve, he was in college and studing to be a scientist. He chose to inlist to serve his country. Two weeks after arriving in Viet Nam he was killed in action. I remember the profound sadness and anger I felt from his death. I remember those feelings to this very day. I can tell you this without any hesitation. If it were my son or brother and these OUTSIDER’S came to MY COMMUNITY with their vile little protest I swear there would be some funerals in Topeka KS. shortly afterward. STAY IN KANSAS WHERE YOU BELONG “REV.” PHELPS. YOU AND YOUR TRAILER TRASH BIGOTS AREN’T WELCOME HERE! “

Tami wrote on Sep 21, 2007 1:55 PM:
“ First of all, let’s be very clear, this so called church isn’t really a church, it is a cult. I was born and raised in Kansas and I find it appalling that these people are allowed to protest any funeral. The person who said these people are all lawyers is right. They file lawsuit after lawsuit. This man is not playing with a full deck and they use the law to hide behind. I agree with the person who said we need to legally help block the view of this cult so the family doesn’t have to see them. 6 buses lined up with banners on the sides of them supporting PFC Phillips and music blarring God Bless America would do it. I hope Radcliff and the surrounding areas show up in force to support the family of PFC Phillips and the military. This should not be happening to any family and it is disgraceful. “

Ed wrote on Sep 21, 2007 1:09 PM:
“ It’s a comfort to know that the Patriot Guard Riders are going to be there. Thank you PGR for shielding our fallen soldiers and their families from these misguided souls. While they may call themselves a “church”, they are no more Christians than the terrorists this young man was protecting them from. May God bless the family and comfort them in their time of loss. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” “

Jeff wrote on Sep 21, 2007 1:07 PM:
“ I’m going to do my best to be there and support Pfc. Sammie E. Phillips for the sacrifice that he made. This man should be honored, not have hateful bigots protesting. If at all possible, I’m going to try to share the gospel with those 10 people from Westboro, cause it is apparent that they have never heard it before. I invite anyone else who will join me. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 “

Sickened wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:58 PM:
“ These people are sick and their twisted view of Christianity is disgusting. I am a proud citizen of Vine Grove, and even though I did not know PFC. Phillips or his family, my heart goes out to them over their loss. These idiots are nothing more than attention mongers seeking any media platform from which to spread their message. I hope that everyone who attends the funeral in SUPPORT of the Phillips family refuses to give these people even an acknowledging glance. I hope that the NE and any other news media in the area refuse to cover their antics because that is all they are in search for- free advertising. Idiots will always be idiots, but let’s show them that in Hardin County, we stand up for our troops and refuse to let them interfere with OUR freedoms just because they insist on theirs. “

Anonymous wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:49 PM:
“ If you feel the hate they are spewing, and if you return their hate with hate, they are victorious. They are not a church of love or the good news. They are an entity determined to spread hate. Don’t let them win. Keep your pride and love for this country pure. Mourn for those who lose their loved ones. Support and honor them. WBC wins when they distract your attention away from the families. Don’t let them win. God bless this fine soldier. I thank him and his family for his ultimate sacrifice for our continued freedom. “

Anonymous wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:49 PM:
“ What is Radcliff based company USA Cares doing about this? http://www.usacares.us/ c’mon guys! Step up and show us your support now when we need you most. “

Dave wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:47 PM:
“ KRS 525.155 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/525-00/155.pdf prohibits anyone to interfere with a funeral. What I think will happen is they will step out of line and RPD will be there to haul them in. The police have a good handle on things in my opinion. But what should the people do? I think for every 1 of the protesters, we need 50 of the supporters to stand a line in front of the protesters with signs of support for his family in their time of greif. Just drown them out and make them invisible! “

Lee Ann wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:46 PM:
“ First let me say God Bless PFC Phillips family. I can’t say that I know the grief his family must be going thru. I have had loved ones serve and are still serving in Iraq but so far have had them return safely. As far as these “so called Christains” I can only pray that you won’t have to go thru what this family is going thru and if you do I pray you won’t reap what you sow. GOD Bless all our troops for the freedoom that they give so much for. “

Nora wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:38 PM:
“ May God bless the family of this brave American hero. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to do something more to protest these idiot protesters? Like creating a wall of people along the sidewalk so that the family doesn’t have to see them or something. Personally, I can think of a ton of nasty, mean things to do to the psychotic protesters, but I guess they really need our prayers more than anything. People with that warped of a view need to be in a psych ward, not traveling the country. “

tim wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:30 PM:
“ I would hire a septic tank truck & drive by that Rev. & his slimy co-horts and spray them all... “

Beverly wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:15 PM:
“ You know 200 plus years ago, no one could even imagine crazy people flying planes into buildings, suicide bombers, etc...now a very young man who had to guts and honor to stand up for his country is being laid to rest, and our city officials and our people do not have the the same guts and honor to stand up and say NO to this shameless act. Come on folks where is your American pride...we are going to hell in a hand basket. “

DeAnna wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:02 PM:
“ What in the heck are these insane people thinking?!!!!! My son is considering the military and god forbid if I was in this mother’s position I would probably be in jail for what I would have to say in a confortation with someone protesting my son’s funeral. Do you protesters not understand that these brave soldiers are protecting your sorry butts? Everyone has a right to an opinion. I disagree with what the government is doing, but our military is just doing their jobs. We should be thanking and honoring them. More and more mothers are losing their children, and these soldiers are just children. Shame on you for causing this family greive. Like Carla said, You WILL reap what you sow. You’re supposed to be so Godly? What happened to “Do undo others”? It would serve you right to have your funerals protested!!!!!! “

Lisa wrote on Sep 21, 2007 10:55 AM:
“ If this were my child’s funeral I would be heart broken that someone would even think about protesting anything at my son’s funeral! Allowing this to happen is the work of the devil! I hope this young man can rest in peace! God bless his family and loved ones! I am so sorry for your loss of this fine young man!! “

megan wrote on Sep 21, 2007 10:19 AM:
“ it is absolutely DISGUSTING that these people have the nerve to picket a funeral where a mother is burying her 19 year old son. “

Carla wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:54 AM:
“ May they reap the hatred they sow. “

Disgusted wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:52 AM:
“ The fact that this group can protest at a soldier’s funeral is absolutely horrible. This young man gave his life to protect THEIR freedom. A family and commmunity has just lost someone. They deserve to be able to grieve in peace. Thank you, PFC Phillips, and may you rest in peace. “

Kim wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:24 AM:
“ People we need to show our respect and honor for this fallen soldier! But we must remain calm about it. I was informed that this group is made up of attorneys and they know exactly what they can and cannot do,legally. They fund their effort by suing the city and its officials for violating their civil rights. There can be no shouting or other hostile actions towards these individuals. Or you may be arrested for disorderly conduct. “

Annie from GA wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:24 AM:
“ This is what PFC. Phillips was fighting for when he died...The FREEDOM for these idiots to protest against the very thing that gave them the right to come to the City of Radcliff. What a mess this world has become. Thanks to the ACLU, & to the lawyers who can find a loop hole in our Constitution and to all the ignorant people who would support this action. I like Mike’s suggestion, make a circle and surround the protestors and sing as loud as they shout. God BLess the Phillips family for their sacrifice and to all the other families who have lost family members for our FREEDOM. “

Jim Dunn wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:20 AM:
“ I will be there to support/shield this brave soldiers family from Fred & his gang, during his final ride. God Bless. Jim Dunn DAV, USA Ret. PGR Rider “

watcher wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:11 AM:
“ Mike and John said what I feel but could not put into words. There is no excuse for these people to be here; they are not wanted am sure they are not welcome. My heart goes out to the family of this boy. God forgive these radical idiots. “

Saddened wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:04 AM:
“ In part of what I just wrtoe, I left out a word of importance. I meant to say that you are NOT Godly or humble people to be acting out in public. To add another note. I myself was in the military and it takes guts to put your life on the line for our country to live in freedom. You are protesting against people that have died for freedom to speak, but speaking nonsense on your part. “

Bigcasetractor wrote on Sep 21, 2007 9:00 AM:
“ These protesters need to plant their sorry selfs on some other soil other than the United States of America. If you don’t like it here ship your sorry butts over to one of those big sand boxes half way around the world. Maybe after being over there a while (that is IF you survive) you won’t find life here near as bad. “

ol’ scratch sez’ wrote on Sep 21, 2007 8:54 AM:
“ I suggest that the area the protesters will be allowed to congregate within, ought to be surrounded with a 10ft tall tarp fastened on tempory supports..The Police should put it up. If the protesters damage or remove any section of the tarp barrier, the Radcliff Police should arrest them on the spot for destruction of Police property. Keeping them separated would prevent PFC Miller’s grieving family from having to see the prostesters stupidity and disrespect in public. Bear in mind..I’m not saying to confine the protesters..I’m am saying make the inside of the tarped off section the “official” protest area. In the event the protesters move outside the “offcial” area. Arrest them for unlawful assembly..Let them file suit. “

Saddened wrote on Sep 21, 2007 8:41 AM:
“ I think it’s absolutely obsurd that anyone would be allowed to protest at a funeral. These family members and friends have lost a dear and precious individual and that is their time for grieving. You say you are from a church, well you are Godly or humble people to be acting out in public. If you want to protest, do it at the place that matters, like D.C., not at a funeral. “

Soundra wrote on Sep 21, 2007 8:18 AM:
“ This is an outrage!Our soldiers fight and die for us to keep our country free and these so called religious group want to act like idiots!Well guess what your days coming and you will get what you deserve. “

christy wrote on Sep 21, 2007 8:15 AM:
“ I think groups like these should be ashamed of themselves. These soldiers are fighting for our freedom and neither they or their families need this kind of attitude. Our soldiers deserve respect and we should honor them, not picket their funerals and cause disrupption. “

John... wrote on Sep 21, 2007 7:28 AM:
“ I recommend the northern portion of the southbound lanes of 31W and Lincoln Trail Blvd would be a great location for these church people to demonstrate and exercise their freedom of speech rights, while the citizens of Hardin County and guests exercise their right to drive 45 MPH through that intersection at the same time. Seriously I do hope to see a large turnout of veterans and Christians showing their support and respect for the soldier and his family’s service and sacrifice. “

Mike wrote on Sep 21, 2007 6:32 AM:
“ Maybe what we all should do is gather and make a complete circle around the protesters (300 feet away of course) to complete shield those attending the funeral from this nonsense. Those idiots have no place here and they are not welcome and will not be heard no matter how loud they protest. “

Ann wrote on Sep 21, 2007 6:23 AM:
“ Please let this young man rest in peace. Freedom does not come free. God Bless him for serving my country. I don’t have the guts too. It is 2007, wake up and have some respect. The only person who can judge you is GOD. Don’t you people have anything better to do with your time??? Maybe Rev. Fred Phelps is a homosexual? Is that why he is so homophobic. I suggest he take a trip to San Fransico or NYC. Homosexuals are people too. Get a life Rev. Phelps. “

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