Posted on 04/06/2006 4:35:26 PM PDT by sauropod
We had 32 people on hand for today's event. The other side had maybe 15.
Honor roll for today is as follows: tgsltakoma (tiggles), BufordP, cindy_true_supporter, Mr/Mrs Trooprally, BillF, hellinahandcart, TBP, AGreatPer, W04Man, imacman, chickenhawk, justanobody, gate2wire, iraqikurd, and trueblackman (very late. He was looking at the Cherry Blossoms). The healing heroes included Ryan, Wes, Wild Bill, Bill, Rex, Jerry, Arnold, Cole, Brian, John and a few others.
On a bright sunny spring day in Dee Cee, Fred Phelps' caravan of irrational people descended on both Capitol Hill and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Others can talk to what happened at the Capitol (I was not there), but we had quite a bit of fun defending and honoring the troops and giving the Westboro Baptists what for.
We got to WR around 2 pm to set up. The Phelpsians had posted on their website that they had a permit for 2:45 - 3:30 pm in front of the Medical Center. When we got there, a group of healing heroes were on hand to lend their opinion to the upcoming protest. They knew that the God Hates Fags People (GHFP) would not be permitted to protest untaunted.
Here is a picture of them setting up on the corner in front of WR:
We began setting up the MOAB. Here Buford works on the banner (It's a rare thing to get a picture of Buford actually working. He's complaining about actually breaking a sweat.):
I gave an interview to the WaPo and to CNS. I had a sign that said, "Fred Phelps: Lifelong Democrat." The WaPo reporter saw that and made a beeline over to get the interview. The WaPo reporter kept asking if I agreed with the Phelpsians that God was punishing America because of homosexuality. I replied by Phelps' logic, God must really not like Americans that drive cars because of all the Americans that die in car crashes every year (far more than the Servicemembers getting killed over in theater). The WaPo reporter said that I basically agreed with Phelps's point of view and that the differences were just a matter of respect. I disagreed with this, stating that Phelps said "God Hates Fags." I said that that was not true, God hates the sin and loves the sinner.
Phelps's group arrived late (they did not show until after 3 pm).
They had many "charming" signs and began setting up on the far corner. They also had quite a few American flags that they proceeded to drag on the ground, stomp on, and spit on during their half-hour protest.
We countered, linking their actions to those of Code Pinko. W04Man had a great sign doing just that:
Fred's brood had many offensive signs to whet the media's appetite.
The Media in attendance included WaPo, CNS, and the Army Times. It was also reported that Channel 7 was there for a little while.
Arriving at almost the same time as they did was Rolling Thunder and RT was joined by a FReeper Chickenhawk on his own bike. Here he is givin' 'em some gas.
RT did the Lord's work revving up their bikes (even if they just were Harleys ;-) and drowning out their weird chants.
Phelpsians are a strange bunch. Here is somebody thanking God for maimed soldiers (I kid you not):
Here, Uncle Sam is in the crosshairs and the Westboro Baptists triumphantly declare that "God Hates You." The expression on the RT's face is priceless.
These next couple of pictures just speak for themselves:
As I mentioned before, the GHFP really like to dishonor the flag.
There was a broad in the pink shirt (see photo below) that insisted on taking a picture of me and everybody else. We were definitely being monitored and cataloged.
RT really got under the GHFPers skin. Here is one of them chewing out the local RT leader for having such a loud bike:
We continued to give them hell. Here is my lovely bride, Elizabeth Crocker, who decided at the last minute to out Fred Phelps personally.
Finally, their permit time was up and they got ready to leave:
They were escorted and serenaded down the street by the healing heroes.
And finally, they became insignificant. No media, no adoring throngs of leftists. No nothing. They sure look lonely.
We never forget who we are doing this for. It's amazing to me that there is not more outrage over this. Our troops deserve better.
Contact information for the station is here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1609589/posts?page=510#510
Do the pink Tshirts indicate some Code Pink members?
Whassa matta? Kooky cat got your tongue? Or did you have ol' Emmett do your talkin' for you?
Wonder where we can see his video??? anyone know?
Got a few of the PHearless PHRed PHelps...
The videographer in black said he was from "Australian TV".
and the green arrows are BufordP's PHamous Walmart speshuns...
Could you please ask Emmett to come back for another visit? The mods were too quick for me. I'd love to read what he wrote about me.
iMM, get with TBM. He would like to get copies of your photos ... green arrows and all. Throw in some blue ones for good measure. :-)
I found it quite interesting that Fred himself never held a sign or shouted anything. he seemed to just be the instigator of the whole thing. It's funny that the devil himself works the same way: in the background, whispering and conspiring to have others do his dirty work.
ROFL! The ballerina outfit was a nice touch!
CAN ANYONE PROVE ME WRONG?
The guy in the blue shirt is holding this sign!
Awesome!! Thanks to all of you!!
Great report. Glad RT had some decent riding weather.
Guess the hate group was surprised by the reception committee. Well Done!
People like Phelp's Felchers are the number one reason to bring back Dueling. Call these people out and rid the Earth of such dishonor and evil.
But you're right, it's a good article. I was worried because the reporter hit nearly everyone he talked to on our side with the "but you BELIEVE some of the same things as Phelps, don't you?" questions---but, he didn't go there after all. I am glad to be wrong.
I remember that sign. The funny thing was, another woman only a few feet away was holding another sign that said "BUSH KILLED THEM".
I was thinking, "Wait, I thought you said God killed them. Make up your minds already."
Thanks for the ping.
From what I understand from various articles I've read, each Baptist congregation can do as it pleases, but the hierarchy that gave Phelps his ministry, has disavowed his actions. So while he is "Baptist", the Baptists do not agree with him.
Maybe a Baptist (I Catholic) can better relate how this works.
[Mr] T
I have no doubt that the soldiers inside WR appreciated it to no end. Can you get these photos or a link to this thread inside WR so that they can share them? Heck, the DC Chapter might get a few new FReepers out of the deal.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.