Response to Phelps
A call for a counter-demonstration Monday at Emporia High School is circulating on Facebook on the Internet. The action, involving current and former EHS students, Emporia State University students and others in the community is being called in response to a planned protest at the school by the followers of Fred Phelps at Topeka’s Westboro Baptist Church.
The organizers of the counter-protest are asking people to show up at the school at 2 p.m. and expect to stay until 4 p.m. The Facebook posting says that the protest will not be violent and asks people attending to make “cute” signs, not ones that are insulting or vulgar, and not to respond in any way to the Westboro contingent.
Sirens are out
With the spring storm season approaching, the Emporia Police Department announced Tuesday that the outdoor warning sirens on 24th Avenue near Jones Park and in the 1600 block of Merchant Street are not working. It is not known how long it will be before they are repaired.
The police are asking people in those neighborhoods to pay special attention to radio and television warnings and alerts in bad weather.
Comments
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madpoet (anonymous) says...
What DAY is the counter-protest set for? You just have the time listed.
February 11, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kitty93 (anonymous) says...
Most likely monday... same day of actual protest
February 11, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
It was Friday, but has been pushed to Monday...
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid...
February 11, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I just found the facebook thing and was coming to yesterday's story to announce it, but I see I am too late. This page is really worth checking out--someone put a revised version of the reasoning that was posted on the Phelps site so everyone doesn't have to go to that site.
Create:
This doesn't mention anything about the vs.20 approach, but maybe we need to be calling some local church offices today so announcements can be made at Sun. services. The info on the facebook page, though, advises that any and all contact would be used to attempt to file lawsuits so it might be a risky endeavor. My biggest concern at this point is to have a "person fence" in between the students and the protesters to help secure that heated teens don't get baited into verbal or physical attacks. I believe that that is the exact reason why Phelps goes after funerals and high schools--emotions run high and reactions are easily prompted. Sick, sick man.
February 11, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Absolute (anonymous) says...
The worst thing we could do to this man and his followers is to ignore him. Giving him ANY attention fuels his fire.
February 11, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Why is Phelps coming to the school to protest??
February 11, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
from their schedule:
"Emporia High School - God's Curse On Emporia! 3302 W. 18th We will picket your High School, and are happy to do it. This town is full of rebellious, idolatrous, filthy, vile perverts. How do I know? We were put on trial for trumped up charges brought by a criminal D.A. Your mean little town evil entreated the Servants of the Living God. Shortly after those trials, your meat packing plant was shut down. HA! God hates you, and God's curse abides on that evil little town. Your brats should still be told some truth; however, since they will not be held accountable for their parents' sins. They must be held accountable for their own sins. If we do not come and show them the words of truth and they do not curse themselves, why then GOD would be unrighteous. Here is that beautiful process, you corn-pone HYPOCRITES:...(mis-quoted scripture removed by oh4)............."
Apparently, in my emotional distress, I misquoted the part about the kids paying for the sins of their fathers on yesterday's. Apologies, not that it what they actually said is any better.
February 11, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
JMHO, but seems to me that if nobody showed up and the kids left school the way they always do wouldn't that send a stronger message than giving this group any attention at all? Most respectable news outlets don't even report on their activities any more. The KC Star article and the one I read in the Gazette is the first time I've seen any news outlet give them the time of day.
February 11, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"19. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 20. BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Romans 12:19-20 (NASB)
Just to remind myself, there is no verse between 19 and 20 that says that Fred Phelps or Westboro Baptist Church are the vehicle of His vengeance. Neither is my name there. So now I should look to Ephesians 4:26 (NASB) "26a. BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN;"
Yes, that's what I'll do...........................
February 11, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Just remember--"If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer" (Proverbs 9:12).
February 11, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...
i agree with justthefacts.
February 11, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof: I can see merit in your idea about a "person fence" to shield the kids. Having been a high school teacher for a very long time, I know how teens can get when riled up, or given half a reason to get involved. The hot beverage and cookies will only work if others also use this approach. My idea, married to your original biblical message, was to just make the coffee and cookies available with the following message:
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" (paraphrased from Voltaire's words in his "Treatise on Toleration").
But like I said, that won't work unless everyone does it. Passive resistance.
Thanks for your words.
February 11, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I must have been writing when you guys were posting. I agree with oh4, be angry and do not sin; and with justthefacts too. Yes, we must be wise, angry yet wise.
Breathe, create, breathe.
February 11, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
As it has been said, the best way to deal with this group is to IGNORE them, going to set your own counter-demonstration line is exactly what they want, More protesters means bigger news, If anyone has evrer noticed, when the patriot guard attends a funeral, Not One will even look towards the phelps group, Pretending they do not exsist is the best way to deal with them and is what they hate the most.
February 11, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
It is also to bad that the gazette feels the need to put Anything about them or thier whereabouts in the paper TWICE! looks to me that the Gazette is just looking for some news to cover and will even give these hateful people the press they want, Shame on you gazette.
February 11, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaMom3 (anonymous) says...
I agree with the idea that the best approach to this is for no one to show up and the kids to leave school as usual - ignore him, please! Trust me, I know it will be hard. I too, have very strong feelings against him and would love to be there, but that is exactly what they want. Why should we give them want they want? It is best to ignore a child throwing a tantrum.
February 11, 2009 at 6:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lets_get_reasonable (anonymous) says...
II agree that the best option would be to ignore him, but that's already out of the question. Why? Because there is already over 200 people attending the counter-protest. If you choose to stay home and ignore it, it truly will do NOTHING because there will already be 200 others out there. That sounded confusing, but hopefully you catch my drift.
Anyway, I plan to join the 200-some crowd. The idea of us standing with our backs to them in silence is very powerful. Of course not everyone will be silent... many will probably scream and curse at them, but there's really not much anyone can do about it. I just wish ol' Fred would actually show up. I would love to be able to say I've seen the Devil in the flesh.
February 11, 2009 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Those that choose to participate; do not engage them in conversation, debate(civil or not), and do not allow them to push your button that opens the can of attitude adjustment.
As has been said above, these people make their living suing those that try to stop their protests or attempt to beat the courage/mouthiness out of them.
February 11, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
lets_get_reasonable, if you are correct about the 200 people going out there then the phelps crew got exactly what they wanted, They got your attention, they will probably get some free press and they may even get some lawsuit money off someone who may get pissed off enough to slap them up side thier fool heads. Those going out for the counter-demonstration will probably get a thank you card from the phelps for helping them out in thier quest for attention!!
February 11, 2009 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Just out of curiosity, where will you stand? You won't be allowed to do so on any school property or private property. The police will have designated staging areas for all participants. There is no parking allowed on 18th and the more people who show up, the more cops and more tax dollars that will be spent as well as the potential for something bad to happen. The excuse that simply because 200 anonymous people signed up on facebook (could be Phelps' folks for all you know) doesn't mean they will be there. Wise people should, in a very public manner, discourage anyone from going there. This includes the Gazette since they were kind enough to post it here twice now. Phelps' folks have been in Emporia before and there wasn't this kind of response. Again, turn your back on them by not showing up. The best way to deal with a screaming 3 year old throwing a tantrum is to walk away and ignore him/her. Once they realize there is no audience, they will most likely stop. These folks are nothing more that adults seeking attention they can no longer get at funerals, in Topeka, Canada, or anyplace else for that matter and they are getting their backsides sued from cities from coast to coast. Their attorneys put local law enforcement "on notice" of their legal responsibilities to protect them. The language is clear and they will not openly provoke anyone. But be assured, they bring their video cameras and their attorneys. There is a good chance you will wind up on their web page if you show up. Please don't give them the fodder they are looking for. Just don't go.
Don't put the schools and city at risk of lawsuits (again tax dollars) by giving these "people" an audience. Let's set a good example for the kids. This isn't civil disobedience, it's more like Romper Room. Let Emporia be known for being the city that shuned them with our silence and our absence. Let's set an example for Wichita and all the subsequent cities on their list.
February 11, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Just another thought, what if all the churches opened their doors at 2pm until 5pm and invited everyone in to pray for the salvation of the Phelps folks. What a powerful message that would send!
February 11, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
"Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:20
February 11, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
I think people ought to counter Phelps, I don't think that whole ignore them attitude works. Regardless, I don't know if I will get this right, but I found this on Youtube a while back when I was reading about the Phelps clan because I thought they were going to picket the funeral of a serviceman I knew. Try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8cN2p... hopefully that is the right link. It is a little over the top, so if you are easily offended, don't go to it. But if you have a really good sense of humor, you will laugh so hard you might pass out.
February 11, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Alfalfa, if that link doesn't convince people to stay away from folks so totally outside the realm of sanity, I don't know what will. Why try to reason with people without reason? Pray for their redemption instead.
February 11, 2009 at 10:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Please check out this url:
http://www.umoutlaws.org/2005/11/opin...
February 11, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
The Phelps family cult does the outrageous things they do to garner attention. They feed on it like bats feed on mosquitoes. Ignoring them completely would make them angrier than anything else we could do. Honoring them with a big and noisy counter-rally would play right into their hands and feed their warped egos. Ignore the deluded in-bred cultists and they will eventually wither and die.
February 11, 2009 at 10:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
One last entreat..if nobody shows they leave and find greener pastures. If they get a big audience...they will be back for more. I prefer they find their greener pastures elsewhere.
February 11, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
I agree with the above posters. No attention and NO MEDIA, then these parasites will go away. Oh, and if local carpenters wanted to build a giant closet door that the Phelps group would have to walk through on their protest route, that would be great too. Me thinks thow doth protest too much, Fred.
February 11, 2009 at 11:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
If you have time, review the extensive series the Topeka CJ did on Mr. Phelps. It's worth the reading.
http://cjonline.com/indepth/phelps/
February 11, 2009 at 11:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
justthefacts:
I really do appreciate your stance on this. My concern, though is the 200+ people who are planning the counter-protest. They aren't anonymous--their names and photos are on the "will attend" page. Most of them are highschoolers according to the info under their names (for example: Emporia High '10, etc.) Many of them are doing it to defend immorality and are heated and confused. I am concerned that if there aren't enough adults involved, these naive kids will get themselves in a heap of trouble. I agree that they should not counter-protest. I was concerned that we should be a barrier so they can get in their cars and drive away with less risk of confrontation. That seems to not be an option now. These kids don't come on here, so maybe we should take this discussion over to the facebook page. Once again, it is http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/eve...
Maybe we can talk some wisdom into them.
February 11, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Okay, I just copied and pasted some of this on that board with where and who it came from. Hopefully it will get some of them to look over here too and get some more sage advice.
justthefacts:
I LOVE your prayer time idea. If we did that and the Gazette did a story on that, it would be the "coals of fire" and the wisdom all in one. It would not help their cause one bit and it would be a thorn in their consciences (if they have any). Of course, the motive would need to be pure--a true desire for them to join the family. Time for me to go to the Throne of Grace for an attitude adjustment again.
February 11, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
After going to their website and learning that Obama is the anti-christ and God hates me, I read the blurb about EHS, and I still am not sure I understand whatever feeble reasoning they have to picket there. I noticed they are going to England to picket as well, and knowing firsthand that you don't fly over there cheap, I have to bring up something I have always wondered, how do those people finance this? They have huge families, and appear to do nothing but stir up trouble, evidently there is a good living to be made doing that? I seem to miss the boat on easy money every single time.
February 11, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
I would submit that is why they have to try to stir up media attention. They've lost in attracting the attention of adults so they now prey on adolescents knowing their passion for right and wrong and also knowing that adults will rush in to protect and isolate them. It's the lowest common form of behavior I can imagine. The only other incident I can think of is Hitler parading youth around in uniforms showing how "compassionate" he was so they would rat out their parents. It just stinks. I earnestly would advocate for a city-wide break for prayer at home, at church, but anyplace than on 18th Street. I have to believe that our kids are smart enough to figure this out. I'm sure there will be discussions during the day and before Monday in classrooms. I hope they just all exit out the other side driveways and hopefully the cops will help them get out quickly and without incident. No horns, no yelling, just absolute silence.... If it can happen the silence could be heard around the world. What an example that would be.
February 12, 2009 at 12:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Psalm 18 >>
New American Standard Bible ©
1 “I love You, O LORD, my strength.”
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death encompassed me,
And the torrents of ungodliness terrified me.
5 The cords of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD,
And cried to my God for help;
He heard my voice out of His temple,
And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.
7 Then the earth shook and quaked;
And the foundations of the mountains were trembling
And were shaken, because He was angry.
8 Smoke went up out of His nostrils,
And fire from His mouth devoured;
Coals were kindled by it.
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down
With thick darkness under His feet.
10 He rode upon a cherub and flew;
And He sped upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him,
Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.
12 From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens,
And the Most High uttered His voice,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
14 He sent out His arrows, and scattered them,
And lightning flashes in abundance, and routed them.
15 Then the channels of water appeared,
And the foundations of the world were laid bare
At Your rebuke, O LORD,
At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
16 He sent from on high, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the LORD was my stay.
February 12, 2009 at 12:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
It's our job to pray for Phelps' Klan, God's job is to judge.
February 12, 2009 at 12:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof,
I saw your posts on there, great idea! (I added you, btw) I believe I will show up, but will not demonstrate, per se, just try to make sure the kids don't get in trouble. I think that is what your idea is, am I correct?
February 12, 2009 at 2:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
I'm still inclined to state that school officials and the students can comport themselves ok without our "help." Why provide an audience for either side? It's gonna be crowed enough as it is.
February 12, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Luke 9:51-56
51When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; 52and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" 55But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."] And they went on to another village.
I agree with those that think the best plan would be to avoid this whole mess and pray for these @#%^@#.........people.Like the apostles James and John I would like to see fire rain down from Heaven and consume them but my Lord is infinitely more patient than I am and I am glad He is. If He wasn't patient He would have rained down fire on me long ago because I used to curse His name because of people like Phelps and his cult..... I mean family.
Romans 2:24
24For "THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU," just as it is written.
This was me blaspheming Gods name because of what people do in His name(and my own depraved heart) but He was patient with me and revealed His true self to me in His timing. While we are praying for these @#$^&*!.... people I think we should also pray that peoples hearts wouldn't be hardened toward God because of the actions of these individuals. These people DO NOT represent God and I pray that those that see them know that.
February 12, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Alfalfa: The Phelps clan gets their considerable income from being attorneys. Most are. Fred was, too, until he was disbarred many years ago for being a wacko nut. Several of the Phelps clan attorneys work for the state and are paid from our tax money. If you figure out why that should be allowed to happen, let me know.
February 12, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
I thought they got sued and owed some people in Ohio (I think) something like 10 million dollars but there assests amounted to much less????
February 12, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Thank you justthefacts. I needed that.
seriouslyfolks:
Yours is an excellent post. We need to remember that the way we represent God to others is very important--it can cause them to harden their hearts. At the same time, you pointed out that we are responsible for how we decide to perceive God and that choice is often what drives us away from Him. Thankfully, as you testified from your own life, He has the power to overcome that hardness. Philippians 1:6
February 12, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
"A wise person's heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn." Proverbs 16:23. I'm very concerned about the very ugly tone the other discussion under Dr. Heim's letter has created. As I said there, the Phelps' Klan is probably laughing with delight.
February 12, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I agree, but felt I needed to clarify that the Bible doesn't just write off any sinner. I was really upset that the one poster brought that into things.
February 12, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )