Three Cheers for Weston, MO

I was so happy to see somebody finally stick it -- peacefully and lawfully -- to the protesters from Westboro Baptist Church over the weekend.

Just in case you have missed it, the folks from Westboro are the ones who protest at the funerals of veterans with signs that say things like, "God Hates Fags", "Thank God for IED's", and "God Blew Up the Shuttle." The "Reverend" (and I use the term very, very loosely) Fred Phelps leads this congregation, composed mostly of his family members from what I understand, in a theology that supposes that much of the national violence in America is a judgment on our tolerance of homosexuality.

They show up and taunt mourners in the belief that somehow this will convince people to rise up and rebel against the powers-that-be..and somehow things will change? Of course, their "protests" are protected as free speech. We do live in America, after all. (A Supreme Court hearing is pending over whether their activities can be defined as hate speech...should be interesting to see who pulls for whom in that one!)

But this past weekend in Weston, Mo -- population 2,000 -- Rev. Phelps and his followers met their match. The citizens of Weston showed up even earlier than the Westboro folks for the funeral of Marine Sgt. First Class C.J. Sadel. More than half of the town's population joined in erecting a human barricade around the funeral home, complete with American flags and patriotic music.

Fox News quoted Weston resident Rebecca Rooney: “We got everybody here early so we could take up all the parking spots,” Rooney said .”We did that so Mr. Phelps wouldn’t have a contingency that was really close.”  (See the report here.)


When the Westboroers did show up, they took one look and headed for home. Score!

C.J Sadell, who was age 34, left behind a wife and two children when he died from injuries suffered in Afghanistan. His family and friends were allowed to mourn with peace, quiet, and some sense of dignity.

Rudy Stettner, of IndyPost.com, offered this comment:

"The people of Weston Missouri may have found the antidote to the vile hatred of the Phelps family and their Westboro Baptist Church freak show. Perhaps other towns in which the bereaved are being tormented, the same tactic may be used to shield the families of fallen soldiers with a protective cordon of love. The Westboro Baptist Church infuriates people by invoking free speech and freedom of assembly. Now they are finding it used against them. Payback is sweet."

Well said, Mr. Stettner; I hope this kind of "local control" will spread peacefully to other communities.

And since it's Veteran's Day this week, why not take the time to thank a vet or two that you know? We don't have to wait to show up for their funerals, you know.