I really think we should stop talking about the Phelpses. Just don't mention them. Neglect to acknowledge their existence. Take away their power to attract attention.
I will note that it is quite easy to get them to go away.
Instead of ranting and wailing, you just very loudly and publicly announce that for every minute they demonstrate you will donate a chunk of cash to some charity they violently disapprove of (e.g. something working with HIV education in the gay community). Then you ask the rest of the mourners if they'd like to join in.
This has been done, and it makes them go away very fast because you've diverted the purpose of their demonstration into raising money for something they hate and you've given people an alternate outlet for the anger they'd normally vent on the WBC (which fuels their litigation machine).
An excellent idea; beats mine, which was to sue 'em for harrasment (or even slander), as even though donating to a worthy cause won't cost WBC a dime it will at least be certain to drive 'em away. A lawsuit is just too unpredictable and potentially too expensive.
-- Steve notes that suggesting a "Second Amendment" solution is beyond the pale, no matter how appealing it is to the atavistic portions of his brain.
WBC is allegedly not so much a church as a long con operation that allegedly raises money by (a) turning up where they're not welcome, (b) striking a provocative pose, (c) waiting for mourners/other public/law enforcement to punch them or run them out of town, then (d) suing the municipality for breach of civil rights.
This is profitable enough -- it only takes a couple of six-digit awards per year to fund them -- that it supports their lifestyle.
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Instead of ranting and wailing, you just very loudly and publicly announce that for every minute they demonstrate you will donate a chunk of cash to some charity they violently disapprove of (e.g. something working with HIV education in the gay community). Then you ask the rest of the mourners if they'd like to join in.
This has been done, and it makes them go away very fast because you've diverted the purpose of their demonstration into raising money for something they hate and you've given people an alternate outlet for the anger they'd normally vent on the WBC (which fuels their litigation machine).
no subject
-- Steve notes that suggesting a "Second Amendment" solution is beyond the pale, no matter how appealing it is to the atavistic portions of his brain.
no subject
no subject
WBC is allegedly not so much a church as a long con operation that allegedly raises money by (a) turning up where they're not welcome, (b) striking a provocative pose, (c) waiting for mourners/other public/law enforcement to punch them or run them out of town, then (d) suing the municipality for breach of civil rights.
This is profitable enough -- it only takes a couple of six-digit awards per year to fund them -- that it supports their lifestyle.
More here.