That makes sense. Then, you don’t have to go down the slippery (and, ultimately, nonsensical) path of defining ‘religion’.
I think Phelps probably gets off on being hated. At the same time, I think his whole persona and campaign is just a reasonable extension of the hatred for gays which already exists in our society. I think there are probably lots of people who share his basic viewpoint, along with many other fundamentalist attitudes. Phelps is just unique in that he’s singled out this one niche focus - homosexuality - to condemn, and he’s done so in an extremely public and noticeable manner.
When I saw this thread title I was expecting to read that Phelps had died.
He’s only 78, he’s got years more hatred left in him.
Yes, but that wouldn’t be a pitting, it would instead be a cause for celebration. One less major shithead in the world.
I guess I don’t understand sadists then. Scouring the news for tragedies, then twisting that into a sick interpretation of God’s will.
There is no compassion in that man’s soul, and I find that sad. He’s missing out on so much, and he doesn’t even know it.
That’s not to say I won’t join the party once he kicks it, however.
Bwahahaha. That’s hilarious! Makes me wonder what illiberal Democrats behave like…
Well, follow me here - he was a civil rights attorney, a Democratic Party activist and donor, and ran for office numerous times. His son was formerly treasurer of the state Democratic Party and hosted an Al Gore fundraiser in 1988, which Phelps Sr. attended.
He received invitations to both Clinton inaugurations because of this record - the family attended the first one respectfully and protested the second one.
Now, all of this precedes his most visible and hateful anti-homosexual activity, which is why it in no way should be considered representative of Democrats or liberals. However, the point I made above is also true - lots of people try to associate Phelps with conservatives and conservatism, and he has never been a part of that movement. There is not much basis for association there.
I’ll agree with Mr. Moto (I’ve been doing that a bit more often lately. Am I finally losing my soul? :eek: ). Phelps isn’t conservative, he isn’t liberal, he’s nucking futs. Scary crazy. His saving grace? Nobody takes him seriously. He makes the most hardcore homophobes take a step back and say “Oh come on now…”
Perhaps this is his purpose in the world: to reduce his pet cause into laughability. Perhaps the more publicity he gains the more people will realize just how indefensible, how cruel, how sick their prejudices really are…
Yeah, I’m a starry-eyed optimist, but it helps me sleep, eh?