# Mississippi hands Westboro it's ass. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 28, 2011, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986 "2011-04-28T01:43:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/21 "2011-04-28T12:05:26Z")
> [@Gleena](#): > > Actual news article, anywhere? I find sources that confirm that soldier’s and town’s identity, the fact of his funeral and Westboro’s intent to disrupt it, at least one that mentions “plans” by local folks to head them off. Also a video apparently taken from the dash of a car in the funeral procession showing hundreds of people with flags lining the route, and no protestors. But nothing with an after-the-fact accounting comparable to that in the OP link, except for many cut-and-pastes of the same thing. It’s becoming viral; clearly a _lot_ of people _want_ to respond to Westboro this way… ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/22 "2011-04-28T12:08:33Z")
So is any of the stuff about Phelps’ political association with democrats true? Did they work with Al Gore? Did Phred run for political office as a Democrat? ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/23 "2011-04-28T12:28:57Z")
The association with Gore seems mainly based on Phelps’ appreciation for Gore’s opposition to a “gay bill of rights” back in 1984; the family provided temporary housing for some Gore campaign workers in Tennessee in 1988, and organized a fundraiser. This was before the “fag” picketing campaigns began in 1991. By 1998, according to Phelps, Gore had “sold his soul to the fag agenda,” and Gore’s father’s funeral was itself picketed by them. Fred has indeed called himself a Democrat since then, and run for office in Kansas a few times–always losing the primaries by a landslide. ---
**Author:** ![ShelliBean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/24 "2011-04-28T12:36:27Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Just more evidence no one should bother going to Mississippi no matter how backwater and disgusting you are. In Mississippi you’ll find people even worse. Wow. ~ the worse ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/25 "2011-04-28T12:39:11Z")
Sorry, missed window for further edit: Phelps’ campaigns for office as a Democrat were _in between_ those events (after the initial association with Gore, before Gore Sr.'s death)… he ran for Governor of Kansas three times, U.S. Senator once, and was always reliably in distant last place, even with five people on the primary ballot in 1994. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/26 "2011-04-28T12:45:01Z")
If any state has heritage in intimidation ( besides New York and Chicago, which isn’t a state.), it would have to be Mississippi. I don’t completely believe this story in its entirety, as it just smacks of Urban Legend and Too Fantastically Awesome AND most gas stations have video cameras now. But, I like the block the dbags cars in at the hotel part. If I were a hotel owner, I wouldn’t rent a room to the phelps. I’ll wait for further confirmation before sharing. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/27 "2011-04-28T12:50:28Z")
> [@Gleena](#): > > This sort of reeks of an urban legend in the making. Plus the phrasing - I grew up in and around Brandon. “got his arse waxed”? Aw, hell naw, nobody at Ole Miss talks this way. Go to Google-News and search on “westboro mississippi,” and several relevant articles come up, but they all seem to cite the same “unconfirmed” source. Also, the phrase you quoted is sometimes presented as “got his ass waxed.” But we haven’t heard squat from the WBC folks, who would have been screaming bloody murder if this had actually happened. Until they speak up, I’m doubtful about this story. ---
**Author:** ![howye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9adbd/32.png) [@howye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/howye)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/28 "2011-04-28T12:51:52Z")
Could somebody send me the version of the Constitution that says everybody gets free speech, except for the WBC? Or is it people whose speech just happens to make us mad enough to not care what happens to them? If the story is true, or hell even if it is not, an awful lot of people in this thread have been ok with at the very least unequal enforcement of the law against a group exercising their constitutional rights. A WBC member gets beat up, what good fun. Suspected members of the WBC are prevented from moving about freely and the police turn a blind eye to it, oh well. You don’t like the WBC and their methods, fine, nobody does. Let them do their thing. I suspect they have pushed more people to a better understanding of their homosexual friends and neighbors than they have converted to their way of thinking. If these soliders died protecting our freedoms, then they died protecting the WBC’s right to conduct their demonstrations. Now, I have to go shower, repeatedly, I feel dirty after having to defend the rights of those fuckers. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/29 "2011-04-28T13:20:13Z")
> [@howye](#): > > Could somebody send me the version of the Constitution that says everybody gets free speech, except for the WBC? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Except for those assholes from Wesboro Baptist Church. Wax their arses, guvnah.” It couldn’t be more plain. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/30 "2011-04-28T13:35:11Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Except for those assholes from Wesboro Baptist Church. Wax their arses, guvnah.” > > It couldn’t be more plain. Thread winner! ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/31 "2011-04-28T13:41:31Z")
Not buying that the story is true. It has the feel of an email fiction, but if it were true then it would be unacceptable on multiple levels. It’s not even vigilantism. Vigilantism implies that the victims committed some kind of crime. The victims in this story did not commit any crimes, and violence against them could not have been construed as any kind of “justice,” but simply aggressive, unprovoked violence and harassment. If the police were involved in abetting any of this kind of thing, they would be guilty of civil rights violations. The story sounds like bullshit to me. I don’t believe a police department would collectively conspire to do this, but if it were to hypothetically happen, it wouldn’t be deserving of any kind of approval or applause, or anyhing but criminal charges against the perps. In addition, provoking these kinds of responses is exactly the Phelps clan’s goal. They know how to stay on just this side of the law while attempting to goad others to cross it so they can sue. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/32 "2011-04-28T13:43:08Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > No real surprise here. Rural Mississippi simply is not going to tolerate intentional disruption of a soldier’s funeral. The Phelps crowd would be well advised to avoid the state in the future. This is a really anti-American attititude. Also, cite that the Phelps were going to “disrupt” a funeral? You’re aware they don’t do that, are you not? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/33 "2011-04-28T13:50:12Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > But we haven’t heard squat from the WBC folks, who would have been screaming bloody murder if this had actually happened. Until they speak up, I’m doubtful about this story. [Thus speaketh the WBC:](http://blogs.sparenot.com/) > [@](#): > > God Punishes Mississippi Liars > April 27, 2011 > PRAISE GOD FOR DEAD AND INJURED BY TORNADOES AND STORMS IN MISSISSIPPI! > > Six confirmed dead and more than 30 injured as severe weather moves through with golf-ball size hail and damaging winds. > > GodSmack! > > God is marching through Mississippi in great wrath for your slanderous lies out of Brandon, Rankin County, MS! Media reported nation-wide that your cops conspired with the mob to stop a funeral protest that WBC never scheduled or attended. > > For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Ro. 1:18-20.) [But is was on their picket list.](http://www.godhatesfags.com/fliers/20110413_Dead-Soldier-Brandon-MS-Jason-A-Rogers.pdf) Who knows if they were there or not? ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/34 "2011-04-28T13:51:23Z")
Leaving aside 1) that this is most likely a fantasy, and 2) the involvement of the police, I really like the idea of parking a car behind a car belonging to a WBC member and then wandering off with the key. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/35 "2011-04-28T13:53:44Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > Leaving aside 1) that this is most likely a fantasy, and 2) the involvement of the police, I really like the idea of parking a car behind a car belonging to a WBC member and then wandering off with the key. Yes, I’d see that as a nonviolent direct action/civil disobedience kind of thing, totally different from mob beatings or police misconduct. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/36 "2011-04-28T13:54:14Z")
I can’t find any legit news cites for this story. It seems to have started on an Ole Miss message board and been passed around the net from that. Someone claiming to be Jonathan Phelps has been [posting at some of thise sites](http://www.favstocks.com/jonathan-phelps-westboro-baptist-left-a-comment-for-me-here%E2%80%99s-the-rest-of-the-story/2750651/) calling the entire story fiction and saying the WBC never even went to Brandon. I haven’t looked at Snopes yet, but I expect it will be debunked there shortly if it hasn’t already. Having said all that, the actions described in the story would still be completely unacceptable and criminal even if they had occurred. Even blocking in their cars would not be ok. You deserve exactly as much freedom as you’re willing to give others. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/37 "2011-04-28T14:10:01Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I haven’t looked at Snopes yet, but I expect it will be debunked there shortly if it hasn’t already. Indeed, it is too good to be true. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/38 "2011-04-28T14:18:35Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > No real surprise here. Rural Mississippi simply is not going to tolerate intentional disruption of a soldier’s funeral. The Phelps crowd would be well advised to avoid the state in the future. I don’t think you thought that bit of advice through, **Oak**. You’re supposed to be _encouraging_ them to try it again in Mississippi. Or, better, Texas. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/39 "2011-04-28T14:37:34Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > [Thus speaketh the WBC:](http://blogs.sparenot.com/) A spanking… and then the oral sects. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2011, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986/40 "2011-04-28T14:37:38Z")
Just curious, have the Phelps ever protested in NYC or Chicago? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-hands-westboro-its-ass/579986.md?page=3)