# Yup assholes, I'm sure God loves when you protest a soldier's funeral in his name **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 4, 2005, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590 "2005-08-04T17:23:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/61 "2005-08-04T20:12:48Z")
> [@LilyoftheValley](#): > > Phelps also protested\* Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Piper’s funeral in Marblehead, Massachusetts\*\*. The Boston Police Department brought their 14-member bagpipe band and played every time Phelps’s crew shouted. Best anti-Phelps idea I’ve heard yet. Dang, **Lily** , I was going to post about that, only to find you’d done it already. Although you remembered more about it than I did, so that’s probably just as well. Hey, **DiosaBellissima** , how about getting your friends together to surround Phelps & crew, like **lexan’s** friends did, and sing the Barney _I Love You, You Love Me_ song at him? If some of your friends are obviously teh Gay, it would be even better! ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/62 "2005-08-04T20:21:03Z")
If the widow does sue Fred for harassment he’ll be thrilled. He and his clan use lawsuits as a bludgeon and yet another way to garner publicity. She and her lawyer can expect to be buried under a blizzard of motions and counterclaims. Fred made his kids become lawyers just so he could use the courts to harass his enemies. **DiosaBellissima** , are there any bagpipe bands in your area that could be rounded up quickly for the funeral? I’m sure once informed of the situation they’d be thrilled to help out. As **Lily** pointed out, it worked wonderfully when Phelps tried his shit in Massachusetts. ---
**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:** [August 4, 2005, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/63 "2005-08-04T20:30:30Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > **DiosaBellissima** , are there any bagpipe bands in your area that could be rounded up quickly for the funeral? I’m sure once informed of the situation they’d be thrilled to help out. As **Lily** pointed out, it worked wonderfully when Phelps tried his shit in Massachusetts. Brilliant: Amazing Grace on Bagpipes in absolutely the best (legal) answer to these (I can’t call them idiots, it is too insulting too idiots) %^%&^'s. It’s a beautiful and appropriate song. ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/64 "2005-08-04T20:33:50Z")
I, too, like the bagpipe idea. I know from my college days that bagpipes are trump. If you play them at anything like the same volume as any competing music, or sound, they drown out the opposition. **DiosaBellissima** , I want to send my best wishes to your friend and my condolances. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/65 "2005-08-04T20:36:13Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > **CandidGamera** , apparently she can’t really do anything because she invited the public to the funeral. She has been told that the police, sheriffs, and military (duh) will be present; when the first peep is made my protesters, they will all be arrested. I sure hope they (the police) can figure something out they can charge Phelps with, and lock his sorry ass away. Some off camera “police brutality” would be a good thing in this case. Either that, or a gang of angry drunk veterans with ball bats. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/66 "2005-08-04T20:37:34Z")
I’m not going to bother with the standard caveat that Phelps doesn’t speak for all Christians, since most everyone here is intelligent enough to understand that. I’ll just leave it that I am so, so sorry for your friend, **DiosaBellissima**. I hope he decides to get right in a Marine’s face. He won’t, of course, because he’s a coward. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/67 "2005-08-04T20:38:00Z")
Maybe the guys for the 21 gun salute should carry live rounds. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/68 "2005-08-04T20:43:47Z")
All you folks calling for some physical violence to fall on the Phelps fecal matter really ought to desist (other than as a way of venting). Yes, I’d love to see it too, but it’s a bad idea in the real world. It for damned sure won’t dissuade him and his clan. You’re talking about people who’ll go onto a church lawn, assault the pastor who’s putting up a sign about them, and then sue _him_ for attacking _them_.\* Drowning them out with bagpipes, surrounding them and singing Mr. Rogers songs, or simply turning backs and ignoring them, as was done at another funeral they picketed,\* are far more effective at drawing their fangs. \*Sorry, no cites, I’m recalling other Dopers’ anecdotes from a previous Phelps thread. ---
**Author:** ![Hung\_Mung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hung\_Mung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hung_Mung)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/69 "2005-08-04T20:53:31Z")
While I heartily agree that a bagpipe group would be an excellent decision, I’d still really rather see some people get the shit knocked out of them. I think if I were a billionaire philanthropist, I would hire lawyers for people who beat the crap out of cocksuckers like them. Honestly, if Phelchs…er, Phelps wasn’t an abusive egomaniac, I’d think it was all a huge joke. I mean, check out this (work safe) [sign](http://www.godhatesamerica.com/ghfmir/images/2005/20050723_st.-bridgets-catholic-omaha5.jpg). It’s a church…but don’t worship…ugh. Idiots. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/70 "2005-08-04T20:54:26Z")
I hate bagpipes. They sound like fingernails on a blackboard to me. Great idea! ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/71 "2005-08-04T21:22:09Z")
I’m bringing my camera. I know it sounds silly and I wont be photographing anyone particpating in the funeral- just the protesters. That level of hate…I can’t explain it, but it is something to be documented. Ya’ll probably think I’m crazy, but I photograph all kinds of strange things. The bagpipe thing is a great idea as one of our local highschools has a bag pipe…band? (That guy from Korn that plays the bagpipes went to that school). I’ll get that idea to Amanda. Thank you! Hopefully, the Army, Marines, Police Officers and Sheriffs can handle any problems. Anyone familiar with Bakersfield know that our Police Department doesn’t play (go ahead, look up what happens when people bring their high speed chases from LA across the county line). Anywho, tomorrow is the wake and rosary. Notice how the PDF flyer says the funeral is at “Our Lady of Sodom”-- uh no, it’s “Our Lady of Guadalupe.” Saturday is the funeral followed by a procession to the graveyard where there will be a 21 gun salute. I just hope those assholes don’t follow everyone over to the graveyard. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/72 "2005-08-04T21:23:45Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > Yes, I’d love to see it too, but it’s a bad idea in the real world. It for damned sure won’t dissuade him and his clan. Which is why it’s too bad the police will be present, since it would be real sad if Fred were to, I dunno, have a terrible and fatal accident or sumthin’. I’m sorry (well, not really), but the world would be a better place if some folks joined the celestial choir a little earlier than they expected and Fred Phelps is one of them. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/73 "2005-08-04T21:23:57Z")
Ah, forgot to mention: they called the local talk radio station and explained why Ramon is burning in hell and why they feel compelled to protest his funeral. Even in my uber conservative community, people are discussing how absolutely insane these people are. ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/74 "2005-08-04T21:25:31Z")
Take pics. I don’t get out to any good freak shows much anymore, much less see them in their natural habitat. ---
**Author:** ![viva\_la\_bruce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a5b964/32.png) [@viva\_la\_bruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/viva_la_bruce)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/75 "2005-08-04T21:29:46Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > Is that an actual quote? Yup, from the Wikpedia article ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/76 "2005-08-04T21:46:12Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Which is why it’s too bad the police will be present, since it would be real sad if Fred were to, I dunno, have a terrible and fatal accident or sumthin’. > > I’m sorry (well, not really), but the world would be a better place if some folks joined the celestial choir a little earlier than they expected and Fred Phelps is one of them. Well, yes, my immediate, to-hell-with-reason gut reaction is to agree with you, except for the “celestial choir” part. Seems to me they’re far more likely to become strings on Satan’s fiddle. ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/77 "2005-08-04T21:54:16Z")
Fred Phelps is a real-life troll, as many have mentioned. And, as with message board trolls, the very _best_ thing to do with him is to ignore him. That’s why the Boston Bagpipes is such a wonderful idea. Failing that, I believe the next best thing to do is mockery. Point the fool out to be the fool he is. Take that power of HATE away from him. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/78 "2005-08-04T21:58:24Z")
**Ponder** do you think big “Jesus Loves You!” signs would do the job? Oh! Or have a guy dress up as Jesus (ala Conan OBrian at American Idol tryouts) and have him chat them up? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/79 "2005-08-04T21:58:39Z")
Well, that’s just part of the surprise. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590/80 "2005-08-04T23:14:29Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > If there’s a prison I _don’t_ want him to go it, it’s one called Asgard. Geography is your weak spot, huh **lieu**? 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yup-assholes-im-sure-god-loves-when-you-protest-a-soldiers-funeral-in-his-name/315590.md?page=5)