Wacko Religious Group Plans To Picket Idol Tour

Lovely. I’ll be at the Dallas show. I’ll be sure to wear my “Lesbian Mother” button and taunt them mercilessly.

Vicki in Austin

The best advice is just to ignore them .

Haha it’s these guys. They make me laugh, it’s not even worth being offended by them.

Lovely. I’ll be at the Dallas show. I’ll be sure to wear my ‘Lesbian Mother’  button and taunt them mercilessly.

HAHA! I love it.

Wow…that is just disgusting. Some people are just so awful. They’re going to just make themselves look stupid.

Hopefully they don’t get any press at all and are ignored. Truly they are sick people spreading hate. God doesn’t hate at all only ignorant people hate.

It’s just the Westboro Baptist Church, and they’re generally considered to be very stupid, so it’s all good. I hope at least ONE of the Top 10 knows their wacky antics so the situation can be explained to the other contestants.

It is disgusting. I think they are also the same people who target school graduations (including mine) around the KC area. They are there every year, and their friggin church keeps encouraging it.

Unfortunately, you know the press will make a big deal out of it.

Warning: Open at your own risk, the language is despicable and offensive.

The language certainly despicable and offensive, so much so in fact that I can’t take it seriously. It was so over the top offensive that it was funny, almost like a B-movie villain Bwa Ha Ha sort of way.

They basically seem ridiculous to me, like the local village nutter, who comes into your garden and barks at your dog. It’s annoying only if you don’t ignore.

These people are obviously insane, which in my book makes them ineffectual. I doubt this will have any real effect on the concert goers.

The haters I worry about are the ones that carry a smile not a sign.

Free speech is vital to our way of life; free speech is vital to our way of life; free speech is vital to our way of life…..

Every time I hear about this group of people I start the above mantra in my head. They appeared at the funeral of a close friend’s husband, a soldier killed in action. I cannot ever remember being so completely disgusted. The fact that they use God’s name in spouting their filth is even more horrifying. I hope there is an appropriate police presence at the concerts.

Free speech is vital to our way of life; free speech is vital to our way of life; free speech is vital to our way of life…..

Ugh, they are coming to the Baltimore concert? Sucks. Thank god we’re not planning to come early to try and meet the Idols then. I hope they stay far away from Newark.

They are so ignorant.

Attention for them and their wacky beliefs = oxygen. Cut ‘em off at the knees by paying them no mind at all.

Well i would assume that the number of Adam supporters out number the protesters in a big way.

Ignore them, they wont go away, but it will piss them off im sure.

They came to my town to protest once. No joke about it.

It was all because a 12 year old wrote about Ellen Degeneres for a paper on “Women in history.” It was a school contest and she won.

So they decided to come to our town. I was in the 8th grade at the time. I remember it very much. We kind of shot them down in a metaphorical sense.

But you can read about it here:

http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t30472.html

Agreed that free speech is a necessity in a democratic society – but what these idiots are doing is blatantly discriminatory. I thought discrimination was outlawed in this country. Would they, for instance, be allowed to stand there ranting about African Americans or Native Americans?….I guess they wouldn’t.
So why are they allowed to do what they do?

I won’t be able to ignore them. (Unless my American-born husband has duct-tape in his pocket to restrain me).

i have the same kind of people in my country – they spread hatred in the name of Jesus – I am a very peaceful person, but I would send the all to HELL!!!!!!

I know it’s twisted, but as a gay man, I’m grateful for WBC and their antics. These people are clearly nutcases, and no one wants to be associated with these folks who picket soldier’s funerals. That’s why they’re so helpful in promoting tolerance and acceptance.

People have very strong “us vs. them” sentiments, and by grouping gays with the rest of America, they are helping everyday Americans identify with us. Which is great; I think it’s great that more people gain an understanding and empathy for being targeted by this type of unreasoning hatred. It’s an experience shared, and promotes greater understanding and compassion.

Heh.

I highly value the Right to Free Speech. But I pray that WBC will either be ignored or vastly outnumbered by peaceful demonstrators at these events.

These are also the same ***** who picketed the funeral of Matthew Shepard. They also picketed the funeral of the Amish schoolgirls shot to death in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2006. Phelps-Roper (his daughter and spokeperson) insisted that the Amish Schoolgirls deserved to die as part of Gods wrath.

They also picketted at the funerals of Fred Rogers, Coretta Scott King, Jerry Falwell, Heath Ledger, Natasha Richardson, Obama’s Grandmother and Michael Jackson. Thankfully, they are now very often outnumbered by counter-protesters who form human walls and hold up sheets to protect the families from even seeing them.

The only good that I can see coming from them picketing Idol concerts is that it will at least keep WBC from tormenting more families who are dealing the tragic losses.

The Idols are aware of this group. A couple of them mentioned that they’re ignoring them. I see some talk by fans of a counter demonstration. I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen. Ignoring them is the best tactic. These haters looked pathetic and ignorant at their last demonstration…laughable. Hopefully their hatred won’t snowball as the tour progresses.

Attention for them and their wacky beliefs = oxygen. Cut ‘em off at the knees by paying them no mind at all.

That’s what everyone did in KC when they came to the Obama rally last fall. 75,000 people ignoring 7 nuts on a street corner. Most people just walked right by, a few laughed. Basically no response at all, which is exactly what the nutters *don’t* want. They want you to get pissed and yell and scream at them (I’ve been guilty of doing it myself a time or two), so ignoring them is the best way to cut them off at the knees, as you said.

I don’t think this group is funny. It’s not funny when say hurtful things to people at the funerals of their loved ones. It’s not funny when they tell them their loved ones are burning in hell. Of course what they say is ridiculous, but it is hurtful just the same.

These are the lunatics that picket the funerals of our fallen who defend our country saying they’re in hell. They’ve picketed everybody from Heath Ledger to Michael Jackson. The church is made up of not even 100 members and 80% of the members are of the same family. They’re not a real, certified church.

Sad people.

People have very strong ‘us vs. them’  sentiments, and by grouping gays with the rest of America, they are helping everyday Americans identify with us. Which is great; I think it’s great that more people gain an understanding and empathy for being targeted by this type of unreasoning hatred. It’s an experience shared, and promotes greater understanding and compassion.

^^^THIS. You are exactly right. I went to KU and Phelps would sometimes come to Lawrence and spout his hate and, more than once, I saw groups of 20-year-old frat boys in his face, arguing with him and basically verbally ripping him to shreds. Not exactly the group you’d automatically think of as leaders of the gay rights movement. But, as you said, Phelps brings out an us vs. them mentality and nobody wants to be part of his group. It definitely helps open eyes.

Sorry if this sounds mean, but I wish an F5 tornado would hit their church and blow it away – while not touching anything else not related to them.

Really, this should be all 10 fan bases up in arms against this uber-extremist bunch of clowns.

That’s what everyone did in KC when they came to the Obama rally last fall. 75,000 people ignoring 7 nuts on a street corner. Most people just walked right by, a few laughed. Basically no response at all, which is exactly what the nutters *don’t* want. They want you to get pissed and yell and scream at them (I’ve been guilty of doing it myself a time or two), so ignoring them is the best way to cut them off at the knees, as you said.

Exactly. The first few years they were at my school they got some press and lots of student attacks but now people walk by them like they are just part of the landscape, and the point of them being there is futile now.

I’m surprised they are hitting more liberal places like DC and Baltimore. But then again they may get the most press at those spots.

I heard about this group protesting the funerals of soldiers. I despise it when people use religion to hide behind their hate.

Funny, I was watching True Blood as this link popped up on my TweetDeck…with all the God Hates Fangs stuff…point is, I think that show co-opted that saying just because of the ridiculousness of it. The WBC just throws hate around, so those going to the concerts need to just ignore them or instead of fighting back, love them back. I’m sure the Idols are not going to let this affect them in the slightest. In fact, I bet Adam (who they are specifically targeting with hate-filled speech) would much rather see his fans singing songs of love at the protesters than shouting hateful words right back.

Oh, my gosh, this is the group that pickets the funerals of fallen soldiers. Be sure and thank any Patriot Guard Riders you know…they are the ones who often shield the families from these protesters.

While free speech is a right of our country, what kind of despicable folks would violate a family’s private moment to bury their loved one?

When it comes to picketing the concerts, absolutely, ignoring them is the best policy. That will “stick in their craw.”

Disgusting.

Yeah, I don’t think they’ll get any press in KC. They hardly ever do anymore. And not much response from the concert-goers, either. KC is a pretty liberal city, but everyone here is used to dealing with Phelps so he doesn’t get the rise out of people that he will in other places.

They make me sick…

A lot of what they do would be illegal here in Australia I would think… while we have free speech for the most part, it is illegal to incite hate. It’s fine to have your own opinion, but not inciting and promoting hate, esp for a minority group that is protected by the Equal Opportunity Act.

Horrible people.

and mikeyb – excellent point! save me a seat in hell will ya? i’ll be there with bells on. who’d want to go to heaven anyway if it’s full of people like them? that sounds like hell to me…

Sorry if this is a double post, but I have a friend coming to the concert from out of town and I sent her an email to warn her about Phelps. I told her he’d probably have signs saying “God Hates Adam” (and those would be the nice signs) and she emailed back, “Wait, I’m confused. I thought Adam *was* God.” lolz

This is sick. I hate that these people have intruded on grief-sticken families of fallen soldiers. That is maddening. Apparently that’s not getting them enough attention so they’re trying to get a bigger bang for their buck by tormenting concert goers who are just trying to go out for an evening with friends and/or family. Sometimes I think you should have to pass an I’m Not An Ignorant Heartless Idiot test before you should be allowed to have free speech. ugh

Niall Jul 18th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

Attention for them and their wacky beliefs = oxygen. Cut ‘em off at the knees by paying them no mind at all.

Totally agree and going to definitely follow, Unless they hurt or attack any of the idols then :guns_tb:

There are limits on the First Amendment right to free speech but the US Supreme court has consistently ruled that “hate” speech is protected by the Constitution.

People have been more successful using other laws to go after WBC. WBC has lost at least one major case for picketing the funeral of Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder. His family sued Fred Phelps, WBC, and unnamed others for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. In October 2007, a federal jury awarded Mr. Snyder $2.9 million in compensatory damages, then later added a decision to award $6 million in punitive damages for invasion of privacy and an additional $2 million for causing emotional distress (A total of $10,900,000). In 2008 the ruling was upheld on appeal but the judge reduced the punitive damages from $8 million to $2.1 million. The total judgment now stands at $5 million. The case is still in Federal court with an appeal by WBC still pending.

Is the San Diego show tonight guys?

Great….they’ll be in St. Louis. I don’t understand the need to spread all that hate. Why do people care if someone is gay? It doesn’t change who they are. And there’s nothing in the bible that says homosexuality is a sin so the haters need to try reading it before they wave their ignorant signs.

WOW I opened the link at my own risk and couldn’t believe the language. I feel ashamed that they call themselves xtains. funny i have never heard of them until now. so when they get this publicity , is it limited to the internet or do the local/ national stations carry it as well.

I like the idea of ‘walking by them like they’re just part of the landscape’. I hope NO media covers them, that would be awful!

excellent point MikeyB. the extremists are good at one thing… activating the people in the middle who hadnt really thought about these issues too deeply, and usually they become motivated in the direction opposite the extremists.

there is a special place in hell for these people.

maybe i’ll go to the tulsa show and drown them out with speakers blaring this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV26OMSb_VQ

maybe i’ll go to the tulsa show and drown them out with speakers blaring this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV26OMSb_VQ

LMAO! That would be too cute and too perfect!

maybe i’ll go to the tulsa show and drown them out with speakers blaring this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV26OMSb_VQ

Ha ha ha. Love it! best answer to all that hate from them. :lol_tb:

Ugh. I hate them so much…I remember when they tried to picket a Canadian homocide victim’s funeral because he was Canadian, and they stated that his death was Canada’s punishment for allowing gay marriage (in much worse language that I care not to repeat).

Thankfully, the Canadian government didn’t allow them into our country. That is (to some) a violation of free speech, but to me free speech ends at a certain point.

I always just hope that they ‘grow up and blow away’ (to quote Metric), but they never do…=(

I kind of hope Adam bounds out toward them in assless chaps proclaiming “Kisses for all!”

But what was stated above is true- ignoring them is the best way to handle them. It’ll be difficult, I think, especially for fans of the show who will be there when they picket– but if they leave and no one was bothered, they won’t have accomplished anything. Not that they will anyway. But people like these seek to anger and hurt people. Ignore it. Perhaps Adam could lead everyone in a rousing chorus of “We Are The World”– or something by Ru Paul. “I’ve only got ONE thing to say. YOU. BETTER. WORK!“

As vile as they are, the best thing for the fans, the Idols and most of all, Adam, to do is to IGNORE these morons. Anyone acknowledging them in any way will only give them the attention they desire. If you’re going to these shows, turn up your I-Pod, put on your sunglasses and stroll right on past them. They aren’t worth anyone wasting one second of their precious life on.

hmm lets just blare adam’s studio version a change is going to come @ them?
or well we can just ignore them b.c what they do is just so ridiculous and ignoring them is the best bet

ETA: It’s been reported that the Westboro Baptist Church were the picketers outside of the San Jose venue a few days ago. FALSE. The group that picketed outside of the San Jose venue are local nutters who regularly picket that arena. There’s also NO credible evidence that they were targeting Adam specifically.

Yes, the San Jose protesters were falsely reported to be members of the WBC, a rumor that began, I believe, on Twitter. However, isn’t it strange that now the Phelps clan has suddenly decided to make that rumor a reality? I wonder if perhaps that’s how they got the idea. Hmmm.

On a more optimistic note, I think these idiots have a track record of threatening to picket at events and then not showing up. One can only hope.

Instead of a counter protest, someone should organize a a nice quiet fundraising drive during which the money pledged would be directly proportionate to the amount of time the wackos were protesting. I read about it being done during another one of their protests. This way the time and energy they put into spreading hate actually ends up financially benefitting the cause they are against….anti-bullying or pro-tolerance in this case….oooh, or even funds to go towards reversing the prop 8 decision.

The best thing to do – ignore them. They are looking for a reaction. It is “shock” that feeds into their unhealthy idea of religion and what “validates” their warped sense of church. This for sure is not Christianity. I was living in Hawaii until last year. They actually flew to Hawaii to picket the Catholic Church. (Guess they use their funds for these trips – rather than helping the poor and needy.) The best part is, they located themselves on the WRONG STREET CORNER. People who saw the protestors didn’t even associate their gripes with the Catholic Church. It just indicates their ignorance on every level. They can’t even get the address straight. So…there was barely a notice on the media. People didn’t care about what these “outsiders” were protesting on our island. They thought they did good. We had a good laugh. However – it is sad that people can hold so much anger.

Ha! They’re picketing probably the only touring show that has only one gay guy in it! Apparently no one has told them about them about Rent, Lion King, Liza Minnelli Tour, Disney on Ice, A Chorus Line, Wicked, Elton John / Billy Joel Tour, Suessical, Dora the Explorer Live, and the Ringling Brothers Circus. Seriously, someone should tell them that their gays per buck ratio is seriously whacked.

This is a REALLY excellent report by the British humorist Louis Theroux on The Most Hated Family in America. (It’s in seven parts, this is Part One.)

When MJ posted last week about the picketers, she said it may be a group specifically targeting Adam and Allison? Does that mean Allison is gay also?

No TylerWV, that was all a bunch of Twitter misinformation.

@will ~~~ thanks for the link. Ye gods!!! I’d not seen that, or anything much about these people before now. They aren’t just yer average homophobics, which is what I’d assumed – they are absolute dyed in the wool loonies.

Now I see why people are saying it’d be best to ignore them.

“That’s why they’re so helpful in promoting tolerance and acceptance.”

- I’m a straight woman and I agree with you, mickeyb. This will do more good to the gay community. The protests will only be promoting more acceptance especially if they are targetting someone who only wants to sing and share his talent to the world. I think the world is now ready. We’re getting there slowly but surely. And I feel something good about this for Adam.

An important thing is the advance notice. It is hard to react logically when one is blindsided, and everyone is absolutely correct that they need to be ignored. Knowing that they will be there will eliminate the shock factor.
I have told my son that they will be there – he is ready to “defiantly ignore them”, as he put it. I think this also sealed the idea of the pink streaks in his hair, he is ready to represent…!
Also a good point about solidarity against the nutcases (from mikeyb).
I have to take issue with the idea of Baltimore being liberal, though. It is a fairly blue-collar National Bohemian (beer brand, for those of you away) town – with lots of people who don’t fit that demographic, of course, but I would never think of Baltimore as liberal when it comes to social issues. My family has been in Maryland for three centuries and I love the state with all my heart – but I often roll my eyes in Baltimore.

edit: keep this kind of call-to-arms on your fanboards please. Fans should not be contacting the venues. Idol security peeps are pros they are already on it.

Wow, they are not just homophobic, they are crazy.

I dont think that there presence will bother Adam or the other idols because even though they are targeting him, they are really targeting EVERYONE. I feel so sorry for those children, they dont know any better.

I think that more than anything Adam will get mad at the fact they are targeting his fans, from what i can tell he deeply cares about his fans and would be hurt to know such hateful things are being said. Its all stupid, but stupid people will always be around. unfortunately.

We know about this lot here in the UK because of the Louis Theroux documentary.

They are a ridiculous bunch and I have to agree with those who say that their actions do more for than against their targets.

Yes, they are good at attracting the attention of the media but I do wonder whether anything other than the most far right wing and homophobic media gives them attention for any other reason than they are so good at embarrassing themselves.

Whilst I disagree with their views on homosexuality, it is their picketing of the funerals of fallen soldiers that I find most offensive and their opinion that Heath Ledger died as God’s revenge for having played a gay man most absurd (they seem to have overlooked the fact that Jake Gyllenhall, Tom Hanks, Antonio Banderas and other actors who have played gay men are still alive and well).

If their picketing has the same effect on Adam as the San Jose picketers appeared to have had when he performed out of his skin, it’ll be Adam 6 WSB 0.

Have you seen this page? http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church

I love the picture of a WBC protest with the caption:

They’re signs are waaaaaaaaaay to colorful to be made by a straight person, don’t you think?

I believe the Phelps family is a good example of why inbreeding is frowned upon in any society.

@madamimadam ~~ Thanks muchly for that information. I’ve e-mailed the Tulsa address you’ve given. I’ve asked that these people be kept well away from the area where concert-goers will be entering the center. I’ve also told them that we’ll be spending some days in Tulsa and will feel very unimpressed with the city in general if these crazy people are allowed to spoil our, and the concert goers, enjoyment.

It’s worth a try!

>>and their young children are often walking the picket lines alongside the adults.>>

And THAT is the most disturbing part. I think child protective services should investigate them.

Ok, I’ve not read the comments yet, and honestly I’m going to try not to, as this topic upsets me too much.

Ugh, I hesitate to put this on the front page, but I think it’s going to be news and I’ll be posting about it anyway so’ ¦

Yeah, I guess that’s right. When I saw the headline, I thought, oh no I wish she hadn’t made that a headline and separate post, giving those hateful people the spotlight they yearn for. But, I get why you did. I wish you hadn’t, but I get why you felt you should.

I already posted in the headline thread my view of this awful hate. In my view, short of actual physical (or emotional, although I see this as a form) abuse, I’m hard pressed to think of anything worse to show or teach a child than hatred and prejudice, in the name of God.

@madamimadam ~~ Thanks muchly for that information. I’ve e-mailed the Tulsa address you’ve given.

Ugh. Fans should not be bombarding the venues with emails. Let Idol security handle this. They are the pros, they know what they are doing.

Just for future reference, any sort of call-to-arms that urges fans to bombard organizations with emails gets deleted automatically. My blog is for discussion–street teaming and fan organizing belongs on your fan forums.

I do not even see this as that big of a deal? It’s not like it’s going to really affect the people who have already paid money for their tickets to view the concert. I doubt a few picketers will make them change their minds about how they feel? The more people make a deal of it at the venue, the happier they will be. They want to elicit that type of reaction, they want the publicity, and if a big uproar causes the press to come, they will be happy.

Honestly, since I was at the San Jose concert, it was a few seconds of wtf, then the moment I walked into the venue, the excitement took over and I seriously forgot that there were protesters!

Ugh – I was super depressed to see my city on that list of their schedule. I’ll just ignore it all though – that’s really the best thing you can do. Like advertising – it goes away if no one bothers paying attention to it.

Not to horribly misquote him, but Dennis Miller made a comment a looooong time ago about groups like this (I refuse to call them a church, that is sacrilege-(sp?)). Basically he said that as annoying and horrible as these types of people are, let them keep talking and doing their thing. Reason being, at least you know where they are and what they are doing so its easier to monitor and contain them. Good notion really. The whole family are lawyers so they are good at media relations and staying within parameters set by local law so they will likely not be that close to the venues. I do feel for the kids though. Hate is so ugly.

And yes, the best thing to do is ignore the morons. Don’t feed the media whores!!!!!

One of my friends saw the documentary you mentioned above. She said this group sickens her, and that several members of the family left the “church” b/c of their beliefs and the fact that the “leader” abused his children. She says she believes the “church” will cease to exist once he dies. She is a lapsed (but not excommunicated or whatever you call it) Mormon who has certainly seen her share of prejudice from her (former) community in Salt Lake City; she was pleasantly surprised at how well received Adam’s appearance was there. In any case, she said that they are not comparable. The father reminds me of the nut job who taunted and eventually a killed pro-rights doctor at a Planned Family sites. Thank God this family is not violent, at least not yet.

I am not gay, but I am not sure how it helps to give them a minute of free publicity. They are despicable human beings. Walk right by them. Don’t give them a second of your precious time.

This is so depressing. But remember, the haters are a very tiny minority. The people going to the AI concert are supporters!!!!

Walk right by them. Don’t give them a second of your precious time.

I agree!!!!

@mj ~~~

Ugh. Fans should not be bombarding the venues with emails. Let Idol security handle this. They are the pros, they know what they are doing.

Sorry if I unwittingly crossed your line here. I’m one who thinks that wrongs flourish when good people do nothing. Ciao!

“God hates fags” is sheer blasphemy. God LOVES EVERYONE, what bible are they reading? Nothing can come from this but hate.

Hey all, I can’t believe people would stoop this low – especially in today’s world. And no one should have to shrug this type of prejudice off. It should NOT be allowed in our society. Its not allowed for African Americans or any other race, and it shouldn’t be allowed to happen to homosexuals. What we can do is write to WBC. The address is on the flier but here it is again:

Westboro Baptist Church
3701 S.W. 12th street
Topeka, Kansas 66604

Haha – their zip starts w/ the devils number

I would advice all of you who write to them to focus on the damage and hate that their actions would be causing. Don’t sink to their level by calling them names or saying rude things (people wont listen when being attacked). This is an issue about civil rights, equality and humanity. Their actions would be inhuman and ironically ungodly. Try to appeal to their humanity – if they have any. We want to make them see that what they are doing isn’t right – not that they are horrible people. People like this are blinded by hate and very misguided and they will not respond to hate thrown at them.

Some points to make:
-expressing disappointment and sadness for their actions
-stressing the damage and hate they will be causing
-stressing the inhumanity and abuse of their actions
-I like to quote Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”, when dealing w/ religious people who spread messages of hate
-of course there are other passages of the Bible to quote that deal with loving one another, etc. One is in John 4:7-21. There are numerous others.

Glamberts are a strong and passionate group. If we can all rally together and get some of our friends and family to write to the church, I believe our message can make an impact. Maybe if we have enough people writing to them and sharing the same message of disappointment then they will think about what they are doing and not do it. Maybe, but at least we will have tried. With all the negative energy they are throwing at our Adam, we need to through tones more positive energy back. We can not let this stand and we cannot let Adam have to shrug this off. That is not good enough, that is not equality. Spread the message, I will be looking more into this and making a separate thread for it.

Leslie

Write them? I may as well write a serial killer and ask him to please stop killing people. Seriously.

Leslie, yes, it’s heartbreaking that prejudice still exists, but have you watched the documentary on You Tube from the links provided in this thread? If not, please watch it before encouraging anyone to take action. These are not your average haters. This is a family where the fire of hatred has been instilled since early childhood. They have been trained to counter any sensible argument. You will NOT change their minds. Fires grow stronger with air. Please don’t give them air and encourage them. In this case the best course of action is to hold positive thoughts in you mind and heart and walk on by.

While I agree that there is no turning the hearts of people this far immersed in their ugly hate, at the same time, bullies flourish best when no one challenges or stands up to them. It’s what makes them thrive.

Ignoring the bully in your high school never worked, it just fed his sense of power. Ignoring these bullies won’t work either. Their beliefs need to be challenged continually and they need to be told that their actions are not acceptable. No, there is no reason for violent confrontation or foolhearty grandstanding. But if they appear at a venue I attend, I will tell them they are wrong and that I find them repugnant. Will it change them? No, I can’t imagine for a second that it would. But all I can do is let them know specifically I am untouched by their message. Otherwise, the silence and inaction of those with good intentions can empower people of evil intent, such as these.

Oh geez. Those people again.

The so-called Westboro “Baptist Church” is nothing more than a vehicle by which megalomaniac and media whore Fred Phelps has enriched himself personally and garnered the media attention he so covets.

In my opinion, the best way to deal with this is to ignore it, to pity those children who are forced to do this and to not validate them in any way. Ignoring them is the best strategy.

These people sound like complete whackos. The only positive I can find is that they appear to be few in number. I hope they don’t get anywhere near Adam.

Omg seriously? Those guys came to my high school to protest one of our plays! Wow, they’re everywhere…

Leslie, seriously write them.

Have you done it before, did it work? I don’t get the logic to write them, do we express our feelings and they say, oh SORRY, we won’t do this again. I doubt it, IMO.

WWP, I am with you to let them know that I don’t agree with their hate and move ON. I went to the San Jose concert and I was on the other side of the HP Pavillion so I did not see ANY of the protestors that were there and they are not related to this NUTTY group.

At the San Jose concert, it seemed to fuel Adam in his performance apparently, Adam knew about them. I felt, he was AWESOME and took his performance to a new level. When I was watching the concert, I did not know about the protestors.

Those of you who are going to a concert with the protestors, think of the glittering fierce alien who will bedazzled you with his performance.

IMO, this will open the eyes of Danny and Michael to see a different side of life that Adam has/had dealt with because he is gay. Also, I believe it will bring them closer to Adam.

These people feed on negative energy. Letters telling them they are wrong, no matter how nicely put, being ignored, sneered at, argued with. They love it all.

What they don’t like, positive energy.

My dream would be that everyone at the concert smile at them, silently wish them peace and move on to enjoy the concert. End of story. Non event.