Westboro protesters face jeers and slashed tires (1 Viewer)

[SHIZNITTTT]

Westboro protesters face jeers and slashed tires

Members of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., drive on two flat tires Saturday after protesting outside the funeral of Army Sgt. Jason James McCluskey in McAlester. CORY YOUNG / Tulsa World

By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer

Published: 11/14/2010 2:30 AM

Last Modified: 11/14/2010 8:12 AM

Related Story: McAlester soldier mourned

McALESTER - Members of a Kansas church that protests at military funerals may have found themselves in the wrong town Saturday.

Shortly after finishing their protest at the funeral of Army Sgt. Jason James McCluskey of McAlester, a half-dozen protesters from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., headed to their minivan, only to discover that its front and rear passenger-side tires had been slashed.

To make matters worse, as their minivan slowly hobbled away on two flat tires, with a McAlester police car following behind, the protesters were unable to find anyone in town who would repair their vehicle, according to police.

The minivan finally pulled over several blocks away in a shopping center parking lot, where AAA was called. A flatbed service truck arrived and loaded up the minivan. Assistant Police Chief Darrell Miller said the minivan was taken to Walmart for repairs.

Even before the protesters discovered their damaged tires, they faced off with a massive crowd of jeering and taunting counterprotesters at Third Street and Washington Avenue, two blocks from the First Baptist Church, where the soldier's funeral was held.

Miller estimated that crowd to number nearly 1,000 people, and they not only drowned out the Westboro protesters with jeers, but with raucous chants of "USA, USA."

A few motorcyclists interspersed among the crowd also revved up their engines to muffle the protests.

More than two dozen law-enforcement officers - state troopers, sheriff's deputies and city police - formed a security cordon around the Westboro protesters.

"We're here to protect everyone," Miller said.

Westboro members picket military funerals across the country, spreading their message that "God hates America" because it tolerates homosexuality.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...amp;archive=yes

 

[ivnabru]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

 

[Harry Manback]

It may not BE right, but it sure FEELS right.

 

[Scrooloose]

It may not BE right, but it sure FEELS right.

Damn right, I'd slash more than tires. #### them scumbags

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Technically you're right. But technically I would still probably buy the tire-slasher a beer.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####.

I'd say it does.

 

[tri-man 47]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

They came to (the edge of) our university two years ago to protest some performance or speaker that was on campus. The campus community coordinated a silent protest. Faculty, staff, and students gathered en masse and stood in silence, forming a human peace symbol by our main entrance. Rotating lines of people would be led to stand most directly in front of the protestors (still 100 feet away) but with their backs to the protestors. Not a word was spoken throughout. They eventually just left early. But the tire slashing has some appeal ... (Although it probably just fuels their weird sense of purpose)

 

[Osaurus]

Is the van doing okay?

 

[kip stabone]

This was the best protest I have heard about (think there was a thread in the FFA).

Pennies in Protest

 

[Warehouse Nasty]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####.

I'd say it does.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time finding fault with the tire slashers here. And I love how they couldn't find a repair shop in town willing to help them.

 

[pantherclub]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

yes it does. in this case it most certainly does

 

[2Squirrels1Nut]

This was the best protest I have heard about (think there was a thread in the FFA).

Pennies in Protest

And Comicon 2010 was the best counterprotest.

 

[2Squirrels1Nut]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####.

I'd say it does.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time finding fault with the tire slashers here. And I love how they couldn't find a repair shop in town willing to help them.

That's my favorite part of the story.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Good f them zealots

 

[Aldous Snow]

Shoulda put sugar in their gas tank.

 

[[icon]]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Technically you're right. But technically I would still probably buy the tire-slasher a beer.

 

[ivnabru]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

yes it does. in this case it most certainly does

I guess the eco terrorist groups are totally justified in blowing up hummer dealerships.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

 

[Novice2]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####.

I'd say it does.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time finding fault with the tire slashers here. And I love how they couldn't find a repair shop in town willing to help them.

That's my favorite part of the story.

&leave it to walmart to be the one to fix it.

 

[mr roboto]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####.

I'd say it does.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time finding fault with the tire slashers here. And I love how they couldn't find a repair shop in town willing to help them.

That's my favorite part of the story.

Laissez Faire baby. Let the market decide. Clearly they are wrong if no one will do business with them.

 

[ivnabru]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it.

ok

 

[2Squirrels1Nut]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

So you're so offended at the underhandedness of slashing someone's tires that you think it's better to assault someone instead?

 

[ivnabru]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

So you're so offended at the underhandedness of slashing someone's tires that you think it's better to assault someone instead?

At least there's a chance they pay for their actions. They're taking that risk. How would you feel if the vigilante(s) that vandalized this car picked the wrong van by mistake and caused a couple hundred dollars of damage to someone who didn't make the mistake of voicing their opinions (no matter how wrong they are)? What about if someone went to a campaign rally and heckled the candidate is their car fair game now since the majority of people in the area would disagree with their opinions?

 

[CicncyKid]

These Westboro folks rank right up there with folks on death row or child molesters. Nothing too bad could happen to these people. I would consider it a tragedy for one of them to be shot to death because that would be far too quick. I really hope someone comes up one day and stabs one of them through the eye only to let them bleed out while the others look on in horror. To hell with them.

 

[2Squirrels1Nut]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

So you're so offended at the underhandedness of slashing someone's tires that you think it's better to assault someone instead?

At least there's a chance they pay for their actions. They're taking that risk. How would you feel if the vigilante(s) that vandalized this car picked the wrong van by mistake and caused a couple hundred dollars of damage to someone who didn't make the mistake of voicing their opinions (no matter how wrong they are)? What about if someone went to a campaign rally and heckled the candidate is their car fair game now since the majority of people in the area would disagree with their opinions?

I would feel terrible about the Chevy.

 

[ivnabru]

An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

These Westboro folks rank right up there with folks on death row or child molesters. Nothing too bad could happen to these people. I would consider it a tragedy for one of them to be shot to death because that would be far too quick. I really hope someone comes up one day and stabs one of them through the eye only to let them bleed out while the others look on in horror. To hell with them.

You do know that they reason (IMHO the main reason) the WBB people do this is to provoke people and then sue them when they get assaulted right?

 

[CicncyKid]

These Westboro folks rank right up there with folks on death row or child molesters. Nothing too bad could happen to these people. I would consider it a tragedy for one of them to be shot to death because that would be far too quick. I really hope someone comes up one day and stabs one of them through the eye only to let them bleed out while the others look on in horror. To hell with them.

You do know that they reason (IMHO the main reason) the WBB people do this is to provoke people and then sue them when they get assaulted right?

Who said anything about assault?

 

[bg0546]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

When the WB church people are willing to actually fight for what they believe in we can have this discussion. Butt they hide behind the law and their expectation of being protected in order to spout their hate speech. Given those circumstances, I have no problem with what went down here.

 

[bigbottom]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

When the WB church people are willing to actually fight for what they believe in we can have this discussion. Butt they hide behind the law and their expectation of being protected in order to spout their hate speech. Given those circumstances, I have no problem with what went down here.

How would you propose that they fight for what they believe in?

 

[bg0546]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

When the WB church people are willing to actually fight for what they believe in we can have this discussion. Butt they hide behind the law and their expectation of being protected in order to spout their hate speech. Given those circumstances, I have no problem with what went down here.

How would you propose that they fight for what they believe in?

I'd probably go with Bayonets but it's their choice.

 

[ivnabru]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

When the WB church people are willing to actually fight for what they believe in we can have this discussion. Butt they hide behind the law and their expectation of being protected in order to spout their hate speech. Given those circumstances, I have no problem with what went down here.

These guys know they hold a very unpopular opinion. There is an inherent risk in doing that. They may be hoping the law will protect them but that's not going to be the case in every circumstance. And if they didn't realize that before I'm pretty sure they recognize that fact after 1 protest.

 

[Jaysus]

So, ivanbru is a member of the Westboro baptists, huh?

 

[Prof. Chaos]

These Westboro folks rank right up there with folks on death row or child molesters. Nothing too bad could happen to these people. I would consider it a tragedy for one of them to be shot to death because that would be far too quick. I really hope someone comes up one day and stabs one of them through the eye only to let them bleed out while the others look on in horror. To hell with them.

 

[Mile High]

You reap what you sow.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

These Westboro folks rank right up there with folks on death row or child molesters. Nothing too bad could happen to these people. I would consider it a tragedy for one of them to be shot to death because that would be far too quick. I really hope someone comes up one day and stabs one of them through the eye only to let them bleed out while the others look on in horror. To hell with them.

You do know that they reason (IMHO the main reason) the WBB people do this is to provoke people and then sue them when they get assaulted right?

Who said anything about assault?

 

[GrandpaRox]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

yes it does. in this case it most certainly does

I guess the eco terrorist groups are totally justified in blowing up hummer dealerships.

Where are your tires?

 

[ivnabru]

So, ivanbru is a member of the Westboro baptists, huh?

I just think that we live in a great country where even unpopular opinions are allowed to be voiced. If you want the government to control all unpopular speech then you should move to China.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Fred Phelps and his minions are scum. Slashing tires is illegal. Anarchy, I tell you. Anarchy.

 

[ivnabru]

Fred Phelps and his minions are scum. Slashing tires is illegal. Anarchy, I tell you. Anarchy.

I know you didn't make a point really but I agree with what you did say.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

You're right. They should have cut the break line.

I just think if they weren't ####### they could have confronted the people they had a problem with instead of going and slashing their tires and running away.If someone had went and beaten one of these guys up I'd have no problem with it. This on the other hand was just like a 5 year old who doesn't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. If what they did was so right leave a note hey here's my name and address let the cops come and decide whether I should pay a penalty for vandalism.

Say hello to Wally for me, Beave.

 

[guest 1553]

So, ivanbru is a member of the Westboro baptists, huh?

I just think that we live in a great country where even unpopular opinions are allowed to be voiced. If you want the government to control all unpopular speech then you should move to China.

Noone's stopping them from voicing their opinions.

 

[RudiStein]

These Westboro people are delusional and repulsive. I understand why there is so much anger aimed towards them.

That being said: I really dislike the idea of people (or their property) being attacked for voicing their opinions...regardless of how offensive they are.

 

[KCC]

Zealots thrive on drama. I think people are giving them way too much power to push people's buttons and turn normally passive individuals into tire slahers. The bikers who drowned them out by reving their engines had it right - tune them out, roll your eyes, and don't give them such control over your behavior.

 

[Chadstroma]

Just because the protestors are ##### doesn't make whoever slashed their tires any less of a #####. Two wrongs don't make a right.

True. But it is really hard to dredge up sympathy for the Westboro nuts.

 

[Mile High]

It wouldn't be above the Phelps to slash their own tires to create drama.

 

[CrossEyed]

It's hard for me to say that I hate people that I don't know, but I can say that I hate everything they say, everything they do, and everything they stand for.

It's really disgusting to me that they identify themselves as a church. They act nothing like what the church is supposed to act.

 

[bg0546]

These Westboro people are delusional and repulsive. I understand why there is so much anger aimed towards them. That being said: I really dislike the idea of people (or their property) being attacked for voicing their opinions...regardless of how offensive they are.

The great thing about this country is it's freedom. The thing is, with such freedom comes great responsibility. Phelps is ABUSING his freedom of speech when he rants at the funerals of random service people. Those are the people protecting the very freedom he abuses. It's wrong on a moral level (protesting at any funeral is wrong morally) and it's wrong on the level of being responsible with the freedom's this country gives. It's not surprising so many people are offended and, quite honestly, I'm surprised there haven't been more incidents such as this.

 

[TommyGilmore]

Is the van doing okay?

GOD HATES VANS.