March 24, 2014
When news spread last week that Phelps was near death, the media and much of the general public waited on the edge of their seats for Phelps to take his final breath, so that his survivors could then experience the same hate and invasion of privacy that Phelps forced onto so many innocent families over the years. The hate against the Westboro leader was so great, that several Facebook pages were created in his dishonor. Protest Fred Phelps’ Funeral and 1,000,000 Strong for Picketing Fred Phelps’ Funeral When That Bastard Dies are just 2 examples.
Creators explained their mission by saying “The Westboro Baptists are not well known for their love of humanity, especially their head-guy, Fred Phelps. They need a taste of their own medicine.” The page was filled with comments that expressed “not-so-kind” sentiments from those who joined. “If his funeral was within a days drive of me I would be there to tell his family his death brought a smile to my face and I hope it was extremely painful,” said 1 member. “So many dumps will be taken on his grave,” said another. Yet another suggested “Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful if throngs of LGBTs and military lined the funeral route and stood, heads-bowed, in proper respectful posture? Maybe we should include a contingent of atheists, too. What a statement!”
However, not everyone was eager to get even with Phelps at his moment of death. Surprisingly, many in the gay community pleaded with the public to fight hate with love. Some even suggested that in lieu of hate, concerned citizens should make a donation to a gay or lesbian charitable organization in Phelps’ name.
Current Events
Realizing that a huge portion of the public wanted Westboro and the Phelps family to reap what they have sowed, church leaders decided at the 11th hour to run and hide rather than face the music. The church and the family announced that in order to avoid any public displays of disrespect, there simply would not be a funeral for Phelps. Still, that has not stopped many from taking to the streets anyway, with random protests popping up around the country against the fact that he ever lived.
And so, Fred Phelps will avoid the same vitriol in death that he inflicted on so many others during his life. Or perhaps Westboro should just continue with business as usual and protest against themselves at their own church — in honor of Phelps, of course!
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Fred Phelps and plans to protest his funeral.
