Momentum is building against deranged cult leader Fred Phelps. As readers of this blog know, Fred Phelps' rabidly anti-Gay Westboro group has been sending protesters to the funerals of American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.In essence, his group is celebrating the deaths of these brave men and women, claiming that God is punishing America for supporting Gay rights.
As mentioned here several times on Marathon Pundit, the Phelps group is planning to come to the heart of America, the Peoria area (If it plays in Peoria...) to picket the funeral of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Terry Ball in East Peoria tomorrow.
Dan Proft of the Illinois Leader writes eloquently about the Phelps problem and what to do when similar demagogues pry their way into the public consiousness, exploiting the fears and prejudices that, sadly, still percolate in American society.
Writes Proft, who also called Phelps "a loony bin escapee:"
A couple years back, I had a conversation with Chicago radio talk show host Deborah Rowe (WLS-AM 890, M-F, 9pm-midnight) that I've referenced before and that has stuck with me since.
We were talking about what Republicans need to do in order to establish trust in the black community that can foster dialogue and, ultimately, result in GOP hopefuls getting a fair hearing from black voters.
The issue is a complicated one that is not easily synthesized into a one sentence answer. However, there is one thing that Rowe said to me that I've tried to take to heart.
"Stand up when you should stand up" said Rowe.
Time to stand up.
Do this responsibly, legally, and non-violently, but it's time to stand up against Phelps.
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