We don't ignore them because they'd like it much better if groups like this that are organized to counter their campaign of hatred and bigotry would just simply go away. Make no mistake about it, Fred Phelps and the rest of the WBC leadership are masters of spin and head games. They know how to push peoples buttons to get what they want. The only way to counter them is to stand up to them- to stand peacefully for your personal convictions that every family grieving the loss of a loved one deserves respect and dignity.
Folks, did you know that one of WBC's tactics is to infiltrate groups like this one and attempt to cause division? They pose as concerned citizens and post questions to plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the members-" Why don't we just ignore them, all they want is attention, they'll go away."
Except they won't go away. In fact, apathy on the part of the public has been their best friend. Ignoring an elephant in the middle of the living room doesn't make the elephant invisible-it's still there taking up space, and more likely than not getting bigger.
The reason groups like this one exist is because ignoring them doesn't make them go away...but MEETING THEM PEACEFULLY HEAD-ON DOES. It's been proven recently in several major cities (Raleigh and Tuscon come to mind) where large numbers of individuals have assembled peacefully that WBC has either been kept away by the authorities**who can only act if the public demands they take action**or have failed to show because they know their efforts would be fruitless. It goes in waves, but they are protesting less and less because they are met more often by those who will not permit them to spread their bigotry and hatred. Where concern for our fallen exists,and love is unconditional, then peace has the chance to flourish.~Kate
Folks, did you know that one of WBC's tactics is to infiltrate groups like this one and attempt to cause division? They pose as concerned citizens and post questions to plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the members-" Why don't we just ignore them, all they want is attention, they'll go away."
Except they won't go away. In fact, apathy on the part of the public has been their best friend. Ignoring an elephant in the middle of the living room doesn't make the elephant invisible-it's still there taking up space, and more likely than not getting bigger.
The reason groups like this one exist is because ignoring them doesn't make them go away...but MEETING THEM PEACEFULLY HEAD-ON DOES. It's been proven recently in several major cities (Raleigh and Tuscon come to mind) where large numbers of individuals have assembled peacefully that WBC has either been kept away by the authorities**who can only act if the public demands they take action**or have failed to show because they know their efforts would be fruitless. It goes in waves, but they are protesting less and less because they are met more often by those who will not permit them to spread their bigotry and hatred. Where concern for our fallen exists,and love is unconditional, then peace has the chance to flourish.~Kate
Hope that you all have a wonderful day, you earned it. Because of this group , we can all take a deep breath and stretch chasing all that stress away from our bodies and our spirits. I went through the entire spectrum of emotions because of the SC ruling. This is the biggest challenge to my spirituality in a long ,long time.So stretch, breathe, stretch, breathe, we'll get through this. One day at a time.
ReplyDeleteI think WBC are actually fueled by attention. I know for a fact that having folks click on their links is part of their income and how they financially support themselves.
ReplyDeleteHOWEVER ---
Ignoring them and putting attention where it is needed are two separate things to me.
Its NOT that we are giving attention to Westboro with our Wall of Peace
as much as its:
Giving support and care and love and HONOR to those families who have lost a loved one.
Quite frankly, I could not care less if a Westboro person were to join us. Other than the hassle we went thru on our Facebook page - which was aggrivating - I really could NOT care less.
Let them come. Let them see - OUR FOCUS is not them. Our focus is the families.
I have been a very fortunate mother to have my soliders come safely (for the most part) home.
Cannot even fathom that horrific life-changing phone call and following funeral that other parents and loved ones must endure.
My focus has always been the families.
And the original purpose of making the Facebook page was that ONE person (kate) might access WBC's picket schedule and we'd Post it for one and all - ending the need for many to use WBC links and give them $$$.
We may never fully wipe away this evil.....but we can certainly chip away at it - using calm and love and logic.
Simply put - I am the rose colored glasses sort and I always look good yet to come!
Blessings one and all,
Sabrina
People who truly wish to find a peaceful solution to all of this nonsense with WBC will gravitate to the new site eventually. It's not a numbers game for us...and I happen to know from looking at the stats that there a lot more people looking than officially "following" right now.FB served it's purpose but there is a certain frantic vibe to FB that drives people into a frenzy that's really destructive and definitely NOT peaceful. That's evidenced by the tone of posts that were being left. As people's frustrations rose, so did the anxiety level. If you're wrapped up in all the hype and psychopomp, you can't think rationally, and that's where a lot of the negativety came in, I think. It's not going to be all warms and fuzzy-we don't expect it to be- but I think for the most part the spur of the moment, thoughtless ranting is now gone because people have a moment to take a breath before they post.~Kate
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much trouble a member of the WBC gets into when they are tolerant of the ways of others not in thier group or just plain nice? What does that look like, do they just not know what a healthy relationship is. It isn't my problem or is it? How much fear is instilled at how young of an age? Only from this point can I make compassion in my heart. Wow, thier lives must totaly suck!!
ReplyDeleteI admire this group's refusal to countenance anything that would endanger the lives of individual church members or their families, such as posting photos/name/addresses. I would like to understand the anti-harassment policy better, though. Would it be harassment in the eyes of Wall of Peace if people simply refused to do business with WBC when it's in their town-- ie refused to sell them gas for the bus, groceries, restaurant meals, etc.? I assure that I am asking this question entirely respectfully.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a merchant is within their legal right to choose whom they do busness with. I'm sure there's some sort of legal precident, but since none of the moderators here are attorneys, we can't comment on this or encourage people other than to tell them to do what they think is right.~Kate
ReplyDeletethere was a protest wherein the wbc's vehicle's tires were slashed/flat and no one would help them in town... they had to call outside of town for help... http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20101114_11_a12_cutlin105145
ReplyDeletei think most businesses in most states are allowed to refuse service and some even state so on signs to remind folks. heck, there are some businesses that discriminate against teenagers and limit how many enter their shops at any given time... even our mall has a "no groups numbering 5 or more may roam" kind of policy based on what they feel is 'negative teenage' hangout behavior...