UV Stout 1, WBC 0

[RecoveringKinkoid]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8nwrc46euI&feature=related

Oh, Sweet mercy, this is beautiful. 4 shitbirds from WBC show up with their "Thank God for dead students"signs, and a thousand students run them out of town. I read elsewhere that in their attempt to flee what could only be described as a rowdy mob, they turned their car down a dead end, got trapped, and got their car ALL fucked up. And amazingly, none of the cops saw anything, imagine that.

Check them out standing right on top of the WBC people, smoking like fiends around them and blowing smoke all over them. You know, I can't stand anything to do with smoking, but I am telling you I would have been proud stand shoulder to shoulder with these kids, a Lucky Strike dangling off my lip. I'd have probably been gagging like a rank amateur, but I've done it and counted myself to be in honored company.

Yeah, WBC enjoys freedom of speech and the right to free assembly. And so the hell does everyone else.

Props to you, Stout, heroes all.

Wow. Just...wow. WBC getting pwned to a soundtrack of Dropkick Murphys.

I...I think I need a cigarette.

[Amethyst Hunter]

:D That is AWESOME.

Seriously, one of these days the WBC jackasses are going to fuck with the wrong person(s) and REALLY get their asses handed to them on a platter...!

[Boozy]

You know what else would work?

Ignoring them.

They don't deserve the attention the public is giving them.

[Colchek]

AWESOME! I loved it when the cop was laughing too, heck, I can't blame him. :) I second the sentiment that some day, they're going to protest the wrong person/group, and seriously get a beat down.

[ArenaBoy]

You know what else would work?

Ignoring them.

They don't deserve the attention the public is giving them.

Easier said then done.

[Boozy]

What could be easier than ignoring something?

If only there were other world problems so easily solved.

[ArenaBoy]

What could be easier than ignoring something?

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

First, people are going to raise a stink about it. It's also insulting to those mourning the loss of a family member. How would you react, in all honesty if one of your family members was killed and WBC came to protest the funeral with the claims that said member was a "fag"? I know I wouldn't. It's insulting to the memories of the deceased and it just brings more misery for the family and friends. It's not that easy to ignore as you think. I have plenty of family members who served in the military at one point and I'd be quite upset if I had to see those people at my relatives funeral.


They're going to get the attention as long as they're at large. There's a journalist saying that one person's tragedy is a journalist's opportunity. And as long as this continues they're going to be reported and get that attention.




If only there were other world problems so easily solved.

You do realize that people tend to not let things go right?

[Sylvia727]

Ignoring them would work for their general protests, but it would not be an acceptable solution for specific examples. I know that if they protested the funeral of my loved one - say, one of my gay friends, or my cousin in the military - I would lose control. It would not the right answer, it would only fuel the fire, but I would not be strong enough to handle them desecrating my pain and the pain of my loved ones.

[Boozy]

Look, the WBC does this because it brings them publicity on a massive scale. Deny them that prize.

[ArenaBoy]

Look, the WBC does this because it brings them publicity on a massive scale. Deny them that prize.

Can you honestly deny them if they were at one of your relative's funerals doing this? In all seriousness?

[Boozy]

Can you honestly deny them if they were at one of your relative's funerals doing this? In all seriousness?

My family and I do not own and control a massive media conglomerate.

These families have every right to be pissed off, yell at them, and call the cops if necessary.

But why the hell is CNN there with cameras every time half a dozen nutjobs show up with signs? And why the hell are people watching it?

[ArenaBoy]

But why the hell is CNN there with cameras every time half a dozen nutjobs show up with signs? And why the hell are people watching it?

As I said earlier, "A person's tragedy is a journalist's opportunity." And people watch it because who knows, they might have family in the military and the added thought of WBC protesting a potential funeral is something said family might not want to endure?

[Boozy]

People can - and will - watch what they want.

I prefer to focus my attention on people who deserve it. And I do not support television stations that air this sensationalist, non-newsworthy crap.

[ArenaBoy]

People can - and will - watch what they want.

I prefer to focus my attention on people who deserve it. And I do not support television stations that air this sensationalist, non-newsworthy crap.

How is it not newsworthy? These are families of soldiers and said journalists do ask for permission.

Here's a story: When the war started in 2003, the first soldier based in my county was killed. Journalists were allowed to the funeral but they had to stay outside the church. One of the pictures taken was of the soldier's son, six years old at the time holding a stuffed animal and crying. They published it on the front page. The calls they got ranged from doing it to sell headlines, child pornography (Not joking), to praise for telling a point. The family had no qualms about the photo being published. They insisted on it too.

Point is, for all we know the families may have given permission to the media to air it in case the WBC do come. If anything it's the family's way of saying, "No one deserves this at a funeral. Do what you can to prevent them from coming to said funeral."

As for sensationalist, you have obviously forgotten the obscene amount of coverage the Anna Nicole Smith's death got and the amount of coverage Paris Hilton got when she was arrested.

[Boozy]

As for sensationalist, you have obviously forgotten the obscene amount of coverage the Anna Nicole Smith's death got and the amount of coverage Paris Hilton got when she was arrested.

But I didn't say I was okay with that either.

Perhaps I should not have used the term "non-newsworthy". Let's just say that I strongly suspect that the WBC would have dropped this crap long ago if it weren't for the media orgy.

[ArenaBoy]

Perhaps I should not have used the term "non-newsworthy". Let's just say that I strongly suspect that the WBC would have dropped this crap long ago if it weren't for the media orgy.

There you go. If you were trying to state that, I apologize.

Calling it non-newsworthy though is a stretch.

[blas87]

OP, did you mean UW Stout? ;)

We Wisconsinites are very proud people. I would have never imagined that Phelps and Fuckers would even have any desire to travel to this little stick in the mud Bum Egypt part of Wisconsin, but I guess if you hate people that much, anything is possible.

Let this be a lesson, WBC....come back to Wisconsin, and UW Stout will seem like a cakewalk. Don't come back.

[Sylvia727]

But why the hell is CNN there with cameras every time half a dozen nutjobs show up with signs? And why the hell are people watching it?

I can see both sides of this issue. On the one hand, citizens have an interest in knowing that hate-mongers are out there and what their targets are. Giving the media the benefit of the doubt, and assuming they're aiming for news, not sensationalism, they do have a responsibility to report the news. On the other, the media is feeding into the hate. Don't they have a responsibility to limit the consequences/damages of their actions?

I think there should be some sort of legal consequences. Surely this falls under harassment or hate crime?

[Boozy]

I think its important that I add: I don't like turning everything into a consumer issue. For example, Nike is still at fault for their child labour practices, regardless of how many people buy their shoes.

But media consumption is different. The whole story is right in front of you. No one watching sensationalist crap can claim that they didn't know it was sensational. That's why they are watching.

To me, cause-and-effect here is clear: The WBC does what they do because of the media coverage. The media covers the story because we will watch. The buck stops in our living rooms.

This does not absolve the WBC of their hideous actions. But I do believe that it would be more effective to shut off our TVs than to get into a crowd and blow smoke, thereby adding to the media circus.

[Sylvia727]

To me, cause-and-effect here is clear: The WBC does what they do because of the media coverage. The media covers the story because we will watch. The buck stops in our living rooms.


Do they do for the media coverage? Or do they do it because they are hateful, malicious bastards, with the media strengthening their resolve? If the media simply stopped covering them, either of conscience or because citizens made it unprofitable, I think the WBC would continue what they are doing. They're fanatics, and cultists, and they think they have some moral imperative. I'm not sure they truly believe a god is behind them, but they do think they have some twisted authority. It's not moral, it's not religious...they're manipulating people's fears and hatreds for their own gain.

And yes, I've met people who believe that "God hates fags", even if of course picketing the funeral of the Satanic fatherfucker is "disrespectful". I don't even know where to start with that. They may not be gathering followers but a surprising number of people agree with their aims.

[AFPheonix]

I posted this in one of the last WBC threads. It bears repeating:
http://blank.org/addict/

[Slytovhand]

Hey Boozy darling....

yeah - it'd be lovely if the world worked to such ideals - but humans don't. That's probably why their here. Yes - we are in hell...

If a person's beliefs tell them that they need to save others, then they will go to any lenghts to do so (including torture and murder...I bet you weren't expecting the Spanish Inquisition...*). You may not like it, but it's what they think they have to do. For some reason, just 'saving' themselves isn't enough (which kind of makes sense, if you happen to believe something similar - that after death, there is only 2 options...).

The same laws that allow freedom of sexuality also allow for freedom of speech, and thus, technically, the same system that opposes the damage and violence to gay people should also apply to the damage done to the WBC people's property.

Damn - 2 wrongs don't make a right....

You have a constitutionally enforced right to hate anyone you like (how's that for oxymoronic), and also to show it verbally and to protest.




*No - we will probably never get tired of using this line :p

[Boozy]

yeah - it'd be lovely if the world worked to such ideals - but humans don't.

What ideals?

I'm sorry - I don't know what you were responding to.

[Slytovhand]

What ideals?

I'm sorry - I don't know what you were responding to.



this: What could be easier than ignoring something?

If only there were other world problems so easily solved.

(which is too short a message to post :p)

[Boozy]

I'm afraid I still don't know what you are trying to say.

But I will clarify the point of mine you quoted in case it was misunderstood: Ignoring the WBC would go a long way to discourage their constant picketing, as they would no longer be receiving any media attention for it.

Because ignoring a problem is easy to do, it would be nice if other world problems would benefit from the same tactic. Unfortunately, issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights requires a lot of action and hard work.

Incidentally, perhaps these issues would see more media coverage if the networks weren't airing the views of a very small handful of nuts.

Edited to add: I think I see what you were driving at. You're saying that they'd be doing this no matter what. I agree they would to some extent, but I don't see them showing up at so many high profile funerals if it weren't for the media circus.

[Slytovhand]

I'm afraid I still don't know what you are trying to say.

But I will clarify the point of mine you quoted in case it was misunderstood: Ignoring the WBC would go a long way to discourage their constant picketing, as they would no longer be receiving any media attention for it.

Because ignoring a problem is easy to do, it would be nice if other world problems would benefit from the same tactic. Unfortunately, issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights requires a lot of action and hard work.

Damn right! Is there a fratch for this sort of thing?? I'm a member of a political group called GetUp here in Aus, which is technically non-party (though they have obvious leanings - they really wanted John Howard gone at the last election), and try to push for a lot of environmental and aboriginal issues. It's nice and easy - go to the home page, join up - get emails and occasionally respond by signing a petition. They get a stack of media coverage out of it (but not enough).



Incidentally, perhaps these issues would see more media coverage if the networks weren't airing the views of a very small handful of nuts.

Edited to add: I think I see what you were driving at. You're saying that they'd be doing this no matter what. I agree they would to some extent, but I don't see them showing up at so many high profile funerals if it weren't for the media circus.

Yep - that's what I was driving at. The problem is.. fundamentalists believe - and like Shepherd Book said (or paraphrased :p) - belief can be a dangerous thing...


(please tell me you know Shepherd Book...... :D )

Slyt

[Seshat]

Damn right! Is there a fratch for this sort of thing??

For what sort of thing? Issues such as poverty, climate change, and so on?

If you want to talk about them, do a 'search' for existing threads on the topic, and if there aren't any, add them to the fratching forum closest to what you have in mind.

If you want to try to get specific action on them, this probably isn't the ideal place. It's an almost-random group of people from all over the world; rather than trying to encourage this group to take on a particular task, it's much easier to inform folks and encourage them to go find their local group for whatever issue.

[rahmota]

If you want to try to get specific action on them, this probably isn't the ideal place. It's an almost-random group of people from all over the world; rather than trying to encourage this group to take on a particular task, it's much easier to inform folks and encourage them to go find their local group for whatever issue.

Exactly and no offense intended but I doubt you could get everyone on this board to go marchign off in the same direction let alone for the same cause or reason. While we may all agree that poverty or human rights or whatever else is a good thing to fight for the way we'll choose to do it or what method to fight we would support is not gonna be the same. Maybe in the same zip code close but definately not closer than that for everyone.

[Amethyst Hunter]

Ignoring the WBC would go a long way to discourage their constant picketing, as they would no longer be receiving any media attention for it...I don't see them showing up at so many high profile funerals if it weren't for the media circus.

To some extent I might agree, at least in regards to the celebrity types like Heath Ledger; however, WBC - the adults, anyway - are comprised of bullies who, if they ARE ignored, will no doubt just try and muscle in on some attention anyway - most of their garbage has been directed at Joe and Jane Public, not famous people. And like I said, a lot of bullies will not stop slinging their crap unless they're made to stop. When people stand up and flat out tell them "Your shit is not welcome here, get lost or get your ass kicked", they get the message that their bile isn't going to be tolerated, and unless they're particularly stupid they may think twice about poking their noses in where they don't belong.

And speaking from a personal viewpoint, anyone that tried that shit at any family funeral of mine had BETTER bring their own shovels and be prepared to dig their own graves.

[XCashier]

WBC - the adults, anyway - are comprised of bullies who, if they ARE ignored, will no doubt just try and muscle in on some attention anyway - most of their garbage has been directed at Joe and Jane Public, not famous people. And like I said, a lot of bullies will not stop slinging their crap unless they're made to stop. When people stand up and flat out tell them "Your shit is not welcome here, get lost or get your ass kicked", they get the message that their bile isn't going to be tolerated, and unless they're particularly stupid they may think twice about poking their noses in where they don't belong.
Precisely. Which is why this student protest was so effective. It's sad to have to stoop to the WBC's level, but sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

However, it may take quite a few times before the WBC gets the message, because they are "particularly stupid". :(

[AFPheonix]

I don't think they're ever going to stop until the Patriarch is dead. I don't know if his sons will carry on in his tradition or not. I hope not.

[Colchek]

I don't think they're ever going to stop until the Patriarch is dead. I don't know if his sons will carry on in his tradition or not. I hope not.

Based on the descriptions of how he treats his own family, I too would hope not, otherwise they're just as stupid as he is.

[AFPheonix]

Whelp, sometimes it's hard to go against an abuser when he's been abusing you mentally, emotionally and physically your entire life. It's not entirely about how smart or stupid they are.

[Colchek]

Whelp, sometimes it's hard to go against an abuser when he's been abusing you mentally, emotionally and physically your entire life. It's not entirely about how smart or stupid they are.

True enough, but a conscious decision on their part to break the cycle would make a huge difference.

[Zyanya]

Ignoring them doesn't work, that has been demonstrated already. It's no different than when a bully picked on you in school and your parents said 'oh, ignore him and he'll stop'. Yeah, it sounds nice and clean and humane, but fuck that, any kid who has ever been the victim of bullying knows full well it DOES NOT WORK.

They don't stop until someone makes them stop.

My uncle, quite frankly, had the right idea when he addressed someone who threatened to picket a funeral in such a manner.

'You go ahead and do that. Me and my sniper rifle will be somewhere nearby.'