Hate group comes to the SC State House, creating surreal atmosphere

Four members of the Westboro Church (i.e. that "God Hates Fags" group) came to the South Carolina state capitol today and was met with a huge wave of protesters who outnumbered them 50 to one.

And the entire encounter took place in front of a State House event honoring the Special Olympics, creating a happening which was so surreal that the late Rod Serling would have said to hell with it and not bothered with his introduction.

I, of course, was in the middle of it all and learned a few things.

1. I love the energy of lgbt youth. The pro-gay crowd was comprised mostly of them and they recognized the ignorance of the Phelps group for what it was. No one got angry and no one got hostile. Don't get me wrong. They stood arm-in-arm and chanted when necessary, but they also used the event to have a little fun as the pictures show. And the event underscored how us older folks should never take them for granted. We must always stand with them and support them because they always manage to surprise us with their maturity.

2. Standing against folks like Westboro is necessary. Now usually this blog focuses on the covert actions of pseudo legitimate groups like the Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America and spokespeople like Matt Barber and Peter LaBarbera. But let's not get so high and mighty that we forget that Westboro yanks all pretenses from their hate. No code words, no slogans - just pure unadulterated hate. And hatred should always be slapped down.

3. I'm old. Who the hell is the Green Man and the show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

4. Little kids get bored easily even if they are holding hateful signs.

5. God may love gays, but apparently (according to one of the pro-gay signs), he hates the new Facebook. And He also loves "short shorts."

But onto the pictures:

One of the Westboro folks in complete regalia. Apparently they don't like anybody. They must be fun at holidays

This child don't care what God hates. Just as long as He doesn't take away his video game.

God hates traffic

You promised me to take me to Chucky Cheese after this. I think we should protest there.

Meanwhile, on our side:

This young lady claimed that God loves premarital sex and she even listed a Biblical verse to prove it. 

Finally! Someone uses the Bible for good rather than evil.

No, I didn't get the shorts guy's phone number.

Jesse Helms a gay rights hero? and other Tuesday midday news briefs

The Phelps folks came and acted the fool like they always do. And we came out to let them know how strange and unappreciated they were. More on it in my afternoon post. Pray that I can get the pictures posted.

A brief note on cocktail parties - As usual, Jeremy Hooper is on point. This time, it's about those folks who bitch about the galas and cocktails.

‘This Is My Mission’ - A Newsweek interview with activist Dan Choi.

Jesse Helms, gay rights advocate? That's what his estate says - Jesse Helms a gay rights hero? You must be $#!ing me!

Barney Frank Chides Tea Party Protesters After Anti-Gay Slurs - They are lucky it was Barney Frank talking. If it were me, I would have used some choice words I haven't used in YEARS.

Porter: Only The May Day Prayer Rally Can Wash The Blood From America's Hands - Does this woman LOOK for new ways to demonstrate how she has lost her mind?

Fred Phelps and his hate group to be in Columbia this morning

Every struggle for equality needs its moments of comedy and the lgbt struggle, particularly in South Carolina, will receive ours today.

The word is that Fred Phelps and his Westboro church of "God Hates Fags" will be at the State House in Columbia at 11 a.m. this morning. Apparently they had been protesting in North Charleston and felt the need to make a stop in Columbia.

I won't even waste time giving background on Phelps and his motley group of misfits, but needless to say that I WILL be at the State House to take pictures, talk to people, maybe try to "convert" the cuter members of the group.

Just kidding about that last one.

But can the Phelps group co-exist in the same environment as me - the B-teamer, the Black Tsunami?

It WILL be interesting.