Rich blogs on further developments in the shenanigans of the “Reverend” Fred Phelps and the city of Casper, Wyoming.
Two statements, from either side, highlight a couple of important principles:
“This is where our statement of faith, our statements of values, our backbone belongs,” [Casper City Council rep] Peryam said while endorsing the historic plaza plan. “And for those outsiders who think they can run our city, I say, ‘Thank you, thank you very, very much.’ Because, you know what, if you think that we are going to put our monument someplace in cold storage, I’ve got another thought for you. We are going to put it where it will be more noticed, more taken advantage of and used for learning purposes by all families.”
That, of course, is one of the problems — that the Casper City Council is universalizing the Ten Commandments to be “our statement of faith, our statements of values, our backbone.” I wonder how I would feel, were I a Buddhist resident — current or prospective — reading that coming from an elected official.
For that matter, a statement like that is likely to run them into trouble when they start trying to argue that the Decalogue is only an “historic” document on display on public property.
On the other hand, there’s this little bit from Phelps, who’s now trying to buy a slice of town square land in a small Idaho town, similar to what the American Legion is doing there for another Ten Commandments monument:
Phelps, 73, of Topeka, Kan., said he was unconcerned that his anti-gay message could prevent the Ten Commandments from being displayed in Rupert, a community of 5,645 people about 165 miles southeast of Boise.
”My message is infinitely more important than the Ten Commandments, because nobody is delivering it,” Phelps said.
Riiiiight. Pretty Godly of you there, Fred.
And I think the message that 2 + 2 = 13.7 is even more important because even fewer people are delivering that one, Fred.
That’s it. I am starting a new religion. There is only requirement of this new religion: believe that Fred Phelps is the anti-christ. We’ll incorporate as a 501 (c) 3 and take donations for monuments. Everywhere Fred puts his monument we’ll put in a bigger one saying “Fred Phelps is the Anti-Christ.” Since we are a religion, we have just as much right to put up a monument as he does according to the 10th Circuit.
Rich Blinne
Founder
PHACS: PHelps is the Anti-Christ Society
Feh. That smacks too much of a free debate of ideas. I’m much more in favor of an amendment to the First Amendment adding the words “except for Fred Phelps and his clan” in each clause.
I’m deeply saddened by the comments of this ‘Fred’ or who ever, goes
to show how really important he really is or is trying to be.
His remarks against other people is not religion, its in fact judging
other people for whom he has not been appointed to do and if one wants
to go all religous on about it in fact states that no man shall judge
another if not apointed by his goverments, yes its in the bible as
such.
Im not gay, Im not for it either but I believe we need to all live in
harmony, sorry Fred you’re just not doing that and that in its self is
not the work of a religous man, saith the bible and in past times in
the UK the Baptist church was considered the church of all churches
however thats not the case in todays world, infact going to church is
fast becomming unpopular because, well I strongly believe that all
religions are the mains causes of wars on this great planet of ours.
I also find it quite distrubing that I find myself replying to this
topic of such great disrespect for the dead, no matter what.
I’m going to ask God not to allow your entrance into the kingdom,
whether he does or not is his wish Fred…
Bye