The following response is based upon this article by Laurie Ure, CNN.
Just when America thought people could not get any crazier, they go out and surprise us again. In the past couple of months, the news has been filled with stories about the Westboro Baptists protestors, who go to military funeral services and shout a slew of indecencies. Just as we were all getting used to this horrible annoyance, as of yesterday, there is now a new component to these protests. Yesterday at Arlington Cemetery a group of 70 counter-protesters showed up to in hopes to silence the Baptists and block them from the view of the ceremony. The interesting twist is, 10 of those members claim to be apart of a branch of the KKK, the Knights of the Southern Cross. Yeah, you heard that right - the Klu Klux Klan. So while it's great that a group decided to tell the Baptists they are clearly in the wrong, this counter group also has some wrong beliefs of their own. One of the members of the KKK group commented saying he is not a racist but simply thinks that the white race is "slowly and most assuredly being denigrated." When a member of the Westboro Baptist group was asked to commented they said that they believe the counter-protestors were all about white power and white supremacy. Hold up. It's Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery and these two groups are discussing racism?! Today is the day America is supposed to be honoring our troops and those who lost lives fighting for our country. But of course, in typical American fashion, the true purpose must be forgotten and every situation is therefore turned into a daytime soap opera.
Who: Alleged members of the KKK and the Westboro Baptists protesters
What: The KKK members were counter-protesting the Baptists in front of the cemetery
When: May 31, 2011 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Arlington Cemetery
Why: The counter-protestors did this demonstration in order to make a statement to the Baptists, and show them that they are completely wrong in their beliefs.
CBT - Social Studies - Revelation
It is so sad that these protests are diminishing the value of these military funerals. First, the Westboro Baptists showed up and upset people by yelling profanities, even at grieving families. Now, other groups show up to counter-protests, including members of the KKK, only to make the scene more chaotic. While I believe everyone has the right to their opinion and the right to freely voice it, this has truly gotten out of hand. Tolerance would be the solution in solving this problem, and would finally give peace the families and friends of the dead soldiers. All they long for is a peaceful ceremony, with NO protesters at all.
Wow, heavy.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think freedom of speech is important in America (I like unicorns), we need to have respect for ALL people.
The most depressing part is that many people forget WHAT and WHY we have these holidays.
Memorial Day should be a day were we remember those who served to protect our country, not a day were we attack eachother.
Ah! This makes me so mad. First there are the so-called Christians protesting at the respected soldiers' funerals (they sacrificed their lives for you guys too...) and when someone finally stands up to them, it is no one better than the KKK. America needs to stand up defend themselves- it is only getting worse if we let ignorant people continue to do this.
ReplyDeleteI think it's all good and well that these groups are standing up to the WBC, as no one else seems to be able to, but that fact that they're KKK members makes Christians look even worse. I think a Godly Christian church needs to step up in this situation.
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