I'm Pleading Guilty

As many of you know, I dislike religious fanatics. Fred Phelps and his band of hyenas (ok, only one or two of you will get that joke) are at the top of my list for the most insane fanatics. In fact, I think Phelps and the hyenas make Pat Robertson look normal--how sad is that?! Anyway, I knew of the anti-gay protests Phelps and the hyena pack were having at military funerals, because there have been several soldiers killed from our area. I can't help but feel extremely angry over this type of protest.

First of all, these soldiers gave their lives to the United States to protect our lives, including the lives of the hyena pack. This country was founded on freedom, and soldiers defend our freedoms every single day. Second, the soldiers funerals which are being protested may not even be gay, and if they were, their grieving families are dealing with a huge loss. Why is it appropriate to taint a remembrance of someone? Can't the protesters have their own pity party in private or have an assembly somewhere other than around a funeral?* Third, who are we to judge, isn't that God's job?

I was never so happy as to see that the Patriot Guard Riders are blocking Phelps' hyenas from being seen at many of the military funerals. The point of the funeral is to honor a person, not to deride a notion or presumption about someone.

I think a lot of this for me is personal as well. I know a lot of people who are homosexual--some are even my friends and professors *gasp!*. Oh, no! I'm a Christian and I don't have a problem with homosexuality, does that mean I'm going to hell, too?! If I do, I'm sure it won't be for that reason.

Also, I don't agree with the war in Iraq, but I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THE SOLDIERS and the job they are doing. The soldiers didn't have a decision but to go to Iraq, they didn't make the big decisions, they follow orders and keep me safe while doing so. I'm very thankful for their service.

I know I'm going to anger some of you with my opinions--I'll admit to being guilty of that. But, I don't feel sorry for it.

*I know that the Bill of Rights grants the right to assemble and protest. However, I do feel that there are appropriate times when one should never protest, and a funeral is one of them.