Although most of the posts here at the Dog’s House target the Liberal movement, we occasionally point out unacceptable anomalies on the conservative side. This is one such situation. The “radical right” reared its ugly head into our cross hairs this weekend at a funeral for two Tennessee soldiers killed in Iraq.
SMYRNA, Tenn. (Aug. 28) – Members of a church say God is punishing American soldiers for defending a country that harbors gays, and they brought their anti-gay message to the funerals Saturday of two Tennessee soldiers killed in Iraq.
The church members were met with scorn from local residents. They chased the church members cars’ down a highway, waving flags and screaming “God bless America.”
“My husband is over there, so I’m here to show my support,” 41-year-old Connie Ditmore said as she waved and American flag and as tears came to her eyes. “To do this at a funeral is disrespectful of a family, no matter what your beliefs are.” — by Beth Rucker, AP via AOL
This weekend, the Cindy Sheehan protest reached its zenith; and, the “rich” and/or “famous” began turning up for a moment in the spotlight. Actor Martin Sheen and Reverend Al Sharpton joined Sheehan as her vigil began to wind down. (I guess she got her wish to meet a president, since Sheen plays one on TV’s West Wing.) But, this move by members of the Westboro Baptist in Kansas provided a protestors’ all-time low. Yes, it trumps Sheehan’s group using the name of dead soldiers without permission from their families. These “religious” zealots are protesting American policy by disrupting funerals of our fallen soldiers and multiplying the grief of their families. It is simply unacceptable! If something is wrong, it doesn’t matter to which party you’ve attached your group. I will call it as I see it.
About 10 church members protested near Smyrna United Methodist Church and nearly 20 stood outside the National Guard Armory in Ashland City. Members have demonstrated at other soldier funerals across the nation.
The funerals were for Staff Sgt. Asbury Fred Hawn II, 35, in Smyrna and Spc. Gary Reese Jr., 22, in Ashland City. Both were members of the Tennessee National Guard.
Hundreds of Smyrna and Ashland City residents and families of other soldiers turned out at both sites to counter the message the Westboro Baptist members brought.
So many counterdemonstrators were gathered in Ashland City that police, sheriff’s deputies and state troopers were brought in to control traffic and protect the protesters. — by Beth Rucker, AP via AOL
This horrific display will reflect badly upon all conservatives — even as they disavow these actions. Howard Dean will likely make some kind of comment lumping all conservatives/”religious right” in with this splinter group, since that is one of his favorite pastimes. And, the media enjoys painting all Republicans with a large brush stroke. Conservatives, get ready for the true concept of “inclusion” espoused by the Democratic Party.
It’s also possible that Hurricane Katrina can back-page this event into obscurity, much like the Sheehan protest. We can only hope. However, they must be stopped. These gay-protesting zealots are worse than those from the Left that feel burning the American Flag is a legitimate form of protest (although they refuse to indicate what, exactly, they are protesting with this act). Some things are sacred — and must remain sacred.