Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of 
The insane wingnuts in the Westboro Baptist Church wants so badly to protest the funeral of Heath Ledger. After all, he played a gay character in a movie and that makes him evil. There's just one problem: they don't know where the funeral is. So they've written an open letter to the family asking them to divulge the location of his funeral so they can show up and makes asses of themselves. They even say Heath would want them to do so because, after all, he's now burning in hell and wishes he wasn't:
If Heath himself could come back to life for a brief period to speak to his loved ones on earth, he would lift up his voice in a hideous scream, to wit: "Listen to Phelps! For god's sake, listen to Phelps!"
Survey says....thorazine.
Comments
I know the thorazine line is a joke, Ed, but let's not trivialize those with serious mental illness by comparing them to people whose only disease is assholism.
Posted by: kehrsam | February 2, 2008 9:57 AM
The only mental illness the Phelps family suffers is excessive inbreeding. There is no way that a non-Phelps would ever bone one of them.
Posted by: Brandon | February 2, 2008 10:37 AM
I know the thorazine line is a joke, Ed
For these people, no, I don't think it's a joke, I think it's good advice.
Posted by: Calton Bolick | February 2, 2008 10:40 AM
I've done this before, but it fits Phelps so well.
He's the living example of a perversion of a Christian praise song.
"And they'll know we are Christians by our hate, by our hate. The will know we are Christians by our hate."
Posted by: Jim Ramsey | February 2, 2008 11:07 AM
What difference would it make if the Ledger family fessed up about the funeral location? Doesn't trans-oceanic air travel terrify Fred Phelps for fear the pilot might soar off the edge of our flat earth, and tumble into space?
But seriously, that WBC letter is hilarious, albeit in the most pathetic way possible.
Posted by: CHV | February 2, 2008 11:24 AM
Despite how ridiculous they are,I always mourn the children being raised by this scum of a family.
Posted by: akasha | February 2, 2008 11:53 AM
Although I have not seen it, a British filmmaker recently did a documentary on Fred Phelps and WBC called "The Most Hated Family in America" which asks if after Fred dies (as his ego is driving the church) the Phelps family will continue their hateful protests, or simply fade into the obscurity they so richly deserve.
Posted by: CHV | February 2, 2008 12:04 PM
They would fade into obscurity as they so richly deserve if the media and every blogger would stop publishing their press releases and feigning outrage every -single- time they release one.
Having seen two of their "protests" they are completely underwhelming. Its a few people standing around with signs for an hour or two. And then they go away. Why do we continue giving them any attention for every press release they kick out?
Posted by: yoshi | February 2, 2008 12:10 PM
"respectful proximity"
I think the proper "respectful proximity" would be on or about the dark side of the moon.
Or perhaps someone will clue Phelps into a certain Australian alley full of axe handle wielding ruffians. Not that I condone violence. I still simultaneously feel an exception being entirely justified in this case. If there was ever a person deserving divine, or interpersonal, retribution it is Phelps. There are limits.
It occurs to me that the fact that Fred and his gang haven't been beat bloody or made to star in their own gay porn feature may be evidence that there is no God. If God did exist wouldn't there be some small measure of justice meted out to to Phelps? And if God, assuming he/she did exist, does not or can not offer even that minuscule amount of justice to this world is there any justification to praise and/or worship this lame parody of a deity?
Posted by: Art | February 2, 2008 12:44 PM
The behaviour of Fred Phelps and WBC is mind-bending on two levels. Firstly this guy has perverted Christianity to the point where even David Dawkins would be calling foul. And second....how in the name of Moses have Phelps and company avoided getting the snot beat out of them? Are the police always standing right next to them while they carry out their insane protests?
Posted by: Cheddar | February 2, 2008 12:52 PM
Yoshi:
Frankly, I'm glad when bloggers post reports of Fred Phelps' idiocy. Doing so hardly gives the family's actions (however, minor) any sort of legitimacy; they are universally despised.
It just exposes them for the backwards hicks they are.
Posted by: CHV | February 2, 2008 1:06 PM
Cheddar:
From what I understand, the Phelps family is filled with lawyers who file suit against anyone who, for example, throws a brick at the church bus they use to shuttle between funeral protests, and then use any monies awarded in court to keep funding their lunacy.
The Phelps' also function only in broad daylight, with a police presence, and surrounded by small kids which also discourages angry people from taking a swing at them.
Frankly, I can't wait for the day Phelps dies. I hope it brings out thousands of "mourners" to party around his funeral procession, marking his death with champagne, strippers, and bratwurst.
I wonder how that would strike his next of kin?
Posted by: CHV | February 2, 2008 1:14 PM
If I believed in a god, the god I would believe in would support freedom of speech, as odious as that speech might be.
Posted by: Gretchen | February 2, 2008 1:15 PM
Anyone else notice their zipcode begins with "666"?
hmmmmm....if I believed in dispensationalism, I might think that Phelps is the antichrist.
Posted by: Royale | February 2, 2008 1:26 PM
I guess one could say that Fred Phelps uses a diet of self-righteousness to keep his ghoulish figure.
Posted by: J. J. Ramsey | February 2, 2008 1:50 PM
Seems that Fred Phelps has the amazing ability to read the thoughts of the dead. If that is the case, I would suggest that Fred Phelps should ask Heath Ledger where his funeral is being held. I am sure Heath would be happy to help out.
Posted by: Janine | February 2, 2008 2:26 PM
I would be so tempted to tell them that the burial is at a place in the Montana mountains where I "mysteriously" knew that an avalanche was going to take place.
Posted by: Kristine | February 2, 2008 2:38 PM
gretchen said "If I believed in a god, the god I would believe in would support freedom of speech, as odious as that speech might be."
I believe in Fred's right to freedom of speech also.
But if he pulled his schtick at the funeral of someone I loved, I would break his nose, and then encourage him to exercise his freedom of speech again.
Some behavior deserves a swift and just response. That we live in such a litigious society that we question the ethics of giving someone like Phelps a well-deserved punch in the nose is the true perversion. IMHO, of course.
Posted by: Gingerbaker | February 2, 2008 2:49 PM
Gingerbaker, being attacked by the outraged is how the Phelps clan makes their money. It is not like they are doing anything useful or productive. That money to travel has to come from somewhere, lawsuits.
Sick, isn't it?
Posted by: Janine | February 2, 2008 3:05 PM
I assure you that lawsuits have nothing to do with my feelings regarding the ethics of this matter.
Posted by: Gretchen | February 2, 2008 3:25 PM
Janine said: "Gingerbaker, being attacked by the outraged is how the Phelps clan makes their money. It is not like they are doing anything useful or productive. That money to travel has to come from somewhere, lawsuits.
Sick, isn't it?"
Two thoughts
1) It would be worth it, even if one lost in court. :D
Desecrating a funeral is just beyond the pale - it simply should not be tolerated, IMO. I don't see it as a freedom of speech issue - it is harassment, pure and simple.
2) I find it hard to believe that one would lose in court, at least in a jury trial. Can you imagine a slideshow showing these despicable a-holes doing their thing, and then asking the jury to dismiss the charges, because, after all, they DID deserve a punch in the nose instead of suing the victim of their harassment?
You know, the KKK is a similar bunch of bullies - but we JUST DON'T see them trying to pull off a march in Harlem,. do we? :D
If twenty people went after the Phelps clan, not only would justice be done, but there would be twenty witnesses to testify that not a punch was thrown, if it came to that. If the Phelps clan have any success in court, it is likely because only one person at a time accosts them.
Might be a good idea to collect any video tapes, though. ;D
It was not all that long ago in this country that anyone witnessing the Phelps clan in action would have felt it was their duty as an American to grab a couple of other passers-by and roust the Phelps out of the county.
Communities actually used to tar and feather bounders and cads. To be an American man meant a personal commitment to protect the innocent, the women, the children, and the helpless and by physical means if needed.
Maybe I have read too much Louis L'Amour, but I think we have become too uninvolved and too frightened as a people to do the right thing by people anymore.
Posted by: Gingerbaker | February 2, 2008 3:37 PM
Frankly, I can't wait for the day Phelps dies. I hope it brings out thousands of "mourners" to party around his funeral procession, marking his death with champagne, strippers, and bratwurst.
Yay, the Mother of all Pride Parades! And the centerpiece is a big float with a huge effigy of Freddie in drag, taking it up the ass and enjoying it.
Posted by: Eamon Knight | February 2, 2008 3:49 PM
If you watch that show (probably still on YouTube) then you will see that one of Phelps's daughters is already pretty much in charge of the day-to-day operations of their group. Sadly, I suspect that she will succeed in continuing the legacy of her father for sometime after his death. And her teenage kids are already bone fide bigots.
Posted by: tacitus | February 2, 2008 3:50 PM
Gretchen said:"I assure you that lawsuits have nothing to do with my feelings regarding the ethics of this matter."
Gretchen, I did not mean to imply that my statement about lawsuits applied to you at all, it was my opinion pure and simple. I apologize that I didn't state that well.
And I think you may well support Fred Phelps freedom of speech rights more broadly than I would.
I think Mr Phelps has every right to spew his ideas publicly, although I would question why his church building or a newspaper op/ed is not a proper venue for his opinions.
I do not think, though, that he should be allowed to harass funeral goers. I have a feeling that his "respectful distance" means close enough for him to disrupt things for the people attending the funeral. I don't think that having a right to freedom of speech means that one has the right to exercise it as disruptively and mean-spiritedly as one wants.
I do really believe that most Americans would feel what Phelps does at funerals is not decent, and only a fear of being sued would keep them from physically resolving the situation. And I do feel that such a solution, given the circumstances, would actually be a good thing to do on many levels.
And, as I said above, I think a generation or three ago here in the U.S. most people would likely agree with my position.
Posted by: Gingerbaker | February 2, 2008 4:01 PM
There is a clear difference between free speech, and speech that is intended to harm.
This is the thin, gray area to which parties like Neo-Nazis, and Phelps fall into. His speech is deliberately provacative, and IMO, is designed to hurt others - as indicated by cheering at the funerals of slain Iraqi War soldiers.
Tactitus - I once saw Sean Hannity attempt to interview Phelps' daughter on his TV show. She used the time to wail about her church's sick ideas; after a short time, Hannity just cut off her mike.
Posted by: CHV | February 2, 2008 4:38 PM
http://www.patriotguard.org/
Don't know if anyone is aware of this outfit.
fusilier
James 2:24
Posted by: fusilier | February 2, 2008 5:31 PM
Gingerbaker, GLBT people had to deal with these "people" for years. For most of straight society, it was no big deal. It was something that did not concern them.
It was not until the Phelps clan became cheerleaders for the murderers of Matthew Shepard that they got a lot of press in the main stream media. The friends of Shepard, acutely familiar with Phelps clan tactics and the rather hostile view of homosexuality that is in the general society had to come up with inventive ways to deal with these "people". Knowing that attacking these "people" would only get in trouble, they came up with the giant angels that they placed in front of the Phelps clan when cameras were around. This was to try to block the Phelps being seen on TV.
When the Phelps clan moved on to protesting the Iraqi War dead, all of a sudden the Phelps tactics became a concern. That was when lawmakers started enacting laws to try to keep these "people" away from the funerals.
While it would be greatly satisfying to give these "people" the beat down they deserve, there is yet one other barb with this poisonous bunch. They would see an attack on them as validation of their world view of a god hating world that is out to get the righteous; i.e. the Phelps clan. It is best to try to reduce them to what they should be, meaningless and powerless. Their ravings should be as meaningful and effective as a fart in a windstorm.
Posted by: Janine | February 2, 2008 5:34 PM
If Mr. Ledger is going to be buried in Australia, I would like to see what would happen if the Phelps shitheads tried to pull their antics over there. They would find that the tolerance for such antics in Australia is considerably less then here and that if they are set upon by angry Aussies and end up in the hospital, their chances of recovering monetary damages are slim and none and slim is already on the bus headed out of town.
Posted by: SLC | February 2, 2008 5:44 PM
I once saw Sean Hannity attempt to interview Phelps' daughter on his TV show. She used the time to wail about her church's sick ideas; after a short time, Hannity just cut off her mike.
Imagine someone so frigging crazy that Hannity thinks she's over the top!
Seriously, I wish that someone would just take Phelps out.
And I don't think it's a freedom of speech issue. Their tactics are akin to shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater.
Posted by: cipher | February 2, 2008 6:35 PM
Eamon Knight wrote:
LOL. That sounds like a lot of fun, actually. I almost hope someone actually does that.
Still, what makes them subhuman is the fact that they are so blinded by their hatred that they are unable to feel simple human compassion or empathy for people in mourning. I like to think that the rest of us, however bad we are, are still better than that. (I'm ok with it if we aren't, though.)
Posted by: Leni | February 2, 2008 7:07 PM
Tell them where it is, I say. Inside the largest active volcano on Hawaii, wasn't it?
Posted by: John S. Wilkins | February 2, 2008 7:16 PM
I think it would be hilarious if they got a response, put out all the money to travel, and then got there and found out that they had been told the wrong information and were a day late.
Can't hurt to drain the Phelps treasury a bit, and intercontinental tickets aren't exactly cheap.
Posted by: Enigma | February 2, 2008 8:20 PM
"And I don't think it's a freedom of speech issue. Their tactics are akin to shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater."
Like it or not, free speech applies to Phelps. Re the "fire" analogy, it's subjective. Everyone likes to quote Justice Holmes when they're advocating censorship. Whether people are trying to ban flag burning or Huckleberry Finn they usually quote Holmes. But few remember that Holmes used his famous fire analogy in a decision that justified the conviction of a man who distributing pamphlets encouraging conscientious objection to the World War One draft.
Posted by: Bill in NC | February 2, 2008 8:52 PM
fusilier wrote:
Don't know if anyone is aware of this outfit.
fusilier
James 2:24
I have friends in the PGR, they're a wonderful group of folks. I know their mission is support of U.S. military personnel, but given their opposition to the WBC maybe they'd make an exception for Heath Ledger.
If not, I say we mock them by sending in comedy reporters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8cN2pB3MCE
Posted by: James | February 2, 2008 9:36 PM
I would tell them it's going to be held in Ledger's birthplace of Perth, Australia, next Tuesday. Then, after the Phelpses bought $5,000 in last-minute tickets Down Under and flew away, quietly have the funeral somewhere else.
Posted by: steve s | February 2, 2008 9:40 PM
Free speech allows everyone a voice no matter how unpopular the message may be. You have a near absolute right to be heard.
Phelps has been heard. His message has been widely disseminated and made apparent to virtually every sentient being who has had the misfortune of being on this planet at the same time as Phelps and his twisted flock. His message is out and readily available for consideration, review and contemplation by anyone so inclined.
Indeed his tactics have long ago gone past the point of just getting the message out. He is gratuitously causing mental anguish and harm and using free speech as an excuse to perform his preferred for of sadism and mental cruelty.
Contrary to common belief the rules of free speech don't protect this sort of wilful abuse. I present for your consideration: The legal concept of "fighting words".
--------
The "freedom of speech" protected by the Constitution is not absolute at all times and under all circumstances and there are well-defined and narrowly limited classes of speech, the prevention and punishment of which does not raise any constitutional problem, including the lewd and obscene, the profane, the libelous, and the insulting or "fighting words" which by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace. Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, 315 U.S. 568, 62 S.Ct. 766, 86 L.Ed. 1031.
--------
From:
http://americandefenseleague.com/fightwds.htm
Fighting words are not protected. Phelps has long ago crossed the line from getting the message out to using fighting words and inflicting injury.
Posted by: Art | February 2, 2008 11:49 PM
>>>Phelps has long ago crossed the line from getting the message out to using fighting words and inflicting injury.
Especially as Phelps did in the case of Matthew Sheppard. But since that incident, Phelps has shown a willingness to exploit any tragedy in order to push his hate speech on others.
And I don't care if his family are just a handful of hicks who rant for an hour or two, and then saunter back to Kansas.
Phelps is a sick bastard who should have a urinal mounted on his gravestone so the public can step up and show their respects for years to come.
Posted by: CHV | February 3, 2008 12:36 AM
I think it is great that Phelps and his merry band of perverted "Christians" - who are mainly his family members (and the ones who have left the flock tell some pretty horrific stories of what life is like on the inside). The hate he and his family bring are out in the open for everyone to see, and they expose the anti-gay religious rhetoric for the bigotry that it is, by being so frank. In fact, I have seen some of the less vocal anti-gay hate groups complain about how Phelps, et. al., give them a bad name, and how they must be plants by the LGBT rights movement meant to embarass "good" Christians.
Granted, if I were in a room with the old bat or his only-slightly-less-batshit-crazy daughter, I would have to fight the impulse to bash their heads in pretty strongly, but that's not likely to happen. I do wish I had the money, though, to fund a harassment program against them that is equal to what they do to others; it would be an interesting experiment.
Posted by: CPT_Doom | February 3, 2008 9:32 AM
Frankly, I think protesting funerals and such is what's keeping Phelps from going off on his own family and killing them, like that cult-family leader in California.
At least two sons have come forward with horrific stories of beatings and other abuse. The cycle continues with that daughter of his.
Posted by: Kristine | February 3, 2008 12:35 PM
I have this little fantasy that Phelps and his lot will travel to Australia for the funeral and then be deported on character grounds. It would be the first time Australia has done so without controversy. It would get even better if we had a funeral-desecration law and he could spend some time in prison before he leaves. Who knows, perhaps we do and I don't know it.
Posted by: Avi Chapman | February 3, 2008 6:33 PM
It would be poetic justice, and a tragic accident, if Phelps had an up close and personal encounter with his deepest fear, and undoubtedly his deepest latent desire, in jail.
What is the Australian term for 'Bubba' and 'blanket party'.
And when do the DVDs go on sale.
Posted by: Art | February 3, 2008 7:19 PM
Yeah. 5000 mg should do the trick.
Posted by: Turcano | February 3, 2008 7:33 PM
Art,
I'd had a similar thought.
Posted by: Avi Chapman | February 3, 2008 7:58 PM
Fortunately this gang of thugs did not protest the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America assembly this past summer. I was a delegate there. I was at our 2001 assembly and had to walk past them and their filth. There's nothing like seeing a young boy holding a sign that says "God hates fags."
The reason they are protesting GLBT is because supposedly Shirley Phelps-Roper's (Fred's daughter-also the dimwit who seems to be most in charge) toddler son was propositioned by a gay man in a park in Topeka known to be a place where men cruise for sex. This was never proven-but it was the start of this hate-filled rant of a decade and a half.
Yes this is one inbred family. If you do some research on them (as I have) you'll see that there are very few "fresh blood" families. You'll also notice that they can twist the most obscure event into showing God's retribution for America's love of gays.
Watch one of their "sign moviies." They are scary; especially the way they smaile creepily at the end of each one.
I would love it if Heath's family would tell them it is on the wrong day and the wrong place, too. Let them waste some more of their money. Also I do think the Aussies would crack their brainless heads. (Not that I advocate violence or anything...)
BTW..the reference made about Heath speaking out to his family is referenced to the gospel of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31.
And I love the gay pride float idea for his funeral! Made me fall off my chair laughing!
Posted by: Rev. AJB | February 3, 2008 9:21 PM
Tell 'em they're gonna bury Heath at Cronulla Beach. I'll start texting. Heh heh heh. ;)
Posted by: DingoJack | February 3, 2008 10:46 PM
Cronulla beach? Sounds scary. Is that anywhere near Thunderdome?
Posted by: Leni | February 3, 2008 11:39 PM
LOL. Yep a lot of "Mad Max"* was shot on the Kurnell Penisula, the rusted remains lie there sto this day! Just up the beach a bit, -DJ
* Relaesed in the US as "Road Warrior" and starring Aust's favorite Christian NutJob, Mel Gibson.
Posted by: DingoJack | February 4, 2008 7:39 AM
A postscript.
Heath Ledger was cremated in a private ceremony in Perth, yesterday (9 Feb 2008). The family's wishes were respected, the cremation was limited to his immeadiate family and close friends, no media attended, no-one protested.
Posted by: DingoJack | February 9, 2008 7:16 PM
I think urinal cakes would make lovely grave decorations for Fred when he goes.
Posted by: wrpd | February 9, 2008 8:58 PM
LOL I did not expect anything like a "yes" as an answer that question.
I was hoping more for a "two men enter one man leaves" reply, regarding Keith Ledger's mom and Fred Phelps. And that Mrs. Ledger would kick that old bastards' ass two ways to Sunday!
Posted by: Leni | February 9, 2008 10:16 PM
As for urinal cakes for Fred's grave, I wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire, let alone if he was dead, what a waste of good fertilizer. -DJ
Posted by: DinjoJack | February 11, 2008 1:57 AM
I think the story goes (half remembered).
Someone asked a 'friend' of Jonaton Swift to compose a epitaph of the prickly writer. Thinking for a moment he replied:
"Here lies the bones of Jonathon Swift,
Pause stranger - and piss."
Posted by: DingoJack | February 11, 2008 2:05 AM
fred whelp phelps IS insane....Just read this documentary by REAL bapitists on him....
http://www.baptistwatch.org/content/expose2.html
After reading through it, I began to realise that this psycho is mentally disabled. but because of his cruel manipulation of the law and his brutality, nobody dared to stop him (We're not murderers, yet I think killing him is actually a blessing from god)
I never even knew of this lunatics cults existance until I heard he was going to picket Heaths funeral (I'm Australian) and it made my blood boil...I actually planned to assasinate this monster after looking up on his cruelty...And I'm not even a killer....It actually made me shake with fear that I was about to kill a human. But I still planned to beat the fuck out of him and his cult with my Kick-boxing crew, Aborigional gangs, Bikies, and rednecks whick I'd have riled up.
Yet, thankfully his cult never came here to Perth. and becides, his style of picketing and 'protsting' is seen as assault, defemation of character, abuse and cruelty in Australian law and they'd get arrested FAST by our cops.
But yes, I never felt THIS murderous about such cruelty. Damn it, why hasnt Americans killed him yet? After all America has many shooting crimes, Aus has hardly any because we banned guns.
Someone, please, for the sake of god and heaven....eliminate this monster! he IS pure evil incarnate! he must be stopped before he harms anyone else....He actually BEAT his baby children and his wife daily. and murdered his neighbors dog and many other nasty things....he is the Devil and must be eliminated for the sake of humanity....hell! I'd rather be friends with Bin Laden than this psycho.
Posted by: dude love | February 16, 2008 9:32 PM
Fusilier, the PG were here for a young man that fell in Iraq that came from Fairmount, IN, the home of James Dean and Garfield. The WBC said they would be here, so the state troopers blocked off the highway five miles in either direction, and the PG were there with their sea of flags. While the WBC SAID they were there, if they were they would have had to track five over muddy fields, and I sure as heck didn't see them for al the flags!
I showed for veteran support, and it wasthe most powerful funeral I have ever been to, and my father's was pretty powerful. This was moreso, with all the flags, and all the people. The whole town of Fairmount turned out, and there were displays of support EVERYWHERE! The fire and police departments escorted him and the family, and I was just proud to be a Hoosier at that point in time.
The WBC? Didn't see em, for all that they said they were there, (liars) and all their propaganda. Pretty ineffective at this funeral!!!
Posted by: Misty | August 13, 2008 6:13 PM