Dear
Sir or Madame:
It
has recently been brought to my attention that an anti-American, primarily
anti-gay protester is coming to Pittsburgh to protest at the memorial services
of Fred Rogers as well as the University of Pittsburgh, WQED, Post-Gazette, and
St. Paul’s cathedral. This man has a long history of rallying at events
(Mathew Shepard’s funeral, numerous gay bars and pride events etc.).
He currently owns and runs the website www.godhatesfags.com
and www.godhatesamerica.com.
When he comes, he expects members of the gay community to act out against
him. That is exactly
what he wants. It is important that
we remain non aggressive and yet get our point across.
This man’s message is clear, “GOD HATES FAGS”. He will have
children and adults displaying these large signs and chanting anti-gay verbiage.
He is doing nothing illegal with the picketing, but will be expecting
people to react to his behavior and become aggressive.
This will be a large media event, just as Phelps likes it; creating media
attention. Any negative behaviors
will provide backup to his argument.
I have presented a suggestion that we use his platform to our advantage.
After gaining pledges from local supporting communities, we use the time
(per minute) that Phelps speaks to gain money for the Shepard Wellness Center.
This will provide a fundraiser to a local “gay” organization, without
the use of violence or protesting HIS protest.
I believe this will bring the gay supporting community together in an
effort to raise money and passively send our message against hate.
I have included a paragraph from Rev Phelps and the Westboro Baptist
Church website www.godhatesfags.com:
“WBC
engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual
lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful
signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS
HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT
MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS
DOOM NATIONS, etc.”
I intend, to not protest, but to educate individuals
as to the ignorance of such groups and their agendas. They are hateful and uneducated, by claiming such statements
as, “fags spread over 50% of new Aids cases.”
Internationally, this “fact” is foolish and a simple ignorant
statement, indicative of Phelps lack of knowledge.
I have written this letter, not in hate, but in concern for a community
(not only gay), that is supportive in the ideals and impact Fred Rogers has
provided to the children of Pittsburgh and the rest of the world.
It is important that I mention that his incredibly
large income, that is not because of his incredible desire and passion for
religion, but his uncanny knack to sue the one person that steps “over the
line”. Meaning, all of his
protests are accessorized with cameramen waiting for a “fag” to
“inappropriately react”; and lawsuits are the result.
I am taking pledges among the Pittsburgh population; for every minute
this man attempts to “share his hatred” with our city, the more money we
will give to the Shepard Wellness organization.
I feel that there is no better way to support our community, than to use
the hate and ignorance of a weak, uneducated team of hate-mongers, to turn
around and raise money to support our fellow friends and family. Local bar owners, gay organizations, and fellow friends
(supportive to equality), have donated money, to not give attention to Phelps,
but to give to a community that we support and love; as a respectable part of
our ever-growing community of equality and acceptance.
In conclusion, I thank everyone for the continuing
support and kind thoughts and ideas given everyday to this cause.
It is imperative that we respond to this protest, but also without the
hate and aggressiveness that Phelps predicts.
It is with love and sorrow that I must ask for you help in this
situation; however, without your support we are feeding the idea that Phelps is
“God’s prophet” and is preaching the ideals of God.
Any questions, or if you are willing to pledge, please feel free to call
me at 412-725-8206
Sincerely,
Brad
McNaughton