This is a photograph from three days ago, from the funeral of a 9-year old Moore, Oklahoma tornado victim. On 20 May 2013, the Westboro Baptist Church tweeted that they were planning to picket the funerals of the tornado victims. On Thursday, morning, 23 May, they tweeted:
Westboro Baptist Church to picket funeral of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx of Moore, OK tomorrow May 24 from 9:15 – 10:00 AM.
Before any of you ask, yes I went to both the Twitter and internet sites of Westboro to make sure this was not a false rumor. It was not. However, my mind feels a little disgusted and like I need to wash my eyes out.
Needless to say various people were upset. One of them contacted the Patriot Guard Riders. They decided to show up, as well, to pay their silent respects outside the church. The photograph above shows them paying their silent respect, conveniently outside on the driveway, all the way out to the road on either side.
The Westboro picketers did not show up. This is part of their habit. They will regularly announce picketing locations, but only show up at some of them. It is a psychological game that they appear to enjoy playing. Conveniently, it also allows them to not be present should they change their mind for some reason. The Patriot Guard Riders could certainly convince me to change my mind!
I am glad that the Patriot Guard turned out. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for turning out and forming a shield wall. Westboro did not show up, but that’s OK. You were there for the family, to preserve honor and decency at the funeral of their little child.
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