Wait, what?
Yeah, you heard right. Help Fred Phelps & his Westboro clan of deluded, life-wasting, really-shitty-sign-writing hate-mongers (and their hapless children, for whom I have the greatest sympathy). Joe Brummer has the scoop:
Fred Phelps’ clan is coming to Boston! The “God Hates Fags” Westboro Baptist Church is coming to picket the Laramie Project at the Boston Center for the Arts. Fred Phelps and his group travel all across the United States spreading their message of hate. When the group comes to Boston, however, they will be helping to drive equality across America.
Phelps-A-Thon: http://drivingequality.com/about/phelps-a-thon/
Driving Equality is hosting a Phelps-A-Thon to counter Fred Phelps’ hateful message. For every minute the “God Hates Fags” clan is protesting, we will be collecting donations for Driving Equality, a 85-day trek across America to all of the lower 48 states to advance LGBT equality.
I just want to add this:
The point of this Phelps-A-Thon is two fold. First, we are using Phelps’ own hateful message to raise funds for a good cause, one that will help counter the lies that are being spread about LGBT people. Second, we will be displaying a sign in front of the “God Hates Fags” clan tallying how much money they have helped raise for LGBT equality. This will certainly upset the group and it is possible that they will leave early to stop our fundraising.
Oh dear sweet mercy, that’s beyond awesome. Gay/straight/wherever you may be on the spectrum of sexual orientation – get to it on December 12, Bostonianites! Help Fred & his merry band of [insert (in)appropriate moniker(s) here] raise money to aid the cause of LBGT equality in America. That, or embarrass the bastards into leaving early & perhaps even choking on their own unexpressed bile! If these screeching galahs are intent on blowing their cash on fighting a losing battle in the “culture wars”, get out there and show them exactly how much money they’re making for their mortal enemies!
I LOVE the Phelps-A-Thon idea and I love the sentiment expressed in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRdk_exMkY0
Thanks for the shout out! We have already raised over $1000 on the first day! I can't wait to see the look of the Phelps' faces when they see how much money they are raising for LGBT equality.
– Chris Mason
http://www.DrivingEquality.com
Go, Boston! Raise lots of money, but do it as quietly as possible, please.
I don't like the idea of giving Phelps any more publicity than necessary to raise the money. I suspect that Phelps (and most other nutcases) don't do what they do because they believe in their work; rather, they work hard mostly because there are TV cameras hovering about.
BTW, for those who don't yet know much about Phelps, his actions are so utterly outrageous that even ultra-conservative Sean Hannity goes apoplectic while conversing with a Phelps' follower. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UMP3AK5jwo&featur…
So Erich, I was thinking of offering to drive up to Boston and do a documentary piece on Phelps-a-Thon. You think that would play right into Phelps' hands?
No worries Chris – were I not in Melbourne, languishing in what's meant to be summer heat, I'd head to Boston myself. Hope you guys make a packet!
Hey, have you thought of making a giant, pink-clad papier-mache Fred Phelps effigy and labelling it "Our Beloved Sponsor"? 😀 Perhaps some eloquent, gushing speeches of gratitude to the old chook might be warranted as well …
Looking forward to pics/footage of this event!