Westboro Baptist Church to Protest Tomlinson Funeral UPDATED 5x and BUMPED

I'm helping blanket the local blogosphere with the unfortunate news that the vile Westboro Baptist Church has plans to picket Spc. Joshua Tomlinson's funeral in Minden this Saturday.  Via My Bossier, here is their flyer (PDF) for the protest which says:

GOD HATES AMERICA & IS KILLING OUR TROOPS IN HIS WRATH.

Military funerals have become pagan orgies of idolatrous blasphemy, where they pray to the dunghill gods of Sodom & play taps to a fallen fool.

This message to be preached in respectful, lawful proximity to the memorial of Spc. Joshua A. Tomlinson Sat., May 29, at 1:15 p.m. First Baptist Minden
301 Pennsylvania Ave., Minden, LA

Spc. Tomlinson gave his life for the Constitutional right of WBC to warn America. To deny us our First Amendment rights is to declare to the world that Spc. Tomlinson died in vain, and that America is a nation of sodomite hypocrites.

“Except the Lord build the house, They labor in vain that build it; Except the Lord keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.” Psa. 127:1.

The Lord no longer builds the American house; nor does the Lord watch over and protect America. These soldiers are dying for the homosexual and other sins of America. God is now America’s enemy, and God Himself is fighting against America.

THANK GOD FOR IEDs.

 

Over at Andy's place there is talk of the Patriot Guard Riders showing up to help shield the family from these disgusting protesters. There is an active chapter of the group here in Louisiana, so let's hope they can assist.

Spc. Tomlinson, you will remember, was 24 years old and was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan along with four others. 

I think it would be awesome if everyone in the area could attend the memorial, lining the route with flags and support.  Meanwhile, I'm doing some fishing on the protest to see what is developing.

Update:  KTBS has a blurb that says Minden law enforcement is on the case.  I'm hearing that the Patriot Guard will be there but so far no real confirmation.  Stay tuned.

Update 2:  The Patriot Guard Riders site has been down for a while; they are aware of the problem.  From their Facebook page:

From the Board of Directors, we have been working on the website since it went down and we believe this is a result of outside action. We are putting all the resources we have available on the problem.

We will have the website up ASAP. We appreciate your patience and we are communicating with the Regional and State Captains regarding missions. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have estimated time of resolution.

Please note the emails servers are still in operations at this time. For those of you that are wishing to join the PGR, please be patient we will be back online ASAP! Thanks for everyone’s concern and support! The Mission WILL go on!

Stay tuned.

Update 3:  Just a clarification that the Patriot Guard is not a counter-protest group, but attempts to honor the fallen soldier.  Didn't want there to be a misunderstanding there.  Spc. Tomlinson deserves to be buried with honor and, as G.R. and others stated in the comments at My Bossier, nothing should be done at all to bring shame or spectacle to this young man's funeral.   I think that locals standing in attendance with flags is a fine way to honor his life and service but no attempt should be made to confront the Westboro group.

Update 4:   A commenter at My Bossier leaves this:

On Sunday the Patriot Guard escorted the body of Sgt. Tomlinson back home. My son (10 years old) and I had the unexpected privilege to ride beside the group for 17 miles on our way home from Shreveport. To give you an idea of how many riders were in the procession, I got on I-20 at MP21 and when I exited at MP 38 I could barely make out the lights of the police car in front and could not see the end behind me. I was moved to tears to see the support and respect these riders had for Sgt. Tomlinson and my son rode in silent awe. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tomlinson family. Minden is a big Baptist town and we protect our own. Strangers stirring up trouble will not be tolerated.

I'm glad the Guard is involved at it must be a solace to Spc. Tomlinson's family.  Now let's just hope that the service is as peaceful and dignified as he deserves.  I've heard from a lot of folks who plan on attending to honor him.  Line the streets with flags!

Update 5:  John Colter of the Patriot Guard makes contact and tells me they have been asked by the family and WILL be at the funeral for Spc. Tomlinson.  He writes:

Please let your readers know that all are welcome to stand with us as long as they stand with respect.  Under no circumstances will we engage in, or condone, physical violence against any protestor(s) that may show up.  As another reader commented, it only gives them free publicity.   Our methods are to ignore them and shield the family from them.    The media and all the worried whispers and gossip has already helped them as it has drawn some of the attention away from the hero we are honoring.  IGNORE THEM.    

He speaks to the wise; ignore them.  Do not engage the protest group.  The Red River Tea Party will be in attendance, helping to line the streets.  Also, check the comments for the remarks from the church - they have a spanking wonderful idea!   Take part in it!