CNN has picked up the story, and has a link to it (in video form) on the front page!
For accuracy’s sake, please note that the man labeled as “Chris Love” is not me (although he was invaluable yesterday). I’m the one in the blue shirt and gray coat. Ah well.
You all look great!
Here’s the link to what will hopefully be an ever-growing group of photos from the MFM.
Thank you to everyone who attended today! All 418 of you!
You made a difference. And next year will be bigger and better!
The Topeka Capital-Journal has posted a great video report on the event.
Do you have pictures or video? Send a link to sansphelps@yahoo.com
I’ll get a quick write-up finished soon!
One last message to everyone that will be attending (or are just there in spirit). I want to meet each and every one of you. If I don’t get a chance to personally say Hello, then come and say Hello to me.
It looks as though there won’t be much of a chance for me to talk to the everyone at once (more ordinances I learned about just this morning), so I want to say Thank You in advance. We are already a success no matter how many arrive, and that’s because of you.
If you read this between now and the March (which may be rainy, so bring an umbrella!) let me give you a preview of the last words out of the few I’ll get to say tomorrow… er, later today…
“I’ll see you all again next year.”
I was informed yesterday evening (we can discuss timing conspiracies later) that — long story short — our musical acts will not be able to perform on Sunday. Apologies to everyone who was hoping to see them and to the acts themselves. This is very disappointing.
Silver lining? We can get to the actual “lining up on Gage Blvd.” much more quickly. We’ll have a couple of announcements in Gage Park beforehand, and then we’ll get down to it!
See you all there!
Well, it’s almost time. We’re trying to get the last few details together, checking the weather (it might rain! Bring an umbrella with your signs), and doing quite a few radio interviews.
I gave it one more shot, but it looks like my new friend Shirley (see below) really won’t be joining us…
I want to take a moment to mention that Jack E. Jett won’t be able to join us at the March due to a family emergency. I won’t go into details for privacy’s sake, but I hope everyone will keep him in their thoughts.
I’ll get a few more posts in this week, so you’ll hear from me again.
Can’t wait for Sunday!
Below you’ll find a long-winded response from the WBC regarding my invitation to speak. It was also sent to City Council members and the Topeka media. Apparently someone doesn’t understand what the words”peaceful” and “legal” mean, and the Church is using that as their excuse for not showing up. Personally, I’m not overly-concerned about this Richard Adams guy.
Also, they really don’t want us near their property. I don’t plan to test it. I’d recommend you not do so either. But I’ll say it again: know your rights and use them as you see fit. Keep in mind that getting arrested isn’t all that fun.
While picketing is not allowed adjacent to their buildings in any way — and we intend to fully follow the law — it appears that close proximity won’t be necessary to mess with the WBC. They know we’re coming and they are already preparing to hide inside the church that day.
Without further ado… the letter:
Dear Chris Love –
I want to again thank you for writing to invite us to meet with you on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Gage Park, where you will be gathering to express your hatred toward God and his judgments about your manner of life, and his people for our faithful ministry reminding you each and every all and singular of those standards of God.
Below is some data about Richard Adams, where you see he is announcing his plan to commit crimes and be violent as part of your so-called “march.” This information was very easy to come by; just some basic searches found these words. Undoubtedly similar plans are afoot by many.
In addition, the records of the Topeka Police Department show that in the early 1990s, this man, Richard Adams drove his car up onto the sidewalk at the NW corner of the intersection of 10th & Gage, driving right toward the picketers with the goal of running them over, as they stood lawfully at the corner picketing. To their eternal shame, the Topeka Police Department, with its brutish officers standing around first on one foot and then on the other, refused to charge that man with so much as a traffic violation, even though they found his car well up onto the sidewalk, at the corner, facing into the park.
Because of this event, and many more like it leading up to this event, we began a daily regimen of pickets at the Topeka Police Department, which lasted over a year, until the Topeka Police Department at least put away its aggressive, lawless conduct. I’m sure the daily pickets were only part of the reason they began to behave on a slightly more lawful level; the other reason was the fact that God was busy executing judgment upon them left and right. E.g., their big-mouth legal advisor had his heart turned to stone as he sat at his desk at the department; a sergeant who was a major player in the Vintage assault/attack upon our people had a major stroke and lingered between life and death at the VA Hospital for a few years and finally died; two of TPD’s best and brightest lights were killed (one shot and one killed when his helicopter inexplicably dropped out of the sky); and several of the rebels were found to be criminals (which we knew them to be when they violated the law and their oaths) of the sort that they were willing to prosecute, etc.
Inasmuch as you have people like this lawless beast named Richard Adams in your ranks -- who you couldn’t control even if you pretended you wanted to -- we are not willing to meet with any one involved in this “march” on that day. For 17 years, EVERY SINGLE DAY, we have been on the streets of this nation – and have done more than 34,000 pickets. If there was any sincere interest in talking with us, that would have been done long ago.
Further, I’m telling you clearly right now, that we will view any attempt by any of you involved in or present because of your so-called “Million Fag March” to come onto the property of Westboro Baptist Church or the property of the homes or businesses of any member thereof, as criminal trespass. We are going to share this email with the Topeka Police Department and the city officials, all of whom are charged with enforcing the laws of this community.
Thanks for writing and offering to meet with us. These safety issues, in light of many years of history in this lawless community, must take priority.
Your friend,
Shirley L Phelps-Roper
3/20/08 From the Capital Journal story about the march: Posted by: petracic at Mar 16, 2008 at 06:21:54 AM
I intend to be there but not necassarily peaceful. Richard Adams
Posted by: petracic at Mar 18, 2008 at 05:06:43 AM Yes. March into the church. Don't worry about the cops. We will outnumber them.
Posted by: petracic at Mar 18, 2008 at 10:20:22 AM iF WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT, IT WILL HAVE TO GET IN THE PRESS. tHIS REQUIRES confrontation. sO CONFRONT i SHALL. oN THEIR PROPERTY.
Letters to the editor The Capital-Journal Published Friday, November 09, 2007 Shut out the hate
The recent jury decision against the local hate church and fining them $2.9 million will result in nothing really happening. From what I have read, this family of "believers" has no intention of ever paying because they have so much money coming into their account for legal fees that they will never have to pay. My question is: How do they fund their activities, which include 13,000 protests over the past 20 years, including traveling expenses?
The answer lies right here in Topeka and with the evangelical "Christians" along with militia groups in Meriden , Valley Falls , St. Marys, and Silver Lake . I have met some of them and know it to be true. I think that people should find out who these individuals are and socially ostracize them, thus isolating them and putting this unholy crusade out of business. This is the only way to stop them.
RICHARD ADAMS, Topeka
Opinions Published Tuesday, November 9, 2004 Letters to the editor Arrest me
As a dedicated Buddhist, I can't sit by idly when the forces of evil, violence and bigotry have succeeded in winning this election. American greed, pugnacity, arrogance and violence are coming back in a | way not seen since the Johnson/Nixon war atrocities.
I for one shall engage in any activity which will help stop or protest the imperialistic theocratic designs of assorted groups such as the president and other elected officials and "right-wing" Christian hate groups so long as my protest is peaceful.
A misdemeanor charge doesn't faze me. In fact, it would be a badge of honor if we can stop the murders.
RICHARD ADAMS, Topeka
Published Saturday, December 18, 2004 Letters to the editor Stagnant city Topekans can now come out of the closet and admit that they totally agree with Fred Phelps and his brood.
You only hate his signs, not his message. You have proven once again that you are intolerant of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) people and have no desire to have them participate in your economic growth or civil life.
While Topeka 's population remains stagnant lo these many decades, Lawrence 's population has more than doubled in the past 20 years. They have a totally inclusive gay rights ordinance voted into being by its populace in 1995. Kansas City and Jackson County, Mo., have had virtually identical laws on the books for more than 20 years. The city provides its employees with same-sex partner employment benefits.
So go ahead and have it your way. Nobody comes to town in great numbers, so you can continue sleeping. If the ordinance comes up for a vote and wins, Topeka can cement itself a reputation for being the most bigoted city in the nation.
RICHARD ADAMS, Topeka
To the Westboro Baptist Church:
My name is Chris Love. As you may be aware, I am one organizer of an event to take place on March 30, 2008 in
However, I think I speak for most of those who will be in attendance when I say that while we disagree with the way in which your church practices its First Amendment rights, we feel that the
Therefore, I would like to personally invite members of your church to speak before the crowd at the Million Fag March in
While the March is to be a peaceful event, the attending members are more than welcome to bring any security that they feel may be necessary.
In return, perhaps I and the other organizers of the March (as well as security of our own) might be able to attend a portion of the church service to be held on that same Sunday. Do not feel this is a mandatory requirement for attendance at our event.
Please feel free to contact me at the email address or phone number listed below to discuss further details.
Sincerely,
Chris Love
785.783.4730
sansphelps@yahoo.com
The Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka offer an “Interfaith Tolerance and Peace Service” at 5:00pm on the day of the March. All who are interested are invited to attend.
Want to have your own special event as part of the MFM? Let me know and I’ll post it here.
I just want to take a moment to clear up a misconception from the Topeka Capital-Journal article.
The WBC’s plan to picket Heath Ledger’s funeral was not the reason for the March, it was just the catalyst for the conversation that lead to the idea of the March.
The WBC has a 20 year history of picketing funerals and other events, and this protest is about us being sick of every single one of them.
I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile. At this link you’ll find a large version of the MFM logo. Feel free to use it on any signs, banners, etc. that you would like.
Also, be sure to get your shirts, hats, etc. before the March. They will not be available for sale at the MFM. However, you should still have time to get your stuff if you order now.
By now, most of you are probably sick of hearing me say “keep it legal” this and “don’t do” that. Believe me when I say it’s because I have your best interest at heart.
I suppose I haven’t explained, and that some of you may not know: The Phelps family is made up of many, many lawyers. And they are looking for a reason to sue any/all of us.
According to this article in the Topeka Capital-Journal, the Phelps are already making a move. On March 30th, they plan to hold an extended service which they will advertise in the paper, thus instating the “30 minute rule.” Fortunately, as you can see on the Details page, it doesn’t matter to us anymore.
Basically, the rules I list are to keep us all out of a lawsuit. However, be sure to know your own rights, and don’t let the WBC scare you. We will still be making a statement on the 30th.
See you there.
Whew! Where to begin. What I’m about to tell you is worthy of 3 or 4 separate messages, but let’s just do it all now, shall we?
Trust me. I hear your thoughts, and I understand completely.
The second “can’t” (which doesn’t really matter so much after the first) is that the city attorney’s office feels this many people in the street constitutes a parade. Had they informed me of this earlier, I could have attempted to get the proper permits. And in fact, I was told on one occasion that we would NOT be needing any permits.
The officer I spoke with, however, thought the city might deny our permit anyway, based on the streets we’d have to block. We won’t even discuss what this would have done to the cost of our little grass roots event. (On the plus side, we’re freed from any prior time contraints.)
Not surprisingly, there aren’t any sidewalks in that area, which might have given us some leeway.
So, yeah. Those thoughts you’re still having? I had them, too. But read on…
In other words, the only way we won’t see them is if they decide they don’t want to be seen.
- On March 30th, 2008 at 11:00 AM, everyone should gather at Gage Park, located at the corner of 10th St and Gage Blvd in Topeka. There should be plenty of parking right across 10th Street.
- At that time, we will hold a pre-March rally hosted by Jack E. Jett, featuring the music of Oreaganomics, Bill Boll, and perhaps a few others.
- At the conclusion of our rally, the March begins! We’ll line up down Gage Blvd (be sure to keep things legal and stay on the sidewalk!) Bring your signs, shirts, and any other Marching gear you see fit!
- We’ll be free to make ourselves known well into the evening, with a police force to keep everyone safe.
- And yes, I really am going to invite the Phelps.
One other thing to brighten your day: you will undoubtedly want to see the church. Luckily, we will only be a couple of blocks away. And while this won’t be officially MFM-sanctioned… well, I’ll just tell you what the Topeka police officer told me. “They are still public streets.” Just watch out for two things: Don’t block street traffic, and don’t take any “hate” signs directed at the Phelps clan past the church (this can be construed as “picketing” them. But you shouldn’t have those anyway, because you’re better than that). Signs that do not contain a hateful message will probably be fine.
So… that’s it! Please send any feedback my way — good or bad — and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
See you all in a couple of weeks, and you’ll be hearing more from me between now and then. With your support, this year’s “can’ts” will become small hurdles for next year’s 2nd Annual MFM.
Hi everyone,
Details will have to wait until tomorrow. I’ll have to explain at a later time so as not to ruffle any feathers… but let’s just say I still don’t have the information I was supposed to get today and I’m NOT happy about it.
I sincerely apologize for stringing you along.
- Chris
For two weeks now I’ve been promising details, and I’m sure you’re getting frustrated that you don’t have them. There are two issues at work here:
1) The WBC has changed their service time to noon. This causes issues with timing, as we can’t be outside the church during an advertised service (or 30 minutes before/after). This may not be an issue, as we will probably just have an “intermission” of sorts at a nearby park (with live music from the band Oreaganomics!)
2) The city of Topeka is having trouble getting the list of “Cans” & “Can’ts” together.
I had a detailed message written up for you all to go ahead and get the information out anyway, but was just invited to a meeting with several people from the city tomorrow to get everything nailed down. So if you’ll give me one more day, we’ll finally (Finally!) get this settled.
Thanks again for your patience.
Still waiting on a few questions to be answered by the Topeka Police Department before I announce details of the March. Obviously, the point of the march is not to disrupt the entire city, just the WBC. And so I want to make sure things are taken care of on their end before I tell everyone where and when to be (although “WBC on the morning of March 30th” will still be true).
While you’re waiting, I thought I’d pass along a piece of news we’re very excited about. Our event now has a host! I know none of you want to listen to me stumble over my words and fall on my face. Ok… most of you don’t want that.
Fortunately, one person volunteered to take up the duties so that I don’t embarrass myself. And we’re lucky to have him.
The host for the MFM will be Jack E. Jett! Jack E. Jett hosts the show QueerEdge with Sandra Bernhardt. It is currently airing in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand as well as being available on TLA video on demand. You can also find his blog Chaotic Modulation at http://www.yabbadabbahubbado.com.
So get ready everyone. The MFM just went to a whole new level.
Just been out of town. Details for the day of March 30th ARE coming in the next day or so.
I know everyone is getting antsy for details on the MFM.
Me too.
They will be posted one way or another by the middle of this week. I’ll keep you updated!
