June 12, 2009
Fort Collins, CO
I received the following article from many different people who were outraged by the outpouring of hate from the followers of the Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka Kansas. All I have to say is reading it, has only solidified my belief that the Patriot Guard is justified in the work they do. I am proud of my DAD and all his friends (you know who you are) who do this good work. Thank YOU!
The article is wrong-wrong-wrong on so many levels I do not know where to begin. I post it here because people need to be aware of the nefarious WBC which disguises itself as a religious establishment. They are, in reality a dangerous cult, purveyors of extreme hate and discontent. I became aware of them in 1998 when they picketed the burial of Matthew Sheppard, a young man from Wyoming who was beaten to death and left to die by two men because of his homosexuality.
It is no surprise that the WBC has come out so vehemently against the Patriot Guard. Since the meager beginning of the PGR in 2005, we have thwarted their every move. We outnumber them. Our belief system cuts through their backwards BS so thoroughly that they choke on it. All one has to do is review the behavior of the Patriot Guard vs members of the WBC... to realize who is sane - who is not. As to their claims we deny them their right to exercise the First Amendment, well... we are merely exercising our right to that very same Amendment - what's more - most of us have fought to preserve it and so much more.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a motorcyclist group comprised mostly of veterans who attend the funerals of members of the U.S. Armed Forces at the invitation of the deceased’s family. The group was initially formed (established in Mulvane, Kansas at American Legion Post 136 in 2006) to shelter and protect the funerals from protesters from the WBC, but has since expanded its activities beyond those funerals covered by the WBC.
Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.
Westboro Baptist Church
(WBC Chronicles -- Since 1955)
Religious Opinion & Bible Commentary on Current Events
Friday, May 15, 2009
NEWS RELEASE
God Hates America, and God is killing our troops in His wrath.
Thank God for IEDs.
This message to be preached in respectful, lawful proximity to the memorial of Dr. Matthew Philip Houseal.
Tue., May 19, at 9:15 a.m.
St. Ann's Catholic Church
Connor Dr. & 38th St., Canyon, Texas
Dr. Houseal 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 Dr. Houseal died in vain; and that America is a nation of sodomite hypocrites.
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.
“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. Lawless men like the so-called Patriot Guard Riders hate God. These PGR slobs are violent, cowardly, murderous liars. To the PGR gang of thugs, we say, as Jesus said: “Ye are of your father the devil.” Jn. 8:44. God Hates the PGR.
FYI: The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is an independent Baptist church headed by Fred Phelps and located at 3701 SW 12th Street, in Topeka, Kansas, USA. Its first public service was held November 27, 1955. The group is known for its protest activities, including those which are anti-gay, anti-military and apparently now anti-patriot guard. The WBC is not affiliated with any known Baptist conventions or associations. The church describes itself as following Primitive Baptist and Calvinist principles, though mainstream Primitive Baptists reject Westboro Baptist Church and Phelps, regarding them as unaffiliated to the Primitive Baptists. Yes, these fanatics have a website... but I would never promote it by providing a link...
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church
Comments from Patriot Guard supporters:
I am sure all of you have by now heard about one of our soldiers in Iraq cracking under the pressure and killing four of his fellow soldiers. Major Matthew Houseal of Amarillo, Texas was one of these soldiers killed. Barbara and I had the honor of being at the Amarillo airport this morning as his body arrived and participating in a flag line for this soldier as he was brought home to his family. As you can see below, his services will be Tuesday morning in Canyon, which is just a few miles south of Amarillo. Well, it seems the Westboro people are saying they will be there. The article below was pulled from their web site this afternoon. They are also pretty plain as to how they feel abut us, the Patriot Guard Riders. I personally feel proud to be part of an organization that is obviously hated by these whatever they are!
Mike Johnson, Wichita Falls Ride Captain, Patriot Guard Riders
I am appalled that the people spewing this hatred associate themselves with the Baptist Church. People like this are a disgrace to Christians and do NOT represent the majority of us. None of what they are saying even makes any sense.
I am both a proud Christian AND the proud daughter of Mike!!! From what I have seen of the PGR, they are very giving, selfless people. It seems to me that they are doing a form of God's work and ministry in their own way.
Also, our country does appear to be heading downhill very quickly, but it is NOT because God is not watching over us and is ignoring us, it is because people are ignoring Him. And unfortunately, people that do not know the Lord just hear examples like this and think all professed Christians are wackos.
-Danielle J.
I have never been prouder in my life!
"Twister"
I am a Baptist and not all feel like the people below. God loves everyone in his own way.
I also believe that they are way off base and hope that whoever wrote this awful thing reflects back on it and retracts these nasty words.
The PGR is a great group of people and are very caring to do the things that they do and are very selfless to give up the time for such a worthy cause.
Missie Rodgers
I've answered this previously, but let me share with you an experience from just yesterday.
I went to one of the local CVS Pharmacies to pick up a prescription for my Mom. When I was leaving an older gentleman pulled in behind me and asked if he could take a picture of my bike. Those of you that know me, know of my pride in my bike- so of course I told him yes. We began talking about the bike and he noticed my PGR dew rag and the PGR sticker on my windshield. He asked if I rode with the PGR when they escorted Blake Branaugh from DFW to Wichita Falls. I told him that "Yes we met the escorts in Decatur and came in to Wichita to Crestview Funeral Home." He then told me he was Blake's' Grand-Father. He told me how proud we made him feel. How we honored the family by being there. He had me near tears, swelling with PRIDE for being a part of the PGR. I told him that "No Sir! , we were the ones that were honored to be there for your Grand-Son." That "We can not repay you enough for your loss, but we were proud to do what we could."
As long as I keep getting reactions like that from the Families that we honor, I will ride with you- My fellow Guard members, as long as we are needed. Thank You for allowing me this High Honor!
Gary "Buddha" Fortner
The cult members of the Westboro Baptist Church have only their misguided hate as a claim to fame. What they represent has nothing to do with religion. For all their alleged biblical quoting and ranting, it is apparent - they know nothing. If I were them, I would be mightily scared of the vengeful beast they call GOD. As long as the Patriot Guard stands for what is right and true, what the WBC does means nothing... what the WBC says means nothing... WE have rendered their slanderous words impotent and therefore irrelevant. A just reward for their maniacal efforts - wouldn't you say?
Vickie "daughter of Ted"
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