I have always used this blog as somewhat of an outlet. I've posted about tons of different topics from cooking to boy drama to politics. Some posts are serious, others are funny, others are pointless. I can't say that I am well educated in many topics, but I post about things that are pressing on my mind, which brings me to my post for today.
The Westboro Baptist Church.
I first heard about this group about two years ago when they captured national attention for picketing at a marine's funeral. I made a very brief post about this religion around March of 2011 and then since have forgotten about them until recently. One thing to remember about me is that I love documentaries. I love learning about different things and I find documentaries are very satisfying. Anyway, so I was on Youtube last night trying to burn time and I came across a documentary called The Most Hated Family in America. (For those who can stomach learning about a very interesting religion and way of life, I strongly recommend this documentary. I learned SO much about these people!) I didn't know who the most hated family was until I clicked on the link. Within the first THREE SECONDS, I stared wide eyed in disbelief at the computer screen thinking "Am I REALLY hearing this?! Is this for real?" I then read the description of the video and three words caught my attention: Westboro Baptist Church. I then sat and watched all 8 parts of that documentary, fascinated at these people and their beliefs. If you don't know who these people are and don't have time to watch the documentary, lemme some it all up for you with some photos and videos:
Sean Hannity interview Shirley Phelps-Roper
A young man calls the WBC for information and this is what happened
Look at those pictures. Did you notice who is holding these signs? Children. On the documentary, these kids have no idea what these signs even mean. The adults are out these picketing as well, but I wanted to emphasis on the fact that little kids are taught from a very young age that this kind of discrimination is mandatory. But unfortunately, the fact that they do have these kids picketing also causes the children to be victims to everyone else's defense. Obviously if you see people on the side of the road holding signs like this, you'll get defensive and maybe give these people a piece of your mind and probably that's out of anger. These kids unfortunately get dumped on just as much as the adults and that saddens me a great deal. In the documentary, a car drives by the corner where the WBC are picketing and throws a fountain drink at the group, which results in the drink hitting a 7 year old in the head and cutting his face.
What is so interesting to me is the fact that they take so much joy in telling people how wicked they are and how everyone is going to Hell. They truly believe that they are God's messengers and that if people hate them, then they're doing their job right. Therefore, they seriously take joy and comfort in the anger that falls upon them. That alone I cannot understand.
Another thing I find interesting is their basis for their message. They picket funerals of soldiers because they believe the soldiers are fighting for a corrupt country that has evil rights, such as homosexuality. But what they fail to remember is that those soliders are also fighting for the WBC's freedom of speech and the right to even have a message. Ironic.
Human beings are fascinating creatures. Each other has their own set of beliefs and understanding of their purpose in life. I respect everyone's right to live how they want and believe what they want. I would never try to tell anyone how they should be or how to live (except for my own children, of course.) But this is where I draw the line. When you have so much disrespect for a country and for SO many people, given the opportunity, I'll jump in, which is what I am taking this opportunity to do. Therefore, I close this post with a message specifically for one of main leaders of this church, Shirley Phelps-Roper.
Shirley, if you hate America so much, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE!!!!
Today has marked my twenty-second year on this planet. It feels a little strange to think that I am actually that old now. Somedays, I feel like I'm still 16. Its so weird. Thats all. I dunno why, but I feel like I shall reflect on the events that have happened in my 22 years of life....
I was born on Thursday, September 20, 1990 at 6:55am in Tarzana, CA.
I've had two last names without getting married.
I have lived in 5 different states: California, Oregon, Missouri, Texas, and Utah.
I personally owned my own dog....for about 2 weeks. And I had my own rat.
I have had two car titles in my name.
I have traveled to 16 states in the US.
I have owned 4 cellphones.
I have worked at 6 different jobs and never been fired or laid off.
I've gotten one speeding ticket.
I had a summer internship in Houston, TX.
I've had two immediate family member effected by cancer.
I've been baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (You can learn more about that church here.)
I lost both my birth parents within 4 months of each other when I was 10 years old.
I went to the ski jump event for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
I have been on the news 5 times.
I was adopted when I was 12.
I've lost one grandpa, one great-grandma, and one great-great-grandma.
I won first place in my 4th grade Science Fair.
I studied 5 years with a professional dance company and placed 1st in 5 national competitions.
I've been in 3 car accidents.
I've met Joseph Paur (the actor that plays Ribaldi in "Rigoletto").
I graduated from Bingham High School in 2008.
I graduated from Eastern Utah in 2010.
I have one nephew and one niece.
I've gone on five vacations without any family members.
I've had 3 serious boyfriends.
I've had zero broken bones, zero stitches, and one surgery.
I've been to 2 midnight showings.
I was the 3rd highest individual fundraiser for Relay for Life USU 2012.
I sang a duet in front of 1,000 people for a religious forum.
I've seen Joe Nicols, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Dallas Brass, Sean Kingston, Scotty McCreery, and The Piano Guys all live in concert.
Thats all I can think of right now. I'm sure there are more but I'm at work and keep getting distracted....
I'm the girl who prefers one rose instead of a dozen.
I'm the girl who would rather stay in on a Friday night than go to a wild party with random strangers.
I'm the girl who wouldn't make you wait on her hand and foot but would do anything make you happy.
I'm the girl who wold enjoy having a movie night rather than going to some fancy restaurant.
I'm the girl who would rather stay up all night just talking than going out dancing.
I'm the girl who won't make you hold her bags, but would rather hold your hand instead.
I'm the girl who will love you more than anyone can possibly dream of.
I'm the girl who would give the world to see you smile.
