(e:mike) and I went to offer our support for the memorial service for Alison Des Forges on Sunday. I would say it went over better than anyone could have expected. The mourners certainly never saw Fred Phelps because most of us didn't see him either. Not sure what happened in Clarence as we did not attend that one but Phelps sort of gave up and walked away in Buffalo. None of us were allowed by the church which I was most greatful for. Every one was peacefull and respectful as far as I could see. If the mourners saw anything at all it would have only been a lot of people lining the street on Main street. As far as the angel costumes that ended up a disaster. They were made of plastic and because of high winds we were literally falling apart. The idea itself I think was nice but it just didn't work out. They produced a huge amount of waste which they plan on reusing to some extent but still. I don't know why Phelps walked away but that was good. There was no media that I was aware of either so really I would say that overall the trip was a flop for Phelps. So hopefully at this point he is long gone. I saw that they are having a rememberance of her life tomorrow evening. The flyer was posted in Dolci on Elmwood.

Mike and I enjoyed the Erie County Botanical Gardens today. I wanted to go this morning when the sky was blue and sunny but we went later on in the afternoon and by then it wasn't the same color blue. I love the Botanical Gardens. I want to go at least once more before winter is over and then maybe I will make a bike trip there in the summer so I can make my way around S. Buffalo.
















Mike says it is weird that I take pictures of children.



Mike also says this picture makes him look fat.

I have no problem being an angel but I know many of you do. I am Buddhist and we don't believe in angels but I still like the idea of angels being benevolent messengers. When I put on my angel costume I don't believe I am being God's messenger but rather sending a clear but silent message to the community that hate is not acceptable. To me it symbolizes compassion and that is all that really I intend on conveying in my message. It seems the service is Catholic and if the family and loved ones of Alison Des Forges want to interpret my message as being religious that really wouldn't bother me either if it will bring them comfort. I found this on (e:jim)'s awesome WNY blog machine Buffalo Feed. Here is the link to the source

The point is that you don't have to dress as an angel to show support but that there are certain guidelines to follow in order to show respect and solidarity.

Westboro Church Counter Protest: The Plan

February 21, 2009 by
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protester-071805

If you plan on Counter protesting the slim that plans to be in Clarence this weekend (Westboro Church), here is what you need to know via the organizers at UB Freethinkers:

First, we've been receiving emails here at UB Freethinkers about the actual "Angel Action" with angel costumes, and I just wanted to pass along the contact for that, as this whole event is involving numerous different groups, of which we are but one:

If you would like to take part in the actual "Angel Action" with angel costumes, please contact Céilí Maolán at ceallach@sensiblediscussio
n.com. Her group is organizing that facet of the counter-protest, to include making the costumes for a cost of $12 to cover materials.

Her Facebook event pages are here:
hp?eid=131407335253


As an avowedly secular humanist student group, UB Freethinkers is not organizing angel costumes ourselves. However, we are asking everyone involved in the event to WEAR WHITE if possible and use WHITE sheets and signs, in the spirit of solidarity with all of the groups involved.

FOR THOSE OF US FROM UB AND ELSEWHERE, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

-Those who need a ride from UB, we will be meeting in the Student Union lobby at 8:30am on Sunday morning, organizing car pools, and departing shortly thereafter.

-For those of you with already full cars, or departing from elsewhere around Buffalo, we plan to meet at approxim ately 9-9:15 in the parking lot of the elementary school at 9600 Clarence Center. PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT THE CHURCH ITSELF.

-The designated protest area for the morning event, setup by the police in Clarence, is at the corner of Clarence Center and Goodrich. We will make our way there from the elementary school at 9-9:15ish - stragglers please make your way there.

-For those at UB who can only make the afternoon event at St. Joseph's and need a ride, The Spectrum is organizing people to depart North Campus from there, so go to their office at 132 Student Union at approximately 12:15. St. Joseph's is right across from UB South, so the Stampede is always an option too.

-We have made a discussion topic for drivers and passengers on the Facebook page. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CARPOOL as parking may become scarce. This event has become much larger than anticipated!

-Out of respect for the families, please dress somewhat appropriately. Out of respect for yourself, DRESS WARM. The high is expected to be around 25. If at all possible, please make an effort to WEAR WHITE. If not, that's fine.

-If you have the burning desire to make a sign or write on your sheets/banners, please make an effort to have it be on a white background, with subdued, primary-color text, and with a simple message in support of the victims, their families, and the community, NOT A MESSAGE AGAINST THE WBC OR THEIR TACTICS. Don't give them anything to work with that could start an argument. Our presence is enough to silently make those statements.

-If you are using bed-sheets for anything, make sure to cut small horizontal slits into them so that they don't become sails. Also, reinforce the edges of the cuts with tape so that they don't tear further. We all know how windy it can be in this town.

-We've also decided to encourage people to BRING AMERICAN FLAGS AS WELL. They cover space, look awesome in large groups, and are a subtle thorn in the side of the WBC, who regularly demonstrate by stomping on flags and incessantly protesting at the funerals of service men and women who have died serving under our flag.

NOTES ON THE WBC:

-The WBC revels in starting arguments. Upon doing so, they will scream scripture at you, among other lovely things. This would be an unnecessary disruption in a somber environment. Let the WBC be obnoxious and distasteful.
-When protesting the WBC in person, ignoring them is the best option.
-The WBC is an avowedly non-violent organization. Sweet of them, I know. They will not physically hurt you. If by some chance they touch you, there will be plenty of cops nearby eager to take them away.
-The WBC will be carrying incredibly hateful signs and yelling incredibly hateful things. Do not be shocked by anything you see or hear.
-The WBC may have brought young children with them, who will do everything listed above just the same as the adults. Again, do not be shocked by anything you see or hear.
-The WBC likes law-suits. They have made money that way in the past, which they use to fund trips around the country. Don't give them a reason to sue.

SOME GROUND RULES, which I will reiterate:

-THIS COUNTER-PROTEST IS INTENDED TO BE PEACEFUL, NON-VIOLENT, and NON-CONFRONTATIONAL. We are there to show our support to the community, and passively do our best to block the WBC picketers from view.
-We are there to show support for the community and victim's families, NOT TO ATTACK, ARGUE WITH, PROTEST DIRECTLY AGAINST, INTIMIDATE, OR CHASE/SCARE OFF THE WBC. They are as free to be there as we are.
-DO NOT SPEAK TO THE WBC PICKETERS
-IF YOU ACCIDENTLY DO, DO NOT CONTINUE TALKING WITH OR START ARGUING WITH THE WBC PICKETERS
-DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE WBC PICKETERS
-DO NOT TOUCH, PUSH, SPIT AT, OR BREATHE ON THE WBC PICKETERS
-FACE AWAY FROM THE WBC PICKETERS
-DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE WBC PICKETERS IN ANY WAY
-IGNORE THE WBC PICKETERS!!!- DO NOT TRY TO YELL OVER THE WBC PICKETERS. Silence and presence is our power. Hopefully our bodies, banners, and signs work well to muffle their yelling
-DO NOT DISPLAY SIGNS WITH ANY MESSAGES AGAINST THE WBC OR THEIR TACTICS. Don't give them anything to work with to foster an argument. Our presence is enough.
-DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT COULD POSSIBLY GIVE THE WBC A REASON TO SUE YOU OR ANYONE ELSE
-DO NOT BRING WEAPONS, THINGS THAT LOOK LIKE WEAPONS, THINGS THAT COULD BE OBVIOUSLY MISTAKEN FOR WEAPONS, DOGS, OR DOGS ARMED WITH WEAPONS
-DON'T GIVE THE POLICE A REASON TO DETAIN YOU, OR MAYBE EVEN TAZE YOU BRO. The law must be enforced uniformly, even if we are the good guys.
-RESPECT AND OBEY THE POLICE AND ALL POSTED SIGNS. The police are on our side here. Treat them well and they will be able to stay th at way.

Finally, If you plan on doing anything that violates these rules OR common sense, either abandon those plans immediately OR DON'T SHOW UP. We don't want to cause any undue disruption or look like animals ourselves. This is about supporting the community and the families, and making a firm statement that this hateful intrusion is not welcome in Buffalo, and will be soundly, overwhelmingly, AND PEACEFULLY confronted.

This is all we have for now, information will be updated as necessary over the weekend. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION so everyone is on the same page. Feel free to send all questions to UBFreethinkers@gmail.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thought WNYMedia.net strongly supports this event or activity, we are not involved in planning, or promoting this event or activity. We reported it originally because the mainstream media (until tonight) has failed to inform the public that this scum will be in our community and feel that the people of Clarence and the victims families have the right to know what they could potentially be up against.

# I walked through the crowd and all of sudden some guy passes me and yells "buffawhat!" giggle 7 hrs ago

I met with Kitty Lambert to give her money for our costumes. Me, (e:mike), (e:paul), (e:matthew), (e:terry) and (e:hodown) are all paid up and ready to be angels at Alison De Forges memorial service. While we were at spot we saw Fred Phelps stalking around by himself. At least they think it was him but I didn't get a good look at his face. Kitty and her wife Cheryl said it was pretty evil looking though. Kitty said that she was sure that they were calling her trying to find out details of our plans.

They need help putting together the costumes tomorrow at 1pm. If you are interested in helping with this then let me know and I will send location via email so that Phelps won't be able to find it.

Oh, we are to dress warmly with hats and gloves but we are also to have light colored or white clothes so that our colors don't come through the costumes.

I promised Kitty that we would not engage with Phelps and his supporters whatsoever. They will shout things at us to try and provoke us so be prepared. Our presence is only to act as a shield to block the people attending the services from seeing Phelps or their hateful signs. The angel costumes are not only symbolic but also are to act as a barrier. It would be cool if we could have candles too but that might be a little bit too much to throw together last minute.