Put yourself in his dad’s shoes
March 30th, 2010 by MOTHAX
And then reach into your pocket and help this man.
PLEASE READ TO BOTTOM FOR UPDATES.
Imagine one day you find government vehicles waiting in your driveway, and you know why they are there. And this is the worst moment of your life. But, you know your son died doing what he wanted to do, and you are so very, very proud of him.
And as you get ready to lay him to rest, people from halfway across the country protest outside the cemetery, and you think, this is the very worst moment of my life. As if saying goodbye to a cherished son were not horrific enough for one lifetime, zealots with no sense of taste, decorum or class use your private moment of grieving to pass on their belief that your son died because “God Hates Faggots”.
But, you won’t give in without a fight, because your son didn’t either. So you file suit in court, and first you are awarded vast sums of money for the damage that these miscreants had done to you. But, on appeal, the next court sees the situation differently. See, to you it was never about politics, it was about seeing the blood of your blood go to his silent, eternal rest.
But, it’s not enough that you just lose the case, now you find out that you have to pay these same individuals $16,500 in lawyers’ fees. You see, the protestors themselves are lawyers, allegedly committed to seeing truth and justice prevail. But, to you this isn’t as much about the law as it is seeing that no other family has to go through the pain that you did.
Well, not on our damn watch. This man has suffered enough. So we want to make sure he doesn’t pay one red cent, even though someone will have to. So The American Legion is starting a fund to pay this off, and judging from our previous fund raising experiences here, I anticipate getting all the cash we need. I have already received promises of $200, and I haven’t even posted this yet.
Here is the story from Stars and Stripes in full. I hate to take their entire story, but I will make it up to them over the next few days.
BALTIMORE — The father of a Marine killed in Iraq and whose funeral was picketed by anti-gay protesters was ordered to pay the protesters’ appeal costs, his lawyers said Monday. On Friday, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ordered Snyder to pay $16,510 to Fred Phelps. Phelps is the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church, which conducted protests at Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder’s funeral in 2006. The two-page decision supplied by attorneys for Albert Snyder of York, Pa., offered no details on how the court came to its decision. Attorneys also said Snyder is struggling to come up with fees associated with filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision adds “insult to injury,” said Sean Summers, one of Snyder’s lawyers. The high court agreed to consider whether the protesters’ message is protected by the First Amendment or limited by the competing privacy and religious rights of the mourners.We have set up a fund to aid Mr Snyder in his effort. Please send checks to: The American Legion Burnpit Albert Snyder Fund P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 Payments via credit card can be processed at this link. [UPDATE I: I will have more info on how you can help later, after I talk to the lawyers.] [UPDATE II: This doesn't surprise me, although I did not know it until a few minutes ago, but The American Legion is also in the process of filing an Amicus Brief with the Supreme Court on this issue.] [UPDATE III: National Adjutant is seeding this with a donation of his own. All funds will go to paying these lawyer fees, then for aiding in the Supreme Court filings, and anything above that will be used for other similiarly situated individuals, since alas, this problem likely will not go away soon] UPDATE IV: My sincere thanks to the Victoria Taft show on KPAM for having me on. If you'd care to listen, you can do so here. UPDATE V: Numerous sources saying that Mr Bill O'Reilly is cutting a check, and assuming it is true, GOOD ON YE Mr. O'Reilly. That doesn't change us though, as a Supreme Court challenge doesn't come cheap. We will continue to raise funds, and again 100 percent will go to Mr. Snyder's fight. Thank you all so VERY much. QUICK UPDATE: Over $5000, not even 18 hours in. You guys are AWESOME. That's not even counting the emails I am receiving of folks sending checks. NEWER UPDATE: Make that over $11,000, and still going up. FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO COUNTER PHELPS: I hate to link to these losers, but I suppose if you want the info on how to stop them, you can consider my your S2. For my friends in the Virginia Tech area, get ready folks, this degenerate is coming to town with his acolytes.
Posted in the burner | 186 comments
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Comments
M Faircloth (not verified)
April 14, 2010 - 8:14pm
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This is a disgrace !! I am
This is a disgrace !! I am with the ones that wanna take that trip to Kansas and show them just how I feel about them !! It doesn't matter if you don't agree with the war or who is fighting for us , the point is : THEY ARE KEEPING YOUR ASS SAFE EVERYDAY AS MUCH AS THEY POSSIBLEY CAN !!! For anyone , to want harm to come to our soldiers, you would think that would be a terriost act wouldn't you ?? I pray for our soliders, there families and think that I for one are truley blessed to live in America . The ones that don't think Freedom is worth fighting for should be giving a one way tickett to BFE !
Dan Lemon (not verified)
April 9, 2010 - 7:24am
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American greed takes over as
American greed takes over as if the blood and human life of an American Marine whom protected his country just wasn't enough. These so called "Christians" protest at his funeral because of his sexual orientation. Greedy lawyers with a hidden agenda to not only haunt this family in their time of grieving but eventually make an attempt to line their pockets with some ca$h.
It is what it is, "terrorism" within the borders of the United States by Americans in their "evil" attempt to intimidate American military members and their families. Behind the masks are the faces of these "Christians" in their feeble attempt to collect more than blood. As terrorists do, they slowly chip away at the interior of a nation and/or it's people dropping crumbs for those that are lost and trying to find out how they fit into this world. The "lost" then find and feed on these crumbs getting themselves caught up in this wicked and twisted cause. Soon they spread their "hate" like a germ with no regret, trying to get others to believe that they are right in what they are doing. Naturally, this pertains to many other "hidden" causes as well.
Years before there was an American military freedom was the way of this land. During this time, many American Veterans past and present have paved the way for protection of this nation as the "Warrior" tradition continues to this day. We stand by many rights of the people as we struggle to maintain our freedom as a nation. Our military is in harms way on a daily basis 24/7 protecting us from what we view as the "evil empires," those that threaten our everyday lives and the freedoms that we hold and cherish. We are able to speak out against any type of challenge that may come our way known as the "Freedom of Speech."
Lance Cpl. Snyder among many others chose to protect this nation to maintain the Freedom of Speech. In the case of Lance Cpl. Snyder, the same right he was protecting was being used against him and his family. I truly believe in Freedom of Speech, but when it is used in a manner to abuse others who hide behind their "Christian" beliefs and their hidden agendas for profit, I must draw the line. To express your views in public is one thing, but to invade the privacy of a grieving family as they lay their son to rest is another.
I do not condemn all "Christians" because of this evil act of a few that put forth their religious beliefs to eventually benefit by placing a monetary value on the life of a human being and that of a grieving family. As it is, Christianity is viewed by some not only in this country, but the world as the "evil empire." Must we display such actions to prove to those that Christianity is evil? I thought the days of such public barbaric acts as to place a monetary value on the life of another human being were times of the past? I guess it's okay for "some" people of our nation to conduct such acts, but we condemn other nations if they were to do the same. As a Christian nation, isn't that how we would view such an act? I am not naive in anyway as to what goes on around me, in this nation or the world for that matter. I simply see it as being very wrong for those that claim to be Christians yet turn around and in a twisted way use a situation for personal gain. It is my opinion that these people are simply out for profit rather than against this Marine's sexual orientation.
Did we not learn from the past of the homecoming of our Vietnam Veterans? Are we going to mistreat certain military members as they return home because we disagree with their way of life? Have we stooped so low that we now lash out at the dead in a coffin draped in an American flag? Do we turn our backs instead of respectfully bowing our heads in a silent prayer? Are we losing all "morals" as a nation or are we becoming the "evil empire?" Once we lose all morals, we are the "evil empire" and we lose what this great nation stands for.
Please, when you meet a member of the military or a Veteran that has served to protect our country give them a smile, a shake of the hand and thank them for serving.
Daniel J. Lemon
United States Air Force Veteran
Richard M (not verified)
April 9, 2010 - 5:51am
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I think someone should hire
I think someone should hire Lisa Lampanelli or some other foul mouthed comic to "heckle" the protesters. We should use the first amendment to our fullest advantage. Just make sure the comics are instructed beforehand by lawyers who are familiar with the local ordinances so they can infuriate these lunatics within the confines of the law. Or, failing that, get some kids with booming car stereos to drown them out with the filthiest most vile music possible. Fight fire with fire.
It breaks my heart to see this happen to anyone's family. God bless Mr. Snyder and his family, I pray that he has the strength and courage to endure this hardship. We are all with you.
singles love (not verified)
April 9, 2010 - 4:55am
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Good morning, Just what I was
Good morning, Just what I was looking for! I was searching stories for our web site when I came across your article on " Put yourself in his dad’s shoes BurnPit " which I found on yahoo. We would love you to create content for us, if interested. I've bookmarked this post for future reference. Decent comments here as well - Cheers
Dave Mullins (not verified)
April 8, 2010 - 1:12am
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I am a VET with 9 years
I am a VET with 9 years active duty in the Army. When I step in Dog "hit I usually wipe it off in the dirt. That is what these scum are Dog "hit.. Thank You for your sons service GOD is watching over him. It is because of Heros that cowards can be cowards in a free country....SFC Dave Mullins
SPC Maher (not verified)
April 7, 2010 - 4:28pm
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I tell you what both me and
I tell you what both me and my husband are in the army and if something ever happen like that to me I would be shiped off to jail b/c I would take them all out with my 12g shot gun. Dont they understand that of the military they are able to get out everyday and not worry about much, b/c yet they look down on us. I dont get it. If the military just stop fighting for theur rights then the would have a different out look on things.. Its just so sad.
Alan Beal (not verified)
April 6, 2010 - 10:02pm
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As most of you know, Phellps
As most of you know, Phellps is an attorney who owns his own church. Most of the members are his family. His beliefs and actions could not possibly represent any Christian body or belief. We who have served our Country, however, did so without qualification. None of us defended our flag and the US Constitution with the idea that it only applied to some and not all. Phellps and his followers are obviously deciples of the devil. We have defended our wonderful Country. This group represents what is bad or wrong with our Country.
The time will come when judgement will be upon them and none will be able to defend themselves or their actions. Any church that preaches hate and fails to honor it's fellow citizens who provide them with their rights will certainly not survive.
My prayers and condolences to the Snyder family.
Alan Beal
ALR 29, Glendale, AZ
Jim Hutchinson (not verified)
April 6, 2010 - 8:56pm
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I wish I could really put up
I wish I could really put up what I think about these social misfit protesters but I must hold my tongue. The church's web site show the lowest form idiocy . According to them all of us Veterans are going to hell. They even state that they rejoice when a solider is killed in action. I can’t write any more. These Bums are sick.
Alien (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 3:26pm
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Put me in for $50. This
Put me in for $50. This ain't right. He'll probably need more than the $16 grand by the time it's over.
Alien (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 3:27pm
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By the way, where do I send
By the way, where do I send the money???
MOTHAX
March 30, 2010 - 3:28pm
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Should have an answer on that
Should have an answer on that one this afternoon Alien. Working with Mr Snyder's attorneys to figure out the best way to manage this.
Alan Schuette (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 3:43pm
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Has this story made the
Has this story made the regular press? The people of this country would be outraged by this .
MOTHAX
March 30, 2010 - 3:45pm
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Just dropped last night. I
Just dropped last night. I expect it will hit BIG TIME today.
Michael Cook (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 3:45pm
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I am soooo tired of so call
I am soooo tired of so call American's protesting outside of Churches and Cemetery's when a soldier is being laid to rest! When is America gonna wake up and put a stop to this? We, the Veteran's and serving Soldier's, Airman and Seaman do what we do to keep our country free. Do these people not realize that their Freedom to do the things they do is because of our Military? I feel that if someone protests at a funeral or burial then they should be arrested and charged with Invasion of Privacy. It's sad when we have to form groups like the Patriot Guard to protect our men and women, who served and died for this Country, from protester's and idiot's trying to cause harm to the family member's and friend's both mentally and physically. Sometimes I think their is a little to much freedom and politics involved when it should just be good ole common sense laying down the rules.
US Air Force Veteran
Father of a US Army Soldier
Step-son of a Deceased Marine Veteran of Vietnam
Grandson of Deceased Retired Army Master Sergent of WWII and Korea
Step-Grandson of Marine Veteran of WWII
Nephew of Army/Air Force Veteran Uncle's
Cousin of Air Force/Army/Marine Veteran's
Son-in-law of Deceased Army Veteran
The Greenroom &... (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 3:56pm
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[...] Just saw that The
[...] Just saw that The American Legion is going to help the Snyders out. Way to go, guys. (However, please don’t let that keep you from helping the Snyders out if [...]
K.J. Hinton (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 5:23pm
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Well done. This web site
Well done. This web site continues to be why I am back in the Legion.
Michelle Malkin... (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 5:49pm
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[...] Go here to donate now —
[...] Go here to donate now — and spread the word. Posted in: Worthy Causes Printer Friendly comments (0) trackbacks (0) [...]
Karon (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 5:51pm
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Please consider putting
Please consider putting together a method of online donations. Even something as simple as a paypal account to send donations to will let those of us that no longer use paper checks more easily donate.
MOTHAX
March 30, 2010 - 5:57pm
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We will Karon, thank you.
We will Karon, thank you.
Leeann (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 6:18pm
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My apologies for the idiots
My apologies for the idiots out there who don't understand freedom. Freedom is a gift, paid with a heavy price. Along with that gift comes responsibilty to extend it to others, not to hurt those who are paying the price. And as for the victory of that "church", there is no freedom expressed in it. I am horrified and embarrassed that people who call themselves christians would even do such a thing. We are called to honor all men, but this man gave his life, how much more should we honor him. To the father of this young man, I cover you with love and goodness. I thank you from the depth of my soul for the sacrifice your family has made. I pray peace and comfort over you and yours. My God, loves your son, and loves you too. Please don't let the foolishness of these people keep you from the comfort of heaven. Remember your son's story, and let it be passed down to many generations of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice. His life prophesies goodness, gentleness, and courage.
Roman's 2:10-11
10 But glory and honor and [heart] peace shall be awarded to everyone who [habitually] does good...
11For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another].
He knows what it is to sacrifice His son.
Blessings-
LT
Rev. Jeanene Hammers (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 6:25pm
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Alan Schuette, FOX News is
Alan Schuette, FOX News is covering the story.
As for the internet, the bloggers are starting to pick it up. Michelle Malkin is covering it, and there is a list on her site showing others who are also.
Malkin: http://michellemalkin.com/2010/03/30/help-the-american-legion-support-fa...
EW1(SG) (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 6:37pm
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Leeann says: I am horrified
Leeann says:
Don't be, because they aren't. I've seen these folks while participating in events in the DC area: they are mean, hateful, twisted people. I cannot imagine the pain that they inflict on families of lost soldiers while defiling their public remembrance.
And thanks to MOTHAX for helping to spread the word.
samitch (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 6:48pm
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This story stuns me, simply
This story stuns me, simply takes my breath away: what country and what world am I living in?
Will donate as soon as a workable mechanism gets set up (or will send a check if that's easier).
Could someone (PowerLine?) please explain the legal reasoning behind this decision? I need to believe it's not just naked politics.
--father of a current infantryman
Leeann (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 6:55pm
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Maybe there should be an
Maybe there should be an event that supports and expresses love. I am seriously heartbroken over this stuff. Sorry, I will not comment anymore.
John (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 7:06pm
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Please set up a Paypal
Please set up a Paypal account. Trust me, it will be worth your while and I would be happy to donate!
MOTHAX
March 30, 2010 - 7:08pm
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Ours will be up in about an
Ours will be up in about an hour or so, and it will be a direct one, not even through an outside group, so we can take 100% and apply it.
This ain’... (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 7:59pm
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[...] while I was waiting for
[...] while I was waiting for Blackfive, some guy named MOTHAX at The American Legion’s Burn Pit got into the fray this morning and convinced the Legion’s powers to help Mr. Snyder pay those [...]
David (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:01pm
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$50 on the way. If I wasn't
$50 on the way. If I wasn't getting killed so bad with taxes it would be more. I trust that one day, judgment day will come, and these scum will be standing before the bar of God and that the heroes that they denigrate and mock will be there to testify. It sickens me that our legal system would justify their actions in this way.
Beirut Vet (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:04pm
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We will be helping this
We will be helping this cause. We will NEVER leave a BROTHER behind, and we will always help our fellow Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and the rest who have laced up a pair of boots and slung a weapon for freadom, combat or not. This one has my blood boiling now as it was boiling on October 23rd, 1983, now I can actually do something about it.....HELP.
Semper Fi Marine...another Marine standing guard at the gates of Heaven...we will be there with you too one day BROTHER
The fight is on ...on this one!
Jarhead Joe (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:09pm
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Don't screw with the Marines
Don't screw with the Marines !!!!!!
Thunder (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:15pm
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Were the lawyers ACLU?
Were the lawyers ACLU?
Mary (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:20pm
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Mothax, this was in The
Mothax, this was in The Washington Times this morning. Those are the same people who have protested at the gates of Walter Reed. They are absolutely beyond belief.
Carl Snider (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:23pm
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Can the funds be collected in
Can the funds be collected in pennies and the whole amount be loaded into a dumptruck and deposited at the wrong Reverend's front door? Preferrably with him under it?
MOTHAX
March 30, 2010 - 8:25pm
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Carl, as a matter of fact,
Carl, as a matter of fact, you are thinking along the lines I was. Although I would like to see it delivered by teams of drag queens, just so Fred can feel REAL good about himself.
Carl Snider (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:29pm
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Just be sure to bring a
Just be sure to bring a Sherrif or US Marshall and make him sign a receipt.
usmctanker921 (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:33pm
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All those who protest our
All those who protest our fallen brothers can move if they don't like the way it is. This young devil dog made the ultimate sacrifice so these (protestors) can protest. These people don't have the right to judge for that is between God and the fallen. The young marine is gaurding the pearly gates and shall deny these degenerates. Rest in peace little brother
malclave (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 8:43pm
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Thanks for doing this. I
Thanks for doing this. I read about it on Blackfive, and came straight over here to make a donation.
Jason Ruser (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 9:03pm
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Thank you for the opportunity
Thank you for the opportunity to help this man. Sticking it to the Phelps creature is just gravy. If it goes to SCOTUS and he wins, feel free to use my donation wherever y'all see fit.
Now, I must check on the American Legion's membership requirements. Y'all seem like my kind of folk.
Jeremy (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 9:12pm
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Loath as I am to expose
Loath as I am to expose myself to the "Oh you shouldn't judge!" cries, I say WELL SAID to the person who spoke up and said these people are NOT Christians. There is no way a person can be a follower of Jesus Christ and yet have such virulent hatred in their heart - if for no other reason than this: As Christians, we are called to hate sin - but to LOVE the person. Period.
Well done, American Legion, and all who help this man against these fiends!
GruntWife (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 9:16pm
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I am forwarding this site on
I am forwarding this site on to the spouses of Fort Bragg, we counter-protested the Phelps - - we met their four participants with a rally of well over a hundred spouses, Freedom Riders and members of our community. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
mary henry (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 9:19pm
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Is there is anywhere to send
Is there is anywhere to send this dad a letter or email....I imagine he will come here to see the outpouring of support but I would love to let him know personally that I am behind him 100%.
Roger Beall--Lo... (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 9:21pm
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If you don't won't to stand
If you don't won't to stand behind a soldier then get out in front.
GruntWife (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 9:22pm
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oops - - I meant to say
oops - - I meant to say Gathering of Eagles - - not Freedom Riders.
Roger M. Walston (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 10:02pm
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I can't understand how any
I can't understand how any Baptist Church could endorse such as this. My heart felt feeling and support goes out to this Father, Mother and family. I'll also be looking for the donation address. I'm also a Legion member, a Retired Army man. My God teaches Love, not hate.
Mothax (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 10:05pm
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They are rogue Baptist, not
They are rogue Baptist, not affiliated. Don't hold it against the Baptists too much, they think this guy is wacky too.
Al McCarty (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 10:14pm
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This is to all families that
This is to all families that have sons, daughters, husbands and wives in the service. If you have family returning from combat and want support contact your local American Legion Post and ask for The American Legion/ Patriot Guard escort. The Patriot Guard Riders was created to form a barrier between these low lifes and the familes of the Heros.
Al McCarty ALR/PGR
Kathleen Mann (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 10:49pm
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Have made a donation. Wish
Have made a donation. Wish it could be more. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all military families and our troops. They are all that is good and right about America. Semper Fi.
Katie and Brian Mann
Former Marines 3rd MAW
Crystal (not verified)
March 30, 2010 - 11:49pm
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I am sad to say that at this
I am sad to say that at this moment I can not help financially, but I will pass this on to as many people as I know. My husband served in the Missouri National Guard out of St. Louis, MO. Since he was out of a steady civilian job he worked Funeral Honors part time for almost a year. He had to deal with these people first hand on several occassions. He has even been spit on by one of them. This is not right. People have a right to free speach and to gather for this stuff, but people also have a right to privacy and to mourn the loss of a loved one. These people are sick. My husband is now proudly serving in the US Army and I will not say what may happen if I ever have to do what this family has had to do. Support ALL our troops. They are not serving to protect only their beliefs, but this country and our freedom to believe what ever we want.
Crystal, Proud Army Wife
K.J. Hinton (not verified)
March 31, 2010 - 12:05am
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FWIW, Bill O'Reilly just
FWIW, Bill O'Reilly just announced that he was going to pay for the entirety of the legal bill... as part of the opening of his TV show a few minutes ago (1703 or so, Pacific time)
K.J. Hinton (not verified)
March 31, 2010 - 12:06am
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Clarifying: O'Reilly
Clarifying: O'Reilly indicated that he will pay the entirety of the $16,000 owed and ordered.
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