"It's just sad all around. I wish that [Westboro Baptist Church] wouldn't picket the CT shooting, however I still think the First Amendment guarantees their right to protest. The government shouldn't be deciding which views are acceptable and which ones aren't. I always thought it was wrong and got uncomfortable when I was shown and told to be happy about the pain caused by tragedies like the CT shooting. If WBC focused more on what people could do to possibly avoid such tragedies instead of being so heartless and deliberately cruel, I think it would go over much better with people. Less "rejoicing in suffering," more "here's what to do to avoid this situation." The reaction people have to them just encourages them. It only incites them to say more, rather than back off."
—Libby Phelps, Westboro Baptist Church member 1983–2009, in a statement sent to Good As You
"It's just sad all around. I wish that [Westboro Baptist Church] wouldn't picket the CT shooting, however I still think the First Amendment guarantees their right to protest. The government shouldn't be deciding which views are acceptable and which ones aren't. I always thought it was wrong and got uncomfortable when I was shown and told to be happy about the pain caused by tragedies like the CT shooting. If WBC focused more on what people could do to possibly avoid such tragedies instead of being so heartless and deliberately cruel, I think it would go over much better with people. Less "rejoicing in suffering," more "here's what to do to avoid this situation." The reaction people have to them just encourages them. It only incites them to say more, rather than back off."
