KKK protest against Westboro Baptist Church.

Super-Rush

Counter-protesters confront Westboro Baptist Church at Arlington

Protesting members of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church were met with an unlikely group of counter-protesters Monday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Hours before President Barack Obama led the nation's Memorial Day observances at the Tomb of the Unknowns, three members of the Westboro Baptist Church were challenged by others who disagreed with them -- including members claiming to be from the Ku Klux Klan.

The Kansas-based church has attracted nationwide attention for its angry, anti-gay protests at the funerals of U.S. military members.

Among those counter-protesting at the cemetery's main entrance: About 10 members of a group that claims to be a branch of the Ku Klux Klan from Virginia called the Knights of the Southern Cross. They were cordoned off separately in a nearby area, but drew little attention as they gave out small American flags behind a banner that read "POW-MIA."

They said they were there to object to the Westboro Baptist Church's anti-troop message.

"It's the soldier that fought and died and gave them that right to free speech," said Dennis LaBonte, the self-described "Imperial Wizard" of the KKK group that he said he formed several years ago.

"That's fine," said Abigail Phelps, the daughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps. "They have no moral authority on anything.

"People like them say it's white power ... white supremacy," Phelps said. "The Bible doesn't say anywhere that it's an abomination to be born of a certain gender or race."

LaBonte insisted he is not a racist nor a "hate-monger," but said he believes the white race is "slowly and most assuredly being denigrated."

Members of the group declined to say whether they were armed.

A larger group of about 70 protesters -- separate from the KKK -- located across the street waved pro-USA signs and took turns shouting down the Westboro Baptist Church group.

Some of the counter-protesters, including Malaika Elias, stood in front of the Westboro participants in an attempt to block them from street view.

"I think they're twisted and confused, and we're just here to show them there are people who think they're completely wrong," Elias said.

Many passersby shouted their thanks to the counter-protesters as they entered the cemetery on foot and in vehicles.

Several police officers, some on horseback, observed the proceedings.

Phelps said her trio was there to tell people they should not "idolize" the dead, especially those who died for an "unrighteous cause."

CNN

When the KKK say you're doing wrong, then you got to realise you're doing wrong.

Saila

*notes AH mod posted this*

FTGFOP

@KKK and WBC

Get a room, you two!

Thefirestarter

First time I think that the Protester and Counter-Protester are both wrong in one situation.

If you ignore both of their organizations background, ethics and ideas, both made valid points; One says it's wrong to picket the funerals of soldiers whose family are present and the other says it's wrong to discriminate people of gender and race.

Irony is the word I think...

FearDark

WBC vs the KKK... next KFC will be picketing both of em.

MrStuffins

http://www.GodHatesIdiots.com

mawk

id be happy enough for the two of them to fight it out.

JohnMarston

If a guy calling himself an Imperial Wizard tells you you're crazy, then i think its time to re-evaluate your sanity

danniemcq

mawk wrote: »

id be happy enough for the two of them to fight it out.

The only fight where the winner would be society

GavRedKing

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSu1Ks1JsipXA4D96NagSDr1doKZqAmE6Rl9FgobWPCuL6MmQaPvsplEtE

Kevin Duffy

Jaysis, have none of them anything better to be doing?

minidazzler

Having normal people counter protest and having the KKK counter protest is like the difference between a tee total tell you you're pissed and having a guy with an AA 10 year chip tell you that you're pissed.

Both may have a point, but one lets you know you have gone far to far.

MagicIRL

I always thought it was actually illegal to be publically associated with the KKK.

mikemac

MagicIRL wrote: »

I always thought it was actually illegal to be publically associated with the KKK.

There is something in the US constitution about militia and forming a militia. Back in the days when they needed men to resist the British and Indian raids and also raids from Canada

I think local branches of the KKK use that and claim they are a militia

Kasabian

I once had the pleasure of watching a bunch of hooded KKK members burning a cross and protesting about something, while across the road a local baptist church's members prayed in the forecourt of a filling station for the price of gas (petrol) to drop.

Found out later that the cross burning was totally legal as it was being done on privately owned land.

Also the owner of the gas station came out and reduced the price just to get rid of the Baptists.

Alabama I love that place.

Kold

super-rush wrote: »

When the KKK say you're doing wrong, then you got to realise you're doing wrong.

Take heed black people.

hardCopy

Sounds like an episode of Celebrity Deathmatch

sensibleken

The KKK. A great bunch of lads!

jimthemental

hardCopy wrote: »

Sounds like an episode of Celebrity Deathmatch

Sounds like the Meth labs are leaking into the local watercourse

the_syco

mikemac wrote: »

There is something in the US constitution about militia and forming a militia. Back in the days when they needed men to resist the British and Indian raids and also raids from Canada

So.... unarmed KKK = illegal, but armed KKK = legal?

Daegerty

If the Lord tarries I might get up out of bed

Dangerous Man

I always knew the KKK were decent folk.

SEPT 23 1989

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJkHykGRXrw