RIH Fred Phelps

[RGMike]

Ain't cryin' no tears here.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Westboro-Baptist-founder-dies-5334458.php

[dischead]

"I take no solace or joy in this man's passing.  We will not dance upon his grave, nor stand vigil
at his funeral holding 'God Hates Freds' signs, tempting as it may be.  He was a tormented soul,
who tormented so many.  Hate never wins out in the end.  It instead goes always to its lonely,
dusty end."

-- George Takei

[RGMike]

"I take no solace or joy in this man's passing.  We will not dance upon his grave, nor stand vigil
at his funeral holding 'God Hates Freds' signs, tempting as it may be.  He was a tormented soul,
who tormented so many.  Hate never wins out in the end.  It instead goes always to its lonely,
dusty end."

-- George Takei

and I agree with George, in theory. But it's very difficult not to hate Phelps' followers in practice. 

[RGMike]

Albert Brooks tweeted: "I'd like to be there when Fred Phelps finds out all the angels are men."

[dischead]

"I take no solace or joy in this man's passing.  We will not dance upon his grave, nor stand vigil
at his funeral holding 'God Hates Freds' signs, tempting as it may be.  He was a tormented soul,
who tormented so many.  Hate never wins out in the end.  It instead goes always to its lonely,
dusty end."
-- George Takei

and I agree with George, in theory. But it's very difficult not to hate Phelps' followers in practice. 

Isn't that the challange for all of us?  Whether it's a divisive, nationally recognized figure, or an
anonymous driver who cuts us off in traffic -- to return kindness and compassion for anger and
hate.  If not for spiritual reasons, then for just the practical observation that falling into the
downward spiral of mutual hate contributes nothing to well-being of anyone.

[dischead]

Albert Brooks tweeted: "I'd like to be there when Fred Phelps finds out all the angels are men."

Angels are supposed to be supernatural, spiritual beings -- not human.  It's anthropomorphizing
to assign them gender.