And We Will Stand United.

There are really only a few things that get me angry.

A few of them being intolerance and inequality towards others.

I feel that I'm finally starting to experience what the real world is:
Intolerance and inequality.

Before you read on, I'll have you know that this blog is not like my previous blogs. But I feel this is a very important issue.

Today at school I recieved word that the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is going to hold a protest at my school. Before I get to why, I'll tell you a little bit about who the WBC is.

The WBC is a church from Topeka, Kansas (isn't that the home of the Brown v. Board of Education case? Remember that? ) who protests gay rights, abortion, the military and religion. And even more generally, America. They are famous for their 'crusades' (if you will) against gays, people of all religions (expect Baptism), most ethinicities (although they claim not to be racist), those fighting in the military and 9/11. They hold signs like 'God Hates Fags' and 'God Hates America'. They have protested the funerals of fallen soldiers and they protest the war (but not in the way you, or I, would protest the war). They feel that "what's happening with the war is [that] the Lord is punishing this evil nation for abandoning all moral imperatives that are worth a dime." (quoted from their founder Fred Phelps Sr.). They protested the funeral of soldier Edward Myers who had fallen in Iraq in August of 2005, saying that Myers was "burning in Hell".

Their main battle is with gays. They condem homosexuality and classify gays as sinners. They also say that homosexuality should be a capital crime. They express much hostility towards the county's increasing acceptance toward homosexuality and the developing homosexuality adgenda.


WBC is a small group, but they have money because their object is to anger others and instigate. They want you to do something stupid, because the second you do something stupid, they're going to sue your ass. And guess what, that's where they get their money. If that doesn't sound twisted, I don't know what does.



More generally, they hate America, and feel God does too.

They hate our president, calling him a "bloody-handed, anarchist". 


Despite your religious offiliation, I'm sure you know that this is not right. Well, atleast to me this isn't.


Today I found out that the WBC is scheduled to protest my school on Tuesday, November 10 from 6:55 AM to 7:25 AM, strictly because of our acceptance of diversity and homosexuality. On their website, www.godhatesfags.com, they have a schedule of their protests. Next to each date and place, they have a written reason for why. This is why they are going to be protesting my school:


"Bethesda Chevy Chase High School - These brutes needs WORDS! 4301 East-West Highway What is the matter with these parents and adults who sit on the sidelines and allow this school to have a "Diversity Club" and a "GSA"[A/N: GSA- Gay Straight Alliance]? Do you think God does not see what is happening with you rebels? You are each and all in big trouble because you insist that we come and speak with you. SHAME! Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Lying and rebelling will not change the laws of God, and the standard of how to deal with a rebellious, libidinous brat who refuses to OBEY! That is why the ambassadors from Zion will come speak with you. AMEN!"

Frankly, I was speechless after reading this.

My school is ranked 56th in the nation and is famously known in Montgomery County and Maryland for being widely accepting of different races, sexualities, beliefs and genders. Frankly, I am VERY proud to be attending Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I am proud of the acceptance we provide. Some of the coolest people I know are gay. And beyond them being good people, what about them being gay is going to hurt you? How is that going to affect you?

All I have to say to the WBC, is that they are cowards. They are all cowards.

The GSA had a meeting today. I didn't go because I didn't know about it, but apparently almost 100 people attended. Which is a lot to try and fit into Ms. Liz's room (the teacher sponsor, and my amazing health teacher). The period after lunch, fifth, three girls from my English class explained what the deal is. Basically, they are prostesting outside of our school where it is public property. They're going to chant, picket and try to get us angry. We are going to protest too, but silently. Besides hopefully avoiding lawsuits for an outbreak of some sort, those who protest the WBC have all been silent. Our point is not to yell back. Yelling solves nothing. It's amazing what silence can get across. We will have signs, but nothing negative. From what I've heard signs will probably say "Love, Equality, BCC" or "BCC United" (a new slogan by our principal).

I feel it's strange that out of the hate that is being emmited by the WBC, I suddenly feel a sense of belonging to my own community. I feel pride. And I feel sorry for the WBC, who can't seem to see past their own front door. I want to know that standing peacefully united with my school, my community, against the WBC will make a difference. Because I can speak for those who can't. To have that affect on the world, I feel honored.

What gets me more, is that after they protest my school, they are protesting Sidwell Friends Lower School. The school that Malia and Sasha Obama attend. I'm not even sure what to say about that one. Not only is that beyond inconsiderate, but- I don't even know.

I hope what we can all learn from this is that even though others aren't accepting of our ideas, we still have to be accepting of theirs. That doesn't mean we have to like their ideas or even agree with them. Nothing about the WBC do I agree with. But we have to be the bigger person.

I know that saying is thrown around a lot, but I think it's true. I know that my school is being the bigger person, and I couldn't be more proud.

And as I said, I feel terribly sorry for the WBC. I feel sorry that they refuse to see the world, our nation even, as a beautiful place where we have the freedom to be who we want. We add color to the world. The WBC feels they are making a point, and so be it. But I feel that my school is making an even bigger point.

Stand united with your community, school, family, whoever. Stand for what you believe in, as the WBC feels they must stand for what they believe in.

I'm not sure if what I'm saying is getting across. I feel I'm having a difficult time.


I'll leave you with a couple of things. Love is more powerful than hate. Love spreads further and faster than hate. Love has a better feeling than hate.


I have a favorite quote: "To know even one life has breathes easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded." -Ralph Waldo Emerson


Love forever more,
Amanda