*** Updated: 9:50PM, August 9, 2008 ***

Thanks to everyone who came out today to show their support.

The day was a success: We had a great turn out - likely upwards of 400 people (UPDATE: possibly 700+!).

And the WBC did not show their faces once!

All who gathered today were extremely calm, collected, and peaceful. Most of all, everyone was so respectful - of each other, of the church area, of the family, and the police.

It was amazing to see so many people standing for hours in the hot sun, yet remaining cheerful (some people even walked back and forth passing out free Timbits - thanks guys!) and vigilant. Many remained for over four hours until after the funeral had ended to make sure that even if the WBC showed up at the very last minute there would still be enough people ready to form a "human chain" to protect the family. Finally, as the funeral attendees walked out of the church, the crowd gathered held a respectful moment of silence.

At one point, just before the funeral service, some of the friends and family of the McLeans came out and walked down the long line of people gathered along the sidewalks around the church. They shook hands and thanked the crowd for being there and showing support. It was an incredibly moving moment. Hearing their thanks meant so much.

Thanks to all of you non-Winnipeggers from around Canada and the rest of the world for showing your support!

Thanks to all who helped out in various ways - those who organized, offered feedback and suggestions, provided materials, etc. Thanks to the Winnipeg Police for everything they did to keep things organized and safe.

Like James Cotton, Raymond Henry, and many others who have already commented today, my friends and I were extremely proud to stand outside today with my fellow Winnipeggers/Canadians in this act of resistance and support. Our actions as a community have shown that "the forces that tend for evil are great and terrible, but the forces of truth and love and courage and honesty and generosity and sympathy are also stronger than ever before" (Theodore Roosevelt).

~
Amalia


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


A church group described as "the most hated family in America" says it will head to Canada this weekend to protest Tim McLean's funeral.

Tim McLean was the victim on the Winnipeg bus, whom was stabbed to death and then decapitated.

The daughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder and pastor Fred Phelps reported that several of the church members will go to Winnipeg on Saturday to protest against what she described as McLean's "filthy way of life." Shirley Phelps-Roper said his life was emblematic of Canada's moral decay.

WTF? - "Canada's moral decay"

Right....

If by "moral decay" she means living in a country that allows people to be free and stand up for what they believe in no matter their race, age, sexuality, religion or cultural beliefs, then I guess so.

I say stand up for what we believe in, Canada. Keep those brainwashed psychopaths from crossing that border! We don't want them here, they're an embarrassment to society, and a pathetic example of God's children. As Canadians we have worked too hard to get where we are today, just to have some half-wit close-minded Yank criticize us. Join this group and join me in saying: Stay in Topeka, Kansas. You're not welcome here!

Please remember people, that this group was created to bring peace and love to Tim Mclean's family. Not for any other reason! People who are planing on attending the funeral as support for the Mclean's should be at peace. There will be No violence, No hate.. we're bigger than that we're stronger than them. Being full of hate and rage is W.B.C. job. They can protest, wave their big signs, and do what ever it is they do. All that matters is that we have shown them what we believe in and what we stand for. By grouping together and showing how much love, honor and loyalty we as Canadians truly have.
Related Links:
http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=34933748208

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church

http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2007/06/shirley_phelpsroper_arrested.php

http://fredphelps.com/

In The Press:
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080807/funeral_protest_080807/20080807/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/story/4209152p-4801884c.html

W.B.C. never stood a chance:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=707624

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080807/funeral_protest_080807/20080807?hub=TopStories (read less)

*** Updated: 9:50PM, August 9, 2008 ***

Thanks to everyone who came out today to show their support.

The day was a success: We had a great turn out - likely upwards of 400 people (UPDATE: possibly 700+!).

And the WBC did not show their faces once!

All who gathered today were extremely calm, collected, and peaceful. Most of all, everyone was so respectful - of each other, of the church area, of the family, and the police.

It was amazing to see so many people standing for hours in the hot... (read more)