By Andrew W. Griffin

Red Dirt Report, editor

Posted: July 20, 2010

reddirtreporter@gmail.com

OKLAHOMA CITY --  Driving east on 23rd Street this afternoon, traffic was heavy, but then at around 5 p.m. it usually is.

Approaching the underpass where it links to Broadway Extension it became clear that police were up ahead. It was soon obvious that a crowd had gathered. It turned out to be the Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church "hate clan" led by Fred Phelps. Out there with their bold and ugly signs. One said "God brought the Oil." Another said we're all doomed. Another said something about God wanting soldiers dead or that God hates Jews or that "Gaga" hates you.

Gaga? Of course, Lady Gaga. She was performing at the Ford Center tonight. Were they actually protesting the Lady Gaga show? Strange, since the concert was a mile or two from this location. Maybe it was just a chance for these morons to make their stupid statements in front of lots of people in traffic.

Alas, I didn't have my camera with me. I was just trying to get to OnCue to get some gas. Inside the store, people were talking about the protesters. One woman noted their hatred of Lady Gaga, soldiers and practically everybody - particularly the gays and lesbians across the street counterprotesting and waving rainbow flags.

"I can't believe those people are here protesting. Don't they have anything better to do?" she asked as she purchased a large fountain drink.

 Indeed. What prompts these people to drive all the way down here and protest a stupid Lady Gaga concert? What sort of lives do these nihilistic, hateful people lead? Do they really, really believe that God hates all these things all these people that He has created? I think not. They've simply deluded themselves and seem to only want attention. It's a desperate act. It's really rather depressing when you think about it. Young children holding these hateful signs and getting hateful looks and gestures back from the public waiting for the light to change.

Copyright 2010 West Marie Media