MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

RED OAK — Law enforcement, counter protestors, a motorcycle gang, and several onlookers came downtown Saturday morning in response to seven members of Westboro Baptist Church, protesting a local funeral.

Members of the controversial Kansas-based church contacted Red Oak Police Chief Drue Powers last week to arrange Saturday morning’s protest of Milton Lantz, 61.
Westboro Baptist Church members have protested the U.S. military’s homosexual policy at thousands of servicemen’s funerals nationwide.
Typically though, when they protest, a motorcycle gang called the Patriot Riders also attend, to show support for the grieving family.
Lantz, a veteran of the U.S. army, was chosen more for his passion for riding motorcycles.
Lantz, who was killed when the motorcycle he was driving was struck by a tractor June 26, reportedly recently joined the Patriot Guard’s ranks, which drew the  Westboro protestors to his funeral.
“WBC will picket the funeral of Milton Lanz Jr. who was a motorcycle rebel,” Westboro’s website stated before the protest. “God is killing the motorcycle rebels … motorcycle rebels follow WBC members from coast to coast in a vain attempt to suppress the word of God. Shameless, violent, Godless rebels!”
With law enforcement outnumbering protestors, Westboro church members sang quietly while holding signs criticizing President Barack Obama’s and the war in the Middle East, in addition to other various anti-homosexual messages.
While a few people confronted the protestors verbally, about six counter protestors held signs right in front of the police tape.
“He (Lantz) should get the funeral he deserves,” counter-protestor Allisa Belt said. “People who bring hateful messages to a funeral aren’t right.”
Tyler Jennings, while holding signs critical of Westboro founder Mike Phelps, was more direct with his goals.
“I just want to give them a dose of their own medicine,” he said.
Several people stood in Fountain Square Park, quietly watching the protestors and the minimal interaction.
One of those onlookers, Clifford Betts, served in the U.S. Army from 1991-98, including a tour in Desert Storm.
“I am proud of my Army service, and I’m proud of our country,” he said while standing in uniform. “I’m here in support of our troops, and our country.”
Betts said the protest was different than he expected.
“It was more quiet,” he said. “It was organized and peaceful … and I’m glad.”