Best Response to Fred Phelps

In April, the Topeka Symphony Orchestra figured out a beautiful response to Fred Phelps' hate-filled picketing of its concerts. The orchestra decided to take pledges for any amount of money -- or time -- for every minute Phelps and his platoon of conscripted children spent parading around with their "Topeka, City of Sin" and "Gays deserve AIDS" signs. "As an arts organization we clearly support [Phelps and his protesters'] freedom to express whatever they want. After all, we express ourselves whenever we take the stage," said a Symphony spokesperson. "However, we find it very disturbing that our patrons have to wade through that muck or that we continually have to explain to our guest artists from other cities that Topekans simply tolerate these messages, as if we're used to them. Complacency is acceptance, after all, and we're very happy we've found a fun and constructive way to respond." Organizers hoped that, with enough pledges, Phelps' odious Westboro Baptist Church members "may even be responsible for raising enough funds to sponsor an entire concert ... or maybe the entire season!"