Protesters, counter-protesters gather at MSSU

Federal, state leaders salute Joplin’s recovery

A deadly May twister may have punched a hole in Joplin and Duquesne two years ago, but the resolve to repair it will help other communities stand strong when they face similar disasters. That was the message of state and national diginitaries to a crowd of about 2,500 who observed the second anniversary of Joplin’s devastating May 22, 2011, storm during a ceremony Wednesday in Cunningham Park.

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Brian Henson, of Joplin, stands tall while holding two U.S. flags that flow in the wind Monday afternoon, May 21, 2012, at Missouri Southern State University. "I'm here to show support and block Westboro [Baptist Church]," Henson said. About 7 members of the Westboro group showed up later to protest Joplin and Obama. Globe/T. Rob Brown
Jamey Johnston, of Chicago, who helped Joplin rebuild as part of Americorps, holds up a sign in protest of the Westboro Baptist Church protestors (background) Monday afternoon, May 21, 2012, at Missouri Southern State University. The Westboro group was protesting Joplin, Obama, and homosexuality. Globe/T. Rob Brown
Mike Statt, of Seneca, holds up the sign "God doesn't hate anyone!" while Ann Marie Gonzales, of Independence, Kan., holds up sign "I love all!" as they block the public's view of the Westboro Baptist Church's protest Monday afternoon, May 21, 2012, at Missouri Southern State University. Westboro member Rachel Hockenbarger, of Topeka, Kan., is in the center background. Globe/T. Rob Brown
Cary Fritz, left, with Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., protests Joplin and Obama. Gus Carson of Joplin, right, helps block the protesters. About 7 Westboro protesters showed up at MSSU today. Globe/T.Rob Brown

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May 21, 2012

Protesters, counter-protesters gather at MSSU

Anonymous From staff reports The Joplin Globe Mon May 21, 2012, 09:17 PM CDT

JOPLIN, Mo. — Fewer than a half-dozen protesters, some carrying signs expressing opposition to President Barack Obama, who recently endorsed civil marriages for gays, have gathered near Missouri Southern State University.

The protesters are separated from, but surrounded by, more than 60 counter-protesters, some carrying signs that say “Joplin Pride” and “Honk If You Love Joplin.”

Jael Holroyd carried a sign that said, “God’s Fury,” with an image of a tornado.

“A year ago Joplin was God-smacked by the tornado, and instead of repenting, she has rebuilt and proudly defied God,” Holroyd said.

One of the counter-protesters, Kelly Hood, said she “believes in human rights of everyone — not just for select people.”

Counter-protesters have completely blocked the protesters from view along Newman and Duquesne roads.

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