The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Top Stories

Related Photos

  • 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

    052112 Protest1_72.jpg

  • 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

    052112 Protest2_72.jpg

  • 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

    052112 Protest3_72.jpg

  • 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

    052112 MSSU protesters.jpg

Discussion

May 21, 2012

Protesters, counter-protesters gather at MSSU

From staff reports

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.





 

Text Only
Top Stories
Facebook
Poll

Two kinds of freshwater mussels, both found in Spring River, could be placed on the endangered species list. That would mean some dredging or placement of bridges could be affected. Do you think the mussels should be placed on the list?

A. Yes.
B. No.
     View Results
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
NDN Video
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional' Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest 'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?