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For those of you who don’t know me personally, I am a politically active individual and I have, on occasion, been described by others as an activist. When I am gearing up to try to pass or prevent the passage of a piece of legislation, it’s common that I feel like I am preparing for a battle. But never, anywhere in my head, do I delute myself enough to believe that my opponents are my enemies.

I have met almost every member of the legislature in our state and all of Colorado’s Representatives and Senators in Congress. There is not a single one of them that I do not believe is acting in their own version of what is best for America. I often disagree with them, I often get angry with them, but I never, I NEVER, wish them physical harm simply because they disagree with me.

Unfortunately, political pundits, and often the politicians themselves (see Sarah Palin’s list of “Targets” below) have increasingly tempted that line between firing up their base for political action versus firing them up for actual, violent action. And over the weekend, the horrifying results of that violent and hate-filled rhetoric has shown itself clearly. The fourth person in the left-hand column of Sarah Palin’s list of Targets was shot in the head, and 6 others attendees were killed, including a federal judge, at a political rally in Arizona.

I cannot describe the disgust and disdain I feel toward those that have contributed to this tragedy by shamelessly and unapologetically calling for harm to be done to their political opponents, and worse, being paid to do so by organizations like Fox News.

But as much as I despise them, that is nothing next to the outright hate and vitriol i hold in my heart for Fred Phelps and the rest of leadership and members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka Kansas. You may recall them from the hits, such as picketing Elizabeth Edwards Funeral, as well has holding up “God Hates Fags” signs at more than 200 funerals of gay military service members across the country.

Now, they have announced that they intend to demonstrate at the funerals of the 6 people killed in Arizona last weekend, and are promoting the event with these posters:

So the only thing I have left to say is:

FUCK THESE GUYS!

As a Christian, as an American, and as a human being, I refuse to celebrate the murder of any person, even if they happen to be people who I don’t like very much.

I know that many of the people who read this website have very strongly held political opinions. Good for you, seriously. But if I see a one of you promoting this kind of violence, you are done with me. You are not my friend and you will not be welcome at any event that I control.

In closing, I would like to share the reaction to these events by my personal hero and someone I admire greatly, Jon Stewart.