My favorite Fred story: some years ago controversial preacher Fred Phelps showed up at the Topeka St. Patrick's Day parade and lined up his troops to participate, complete with their entire catalog of "God Hates Fags" signs. The Dragon, representing the St. Patrick's Day Committee, approached Fred and said, "You're welcome to march. Everyone's welcome. But you and your people can't carry those signs, or shout anything inflammatory." Fred shot back, "Who are you." The Dragon: "I'm the guy who holds the parade permit. It costs $25. You want to carry those signs; go buy your own permit and hold your own parade." ("It was like looking into the eyes [Fred's] of pure Evil.")
Incensed, Fred moved to a street corner and picketed the parade, signs and all. He and his troops were patrolling the corner when a large semi-truck pulling a flatbed passed carrying a large Irish family and their friends. Fred found himself facing more than a dozen bare bottoms giving him the Celtic salute a la "Brave Heart." Barely able to contain his fury, Fred turned to a nearby policeman and shouted: "Did you see that! Did you see that!" The policeman replied: "All I see is some people exercising their right to freedom of speech."
