Gimme Shelter

YOU ARE VISITING THE OLD MALKIN(S)WATCH. THAT'S FANTASTIC. PLEASE VISIT THE NEW MALKIN(S)WATCH WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE.

From the "What-could-possibly-go-wrong" department, Malkin supports vigilantism once again:

The execrable Fred Phelps and his "church" continue to disrupt the funerals of fallen soldiers across the country...

The good news is that veteran bikers of all political stripes have united to form the Patriot Guard Riders.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

I hate Fred Phelps and his group of closeted antichrists as much as the next guy. But I know bikers. There are bikers in my extended family. They'll tell you that no matter how benevolent the intentions, getting large groups of bikers together for any kind of activity carries great risk.

I almost hesitate to mention that this risk goes even higher when the stated purpose is providing security.