You get to meet all types at conventions, be they science-fiction, comics, civic groups or whatever the subject that draws people together. Attendees of this year's preview day at Comic-Con in San Diego are going to be visited by one of the most notorious religious groups in this country, and it will not be a friendly visit.

Members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., have announced that they will protest at San Diego Comic-Con during the early afternoon of July 22. This is the group that has made their reputation by picketing at the funerals of our men and women of the armed forces who have given what Abraham Lincoln put so well, ... the last full measure of devotion, to their country.

What is this group protesting? According to a statement from them posted on the Internet, Are you kidding?! If these people would spend even some of the energy that they spend on these comic books, reading the Bible, well no high hopes here.They have turned comic book characters into idols, and worship them they do! After a quotation from the Book of Isaiah, the statement continues, It is time to put away the silly vanities and turn to God like you mean it. The destruction of this nation is imminent - so start calling on Batman and Superman now, see if they can pull you from the mess that you have created with all your silly idolatry.

Now, I will not argue with them that there are some folks that take the world of comic books, science-fiction, and entertainment to the absolute extreme. This is a matter of documented fact. But to accuse all who attend the event to be worshipers of idols absolutely unjustified in the opinion of this writer. That makes about as much sense as calling everyone who attends a science-fiction convention Trekkies.

My advice to those who encounter this group during Comic-Con on that day is to do one thing: ignore them. They are seeking publicity and they will get it, as all those who seek to make their efforts for their god into spectacles worthy of a three-ring circus, such as those mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, contradicting the very faith they proclaim. Just walk past them and don't react to their antics, which will cause them more discomfort than any comment that anyone can toss back at them.

Groups like this seek and depend on publicity, which is to them like money is to a politicians. Their reward is in the publicity they will get. The attendees will be rewarded with a good time at the convention.

So, enjoy the convention next week and let this protest take place, which is their right. Having fun at Comic-Con is your right, so have a great time exercising it! Those of us who don't get to attend will be holding down the forts till you get back.