There are several things people should know about WBC.
**1. It's basically only as large as an extended family.
2. Fred Phelps (the head honcho) initially made his way as a successful civil rights lawyer.**
3. He is now a complete monster and a heartless, dictatorial tyrant of a father.
He's a health nut who routinely makes his kids run five mile laps and eat only steamed kale, among other things. He's also forced Phelps clan children to sell candy on the street for money. And he'll gladly cast aside any kid that opposes him: See the inspiring story of http://natephelps.com/. Nate Phelps is now a preeminent rationalist and child abuse/ LGBT activist.
4. Even among endtimers, they're the fringe of the fringe. According to them, they picket not because they expect America to change its ways and avoid its doom, but because protesting is simply what God expects the righteous, chosen few to do. That's why ignoring them won't make them go away. Also, Obama is the Antichrist.