Hello everyone hope you don't mind my 2 cents. I believe these people are severely misguided, uniformed about scriptual truth, hateful ann just plain wrong. What they do perpetuates the worst kind of evil in mens souls, HOWEVER I believe the Supreme Court will uphold their right to this terrible form of speech because when we start to limit free speech even when it is horrible and right thinking people are offended and hate what the westboro idiots (I can't call it a church)are doing, because that will lead to the steady erosion of the right for all of us.
Its why the supreme court gave those darn "Illinois Nazis" the right to march in Skokie in the late 70's. National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie, 432 U.S. 43 (1977)
and as far as counter demanonstraters. Go look up the Patriot Guard Riders. These guys ROCK
The Patriot Guard Riders attend the funerals of members of the United States Armed Forces at the invitation of the deceased’s family.The group was initially formed to shelter and protect the funerals from protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church, who claim that the deaths of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are divine retribution for American tolerance of homosexuality. The Patriot Guard positions itself to physically shield the mourners from the presence of the Westboro protesters by blocking the protesters from view with their motorcade, or by having members hold American flags. The group also drowns out the protesters' chants by singing patriotic songs or by revving motorcycle engines. Although initially founded by motorcyclists, the organization is open to anyone, regardless of political affiliation, veteran status, or whether they ride or not. The only prerequisite is "a deep respect for those who serve our country; military, firefighters, or law enforcement". The Patriot Guard was established in Mulvane, Kansas at American Legion Post 136 in 2005. The group's mission quickly expanded to include the funerals of law enforcement officers, fire department personnel, all first responders, and any active duty member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces from all previous wars and conflicts and is now largely focused on recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of fallen servicemembers as well as their families and loved ones. As of August 28, 2010, the group reported over 201,000 members. In addition to their attendance at funerals, the group also greets troops returning from overseas at welcome home celebrations, deployment ceremonies, and perform volunteer work for veteran's organizations such as Veterans Homes. The group also assists families in financial difficulties with travel and housing arrangements, and also visits military hospitals to encourage and honor wounded servicemembers of the United States Armed Forces.
Sorry my first post is so long, but damn this topic has got me riled up...
Mr. Snyder, the father, was awarded $10 million that was Knocked down to $5 million for intentional emotional distress and health problems, His diabetes got worse after he saw the protest on the news after his son's funeral. So he did prove initially in court that he was negatively affected by this. He did not see these idiots, they were at the dictated distance in a "protest site". They always make sure to get permits and go where they are told. And the Chief idiots daughter is a lawyer who defends these morons in court.
What did Phelps do wrong other than the hateful content of what he says?
A number of states have passed ordinances dictating where prostest can happen. have to stay so many hundreds of feet away, stay in a certain limited area etc. a few of these have been overturned in court or are under appeal.
Just because it's legal, damn sure doesn't make it "right".
The other thing you should read are the Amicus briefs (friend of the court briefs) submitted on this case
one quick link to some of the briefs. http://www.ohioverticals.com/blogs/a...yder-v-phelps/
AmenJust because it's legal, damn sure doesn't make it "right".
one articleWhat article? I'm not asking for someone's opinion ...Indianapolis star http://www.indystar.com/article/2010...ClateststoriesBut Stephen R. McAllister, Kansas' solicitor general who wrote the amicus brief in favor of Snyder on behalf of 48 states' attorneys general, said the court could find for Snyder and still preserve larger speech freedoms by confining its ruling to funerals, events he claims are clearly sacred because they "cut across cultural boundaries from time immemorial."
McAllister pointed to the court's 1988 Frisby v. Schultz decision that kept abortion protesters from demonstrating outside an abortion doctor's home but preserved their right to protest at abortion clinics. He said the court could limit "the where and the when" of Westboro's speech without trampling on its rights.
heheI saw the Pelican Brief with Denzel Washington. Is it anything like that?
Hell, if I had known Vis was bringing a legal scholar with him here tonight, I would have kept my consumption to under a 12 pack. I'm in no condition to drive, much less read legal briefs.