Spirituality
31 Oct 07
Originally posted by no1marauderSomeone may have the right to come to my front door and insult me, but I have the right to kick him off my property. That's the problem with Westboro - it's not what they're saying, it's where they're saying it.
We should all hope that this verdict is reversed on appeal. No matter how distasteful the Phelps' message is, it is protected speech.
Originally posted by dottewellEuros think they can decide what speech is valuable and what is not and then have the government regulate or prohibit what it deems to be "non-valuable".
Good.
Nothing of value is lost by stopping these miscreants from peddling their vile Wrongthink.
In Europe, they would be taken out and horsewhipped by a gang of black-clad Austrian Thoughttroopers.
etc.
etc.
A Jeffersonian democracy which recognizes that government power over individuals must be severely limited or a tyranny will result knows better.
Originally posted by SwissGambitBunk.
Someone may have the right to come to my front door and insult me, but I have the right to kick him off my property. That's the problem with Westboro - it's not what they're saying, it's where they're saying it.
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&brand=msnbc&tab=m5&rf=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12071434/[WORD TOO LONG]
If you can follow this link, you'll see that the protesters are on public property - usually on the public roads adjacent to the burial grounds. Your claim is factually wrong and disingenous. Note that police officers were usually present and the Phelps were not arrested for trespassing.
Originally posted by no1marauderMy link didn't specify where the protests occurred. It did say this:
Bunk.
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&brand=msnbc&tab=m5&rf=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12071434/[WORD TOO LONG]
If you can follow this link, you'll see that the protesters are on public proper ...[text shortened]... ote that police officers were usually present and the Phelps were not arrested for trespassing.
The federal jury determined the Westboro Baptist Church, based in Topeka, and three of its principals invaded the privacy of the dead man's family and inflicted emotional distress. (my emphasis)
...which made me think they had done so on private property.
If they indeed were on public property, then you're right; legally, there's not a damn thing we can do to them.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-071031westboro-story,1,3389889.story
Alarmed by Westboro protests, at least 22 states have enacted or proposed laws to limit the rights of protesters at funerals. Only months after Matthew Snyder's death, Maryland passed a law prohibiting targeted picketing within 300 feet of a funeral, burial, memorial service, or funeral procession.
Looks like 22 states also don't understand Jeffersonian democracies, no1.
Originally posted by SwissGambitMaybe the Euros who 2bit refers to have taken over in america as well?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-071031westboro-story,1,3389889.storyAlarmed by Westboro protests, at least 22 states have enacted or proposed laws to limit the rights of protesters at funerals. Only months after Matthew Snyder's death, Maryland passed a law prohibiting targeted picketing within 300 feet of a funeral, burial, m ...[text shortened]... ocession.
Looks like 22 states also don't understand Jeffersonian democracies, no1.
D
Originally posted by SwissGambitAt least 22 states don't, probably more. But pandering by legislatures to popular sentiment to restrict unpopular speech was anticipated by the Framers and a remedy provided. Hopefully all those laws will be declared unconstitutional by the courts.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-071031westboro-story,1,3389889.storyAlarmed by Westboro protests, at least 22 states have enacted or proposed laws to limit the rights of protesters at funerals. Only months after Matthew Snyder's death, Maryland passed a law prohibiting targeted picketing within 300 feet of a funeral, burial, m ...[text shortened]... ocession.
Looks like 22 states also don't understand Jeffersonian democracies, no1.
EDIT: At least one, Kentucky's, was struck down by a Federal District Court: http://volokh.com/files/funeralpicketing.pdf
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesYes, there is.
Is there any essential difference between what this group does and what people who protest at abortion clinics do?
Its fine if these people don't like gays ... thats freedom of speech.
To show up at the funeral of someone who died defending this country and protest is violation of that person's civil rights and the rights of that person's family not to be harassed.
Those who do show up and aren't Christians (at least any with any shred of decency)
Too bad the judge didn't slap them with a judgement for even more then he did.
Perhaps if they don't like gays, they should relocate their church and all its members to Iran .....
Originally posted by SMSBear716Wow. You're as crazy as your clan name suggests.
Yes, there is.
Its fine if these people don't like gays ... thats freedom of speech.
To show up at the funeral of someone who died defending this country and protest is violation of that person's civil rights and the rights of that person's family not to be harassed.
Those who do show up and aren't Christians (at least any with any shred of dece ...[text shortened]... they don't like gays, they should relocate their church and all its members to Iran .....
What a nut case.
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesNo I got a way to make these people good Christians so they can meet God ... how may of them want to be sniper vicitims? They can meet God and explain their insanity.... I'm sure he has a very nice place in Hell for them
Wow. You're as crazy as your clan name suggests.
What a nut case.
Least they won't have to cough up 11 Million bucks