Westboro Baptist Church Wins in US Supreme Court

Rugskipper

Rugskipper

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For those who haven't already heard, the extended family of Topeka, KS attorney Fred Phelps who calls itself a church won a significant battle in the US supreme court. They are now free to spew their vile hatred unhindered. On behalf of the other 2,818,647 good people of the state of Kansas, I offer my apologies.


Ride on, Patriot Guard, ride on........
 
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Political and religious discussion, obviously, so it won't last here. But the constitution was upheld, as repugnant as this example is. There will just have to be other ways found to make what these fakes do unappealing for them to continue. Makes most of us cringe when they couch what they do as "free speech from a position of Christian faith".
 
Quite frankly , while I will acknowledge their"right" to be disrespectful to our Honored Dead, I wish for the "old days" when they would be "handled" by the returning combat vets and other concerned friends and neighbors of the dead. Morally they are wrong to bring more hurt to the family. As was said earlier, Thank God for the Patriot Guard and those like them.
 
My brother made this photo at a military funeral in his home town in Iowa. I just turned it into the poster. . .the only shame is what the folks from the WBC bring upon themselves.

motivator91a46e96b984f74e1498aef2c9a3ee86897348c4.jpg



Bullseye
 
So why dont people in that area now go and picket and disrupt their so called church services and funnerals and see what happens?
 
I understand the importance free speech, What I can't understand is why they can't be held accountable for what they say.

BTW, I'm a member of the PGR and have done 11 missions. Those of you that can, should join and participate. Thanks for all the kind words.
 
NFrameFred said:
Political and religious discussion, obviously, so it won't last here. But the constitution was upheld, as repugnant as this example is. There will just have to be other ways found to make what these fakes do unappealing for them to continue. Makes most of us cringe when they couch what they do as "free speech from a position of Christian faith".
Click to expand...

My thoughts are the same.
 
Could't we consider their speech as "Hate Speech"?I appears to have the same tone and seems to be targeted.
 
NFrameFred said:
Political and religious discussion, obviously, so it won't last here. But the constitution was upheld, as repugnant as this example is. There will just have to be other ways found to make what these fakes do unappealing for them to continue. Makes most of us cringe when they couch what they do as "free speech from a position of Christian faith".
Click to expand...

I didn't post to start a discussion exactly, I just wanted to express my sense of shame in being from the same state as this bunch of wackos, and to express support for the Patriot riders.

I don't want to discuss religion or politics here, I'm just sad what's happened, that's all.
 
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I'm reinstating this thread.
Keep it off religion and off politics, and it stays.

What strange people. I, too, mourn the loss of decorum and and just plain good manners in some aspects of our society. What a base act to do at a funeral, much less at a Vet's.
 
Well unfortunately I received a phone call last July 4 that my nephew had been killed in Iraq. The Patriot Guard did the full service from the time the plane landed in Houston carrying his body and until the funeral service was completed two days later. My sister-in-law couldn't make it in to town for the recieving of the body so My wife & I were ask to do it and it was an Honor! I cannot begin to describe the scene when we rounded the corner of the plane hanger and all the Patriot Guard were standing at attention awaiting the planes arrival, definately an Honor but probably I the hardest thing I've had to do in all of my 47 yrs. I cannot put into word my appreciation to the Patriot Guard, AWESOME!!!! The entire service was completed without any issues thanks to them.

Ride on Patriot Guard
 
The ruling by the Supreme Court only confirmed that political speech is protected. If WBC or anyone else strays into libel or slander, then that's not protected. There is also not an absolute freedom in speech. The government, as long as there's no prior restraint, can put limits on the "speech".

There's a fine line of legislation which can limit the WBC's exposure. Things like parade permit limits, etc., can be useful. However, most limits tried so far, have been emotional responses by state and local governments, and not well-thought out.

I agree that WBC is a vile organization. However, someone will have to write a law which keeps them from interfering with an occasion, but allows them to spew their venom.
 
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As I said, the topic is what the Court has ruled, and/or the funerals they disrupt, and/or freedom of speech.

The topic is NOT the doctrine of WBC, their views and beliefs, nor Christianity in general.

DO NOT post religious commentary if you want to discuss the topic of this ruling.
 
The Constitution and First Amendment MUST be upheld however repugnant. If it were not then the Second Amendment and the rest would follow. Then were would we be?
 
Our Constitution, our freedom, is under constant challenge - but these mutts showing up at Military funerals is too much. As a creaky old biker who doesn't throw a leg over his scooter much anymore, I ask you to voice your support for the Patriot Guard whenever you have the opportunity. This is one use of the word "Patriot" that has some meaning. These folks wear their colors proudly, please let them know that what they stand for and do matters to you.
Rgds,
XAVMECH
 
From my understanding of the court's ruling, they only said picketing was protected speech under Federal law, leaving open the possibility of regulation on a state or local level. In other words, Westboro still has to comply with such things as the 1000 foot rule enacted by some states. No determination was made as to the law, such as in Maryland, forbidding all demonstrations at funerals. It's only a small win in the end, but vacated a 5 million dollar judgment against them.
 
I'm prob'ly being redundant here...BUT...isn't it ironic that they're picketting the funerals of the kind of people that are responsible for their having the right to picket?

These Westboro folks just seem to be a bit "misguided" and stunted in their human and social development, just like a punk kid who either doesn't "get" that he's being a punk or just doesn't care. Well, what's the traditional way to point that kid on the right path?

Jus' sayin'.
 
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