Breaking: Phelps church wins right to free speech.

[Badfish]

Just broke on MSNBC.

Allowed to picket where they want.

[NYC Liberal]

1. As vile as what they say is, it's the right decision. nt

[VoteProgressive]

2. I have to say, I hate the church, but agree with the decision!

[Modern_Matthew]

3. Excellent! When we make exceptions to our rights, they're not rights at all. n/t

[Badfish]

4. I agree.

but some here feel the need to unrec for free speech.

How American of you.Would you rather the courts start telling us when and where we have free speech ?

[Modern_Matthew]

5. Yep. Unfortunately, there are hypocrites on both sides of the political spectrum. n/t

[elias49]

14. Well, actually...

the courts do that all the time. If we march, we're told where we can march.
If we want to hold up protest signs, we're often told what street corner we're allowed to use...
it goes on, and we all know it.
We have free speech? Not hardly.

[MineralMan]

6. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else they could do, without

destroying the First Amendment. Phelps and his incestuous band needs to be countered with shunning and ridicule by people whenever they show up, but we either have freedom of speech or we do not. There is no middle ground.

[center rising]

And I should have the right

To confront them at every turn, and shout them down. These people are vile, sick, twisted goons who are looking for their 15 minutes of fame. I hate their freaking guts!!!

[MineralMan]

8. And you do have that right. See you at the funeral!

[Kurmudgeon]

7. Ok, so how do we protect funerals and people during times of grief?

I can just see bad things happening if Phelps and crew go on unpunished and allowed to profit from harassing people at their most worst possible time.
The Supreme Court has said, Ok, we could care less about your grief or your lost family/friend.
A funeral procession isn't a debate table, board room or public meeting area. The government has shown they refuse to protect people from Phelps and his gang, I hope they can handle what happens when people start protecting themselves.
I've lost some loved ones over the years, I can't imagine what I would have done if some idiots had showed up with signs and bullhorns at their funeral. It's only a matter of time, the government has dropped the ball. You can't yell fire in a crowded theater , you shouldn't be able to yell hate at a private ceremony.

[SDuderstadt]

10. "The Supreme Court has said, Ok, we could care less about your grief or your lost family/friend"

No, that's not what they said.

Maybe you should actually read their decision before second-guessing them.

[pintobean]

11. You could move to a country that regulates speech

but your internet postings will have to meet the approval of the thought police.

[Arkana]

9. Whatever. The First Amendment's pretty clear--no exceptions.

[cbdo2007]

12. There are exceptions.

[Motown_Johnny]

13. Do you think quoting Voltaire will freak out the lurkers here?

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. - Voltaire 1906




I have nothing more to say about this.