Westoboro Wins Supreme Court Decision

[Bullaholic]

Today the SCOTUS ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church's right to demonstrate at funerals. This ruling may be correct according to our present Constitutional Free-Speech Rights, but I think it will be received as a very unpopular and unfortunate ruling by most Americans,and a very sad day indeed for grieving families.

Westboro SCOTUS Ruling (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/02/scotus.westboro.church/index.html?hpt=C1)

[bobcat1]

There needs to be a provision put in the 1st Ammendment for people like these idiots.:mad:

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by bobcat1
There needs to be a provision put in the 1st Ammendment for people like these idiots.:mad:

I think that will be a distinct possibility, bob. I would not want to be any elected official who goes on record for voting against such a proposed Amendment, if it comes to pass.

Another possible course of action will be for private groups like the Patriot Guard to show up at Westboro demonstrations with 10-15ft. high pole-mounted portable cloth or other material barriers to effectively obscure the Westboro demonstators from view by grieving familes.

[bobcat1]

They need something stuffed in their pieholes!

[navscanmaster]

Originally posted by bobcat1
They need something stuffed in their pieholes!

They are not a very large "church" nor do they have very many followers. One patriot missile should do the trick.

j/k, don't call the feds on me.:D

[Phil C]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
Today the SCOTUS ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church's right to demonstrate at funerals. This ruling may be correct according to our present Constitutional Free-Speech Rights, but I think it will be received as a very unpopular and unfortunate ruling by most Americans,and a very sad day indeed for grieving families.

Westboro SCOTUS Ruling (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/02/scotus.westboro.church/index.html?hpt=C1)

Bull I admire the Baptist Church but not this one (which probably uses the word Baptist loosely).

[AP Panther Fan]

Originally posted by navscanmaster
They are not a very large "church" nor do they have very many followers. One patriot missile should do the trick.

j/k, don't call the feds on me.:D


Actually many churches of "The South" have burned for no good reason :thinking:

[Charlie47]

Originally posted by Phil C
Bull I admire the Baptist Church but not this one (which probably uses the word Baptist loosely).

So right, the Handbook of the Denominations in the US, has
located 153 separate denominations calling themselves Baptist.
When you read deeper, there are very few with doctrine anywhere close to the doctrine followed by mainstream Baptists
adhere to.:(

[Phil C]

This church does overstep the bounds of decency.

[Phil C]

The Supreme Court Justices need to be limited to ten year terms. You have old people in their 70s and 80s making decisions that affect people half their age or less. I can say it now because I am approaching that age group. I resented it when I was a teen and I resent it now.

[Charlie47]

Originally posted by Phil C
This church does overstep the bounds of decency.

Well said, They may win in this court, however they will fail
in the only court that matters!;)

[PPHSfan]

This is what makes The United States the greatest country in the world. Freedom rings. PERIOD. It even trumps popular. God Bless America.

[Ernest T Bass]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
This is what makes The United States the greatest country in the world. Freedom rings. PERIOD. It even trumps popular. God Bless America.

This.

[garciap77]

Originally posted by navscanmaster
They are not a very large "church" nor do they have very many followers. One patriot missile should do the trick.

j/k, don't call the feds on me.:D

:D

[Matthew328]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
This is what makes The United States the greatest country in the world. Freedom rings. PERIOD. It even trumps popular. God Bless America.

Don't agree with their stance, but just because its not popular doesn't mean they can't speak their mind. Same thing with the KKK you may not agree with their stance but they are allowed to demonstrate etc.

[waterboy]

Originally posted by Matthew328
Don't agree with their stance, but just because its not popular doesn't mean they can't speak their mind. Same thing with the KKK you may not agree with their stance but they are allowed to demonstrate etc.
I agree. There are going to be groups like this that overstep the bounds of human decency, but unfortunately, they have the same rights as the rest of us. I think somebody other than the government needs to keep these people in check.........like the Patriot Guard, or a similar group. I applaud the Patriot Guard for what they do.:clap:

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
This is what makes The United States the greatest country in the world. Freedom rings. PERIOD. It even trumps popular. God Bless America.

I agree with your statements about America, but I'd have to ask you how much you would be shouting "Let Freedom Ring" at the funeral of one of your loved ones if it was chosen for demonstration by these radicals.

[PPHSfan]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
I agree with your statements about America, but I'd have to ask you how much you would be shouting "Let Freedom Ring" at the funeral of one of your loved ones if it was chosen for demonstration by these radicals.

I'm not sure of the exact words I would use. But if my son that is serving right now protecting their freedom gives his life. Then I would bring shame to his memory if I tried to stop them from exercising it.

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I'm not sure of the exact words I would use. But if my son that is serving right now protecting their freedom gives his life. Then I would bring shame to his memory if I tried to stop them from exercising it.

First--let me say that I hope none of us ever has to put this to the test at the funeral of one of our loved ones. Thank you for the service of you son---I pray for his safe return.

For me, I think it is far better to lose a little of my freedom rather than lose my humanity.

[Black_Magic]

Originally posted by Matthew328
Don't agree with their stance, but just because its not popular doesn't mean they can't speak their mind. Same thing with the KKK you may not agree with their stance but they are allowed to demonstrate etc. I say let them demonstrate but pass a law stating that demonstrations at Funerals must be at least 1000 feet from the funeral or procession. Let them be idiots from far away. Give them the right of speech but also protects the family from some of the abuse.

[STANG RED]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I'm not sure of the exact words I would use. But if my son that is serving right now protecting their freedom gives his life. Then I would bring shame to his memory if I tried to stop them from exercising it.

Well said. But it's still a crying shame these idiots do what they do. If I were a father of a serviceman that died in battle, and these morons showed up at the funeral, I'm afraid I'd have to cut loose on them. It may not be right in the eyes of the law, but I know it would make me feel better, and I have no doubt, I'd have tons of support.

[Bullaholic]

This solution to this issue comes down to the statement often quoted by my lawyer friends---"If you don't like the system---change it".

[bobcat1]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I'm not sure of the exact words I would use. But if my son that is serving right now protecting their freedom gives his life. Then I would bring shame to his memory if I tried to stop them from exercising it. I assure they could exercise their right as long as I tolerated it but I can also assure you that would not be very long. In that case I would have just as much of a right to object as they did to protest. How far I carried my objection is also my right. If I violate a law doing so then again that is my choice and I would have to suffer the consequences. The shame to a son's memory would be letting these idiots use our laws for their own twisted pleasure.

I doubt very seriously I could stand by and say in a pacifist way, "Ah, it's okay. They have a right to rejoice that my son died". Ain't happening.........

[PPHSfan]

I will agree to disagree with you. My definition of freedom is just different than yours I guess. I try not to confuse freedom with the moral majority.

[bobcat1]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I will agree to disagree with you. My definition of freedom is just different than yours I guess. I try not to confuse freedom with the moral majority. I could give a big rip about moral majority. I know what the womenfolk in my family would think and how it would affect them. It ain't happening.

[PPHSfan]

I'm not putting anyone else down for taking a stance, nor am I trying to change anyone's mind. I'm just saying how I feel about it. Nothing will change my stance either. I have my own opinions about freedom and they're chiseled in stone.

[Charlie47]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
First--let me say that I hope none of us ever has to put this to the test at the funeral of one of our loved ones. Thank you for the service of you son---I pray for his safe return.

For me, I think it is far better to lose a little of my freedom rather than lose my humanity.

Well said!!:clap: ;)

[Charlie47]

Originally posted by bobcat1
I assure they could exercise their right as long as I tolerated it but I can also assure you that would not be very long. In that case I would have just as much of a right to object as they did to protest. How far I carried my objection is also my right. If I violate a law doing so then again that is my choice and I would have to suffer the consequences. The shame to a son's memory would be letting these idiots use our laws for their own twisted pleasure.

I doubt very seriously I could stand by and say in a pacifist way, "Ah, it's okay. They have a right to rejoice that my son died". Ain't happening.........

:clap: :clap:

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I'm not putting anyone else down for taking a stance, nor am I trying to change anyone's mind. I'm just saying how I feel about it. Nothing will change my stance either. I have my own opinions about freedom and they're chiseled in stone. :clap: Freedom of speech isn't limited to those we agree with.

[JasperDog94]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
First--let me say that I hope none of us ever has to put this to the test at the funeral of one of our loved ones. Thank you for the service of you son---I pray for his safe return.

For me, I think it is far better to lose a little of my freedom rather than lose my humanity. Be very careful on this slippery slope. If you are willing to give up some of your freedoms, who gets to make the decision about which freedoms you get to keep and which freedoms you have to give up?

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by JasperDog94
Be very careful on this slippery slope. If you are willing to give up some of your freedoms, who gets to make the decision about which freedoms you get to keep and which freedoms you have to give up? +1

[JasperDog94]

Originally posted by DDBooger
:clap: Freedom of speech isn't limited to those we agree with. Agreed.

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by JasperDog94
Agreed. Shouldn't the world explode now? :D ;)

[PPHSfan]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
This solution to this issue comes down to the statement often quoted by my lawyer friends---"If you don't like the system---change it".

You can't change Freedom Bull. Having a "little freedom" is like being a "little pregnant". Either this is the land of the free, or it isn't. I choose freedom.

[JasperDog94]

Originally posted by DDBooger
Shouldn't the world explode now? :D ;) I think this is definitely one of the signs of the end times!:D

[nobogey72]

Let me first say that I absolutely hate what this "church" is doing, but at the same time I'm glad they have the freedom to say what they want. Now.... how many of you that feel that these people don't have the right to do what they are doing--- have no problem with the lines of people that confront and protest against people that go into abortion clinics?:thinking: :thinking:

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by nobogey72
Let me first say that I absolutely hate what this "church" is doing, but at the same time I'm glad they have the freedom to say what they want. Now.... how many of you that feel that these people don't have the right to do what they are doing--- have no problem with the lines of people that confront and protest against people that go into abortion clinics?:thinking: :thinking: I hate it, but as long as they're non-violent, what can we do? That said, violence has been used to intimidate in those cases. These morons (Westboro) are looking for notoriety and attention so they can bash homosexuality. lol

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
You can't change Freedom Bull. Having a "little freedom" is like being a "little pregnant". Either this is the land of the free, or it isn't. I choose freedom.

I disagree, PPHSFan---history shows that we have changed and amended our definition---yours and mine---of "freedom" many times since our founding. You are embracing an "idea"---I am dealing with a reality evolved over time.

[Farmersfan]

Originally posted by DDBooger
:clap: Freedom of speech isn't limited to those we agree with.



It is with most people on here!

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by Farmersfan
It is with most people on here! Is it not? :D

You're referring to the Romo debates, right? lol ;)

[Farmersfan]

Originally posted by DDBooger
Is it not? :D

You're referring to the Romo debates, right? lol ;)



When it comes to Romo there is no debate Booger! There is the truth and then there is everybody elses opinion!!!! :D :D

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by JasperDog94
Be very careful on this slippery slope. If you are willing to give up some of your freedoms, who gets to make the decision about which freedoms you get to keep and which freedoms you have to give up?

Jasper---I've heard the "slippery slope" argument used to death by both sides over the years---IMO, the only persons who need to fear a "slippery slope" are those who refuse to climb back up a "slope" if they fall down it, even though they are able. It's our "slope"--Jasper, and I, for one. will never fear losing control of it to the government regardless of all the "big brother" arguments that can be presented.

[bobcat1]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
I disagree, PPHSFan---history shows that we have changed and amended our definition---yours and mine---of "freedom" many times since our founding. You are embracing an "idea"---I am dealing with a reality evolved over time. Exactly you used to be able to get high on a coca cola and get opium, smoke hashish and peyote with the Indians. Used to let anyone carry or buy guns. I think we changed. I mean after all women get to vote and question their husband. :D

[Bullaholic]

The Civil Rights Act of 1965 changed an entire race of people's former definition of "Freedom".

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
The Civil Rights Act of 1965 changed an entire race of people's former definition of "Freedom". I'm sure that sought to eliminate laws that diminished freedom. Aren't you making the opposite argument, to take freedom, despite us agreeing that the act is heinous.

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by DDBooger
I'm sure that sought to eliminate laws that diminished freedom. Aren't you making the opposite argument, to take freedom, despite us agreeing that the act is heinous.

No, PPHSFan posted the statement that you can't change "Freedom".

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
No, PPHSFan posted the statement that you can't change "Freedom". ah, okay. So it's about wording. Understood.

[bobcat1]

Originally posted by DDBooger
I'm sure that sought to eliminate laws that diminished freedom. Aren't you making the opposite argument, to take freedom, despite us agreeing that the act is heinous. Maybe in that light they should eliminate the law that says I can't go upside those people's heads. I feel right now my freedoms are being dimished. That would give me freedom. That would mean they can say what they want but I could make it uncomfortable for them to do so without going to jail even though they would still have the right to speak. Then everyone would be free.:D

[Farmersfan]

Originally posted by bobcat1
Maybe in that light they should eliminate the law that says I can't go upside those people's heads. I feel right now my freedoms are being dimished. That would give me freedom. That would mean they can say what they want but I could make it uncomfortable for them to do so without going to jail even though they would still have the right to speak. Then everyone would be free.:D




I think I just fell into a time warp and landed in the 3rd grade again!!!!


Just curious, How does someone elses protests violate one of your rights as long as the protest is not violent?

[bobcat1]

Originally posted by Farmersfan
I think I just fell into a time warp and landed in the 3rd grade again!!!!


Just curious, How does someone elses protests violate one of your rights as long as the protest is not violent? It's disturbing my peace. ;) Why do you feel like you are in the 3rd grade? Shouldn't you be arguing with TXB about your love for Romo or something? :p

[PPHSfan]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
I disagree, PPHSFan---history shows that we have changed and amended our definition---yours and mine---of "freedom" many times since our founding. You are embracing an "idea"---I am dealing with a reality evolved over time.

I do my best not to get freedom and rights mixed up as well. Rights may be amended, freedom may not. Free speech is a freedom, not a right.

Now personally, I don't agree with getting riled up over these bozos. That's what gives them strength. We give them power when we acknowledge their presence. It's kind of the same power that the N word and the F word have. They're just words until we as a society give them power by making them taboo.

[mwrams]

So if a hearse accidentally runs over one of these A holes., am I supposed to feel bad or blame the US Supreme Court? As the father of a currently deployed US Soldier I have the right to ask this question. I may just start supporting homosexuals just to piss these idiots off!

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I do my best not to get freedom and rights mixed up as well. Rights may be amended, freedom may not. Free speech is a freedom, not a right.

Now personally, I don't agree with getting riled up over these bozos. That's what gives them strength. We give them power when we acknowledge their presence. It's kind of the same power that the N word and the F word have. They're just words until we as a society give them power by making them taboo.

I don't know if you consider Wiki to be a good reference source, but please note in following the references to "the right of freedom of speech":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech

[PPHSfan]

So let me ask you a question. Are you telling me that you're willing to give up your "right" to free speech in order to take their "right" away? I'm not trying to argue with you, I just want to be clear on your proposal.

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
So let me ask you a question. Are you telling me that you're willing to give up your "right" to free speech in order to take their "right" away? I'm not trying to argue with you, I just want to be clear on your proposal.

No, I'm telling you that my view of freedom is not so intractable as to prevent an amendment to the right of free speech to prevent radicals such as the Westboro Church from demonstrating at funerals in close proximity to grieving families. I don't believe that the amendment of such free speech rights will have anything but a positive effect when targeted at a very specific type of abhorrent behavior that the majority of Americans find reprehensible. If I lose my right to do this---I am fine with it.

[bobcat1]

I don't care what they say as long as it isn't at a fallen soldier's funeral. I take exception to that as any decent American should. I bet someday someone will take exception to their ignorant "speech" and one of those heartless jerks will be seriously hurt or worse.

[DDBooger]

Originally posted by bobcat1
I don't care what they say as long as it isn't at a fallen soldier's funeral. I take exception to that as any decent American should. I bet someday someone will take exception to their ignorant "speech" and one of those heartless jerks will be seriously hurt or worse. Dammit, they're trying to save you from homosexuality. God hates F@GS! :mad:

lol :D

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by DDBooger
Dammit, they're trying to save you from homosexuality. God hates F@GS! :mad:

lol :D

LMAO. Boog---You're killin' me.....:D

Hey, Bobcat---lay off the Westboro folks or Boog says we're going to be gay....:D

[Blastoderm55]

Kevin Smith's new movie will spoof the WBC.

Red State (http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/kevin-smiths-christian-fundamentalist-horror-movie-fuss/story?id=12745670&page=2)

[bobcat1]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
LMAO. Boog---You're killin' me.....:D

Hey, Bobcat---lay off the Westboro folks or Boog says we're going to be gay....:D Boogie Boy is just a libby. I found I was a lesbian the other day.:D

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by bobcat1
Boogie Boy is just a libby. I found I was a lesbian the other day.:D

Yea,unfortunately, me too---because I like only women...:D