I'm Just Sayin'

I am one of the most ardent protectors of our Constitution in that I believe the authors...those who drafted the Constitution,  knew exactly why they were drafting the Constitution and knew exactly what they were writing and did so in a very precise manner.  The result is a clear and sharply defined document. We need no interpretation of the Constitution or it's amendments . It doesn't need to be re-defined. Only those who have agenda that doesn't fit the Constitution's purpose challenge it's clarity. Now then...take a look at this.

On Oct. 31, 2007, a Baltimore federal jury awarded almost $11 million to the father of a Marine who was killed in Iraq. The judgement was against Westboro Baptist Church, a Topeka, Kansas based fundamentalist Christian organization. These "Christians" invaded the funeral of Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder by marching around waving signs with messages such as "THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS". The "churche's" position is that the deaths of our soldiers is punishment for our, America's, tolerance of homosexuality and of allowing gays in our military. So, these sick ass scumbags travel around the country attending military funerals...using the funerals as platforms for broadcasting  their message of god fearing intolerance. They also believe that disasters including Hurricane Katrina, the spread of AIDS and the September 11 attacks are retribution from god. The head prick, Fred W. Phelps,  founder of the "church" group, had also posted specific information about Cpl. Snyder on the group's web site. The marchers waved signs with the words "Semper Fi Fags" and two stick figures that appeared to be engaged in sodomy. Phelps, a retired attorney, said that his group did not intend to imply that Cpl Snyder was a homosexual, but were merely protesting the enlistment of homosexuals in our Military.

Cpl Snyder's father sued Phelps and his church on the grounds of invasion of privacy and that the actions of Phelps and his family were "highly offensive to a reasonable person". The jury agreed. Phelps had argued that the demonstration, which took place  about 1000 yards from the church where the funeral was being held, was completely legal. Quoting Fred Phelps, "It's (the verdict) going to be reversed in five minutes." This case "will elevate me to something important" as it has brought so much national attention. Guess what?...Phelps is correct on both counts. The verdict will likely be overturned and Phelps will benefit from all the publicity. As repugnant as the message these assholes expound is, they have a right to express their beliefs. The question is... have the Westboro Baptists violated the boundaries of the First Amendment? Our right to free speech "ends where another man's nose begins". The example we often use is that we can't holler "fire" in a crowded building if there is not a fire because people could be injured.  Was the demonstration the "Christians" staged so inflammatory towards those at the funeral, especially the family of Cpl. Snyder, that damage was inflicted upon those friends and family attending?

After the verdict, Sean Summers, one of Synder's attorneys,  said the lawsuit was not about money, it was about stopping Westboro.  I'm glad Summers made this statement after the trial was over. We don't have the Constitutional right to "stop Westboro" or any other person or group who wants to exercise free speech in America. We can only challenge their speech if others are damaged by that speech. Summers said about the appeal,  "We will chase them until they have nothing left."  In other words, Summers thinks the appeal will be successful and so intends to bankrupt Phelps and his loonies with legal expenses. I don't believe this is  the answer either. We can't make those with the most money the rulers of law and policy.

I despise Fred Phelps, his followers and his beliefs. I'll also defend their  right to express those beliefs. I don't know if Phelps crossed the line with the  demonstration that landed him in court,  my intent isn't to take sides in this specific battle, but to advocate adherence to the most valuable asset that we, as a country, own...our Constitution. Fred Phelps and his hate slinging 75 member church congregation are an example of the worst type prejudice possible....prejudices described and even mandated by the teachings of the Bible. All the prejudices these assholes preach have been given to them by their god. I'll say no more.