Westboro Scum to Protest in Newtown.

[Lestatnj]

Not surprised.

http://www.towleroad.com/2012/12/wes...ok-picket.html

There's a petition that has been started @ Whitehouse.gov to have these bastards LEGALLY declared a hate group. Go sign it.

[rareboy]

Their freedom of speech is as important as the rights for everyone to bear arms.

They are just itching for this lawsuit.

[jensu846]

I was wondering if they would show up, and its sounds like they are. fucking bastards. This will really get the attention of the US & the President and hopefully will get so many people against them that maybe, just maybe, they will be banned from ever doing this again.

[xbuzzerx]

Oh god what is it this time? The kids died because this is a hommersexxul nation?

[White Eagle]

I looked for that petition but couldn't find it.

[rareboy]

They are apparently going to celebrate the deaths as God's judgement.

[Rolyo85]

If ever I've wanted to go vigilante...

Personally, I believe the freedom of speech thing doesn't even apply here. Those people are clearly mentally ill and should be forcefully institutionalized...

[Stardreamer]

They quite literally a laughing stock if it weren't for the scenes they disgrace. However, this is the price we pay for free speech. Quite frankly they are nothing more than flies drawn to carrion of the world, there will always be such no matter what you do and it does more harm than good trying to swat them. The most effective means to deal with them is to ignore them.

[HorniLad89]

I think they are hilarious.

They're the worlds greatest trolls and should be given a comedy award for their efforts.

[Just_Believe18]

If ever I've wanted to go vigilante...

Personally, I believe the freedom of speech thing doesn't even apply here. Those people are clearly mentally ill and should be forcefully institutionalized...

No, the freedom of speech does apply here. They have a right to be the most detested people in this country for the filth they say. Just ignore them. No one is listening to them anyway.

[White Eagle]

I think the state police has it covered.
They just had a announcement. If ANYBODY does any kind of harassment to ANYONE will be prosecuted in the highest court of law.
I would assume that ANYBODY would include Westboro.

[Lestatnj]

I looked for that petition but couldn't find it.

Here it is


https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/pet...paign=shorturl

[Rolyo85]

No, the freedom of speech does apply here. They have a right to be the most detested people in this country for the filth they say. Just ignore them. No one is listening to them anyway.

You sure the people whose moments of tragedy they're defiling feel the same way?

[chance1]

No, the freedom of speech does apply here. They have a right to be the most detested people in this country for the filth they say. Just ignore them. No one is listening to them anyway.

it's great when people who believe what they believe are heard

it is the most effective means of people understanding what hate is - how real is can be

it serves to help

idiots who espouse shutting people up just don't get it - they'd rather yell at them and about them - and cloud the issue

let people hear everyone's truth

and make up their own mind

it's a winner for us

[Rolyo85]

it's great when people who believe what they believe are heard

it is the most effective means of people understanding what hate is - how real is can be

it serves to help

idiots who espouse shutting people up just don't get it - they'd rather yell at them and about them - and cloud the issue

let people hear everyone's truth

and make up their own mind

it's a winner for us

There's no truth in calling people names. As everyone who's ever read your posts knows.

[Just_Believe18]

You sure the people whose moments of tragedy they're defiling feel the same way?

I'm sure most of them don't, but the U.S. Constitution was never based off of the emotions and feelings of the present time. That is why we are a representative Republic and not a populist Democracy.

[chance1]

There's no truth in calling people names. As everyone who's ever read your posts knows.

you're the one who wants to take away free speech

which is HILARIOUS and IRONIC given your propensity

[White Eagle]

Here it is


https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/pet...paign=shorturl

Thanks, it's signed!!

[Just_Believe18]

^ Come on boys. You're making it personal again. Stick to the topic. Don't let the Westboro Baptist Church win if they get two gays fighting with each other over this topic.

[JayHawk]

I have no idea how a poster who is an american and on these forums could back Westboro...They are quite possibly the most disgraceful aspect of this nation. But some of us have nothing to do except play devils advocate no matter how it makes them look. That is the sad fact. I wish we would all simply come here and give voice to our actual ideas and then refine them among one another through vigorous debate.

It is ironic what I am about to say because this is the American response to everything. I am not advocating violence... or rather predicting it. However I doubt sincerely any Westboro folks will get near that town. They will be obstructed in every manner. SImilar to other places Police will fail to find cause to arrest those that obstruct these fucking animals.

[Rolyo85]

Don't wanna take away free speech. Just making the case it shouldn't be given to the mentally ill...

[White Eagle]

I have no idea how a poster who is an american and on these forums could back Westboro...They are quite possibly the most disgraceful aspect of this nation. But some of us have nothing to do except play devils advocate no matter how it makes them look. That is the sad fact. I wish we would all simply come here and give voice to our actual ideas and then refine them among one another through vigorous debate.

It is ironic what I am about to say because this is the American response to everything. I am not advocating violence... or rather predicting it. However I doubt sincerely any Westboro folks will get near that town. They will be obstructed in every manner. SImilar to other places Police will fail to find cause to arrest those that obstruct these fucking animals.

Let's wait and see what the State Police does when they show up.

[chance1]

^ Come on boys. You're making it personal again. Stick to the topic. Don't let the Westboro Baptist Church win if they get two gays fighting with each other over this topic.

a natural born referee

remember JB I was agreeing with YOU

YOUR position

so ..........

others here will crucify me for a position that is not only mine

Life in the zoo I guess

[Just_Believe18]

^ I know you were agreeing with me, but I don't agree with both you and Rolyo going at each other's throats for the 100th time over someone as despicable as Fred Phelps.

JayHawk, there's no need to swipe at my patriotism over Westboro. I am not defending what they do. I am defending the right of free speech which unfortunately protects them just as much as it protects us. Remember, this case has already been decided under Snyder vs. Phelps in a 8-1 decision in 2011. Only Justice Alito dissented. That's not a split court.

[Stardreamer]

Don't wanna take away free speech. Just making the case it shouldn't be given to the mentally ill...

The Soviets loved that particular line of reasoning by the way. They locked up quite a few people whose viewpoints they didn't like for being "mentally ill".

[chance1]

^ I know you were agreeing with me, but I don't agree with both you and Rolyo going at each other's throats for the 100th time over someone as despicable as Fred Phelps.

JayHawk, there's no need to swipe at my patriotism over Westboro. I am not defending what they do. I am defending the right of free speech which unfortunately protects them just as much as it protects us. Remember, this case has already been decided under Snyder vs. Phelps in a 8-1 decision in 2011. Only Justice Alito dissented. That's not a split court.

it's simple really

it's like during the republican primaries - santorum, bachman - got to talk - a lot - and a national audience that might never have seen/heard them - did

it's good

better to hear/see from the horse's mouth

this is the same

and it is part of our freedom

[JayHawk]

^ I know you were agreeing with me, but I don't agree with both you and Rolyo going at each other's throats for the 100th time over someone as despicable as Fred Phelps.

JayHawk, there's no need to swipe at my patriotism over Westboro. I am not defending what they do. I am defending the right of free speech which unfortunately protects them just as much as it protects us. Remember, this case has already been decided under Snyder vs. Phelps in a 8-1 decision in 2011. Only Justice Alito dissented. That's not a split court.

Right. However the people feel differently. I watched a Navy SEAL buried in my area here after he died in Afghanistan. As I stood and saluted his coffin I remained saluting the over 180 bikes that rode to prevent those fucktards from terrorizing the family that was grieving.

I have no doubt that will happen once more. And this has nothing to do with your patriotism. Nothing. it is an American oddity and it is an American disgrace. I simply do not find any excuse for defending the actions of these animals. And OTHER people with freedom of will and freedom of speech will make their presences known as well. Somewhere between the Westboro idiots and the families.

[Just_Believe18]

^ Yes, they are horrible people. However, other people can exercise their freedom of speech too like those bikers in preventing Westboro from moving close enough to disrupt such a funeral.

[chance1]

you don't get to pick the speech you allow

[opinterph]

let people hear everyone's truth

and make up their own mind

it's a winner for us

Does “simple common sense and decency” apply to this circumstance?

[chance1]

Does “simple common sense and decency” apply to this circumstance?

how would one apply that

i think this group sucks

and it's likely that if i encountered them, i might get physical

which wouldn't make it right - it would be how i feel

but that's my heart - not my head

as much as i agree with "simple common sense and decency" it's a slippery slope to apply

[JayHawk]

Does “simple common sense and decency” apply to this circumstance?

I think the courts failed us as a people. I believe this behavior is emotional terrorism on the families in grief for no reasonable gain. They do have the right to say whatever filthy repulsive content they want but they do not have the right to terrorize.

I wonder did the courts ever rules for the mistreatment of slaves? Did they ever rule that homosexuals are second class citizens or rather not overturn laws that made that sort of thing effective?

The SCOTUS is fallible.

[alphaxxx]

It would be better if these people just 'disappeared'.

These idiots just push the limits of free speech too far.

[Rolyo85]

I don't buy the "slippery slope" argument the Right loves to apply to any cause they're against (dog marriage anyone?). I believe people are actually rational and saying "you can't verbally abuse people at a funeral" will NOT lead to "you are not allowed to speak against the Dear Leader"...

Free speech should not be an excuse for abuse.

[chance1]

I don't buy the "slippery slope" argument the Right loves to apply to any cause they're against (dog marriage anyone?). I believe people are actually rational and saying "you can't verbally abuse people at a funeral" will NOT lead to "you are not allowed to speak against the Dear Leader"...

Free speech should not be an excuse for abuse.

this isn't a right left thing

and the ACLU would prob. be the lead in protecting this group's right to speak

so please stop embarrassing yourself with the reflexive attack on the right

save it for the real deal

too much outrage is no outrage

[Rolyo85]

Blah blah blah. The argument is not partisan. However, the "slippery slope" argument is definitely a right-wing thing which I rarely - if ever - see from the left.

And let them have their right to free speech. I just don't see why they should be allowed to exercise it within hearing range of a funeral.

[chance1]

Blah blah blah. The argument is not partisan. However, the "slippery slope" argument is definitely a right-wing thing which I rarely - if ever - see from the left.

And let them have their right to free speech. I just don't see why they should be allowed to exercise it within hearing range of a funeral.

as jack and mister majestic have suggested

and i concur

u need to get out (of your vacuum) more often

i agree with u it sucks - everyone agrees it sucks

its public property

it sucks

but the concept of freedom of speech trumps it

[FuryOfFirestorm]

They're not going to show. WBC has gotten lazy with their trolling lately.

Phelps & Co. claimed they were going to protest at Whitney Houston's funeral, then never showed (not like they would have gotten past all the security at the funeral anyway)

If they're smart, they will stay away. There will be a lot of sad and angry parents mourning their children, and WBC might end up pushing a few to beat the living shit out of them. (which is what they hope to accomplish so they can sue everyone in a 10 mile radius for a sweet court settlement).

[palbert]

I wonder what an IRS examination of their tax exempt status would reveal.

[Lestatnj]

I wonder what an IRS examination of their tax exempt status would reveal.

One of the better ideas I've read today, along with placing them on the "No Fly List"

[Rolyo85]

as jack and mister majestic have suggested

and i concur

u need to get out (of your vacuum) more often

i agree with u it sucks - everyone agrees it sucks

its public property

it sucks

but the concept of freedom of speech trumps it

Feel free to agree with whoever. That is certainly your prerogative. And if the concept of freedom of speech trumps protection from abuse when people are at their most vulnerable, then the concept of freedom of speech is deeply flawed and need to be reexamined.

[Just_Believe18]

^ Nope, it's not flawed. It is our 1st, and most important Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. It is perhaps one of the greatest and most powerful laws ever created to protect the freedoms and liberties of the American people in a historical world where governments have always sought to subjugate and oppress the speech and expression of its people to protect its interests and "moral fortitude."

You are entitled to your opinion and to express your frustrations of emotions and feelings over a raw subject as this. However, there have been generations of scholars, soldiers, educators, lawyers, presidents, judges, and historians that have defended and sworn to the absolute necessity of the 1st Amendment.

[chance1]

there is no reasonable alternative

as the basis by which "someone" - and who might that be

could determine which speech is appropriate and which isn't

would be unmanageable and fraught with danger

[palbert]

there is no reasonable alternative

as the basis by which "someone" - and who might that be

could determine which speech is appropriate and which isn't

would be unmanageable and fraught with danger

Their Constitutional right to free speech does not require it to be in a particularly painful location. One has the right to speak. The Constitution says no more.

[Rolyo85]

I would say that when you are having a funeral, YOU are the one who should be the absolute authority on what's allowed and what isn't on the funeral YOU are having.

[White Eagle]

These ignorant sons of bitches need to be shut up forever. However or whatever it takes to do it. There is no place for this kind of vile to be compared to any thing that normal people strive to live in this world.

[White Eagle]

I wonder what an IRS examination of their tax exempt status would reveal.

I like that, thanks.

[chrisrobin]

FREE ADVICE TO THE MEDIA:
Turn off your cameras. Turn off your microphones. Go home. Go hug your kids.

MESSAGE TO WESTBORO:
We're not gonna take it
Never did and never will
Don't want no religion
And as far as we can tell
We ain't gonna take you
Never did and never will
We're not gonna take you
We forsake you
Gonna rape you
Let's forget you better still.
Tommy - The Who

Someone may have the right to "free" speech, but I have the right to not listen. Case closed.

[White Eagle]

FREE ADVICE TO THE MEDIA:
Turn off your cameras. Turn off your microphones. Go home. Go hug your kids.

MESSAGE TO WESTBORO:
We're not gonna take it
Never did and never will
Don't want no religion
And as far as we can tell
We ain't gonna take you
Never did and never will
We're not gonna take you
We forsake you
Gonna rape you
Let's forget you better still.
Tommy - The Who

Someone may have the right to "free" speech, but I have the right to not listen. Case closed.

"This" is why I like you!!!! Thanks.

[bike10]

The Westboro Cult of Indreeders.