Could You Arrest the Westoro Idiots in Your State?

[Five-0]

Harassment is a minor misdomeanor here.

[Cidp24]

I wonder what what the authors of the Bill of Rights would think about WBC being protected by what they wrote? Would they say "Hey, wait, we didn't mean you can do that!" or would they agree with the decision?

One other thing - I'm sure you will recognize these words:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Even though they aren't part of the Bill of Rights, they do show the intent and desires of the Founding Fathers of this Country and the principles it was founded on.

What happens when right to liberty (WBC) clashes with the pursuit of happiness (having peace while mourning or being free from verbal offensiveness by others)? Is liberty not also freedom from verbal or emotional abuse? Sure, if WBC were demonstrating at some random location and a person disagrees, they can just walk away and not listen. A person cannot walk away from the funeral of a loved one or avoid driving by if WBC lines the route.

I don't have an answer, but there needs to be a way to have an equitable solution or middle ground for this that would allow peace for one side and the ability to express opinions for the other.

I actually agree with the SCOTUS decision, I uphold civil liberties, but I despise everything the WBC and any other hate-spouting group represents. It turns my stomach to agree with the decision in this particular case.

If the opportunity presented itself, I would use the laws that are on the books in my state, as i understand them and if applicable, to protect mourners from WBC. For that matter, I would use those laws to protect anyone from any type of abuse. Yes, that does mean that however unpleasant I would use the same laws to protect WBC from assault or injury. Let the SCOTUS figure it out later if it goes that far.

Freedom of speech... an explanation of how this does not apply has always been that "You can't yell "fire" in a crowded theater." Why not? Because it will cause an emotional response (fear/panic) from the people in the theater during which people might be injured or killed. Don't try to tell me that the same thing can't happen at a WBC protest.

[MacLean]

The constitution does not limit the citizenry, it limits government.

That'd be you. And me.

[Pudge]

I wonder what what the authors of the Bill of Rights would think about WBC being protected by what they wrote? Would they say "Hey, wait, we didn't mean you can do that!" or would they agree with the decision?

One other thing - I'm sure you will recognize these words:



Even though they aren't part of the Bill of Rights, they do show the intent and desires of the Founding Fathers of this Country and the principles it was founded on.

What happens when right to liberty (WBC) clashes with the pursuit of happiness (having peace while mourning or being free from verbal offensiveness by others)? Is liberty not also freedom from verbal or emotional abuse? Sure, if WBC were demonstrating at some random location and a person disagrees, they can just walk away and not listen. A person cannot walk away from the funeral of a loved one or avoid driving by if WBC lines the route.

I don't have an answer, but there needs to be a way to have an equitable solution or middle ground for this that would allow peace for one side and the ability to express opinions for the other.

I actually agree with the SCOTUS decision, I uphold civil liberties, but I despise everything the WBC and any other hate-spouting group represents. It turns my stomach to agree with the decision in this particular case.

If the opportunity presented itself, I would use the laws that are on the books in my state, as i understand them and if applicable, to protect mourners from WBC. For that matter, I would use those laws to protect anyone from any type of abuse. Yes, that does mean that however unpleasant I would use the same laws to protect WBC from assault or injury. Let the SCOTUS figure it out later if it goes that far.

Freedom of speech... an explanation of how this does not apply has always been that "You can't yell "fire" in a crowded theater." Why not? Because it will cause an emotional response (fear/panic) from the people in the theater during which people might be injured or killed. Don't try to tell me that the same thing can't happen at a WBC protest.

Very well said. Reps.

[MacLean]

I wouldn't shed a single tear if the entire WBC decided to suck start 12 Gauges.

I'm with you there. Also reps.

[Pudge]

I wouldn't shed a single tear if the entire WBC decided to suck start 12 Gauges.

I'm with you there. Also reps.

For sure. Aren't they overdue for some sort of pre-apocolyptic kool aid fest to beat the rapture?

[srab]

There is already a solution to the Westboro Baptists, and they are called the Patriot Guard. If you feel the burning need to "do something" either get on a bike or donate.

Second that. I would also go one step further and file for a Temporary Restraining Order, specifying the distance to keep back. Slam these morons in the media and every place they go. They are a freaking joke.

[Traffic Goddess]

I don't know if someone posted this idea or not....but, I was thinking about how marching bands and drum corps will occasionally use large fabric walls in their shows, usually for a uniform change, etc.
My idea would be to make a large banner like that, possibly with the words "America mourns with you" with persons posted every dozen feet or so with pvc piping to support it. These movable screens can easily be as long as a football field and tall enough to block any ignorant idiots with offensive signs.

Also, one of my facebook friends just posted all of the phone numbers for Westboro Church and the Phelps family home and cells....I think they've all been added to various telemarketing lists, from what I've read...

Frankly, I'm surprised that people aren't keeping them busy with phone calls to the local children and youth authorities in that area. From what I've read of one of the son's experiences, there is evidence of child abuse within that group. Story is here: Story - Nate Phelps Official Website