Originally posted by Mišt
It would be funny if they died and no one turned up to their funerals😐'God is punishing them for going to war..'
Yeah, how about all the preachers go to Iraq and ask nicely if the war will stop, Ill bet that'll work 😐
I was a medic in Iraq, and I treated 3 preachers who were shot in an ambush... They were doing missionary work, with no security... They had to be insane.
Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by BackFire
http://www.thatvideosite.com/view/2178.htmlStunning, just stunning.
As soon as I think people can't get any more idiotic, I am proven wrong.
Thankfully the government stepped in and banned this type of conduct within 500 feet of the funerals. Some might say that doing that goes against free speech.
And people wonder why religion get's so much bad publicity, it's because of people like this that validates so many peoples distain for religions and their followers.
Re: Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by badabing
Protesting funerals is an abhorant display. I don't care what you believe, let people grieve, honor and pray for their fallen friends and family.
Well said. Show these fallen heroes and their loved one some dignity, and save your juvenile b*tching and moaning for Oprah.
Re: Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by badabing
Protesting funerals is an abhorant display. I don't care what you believe, let people grieve, honor and pray for their fallen friends and family.
It is the nature of a protest to be a public expression of dissent with the intention of influencing public opinion or government policy; a protest is supposed to be effective, not necessarily polite.
Re: Re: Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
It is the nature of a protest to be a public expression of dissent with the intention of influencing public opinion or government policy; a protest is supposed to be effective, not necessarily polite.
Re: Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by badabing
Protesting funerals is an abhorant display. I don't care what you believe, let people grieve, honor and pray for their fallen friends and family.
Damn straight. Those idiots have no right doing what they did. And to the people who support them, I really couldn't care less for you, you could die and I wouldn't flinch. Some people are just... idiots. Plain and simple.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by badabing
These people aren't accomplishing anything. The funeral protests are crossing the line into hate speech, which isn't protected under the Constitution. And speaking of rights, what about the rights of people grieving for fallen soldiers?
Now for a video especially for Adam Poe.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X8Nc8RCLy1s&search=he%20man
To quote Lili S. Lutgens regarding the constitutionality of the Kentucky Funeral Protest Band, "The commonwealth simply cannot prohibit free expression because it doesn't like certain activities, nor can it suppress the speech of groups or individuals because it doesn't like the message."
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Protesting Funerals of Dead Soldiers.
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
To quote Lili S. Lutgens regarding the constitutionality of the Kentucky Funeral Protest Band, "The commonwealth simply cannot prohibit free expression because it doesn't like certain activities, nor can it suppress the speech of groups or individuals because it doesn't like the message."
(AP) MADISON Gov. Jim Doyle signed legislation Monday banning protests at funerals in Wisconsin, calling it shameful to see picketers at the memorials of fallen soldiers.
Wisconsin is among more than a dozen states that have considered similar legislation following a series of protests by members of a Topeka, Kan.-based church. The church's followers believe soldiers' deaths are God's vengeance for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
South Dakota's governor signed legislation banning protests at funerals last week.
Wisconsin's ban criminalizes protests that take place within 500 feet of a funeral one hour before or after the service.
It applies to protests within 500 feet of the entrance of a memorial service or a funeral. First-time violators face up to
$10,000 in fines and nine months in jail. A second offense could bring up to a 3 1/2-year jail term.
Some have questioned whether the measure is constitutional. But Doyle said he believes the law strikes a balance between First Amendment rights and the need to allow families to grieve in private.
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Maryland may join a growing number of states to put limits on protests at military funerals amid fears that a conservative church group from Kansas may target funerals with anti-gay picketing.
The bill, to be considered by a state legislative committee Friday, would make Maryland at least the 15th state to regulate funeral protests in response to the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, which believes American military deaths are God's retribution for tolerance of gay people. Church members have publicly given thanks for soldiers' deaths at military funerals, raising calls to regulate the protests.
"We shouldn't have to subject any family to this," said Democratic Delegate Mary-Dulany James, who sponsored the bill. "I'm stunned anybody would do that when people are grieving."
The measure would ban protests at funerals within an hour before they start. It would also make it a crime to obstruct mourners from funerals or burials. Violations would be misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 (euro842) fine.
WASHINGTON -- The House voted Tuesday to restrict demonstrations at military funerals, a measure aimed at a Kansas church group that has carried its anti-gay message to the last rites for those killed in Iraq.
"We will not allow the repugnant acts of a few to define who we are as Americans," said Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer, R-Ind., before the 408-3 vote on the "Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act." Buyer spoke at a news conference joined by motorcyclists who attend military funerals to shield families from the anti-gay protesters.
Protesters, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kan., claim that U.S. military deaths in Iraq are a sign of divine punishment for America's tolerance of homosexuals.
Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., chief sponsor of the bill, said he took up the issue after attending a military funeral in his home state where mourners where greeted by "chants and taunting and some of the most vile things I have ever heard."
Under the legislation, unapproved demonstrations would be banned at Arlington National Cemetery and other federal burial grounds. It also bars protests within 500 feet of a military cemetery from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral if those protests involve disruptive noises or other disturbances.
Those violating the act, which still needs Senate approval, would face up to a $100,000 fine and up to a year in prison.
The measure urges states to pass similar legislation to cover nonfederal cemeteries. More than a dozen states are considering laws aimed at funeral protesters.
Originally posted by badabing
Like I said, hate speech isn't protected. That's one person's interpretation.
Wrong; there are no laws restricting "hate speech" in the United States, the exception being California, which recognizes hate speech as protected speech in public but allows an employer to lawfully terminate an employee who uses hate speech in the workplace.
Moreover, to quote ACLU legal director, Anthony Rothert, "This law really was made to silence a particular group, and I'm able to see that that's dangerous. It may be a group that I disagree with that the government is trying to silence today, but it could be a group that I agree with tomorrow."
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
Wrong; there are no laws restricting "hate speech" in the United States, the exception being California, which recognizes hate speech as protected speech in public but allows an employer to lawfully terminate an employee who uses hate speech in the workplace.Moreover, to quote ACLU legal director, Anthony Rothert, "This law really was made to silence a particular group, and I'm able to see that that's dangerous. It may be a group that I disagree with that the government is trying to silence today, but it could be a group that I agree with tomorrow."
The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act is an Act of Congress, enacted on May 29, 2006. It prohibits protests within 300 feet of the entrance of a cemetery from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. Penalties for violating the act are up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.
The Act was sponsored by Rep. Mike J. Rogers, a Republican from Michigan. It was introduced in large part to combat the campaign by Fred Phelps from the Westboro Baptist Church, of Topeka, Kansas. Phelps and his supporters regularly demonstrated at the funerals of American soldiers who lost their lives in the war in Iraq.
"Families deserve the time to bury their American heroes with dignity and in peace," Rogers said. "It saddens me that such a law is necessary, but it is crucial that America put its arms around these grieving families and say ‘we support you and thank you for the sacrifice your loved one has made for our nation’ and that we will do what it takes to protect your right to mourn in quiet peace and with dignity."
Originally posted by badabing
Yeah, and again, there is no Constitutional protection for hate speech. It's up to voters, representatives and the Congress to determine the type of speech that is acceptable and the type which is harmful or hate speech. So, per my articles, there are laws in the works to ban this type of hate speech. Freedom of Speech is not a license to bring disruption to law and order. As for the ACLU, they were founded by a noted Communist. I don't put any merit to their opinions.The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act is an Act of Congress, enacted on May 29, 2006. It prohibits protests within 300 feet of the entrance of a cemetery from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. Penalties for violating the act are up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.
The Act was sponsored by Rep. Mike J. Rogers, a Republican from Michigan. It was introduced in large part to combat the campaign by Fred Phelps from the Westboro Baptist Church, of Topeka, Kansas. Phelps and his supporters regularly demonstrated at the funerals of American soldiers who lost their lives in the war in Iraq.
"Families deserve the time to bury their American heroes with dignity and in peace," Rogers said. "It saddens me that such a law is necessary, but it is crucial that America put its arms around these grieving families and say ‘we support you and thank you for the sacrifice your loved one has made for our nation’ and that we will do what it takes to protect your right to mourn in quiet peace and with dignity."
Freedom of Speech is guaranteed to every American by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. It is not granted by popular vote, Congressional legislation, or otherwise. This includes unpopular and hate speech. Even California, the only state with a law restricting hate speech, recognizes that it is protected speech under the First Amendment. The laws that you referenced are unconstitutional and will be overturned.
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
Freedom of Speech is guaranteed to every American by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. It is not granted by popular vote, Congressional legislation, or otherwise. This includes unpopular and hate speech. Even California, the only state with a law restricting hate speech, recognizes that it is protected speech under the First Amendment. The laws that you referenced are unconstitutional and will be overturned.
Originally posted by badabing
When protests, rallies or hate speech impede on the privacy, well being or quality of life for others, Congress and voters have the right to set statutes, laws or restrictions on said actions. I've already shown you the laws which will set restrictions on such protests. They will still have their extreme religious protests (FYI, I'm a Reagan Conservative), just not in front of the grieving families and friends. As far as overturning, a 408 to 3 vote for the law says otherwise. The Supreme Court will never overturn a law with such overwhelming support from the People via the elected Congress. The People have spoken.
The Supreme Court routinely overturns laws that are unconstitutional despite popular opinion, e.g. 72% of Americans supported anti miscegenay laws when the United States Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional in 1967.
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
The Supreme Court routinely overturns laws that are unconstitutional despite popular opinion, e.g. 72% of Americans supported anti miscegenay laws when the United States Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional in 1967.
Originally posted by PVS
funny how now its all of the sudden a priority. meanwhile where was the urgency in stopping assholes from "practicing their right to free speech" by going to a gay guy's funeral with signs like "burn in hell f@ggot" etc?dont get me wrong, im glad something is being done, but i just find it sad that troop support is the only motivation to stop people from desecrating a funeral.
Originally posted by BackFire
http://www.thatvideosite.com/view/2178.htmlStunning, just stunning.
As soon as I think people can't get any more idiotic, I am proven wrong.
Thankfully the government stepped in and banned this type of conduct within 500 feet of the funerals. Some might say that doing that goes against free speech.
And people wonder why religion get's so much bad publicity, it's because of people like this that validates so many peoples distain for religions and their followers.
Lets not forget that this was some little barmy church made up mostly of one family and they hated all other versions of Christianity and Religion in general...
Who was the man who came on in the middle of her talking?