View Full Version : Justices Rule for Protesters at Military Funerals
I don't care if the have the right to free speech, but this absolutely pisses me off. I have a feeling Westboro Church is going down...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/us/03scotus.html?_r=1&hp
Man...I'm standing by my prediction that one of these days...the truth will filter-out...
I'm tellin' ya', "Fred Phelps is an in-the-closet wad-gobbler."
http://blog.georgetownvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/westboro-signs.jpg
CrufflerSteve
03-02-2011, 12:21
The whole frigging church is his family! It just shows the dangers of inbreeding. I hope Anonymous or 4chan or some such hacking group takes an interest in them. There has to be some dirt behind their closed doors.
Steve
Anonymous apparently already has.
2008f450
03-02-2011, 12:56
So is my 1st amendment protected if I take a large box van to the funeral with mirrors on the side and a sign painted "God hates stupid people". I would park it in front of these freaking morons.
ghettodub
03-02-2011, 12:59
If you do that, i'm going with ya [Tooth]
Westboro is a scam. I can't find the relevant link now, but essentially they are all lawyers. They make grandiose announcements of their arrival at an event in advance, then they show up for 30 minutes and try to provoke someone into hitting them. Once that happens, they sue: they sue the attacker, the police, the land owner, anyone and everyone. If no one takes the bait they pack up and move to the next location. Reportedly someone sits in their mini-van(s) recording for proof in case an altercation happens.
They are trolls, and like all trolls, are best ignored.
H.
2008f450
03-02-2011, 13:02
If you do that, i'm going with ya [Tooth]
Come along. Im thinking of putting speakers on it too. Just have to figure out what to play and how loud [Twist]
KevDen2005
03-02-2011, 13:30
Westboro is a scam. I can't find the relevant link now, but essentially they are all lawyers. They make grandiose announcements of their arrival at an event in advance, then they show up for 30 minutes and try to provoke someone into hitting them. Once that happens, they sue: they sue the attacker, the police, the land owner, anyone and everyone. If no one takes the bait they pack up and move to the next location. Reportedly someone sits in their mini-van(s) recording for proof in case an altercation happens.
They are trolls, and like all trolls, are best ignored.
H.
Not doubting ya, but can you post some links to what you have found, I would love to pass that info onto everyone?
clublights
03-02-2011, 13:31
Come along. Im thinking of putting speakers on it too. Just have to figure out what to play and how loud [Twist]
AC/DC Dirty Deeds.
nvm, don't want to stir the pot.
ghettodub
03-02-2011, 13:44
Come along. Im thinking of putting speakers on it too. Just have to figure out what to play and how loud [Twist]
My vote is for Slayer [Muaha]
My vote is for Slayer [Muaha]
Naw, only one way to go,, The Sex Pistols, The early stuff.
Byte Stryke
03-02-2011, 13:48
My vote is for Slayer [Muaha]
Naw, only one way to go,, The Sex Pistols, The early stuff.
Some early black flag
if its insisted that it be earlier... GWAR
Just have the color guard aim directly at them for the 21 gun salute! (and give them live rounds!!!)
I'm sure more google-fu would turn up more results, but:
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/01/09/westboro-baptist-founders-daughter-sues-st-joseph/
http://kanewj.com/wbc/
Second one is missing citations, so...
Also, re: WBC vs. Anonymous, they had a live debate between someone representing Anon and someone from WBC, during which WBC's sites were hacked as the interview happened.
OZJwSjor4hM
H.
bellavite1
03-02-2011, 14:58
Marilyn Manson should get them running...
CrufflerSteve
03-02-2011, 15:02
Anything by Motorhead, especially their many songs about religion. I favor 'God Was Never On Your Side' and 'Orgasmatron'.
Maybe next time they come to Colorado to be vile, we could have a meeting there doing stuff that won't get us arrested or sued.
Question for legal types, could I get in trouble with a sign that says: "G-D Hates the Inbred Cretins of Westboro Baptist Church'? Actually, I think it could be the height of arrogance to say such stuff implying the creator keeps me informed.
Maybe wear Motorhead t-shirts with a sign" 'Satan Loves the Inbred Cretins of Westboro Baptist Church'. I have some spare t-shirts I can loan out.
Steve
ghettodub
03-02-2011, 15:04
Anything by Motorhead, especially their many songs about religion. I favor 'God Was Never On Your Side' and 'Orgasmatron'.
Maybe next time they come to Colorado to be vile, we could have a meeting there doing stuff that won't get us arrested or sued.
Question for legal types, could I get in trouble with a sign that says: "G-D Hates the Inbred Cretins of Westboro Baptist Church'? Actually, I think it could be the height of arrogance to say such stuff implying the creator keeps me informed.
Maybe wear Motorhead t-shirts with a sign" 'Satan Loves the Inbred Cretins of Westboro Baptist Church'. I have some spare t-shirts I can loan out.
Steve
Count me in!
2008f450
03-02-2011, 15:23
I was thinking "Im so bad" by Motorhead "raining blood" by Slayer on a constant loop. Very loud[Muaha]
And I do have access to an old U-haul box truck to use.
CrufflerSteve
03-02-2011, 15:59
Don't forget these cretins target military funerals. This is a terrible day for the family & friends of the soldier and I'd rather be boiled in oil than contribute to their sorrow. At such events any action we'd take would need to be dignified, at least within sight or hearing of the funeral party.
If they are here just to be general assholes - bring it all out. They do other stuff. I remember seeing them on Academy in Colo Spgs years ago waving their disgusting signs.
Is there some site that tracks their movements? I'd assume they are public about it since they'd be nothing without all the notice.
Steve
Even though I'm against everything the Westboro Church stands for. I applaud the recent Supreme Court decision in favor of the Church.
It is a great day for free speech, the right to protest and the sacred protection of our First Admendment Rights as free individual's in the United States of America.
Foofighter's forever,
Erno
CrufflerSteve
03-02-2011, 16:31
Even though I'm against everything the Westboro Church stands for. I applaud the recent Supreme Court decision in favor of the Church.
It is a great day for free speech, the right to protest and the sacred protection of our First Admendment Rights as free individual's in the United States of America.
Foofighter's forever,
Erno
Yep. I agree. They are loathsome & disgusting but free speech is not the same as popular speech. I was afraid they would find against them since they are so beyond anything good. I read the transcripts of the Supreme court case. It was actually argued by one of the Phelps. The justices were working really hard to give her good arguments, but being an inbred cretin, she kept missing them and they had to make her case for her.
Foofighters are great also. So is Probot.
Steve
ghettodub
03-02-2011, 16:33
Is there some site that tracks their movements? I'd assume they are public about it since they'd be nothing without all the notice.
Steve
They post their protest schedule on their website
Yep. I agree. They are loathsome & disgusting but free speech is not the same as popular speech. I was afraid they would find against them since they are so beyond anything good. I read the transcripts of the Supreme court case. It was actually argued by one of the Phelps. The justices were working really hard to give her good arguments, but being an inbred cretin, she kept missing them and they had to make her case for her.
Foofighters are great also. So is Probot.
Steve
Even though I love the Foo Fighters as a band, I'm talking foofighters: as in UFO's.
Thanks, and I'll check out Probot's music as well.
Erno
Even though I'm against everything the Westboro Church stands for. I applaud the recent Supreme Court decision in favor of the Church.
It is a great day for free speech, the right to protest and the sacred protection of our First Admendment Rights as free individual's in the United States of America.
Foofighter's forever,
Erno
So do I but let's put a buffer between the protesters and the grieving families. I'd also love to see them run over with a steam roller but that's another issue all together.
Scanker19
03-02-2011, 18:21
So do I but let's put a buffer between the protesters and the grieving families. I'd also love to see them run over with a steam roller but that's another issue all together.
But where would it stop. I hate it just as much as anyone else does, but seriously if we don't' let them preach their bullshit how do we determine who gets to? Free speech is about not liking what some one is saying, and them not being able to do anything about it. Next anytime someone disagrees with the populace there would be buffers or limits.
Lets talk about another amendment. The 2nd how often have they said its a right but owning hi-cap magazines isn't. You can own guns after you fill out a FOID card. These are all too real. Soon the First will be circumvented at every opportunity unless assholes like these clowns are allowed to say what they feel.
However comma,
people should be accountable for their actions, and not just legally. If you decide to protest a funeral and some grief stricken dad or mother plows you and your inbred, cousin fucking, (other horrible names) asses over with their car, well that's the prize you win for playing.
This can be applied to anything robbery, carjacking. Your choices will catch up to you one day, and hopefully posting their protest schedule on their website will expedite that catching up. Then maybe their van with the camera will catch it on tape and we can all laugh at it when it ends up on Tosh.0
I agree with ERNO as well.
but I think one day they will push someone too far.
Rock music? Really guys?
The most offensive would to have a Gay Pride Parade where every one is holding, "God hates Lawyers" signs. I'd play gay for a day for that.
Naw, only one way to go,, The Sex Pistols, The early stuff.
Cheers....Throw in some Exploited, Black Flag, Dead Kennedy's and its a done deal.....
[Beer]
Bailey Guns
03-02-2011, 21:46
Well...I don't buy the freedom of speech angle on this issue and agree with the dissent written by Alito.
What these scumbags do is nothing more than harassment. If they just picked random places to hold their "protests", no problem. These people are going out of their way to torment and inflict emotional distress on the members of fallen soldier's family and friends. I don't see a free speech protection in this at all. I think the SCOTUS dropped the ball on this.
Well...I don't buy the freedom of speech angle on this issue and agree with the dissent written by Alito.
What these scumbags do is nothing more than harassment. If they just picked random places to hold their "protests", no problem. These people are going out of their way to torment and inflict emotional distress on the members of fallen soldier's family and friends. I don't see a free speech protection in this at all. I think the SCOTUS dropped the ball on this.
+1
Have to agree with Bailey on this one, I don't see how a funeral is a location where a political statement type thing can be said. Just pure and simple rude harassment. They can stand in front of the white house, capitol, bank office building or even .mil recruiter, but a funeral is not such a place. They are their to offend, only offend.
I believe they are more interested in suing a family of a deceased person who looses it and hits them, far more than making a statement.
Its free speech, like it or not. That is how the USA works. If they get denied the right to do it, they will just bitch and moan about infringement of freedoms, the same way gun owners do whenever a gun bill is introduced. Round and round it goes.
I will preface by saying, I think Westboro is (are?) despicable for what they are doing.
The problem is, they are covered by the same Constitution we hold dear. If we don't allow them their first amendment right, should we be entitled to our second amendment right?
Now, if I hear of a funeral here in CO they are attending, I will show up in full force with my motorcycle and all my buddies and anyone I can get ahold of to sit between them and the funeral and rev the shit out of our engines so they can't be heard.
Free speech is one thing, harassment is another. If it was the Westboro Law Firm, there would be no question. Throw in the word church and everything changes.
Protesting at funerals (anyones funeral) is just reprehensible.
Some people here have mainstream musical tastes. [Neene3] My pick would be Ministry "Stigmata". Preferably the live version. Second would be John Zorn's "Sweat, Sperm + Blood".
In all seriousness, if the WBC was met with this kind of response more often, I doubt they would protest for long.
dZ1G0K46qLk
I will preface by saying, I think Westboro is (are?) despicable for what they are doing.
The problem is, they are covered by the same Constitution we hold dear. If we don't allow them their first amendment right, should we be entitled to our second amendment right?
Now, if I hear of a funeral here in CO they are attending, I will show up in full force with my motorcycle and all my buddies and anyone I can get ahold of to sit between them and the funeral and rev the shit out of our engines so they can't be heard.
said it better than I can. and you nailed it on the head.
are they fucked up? yes
are they allowed to be fucked up? yes
america, fuck yeah.
Free speech is one thing, harassment is another.
I agree that it is harassment, but its a hard line to draw. Where do we draw the limit?
FireMoth
03-03-2011, 03:59
the answer is simple: Some ones constitutional right ro freedom of speech and freedom of assembly is being marginalized...
...because if the soldiers and their families and other friends of the fallen showed up outside of these assholes churches every Sunday to call them soul peddling fear mongering fuck tard ass holes at the top of their lungs, they would be charged with harassment and menacing, because its a fucking church.
So, there is freedom of speech. constitutionally protected for those with imaginary friends they all gather to play with.
I guess the souls of the fallen don't get that respect.
I am all in favor of free speech for EVERYONE. No just those who conduct themselves poorly.
Now, even as an atheist, i think its a clear cut case of religious persecution. Burial ceremonies are a SACRED RELIGIOUS RIGHT to ensure the passing of the soul into paradise.
The church freaks are using their religious beliefs to persecute some one else's, and they are not being held accountable for it.
I say we see how far they want to take this free speech thing. If they can scream at the families of the fallen that their sons and daughters were evil murderers, then i can sit on the steps of the church and scream that the people inside are all child molesting, baby raping cannibal perverts. Cause that's my constitutional right.
Some day some one will explain to me how we can simultaneously have freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion, as well as laws against libel, slander, harassment, and menacing.
That's like saying i have the freedom to walk where ever i want.. as long as i stay on the side walk, and obey all the crossing gourds....
Bailey Guns
03-03-2011, 05:38
Rights are not absolute. We know that. These people are infringing on the rights of grieving families. I still don't buy the free speech argument.
Alito's first few statements sum this up for me very succintly:
I
Respondents and other members of their church have
strong opinions on certain moral, religious, and political issues, and the First Amendment ensures that they have almost limitless opportunities to express their views. They may write and distribute books, articles, and other texts; they may create and disseminate video and audio recordings; they may circulate petitions; they may speak to individuals and groups in public forums and in any private venue that wishes to accommodate them; they may picket peacefully in countless locations; they may appear on television and speak on the radio; they may post messages on the Internet and send out e-mails. And they may express their views in terms that are “uninhibited,” “vehement,” and “caustic.” New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U. S. 254, 270 (1964).
It does not follow, however, that they may intentionally inflict severe emotional injury on private persons at a time of intense emotional sensitivity by launching vicious verbal attacks that make no contribution to public debate. To protect against such injury, “most if not all jurisdictions” permit recovery in tort for the intentional infliction of emotional distress (or IIED). Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell, 485 U. S. 46, 53 (1988).
Bailey Guns
03-03-2011, 05:42
BTW: The actual opinion can be found HERE (http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-751.pdf). Alito's dissent begins on page 23. If you haven't read it, you should.
In my opinion his arguments (in dissent) are, as usual, well thought out, reasoned, easy to understand for the layman and hard to dispute.
I say we see how far they want to take this free speech thing. If they can scream at the families of the fallen that their sons and daughters were evil murderers, then i can sit on the steps of the church and scream that the people inside are all child molesting, baby raping cannibal perverts. Cause that's my constitutional right.
I'll go with you.
^
|
I'd be shocked if that isn't already going on 24x7
Don't forget these cretins target military funerals. This is a terrible day for the family & friends of the soldier and I'd rather be boiled in oil than contribute to their sorrow. At such events any action we'd take would need to be dignified, at least within sight or hearing of the funeral party.
If they are here just to be general assholes - bring it all out. They do other stuff. I remember seeing them on Academy in Colo Spgs years ago waving their disgusting signs.
Is there some site that tracks their movements? I'd assume they are public about it since they'd be nothing without all the notice.
Steve
Support the Patriot Guard Riders (http://www.coloradopgr.org/). They help shield the families from these asshats....
..and drown out their silly protests with motorcycle exhaust...
Byte Stryke
03-03-2011, 12:33
Support the Patriot Guard Riders (http://www.coloradopgr.org/). They help shield the families from these asshats....
..and drown out their silly protests with motorcycle exhaust...
I've found the Colorado chapter poorly organized and rather dysfunctional.
I joined last year (early 2010) and I am still waiting for my account to be activated.
CrufflerSteve
03-03-2011, 12:40
I've also tried to get to the asshats' site, creatively called www.godhatesfags.com. I don't know if it is down, overloaded or every hacker is attacking it but I can't reach it. I'd be willing to take some time off from work if they are in the area to do my bit for decency & respect.
Steve
I've also tried to get to the asshats' site, creatively called www.godhatesfags.com (http://www.godhatesfags.com). I don't know if it is down, overloaded or every hacker is attacking it but I can't reach it. I'd be willing to take some time off from work if they are in the area to do my bit for decency & respect.
Steve
My bet is the site is being hammered by people wanting to get messages to them telling them to stop their douchebaggery
then add hackers trying to hit them with DoS attacks
I've also tried to get to the asshats' site, creatively called www.godhatesfags.com (http://www.godhatesfags.com). I don't know if it is down, overloaded or every hacker is attacking it but I can't reach it. I'd be willing to take some time off from work if they are in the area to do my bit for decency & respect.
Steve
They have all been hacked.
The WSC is a family of lawyers. They pick the most sacred/solemn time for a grieving family. They post their schedule so the media and opposition will be there. They may/may not show up with their dog and pony show. All the time under the threat of suing anybody who touches, assaults or otherwise intimidates them.
This isn't a religious protest for free speech. This is a group of scum bag lawyers looking for a payday. They know how to play the game and are exploiting that.
When I lived in OH the KKK would get a permit to rally on city property every year. Everyone went berzerk. Media covered every move. Counter demonstrations were organized. Barriers were set up.
The day of the event a few gap toothed knuckle draggers showed up with confederate battle flags and white sheets. Of course the had fatigues on underneath. They taunted the counter demonstrators and screamed their rhetoric.
I really feel they just wanted attention more than getting their word out.
NYT EDITORIALS, Thurs., March 3 2011-"A dissent by Justice Samuel Alito Jr. underscored the wounding nature of the Westboro group's words. He wrote that he would not have protected what seemed to him a 'vicious verbal assault' on the Snyders.
Justice Stephen Breyer, who otherwise joined the majority, filed a concurance to make sure the dissent is not written off as a jeremaid. 'As I understand the court's opinion,' he said, 'it does not hold or imply that the state is always powerless to to provide private individuals with necessary protection.'
The Roberts opinion takes on added meaning in light of the other two. 'Speech is powerful,' the chief justice observed. 'It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and-as it did hear-inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.
In the kind of incisive language he is capable of when he cares about the legal principle at stake. Chief Justice Roberts described the effects of words wielded as weapons against individuals, while arguing that even deeply flawed ideas must be defended because they are part of the public debate on which this country depends."
Oh, I almost forgot, for my special song, in counter protest, to the WBC group's rally's, would be: "Concrete Shoes," sung by the former punk queen of Rock n Roll- Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics.
"Concrete shoes, pay your dues. Special concrete shoes"
" And now it's time---- Concrete shoes."
Those assholes protested my brother's funeral.
KevDen2005
03-03-2011, 21:13
Those assholes protested my brother's funeral.
Sorry to hear that man, so I can most certainly see why you would have a different perspective than the rest of the Supreme Court.
Sorry for your loss Wulf.
And I cannot believe you guys think Slayer or Gwar is going to do anything. You will need to summon the power of Samwell if you want to make them notice you.
fbGkxcY7YFU
KevDen2005
03-03-2011, 22:08
Oh that was horrible, why did you do that, I feel gross now, I need to shower
Sorry to hear that man, so I can most certainly see why you would have a different perspective than the rest of the Supreme Court.
I have mixed feelings....
KevDen2005
03-03-2011, 23:36
I have mixed feelings....
Well I am glad to hear that you are not completely one sided then, even though I wouldn't blame you if you were...and I should really edit my posts before submitting them, it sounds as if you are a member of the Supreme Court on my last one...
ghettodub
03-04-2011, 15:02
Posted in Westword today; some more of the fun things that the WBC has done here in Colorado...
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/03/top_8_westboro_baptist_insults_against_colorado.ph p
Byte Stryke
03-04-2011, 15:24
Sorry for your loss Wulf.
And I cannot believe you guys think Slayer or Gwar is going to do anything. You will need to summon the power of Samwell if you want to make them notice you.
fbGkxcY7YFU
Umm, Ajax and Brillo pad wont clean my brain now...
[ROFL1]
ghettodub
03-04-2011, 15:41
I bet they'd like this one too:
rW6M8D41ZWU
Byte Stryke
03-04-2011, 16:01
I bet they'd like this one too:
[video]
you guys force my hand...
2w02QxQZGQc
you know you want some ice cream
[ROFL1][ROFL1][ROFL1]
ghettodub
03-04-2011, 16:13
Oh dang, you asked for it!
Somewhat inappropriate for work warning
Zdrga0MwoS8
Byte Stryke
03-04-2011, 16:41
Oh dang, you asked for it!
Somewhat inappropriate for work warning
Zdrga0MwoS8
Sorry, but unless they speak French, this is a fail.
http://firsttube.com/uploads/failblog.wordpress.com/files/2008/12/fail-owned-ham-fail.jpg
ghettodub
03-04-2011, 17:11
Sorry, but unless they speak French, this is a fail.
http://firsttube.com/uploads/failblog.wordpress.com/files/2008/12/fail-owned-ham-fail.jpg
but overall creepyness of the dude...shivers...
and he's french. no one likes them
LOL at Yatta. That sure brings back some HAI memories from like 10 years ago.
EDIT: Dude, "somewhat inappropriate for work?"
jerrymrc
03-04-2011, 20:45
Umm, Ajax and Brillo pad wont clean my brain now...
[ROFL1]
I was first introduced to that on another gun board years ago. There is a South Park spoof on it as well.
When I just went to the last page I was going to post that Y'all needed to leave Samwell alone but I was too late. What has been seen cannot be unseen. [Coffee]
Jerry, have you seen Samwell on Tosh.0 getting his web redemption and doing an acoustic version? It's great.
clublights
03-04-2011, 21:16
you guys force my hand...
2w02QxQZGQc
you know you want some ice cream
[ROFL1][ROFL1][ROFL1]
And for that visual assault..............
I give you this one!!!!
Sqv8UJc72SU
I ain't clickin' on none of those. [Shy]
I'm obligated to post this bear hunting video.
nQoToUy4ALA&playnext=1&list=PL4756566145C1CEF8
jerrymrc
03-04-2011, 21:46
I see this one circling the bowl. Be nice guys. If I can show this to your kids and family fine but this is a family forum. ;)
clublights
03-04-2011, 23:11
Well stu win's this one.
I don't even wanna play anymore.... I'll pack my toys and go home.
porfiriozg
03-05-2011, 00:33
a few things
1)since there from Kansas and not from Colorado can't you just make a citizens arrest, and put then away for 24 hours, I'm sure the __pd would be happy to help
2) in response to the to all the vid's i have no choice but to give you this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HTN6Du3MCgI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HTN6Du3MCgI
Seriously, WTF?
Putting a rabid pack of lawyers under citizens arrest doesn't sound like the best idea to me.
porfiriozg
03-05-2011, 01:00
bear mace, nuf said[M2]
clublights
03-05-2011, 02:16
2) in response to the to all the vid's i have no choice but to give you this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HTN6Du3MCgI
ha ha that one just makes me laugh......
as for locking them up...
I'm reminded of an old joke..but still a fav.
"What do you call 20 lawyers at the bottom of a lake?"
"a good start!!!"
Putting a rabid pack of lawyers under citizens arrest doesn't sound like the best idea to me.
I have a bunch of chains and a deep lake.
this thread needs recalibration of skin exposure
eQRuw1C_Ay8&feature=related
aha, music not as good but it's in HD~
6aj5Jz-czkA&feature=fvst
I'm obligated to post this bear hunting video.
nQoToUy4ALA&playnext=1&list=PL4756566145C1CEF8
[Help]
ha ha that one just makes me laugh......
as for locking them up...
I'm reminded of an old joke..but still a fav.
"What do you call 20 lawyers at the bottom of a lake?"
"a good start!!!"
99.99% of lawyers give the good ones a bad reputation....
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