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Post by: Cane
Dead Marine's father ordered to pay protesters' legal costs
By Emanuella Grinberg, CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Father of Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder calls order to pay legal costs "slap in the face"
Westboro lawyer says order consequence of lawsuit, says money will fund protests
Snyder's family sued Westboro Baptist Church for protesting Marine's funeral in 2006
4th Circuit reversed judgments against Westboro in '09; high court will hear case
(CNN) -- The father of a Marine whose funeral was picketed by the Westboro Baptist Church says an order to pay the protesters' legal costs in a civil claim is nothing less than a "slap in the face."
"By the court making this decision, they're not only telling me that they're taking their side, but I have to pay them money to do this to more soldiers and their families," said Albert Snyder, whose son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, was killed in action in Iraq in 2006.
Members of the fundamentalist church based in Topeka, Kansas, appeared outside Snyder's funeral in 2006 in Westminster, Maryland, carrying signs reading "You're going to hell," "God hates you" and "Thank God for dead soldiers."
Among the teachings of the church, which was founded in 1955 by pastor Fred Phelps, is the belief that God is punishing the United States for "the sin of homosexuality" through events such as soldiers' deaths.
Margie Phelps, the daughter of Fred Phelps and the attorney representing the church in its appeals, also said the money that the church receives from Snyder will be used to finance demonstrations. But she also said that the order was a consequence of his decision to sue the church over the demonstration.
"Mr. Snyder and his attorneys have engaged the legal system; there are some rules to that legal engagement," said Phelps, a member of Westboro who says she has participated in more than 150 protests of military funerals.
"They wanted to shut down the picketing so now they're going to finance it," she said.
The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday ordered that Snyder pay more than $16,000 in costs requested by Westboro for copies of motions, briefs and appendices, according to court documents.
In a motion filed in October, Snyder's lawyer, who is representing him for free, asked the court to dismiss the bill of costs, or, alternatively, reduce the 50-cent fee per page or charge Snyder only for copies that were necessary to make their arguments on appeal.
"We objected based upon ability to pay and the fairness of the situation," Sean Summers said.
The mostly pro-forma ruling is the latest chapter in an ongoing legal saga that pits privacy rights of grieving families against the free speech rights of demonstrators, however disturbing and provocative their message.
Snyder's family sued the church and went to trial in 2007 alleging privacy invasion, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy. A jury awarded the family $2.9 million in compensatory damages plus $8 million in punitive damages, which were reduced to $5 million.
Westboro in 2008 appealed the case to the 4th District, which reversed the judgments a year later, siding with the church's claims that its First Amendment rights had been violated.
"The protest was confined to a public area under supervision and regulation of local law enforcement and did not disrupt the church service," the circuit court opinion said. "Although reasonable people may disagree about the appropriateness of the Phelps' protest, this conduct simply does not satisfy the heavy burden required for the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress under Maryland law."
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case to address issues of laws designed to protect the "sanctity and dignity of memorial and funeral services" as well as the privacy of family and friends of the deceased.
The justices will be asked to address how far states and private entities such as cemeteries and churches can go to justify picket-free zones and the use of "floating buffers" to silence or restrict speech or movements of demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights in a funeral setting.
Both Phelps and Snyder's attorney said they were surprised that the 4th District chose to weigh in on the issue of legal costs when they could have waited until after the Supreme Court hearing.
Phelps believes the ruling bodes well for her side.
"It is a good harbinger of the fact that the Supreme Court will remind this nation that you don't have mob rule. The fact that so many people hate these words does not mean you can silence or penalize them. That's supposed to be the great liberty that we congratulate ourselves on protecting in this nation. We strut all around the world forcing people to give all the liberties we supposedly have," she said.
Phelps anticipated that a Supreme Court ruling in the church's favor would be unpopular, but she said Westboro's members viewed the potential outcome in Biblical terms.
"When the Supreme Court unanimously upholds the 4th Circuit, it's going to put this country in a rage, and we will be expelled," she said. "But whenever it was time for an epic event in the Bible, the thing that happened right before is the prophets were removed from the land, and that's what's going to happen to us. ... We're going to sprint to the end of this race."
Snyder claims he is unable to pay any legal costs in the case and is attempting to raise funds on his son's site, http://www.matthewsnyder.org/. He is equally optimistic that he will prevail before the Supreme Court.
"The American people keep my spirits lifted a lot and give me hope. I think most of the country is on my side on this issue," he said. "Too many people have died to protect our rights and freedoms to have them degraded and spit upon like this church does."
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/30/westboro.baptist.snyder/index.html?hpt=Sbin
CNN's Bill Mears contributed to this report.
Being a military guy myself it makes me want to rage that such tasteless protests happens at a deceased person's funeral. To exploit these opportunities in order to parade your hatred against homosexuals is about as selfish and un-Christian as it gets too. The protestors also point to how this country is based around free speech which is ironic since service men and women are the ones putting their lives on the line...goes back to that saying: "I may not agree with what you say but I'll die defending the right to say it."
I am pretty ignorant but I thought this kind of stuff was already outlawed but apparently not or maybe not under these circumstances. How do you think the Supreme Court should rule here? I think it should definitely favor Snyder's family.
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Post by: Commissar Molotov
Phelps and his relatives/worshippers are some of the biggest douchebags in the world...
That having been said, they do have a First Amendment right to be douchebags. Unless that fellow can prove that Phelps' clan is impeding HIS rights by their outrageous actions, they get to keep on being douchebags.
The law protects saints and sinners alike. If it protected the Illinois Nazis when they marched, it'll protect Phelps and his inbred flock as well.
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Post by: KingCracker
Im probably not looking at this in a legal view, but that is just total BS! Those people should not be allowed to protest and say those things at someones funeral first of all. Free speech or not, thats just WAY past the decent thing to do. That marines family was trying to grieve the fact that their son died, but couldnt from that church doing what they did. Now the family has to pay for the court costs?!? Cmon.
I say that the ruling should be over turned just on the grounds of decency
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Post by: BrookM
I'd gladly pay, to see that church wiped out. A friend of mine told me about how they picketed at the funeral of one of his friends, it's just disgusting that they do this to people who risk their lives for their country.
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Post by: sebster
Given the marine's family initially won the case and only lost on appeal I'm surprised costs were awarded against them. I'd thought costs were awarded when the losing side had not made much of an argument, and really wasted everyone's time - given they initially won the case...
Anyway Phelps is jackhole and while he has a right to express his jackhole views I cannot see the benefit from letting him do it at a funeral. While a funeral is underway the cemetary should be considered private property and only open to mourners, and someone looking to breach that should be deemed a trespasser.
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Post by: Spacemanvic
Thats not a REAL church, those people should be run off. What they are doing is in DIRECT violation of the tenets taught in the New Testament. Disgraceful.
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Post by: MeanGreenStompa
So all them right wing extremists want to bomb people for free healthcare but can't be bothered to go terrorise someone that actually needs it, like this God bothering soldier hater?
Seriously all you militia types, us democratic types will buy you all beers if you go waste the Westborough baptist church congregation.
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Post by: Frazzled
Commissar Molotov wrote:Phelps and his relatives/worshippers are some of the biggest douchebags in the world...
That having been said, they do have a First Amendment right to be douchebags. Unless that fellow can prove that Phelps' clan is impeding HIS rights by their outrageous actions, they get to keep on being douchebags.
The law protects saints and sinners alike. If it protected the Illinois Nazis when they marched, it'll protect Phelps and his inbred flock as well.
Thats exactly their argument molotov.
because they have to be at the funeral the people are a captive audience, and thus their right to freedom of assembly and practice of their religion is being violated.
I'd recommend a drive by myself if I weren't such a loving person.
Is Frazzled joking? Automatically Appended Next Post: sebster wrote:Given the marine's family initially won the case and only lost on appeal I'm surprised costs were awarded against them. I'd thought costs were awarded when the losing side had not made much of an argument, and really wasted everyone's time - given they initially won the case...
Anyway Phelps is jackhole and while he has a right to express his jackhole views I cannot see the benefit from letting him do it at a funeral. While a funeral is underway the cemetary should be considered private property and only open to mourners, and someone looking to breach that should be deemed a trespasser.
nope. We have a primitive craptacular legal system Sebbie. Your recommendation would stop many a frivolous lawsuit.
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
MeanGreenStompa wrote:So all them right wing extremists want to bomb people for free healthcare but can't be bothered to go terrorise someone that actually needs it, like this God bothering soldier hater?
They were being opposed by some right-wing groups, actually. Motorcycle clubs, if I recall.
Anyways, I agree with the ruling. If this kind of thing is to be stopped, it needs to be down to a matter of property rights, not a "right to privacy" trumping a right to freedom of speech. Sebster's idea of public cemeteries being "rented out" for the length of the funeral is a good one. A private cemetery should be able to exclude them in any case. They can yell and wave signs from the street, as long as they don't block traffic.
I should probably add, Westboro isn't a group of amateurs in the legal department; they know exactly what they're doing, front and back, and they make a lot of money through the legal settlements of people who get mad at them. (Hell, for all I know they don't care about evil gays at all, and just set the whole thing up as a racket.)
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Post by: Frazzled
Orkeosaurus wrote:MeanGreenStompa wrote:So all them right wing extremists want to bomb people for free healthcare but can't be bothered to go terrorise someone that actually needs it, like this God bothering soldier hater?
They were being opposed by some right-wing groups, actually. Motorcycle clubs, if I recall.
Anyways, I agree with the ruling. If this kind of thing is to be stopped, it needs to be down to a matter of property rights, not a "right to privacy" trumping a right to freedom of speech. Sebster's idea of public cemeteries being "rented out" for the length of the funeral is a good one. A private cemetery should be able to exclude them in any case. They can yell and wave signs from the street, as long as they don't block traffic.
I should probably add, Westboro isn't a group of amateurs in the legal department; they know exactly what they're doing, front and back, and they make a lot of money through the legal settlements of people who get mad at them. (Hell, for all I know they don't care about evil gays at all, and just set the whole thing up as a racket.)
Thats why you don't sue them, you vent your righteous anger on them. You have to pass the time somehow.
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Post by: Cane
Hmm did some Googling on this subject and came across this:
The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act (Pub.L. 109-228, 120 Stat. 387, enacted May 29, 2006) is an Act of Congress that prohibits protests within 300 feet (90 m) of the entrance of any cemetery under control of the National Cemetery Administration (a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs) 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.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_for_America%27s_Fallen_Heroes_Act
A handful of states already passed similar legislation to the above; no wonder since these "protestors" have trolled at over 150 funerals already. Didn't realize that such legislation existed.
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Post by: Nurglitch
The Westboro Baptist Church is a racket; a professional trolling act that's designed to exploit the legal system for profit. Seriously, do some research. It's all there for those who look.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
Cane wrote:Hmm did some Googling on this subject and came across this:
The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act (Pub.L. 109-228, 120 Stat. 387, enacted May 29, 2006) is an Act of Congress that prohibits protests within 300 feet (90 m) of the entrance of any cemetery under control of the National Cemetery Administration (a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs) 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.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_for_America%27s_Fallen_Heroes_Act
A handful of states already passed similar legislation to the above; no wonder since these "protestors" have trolled at over 150 funerals already. Didn't realize that such legislation existed.
It sounds extraordinary. I would have thought it would fall foul of the right of Free Speech.
We can hope that the Phelps crew may fall foul of general public opinion, winning this battle but losing a general war thanks to the publicity it brings them.
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Post by: Lord-Loss
Has anyone been on the West Boro Baptists Church Website?
This is seriously sick though... Why aint these people dead yet?
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Post by: Da Boss
Nobody wants to go to jail for these losers.
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Post by: Fateweaver
Unfortunately laws allow the stupid to be protected from harm.
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Post by: Nurglitch
Fateweaver wrote:Unfortunately laws allow the stupid to be protected from harm.
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Post by: Commissar Molotov
Kilkrazy wrote:
We can hope that the Phelps crew may fall foul of general public opinion, winning this battle but losing a general war thanks to the publicity it brings them.
Everybody hates their guts, Kilkrazy - they have NO popular support, period. Large numbers of law enforcement have to be detailed to guard the Westies to keep angry mobs from tearing them apart. Here's a YouTube video of them being attacked by an angry mob while cowering in their van:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZGKx2pTBQc
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Post by: Golden Eyed Scout
Lord-Loss wrote:Has anyone been on the West Boro Baptists Church Website? This is seriously sick though... Why aint these people dead yet? Only the good die young. Jackassess like these get to live for a long time. But they spend a lot longer in hell.
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Post by: Frazzled
Withdraw protection. The police have no duty to protect individuals-thats affirmed by SCOTUS.
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Post by: RustyKnight
Huh, www.godhatesfags.com is down. Guess I won't get my fix of crazy yet. Maybe CARM or Stormfront can provide me with lulz.
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Post by: Cannerus_The_Unbearable
Just look up the wiki for them. their beliefs are interesting. I feel really bad for the congregation.
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Post by: Albatross
Yeah, yeah, free spech, freedom of assembly, blah blah....
If they were Muslim fundamentalists picketing Ground Zero in NY, they would be clapped in irons quicker than you could say 'Guantanamo'...
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Post by: Iron_Chaos_Brute
Sickening feths.
Good job by these guys, though-standing up to this filth.
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Post by: Frazzled
Albatross wrote:Yeah, yeah, free spech, freedom of assembly, blah blah....
If they were Muslim fundamentalists picketing Ground Zero in NY, they would be clapped in irons quicker than you could say 'Guantanamo'...
Maybe in the UK. not here.
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Post by: Soladrin
Okay, this might be just me, but if this happened at a funeral I was attending I'd go ape gak banana's and start kicking peoples asses, it's what the deceased probably have wanted knowing the people I hang out with.
Also, how the hell is this allowed? This has nothing to do with freedom of speech, their openly slandering people here, though I don't believe in any god that hates homosexuals (because it's utter nonsense).
Put these nutters on a cross if they want to be so zealous.
I have plenty of homosexual and bisexual friends and I'm completely intolerant of people who take hating them serious. (I don't mind using the common terms for them and such things because every single homesexual I know takes the piss out of it too  )
It is completely beyond me why these kind of things even still exist in this day and age.
God I love religion >______________<
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:Okay, this might be just me, but if this happened at a funeral I was attending I'd go ape gak banana's and start kicking peoples asses,
And they would sue the hell of out you for assault with their well-oiled legal machine. That's why they do this in the first place! Seriously, the more people lose their temper over their shennanigans the happier they are. That's the whole point of te h trolllin. Also, how the hell is this allowed? This has nothing to do with freedom of speech, their openly slandering people here, though I don't believe in any god that hates homosexuals (because it's utter nonsense).
Um... saying that god killed your relative because he hates gay people isn't slander. It's not even close, legally.
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:Okay, this might be just me, but if this happened at a funeral I was attending I'd go ape gak banana's and start kicking peoples asses,
And they would sue the hell of out you for assault with their well-oiled legal machine. That's why they do this in the first place! Seriously, the more people lose their temper over their shennanigans the happier they are. That's the whole point of te h trolllin.
Also, how the hell is this allowed? This has nothing to do with freedom of speech, their openly slandering people here, though I don't believe in any god that hates homosexuals (because it's utter nonsense).
Um... saying that god killed your relative because he hates gay people isn't slander. It's not even close, legally.
Really... you care about legal in a situation like this? (I won't and it'd be bloody worth cracking some skulls for).
And saying THEIR god has killed my relative pretty much makes them culprits in it since they worship and plan for "him". Any system that even remotely allows this BS should be scrapped.
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:Really... you care about legal in a situation like this?
Would I care whether or not I financed their operations? Of course I would.
And saying THEIR god has killed my relative pretty much makes them culprits in it since they worship and plan for "him".
No, it really doesn't. In any sense.
Any system that even remotely allows this BS should be scrapped.
"Freedom Isn't Free."
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:Really... you care about legal in a situation like this?
Would I care whether or not I financed their operations? Of course I would.
And saying THEIR god has killed my relative pretty much makes them culprits in it since they worship and plan for "him".
No, it really doesn't. In any sense.
Any system that even remotely allows this BS should be scrapped.
"Freedom Isn't Free."
How so? They believe he is real, and that he actively killed my "relative". By their own logic they are guilty. But when it isn't in their favor, it suddenly isn't?
And, freedom isn't free? How does that add anything to this situation? Freedom will never be free as long as we remain. That doesn't mean we have to tolerate this.
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Post by: Bookwrack
Dude, just stop. I know it looks impressive on TV, but yammering nonsense doesn't actually have any legal weight.
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:Okay, this might be just me, but if this happened at a funeral I was attending I'd go ape gak banana's and start kicking peoples asses,
And they would sue the hell of out you for assault with their well-oiled legal machine. That's why they do this in the first place! Seriously, the more people lose their temper over their shennanigans the happier they are. That's the whole point of te h trolllin
It's not just the people who attack them they sue, but authorities where it happened, since the fact that the assault happened meant that not enough security was provided to maintain order, and their injuries were a direct result of that. And cities have deep pockets.
They really are trolls, deliberately inciting bystanders because that makes them money.
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Post by: MeanGreenStompa
Is there an address we can write to in order to express our anger and dismay at this ruling?
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Post by: Bookwrack
One bright side, Bill O'Reilly has pledged to pay the court costs if they stand.
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Post by: Soladrin
That means they'll get payed.
I can see this turning into a bloodbath in no time. You sue a soldier's family, which probably has some (Ex) soldiers in there too, before which you were disrupting pretty much the most sacred tradition left on this planet. That's real smart there.
How do these people wake up in the morning and not kill themselves actually?
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:How so? They believe he is real, and that he actively killed my "relative". By their own logic they are guilty. But when it isn't in their favor, it suddenly isn't?
You are wondering why you can't charge someone with conspiracy to commit murder for believing in God. It shouldn't need explanation. But, if you insist: 1. It can't be proven that God exists. 2. If he did exist any action he did would necessarily be justified, as his will is objective Justice itself. 3. God cannot be materially aided because he is omnipotent. 4. God isn't a person. 5. God cannot be convinced of anything, because he has a perfect understanding of Truth. 6. The God worshipped by Westboro is the same as the God as all of Christianity, Westboro simply believes they understand him more clearly. 7. It would set bad legal precedent. 8. It would strain our diplomatic relations with Heaven. 9. Freedom of Religion. 10. No prosecutor would even attempt to bring the case to trial, and if he did the judge would throw it out. 11. The glove found at the crime scene doesn't fit God's hand. 12. If Westboro's religious beliefs are true I'm guessing funeral protests are the least of our problems.
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:How so? They believe he is real, and that he actively killed my "relative". By their own logic they are guilty. But when it isn't in their favor, it suddenly isn't?
You are wondering why you can't charge someone with conspiracy to commit murder for believing in God. It shouldn't need explanation.
But, if you insist:
1. It can't be proven that God exists.
2. If he did exist any action he did would necessarily be justified, as his will is objective Justice itself.
3. God cannot be materially aided because he is omnipotent.
4. God isn't a person.
5. God cannot be convinced of anything, because he has a perfect understanding of Truth.
6. The God worshipped by Westboro is the same as the God as all of Christianity, Westboro simply believes they understand him more clearly.
7. It would set bad legal precedent.
8. It would strain our diplomatic relations with Heaven.
9. Freedom of Religion.
10. No prosecutor would even attempt to bring the case to trial, and if he did the judge would throw it out.
11. The glove found at the crime scene doesn't fit God's hand.
12. If Westboro's religious beliefs are true I'm guessing funeral protests are the least of our problems.
Dude, stop being a smartass snob. Offcourse I know you can't actually sue someone for these kind of things. I'm just saying that if you followed their own logic they would be guilty, which makes it all the more aggravating. If it was possible to do what I said it would've been done from the get go.
also: 9. Freedom of religion, within current laws, in which they apparently found (Another) hole.
PS. Reminds me of the movie: The man who sued god (which rocks apart from the stupid birdy in the ending)
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:And, freedom isn't free? How does that add anything to this situation?
I dunno. It sounds cool? Freedom will never be free as long as we remain. That doesn't mean we have to tolerate this.
The law of the United States disagrees with you. Regarding your plan to punch them, at least. You can still picket them and stuff.
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:And, freedom isn't free? How does that add anything to this situation?
I dunno. It sounds cool?
Freedom will never be free as long as we remain. That doesn't mean we have to tolerate this.
The law of the United States disagrees with you. Regarding your plan to punch them, at least. You can still picket them and stuff.
Explain taxes. (not a serious question >_< )
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:Dude, stop being a smartass snob. Offcourse I know you can't actually sue someone for these kind of things.
You said "How so? They believe he is real, and that he actively killed my "relative". By their own logic they are guilty. But when it isn't in their favor, it suddenly isn't?"
I answered how it was so. Don't get on my case about it now.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
The ruling seems to be within line of their constitutional right to protest so I can't really fault it. The strength of laws are best tested when following them is tasteless but important.
Honestly what he should of done was simply kill a few of them himself.
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:Explain taxes. (not a serious question >_< )
?
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:Dude, stop being a smartass snob. Offcourse I know you can't actually sue someone for these kind of things.
You said "How so? They believe he is real, and that he actively killed my "relative". By their own logic they are guilty. But when it isn't in their favor, it suddenly isn't?"
I answered how it was so. Don't get on my case about it now.
Ok, yeah sorry, you got me by the balls there.  My bad. Just got kinda worked up...
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
ShumaGorath wrote:The ruling seems to be within line of their constitutional right to protest so I can't really fault it. The strength of laws are best tested when following them is tasteless but important.
Honestly what he should of done was simply kill a few of them himself.
If he spends all of his money first then he can't give them any. This seems to call for a very expensive method of killing.
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:The ruling seems to be within line of their constitutional right to protest so I can't really fault it. The strength of laws are best tested when following them is tasteless but important.
Honestly what he should of done was simply kill a few of them himself.
If he spends all of his money first then he can't give them any. This seems to call for a very expensive method of killing.
This requires a: Just as planned outcome.
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Soladrin wrote:Ok, yeah sorry, you got me by the balls there.  My bad. Just got kinda worked up...
Well, you're dealing with professional jackasses here, if they can't piss you off through the internet they're not doing their job! Automatically Appended Next Post: Soladrin wrote:This requires a: Just as planned outcome.
Elaborate revenge machines half off? Only used once!
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Post by: Soladrin
Orkeosaurus wrote:Soladrin wrote:Ok, yeah sorry, you got me by the balls there.  My bad. Just got kinda worked up...
Well, you're dealing with professional jackasses here, if they can't piss you off through the internet they're not doing their job!
Hehe, yep. You should just start anti-protesters protesters (which would be awesome). Out protest them!
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
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Post by: jp400
Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in.
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Post by: Cheese Elemental
jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
I'd pay to see that.
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Post by: Soladrin
Cheese Elemental wrote:jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
I'd pay to see that.
I'll bring the beer!
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Post by: sebster
Bookwrack wrote:One bright side, Bill O'Reilly has pledged to pay the court costs if they stand.
That's pretty awesome, good on him.
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Post by: Marshal2Crusaders
If I ever see a Westboro nutjob I'll gladly do the time for felony assault.
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Post by: SlaveToDorkness
jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
OW! I hurt myself ROTFLMAO!!!!
Seriously these guys have the right idea.
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Post by: Mad Rabbit
Orkeosaurus wrote:MeanGreenStompa wrote:So all them right wing extremists want to bomb people for free healthcare but can't be bothered to go terrorise someone that actually needs it, like this God bothering soldier hater?
They were being opposed by some right-wing groups, actually. Motorcycle clubs, if I recall.
This is the group you're thinking of. Not right wing, just nationalistic/respectful:
"The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us. We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all."
The Westboro Baptist Church is a tiny, moronic and hateful group. I doubt they get a lot of recruits, as I don't think any real Christians, or even decent people will stomach their gak.
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
I would consider the Patriot Guard more right-wing than not (mostly from a cultural standpoint), but I'll leave it at that, and agree that they're not an especially political group in either case. In other news, it's rather amusing that they chose to protest the funerals of soldiers in response to homosexuality. It doesn't make any sense until you realize that they're just going for the combination of hatred that will get absolutely everybody mad at them.
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Post by: jp400
Soladrin wrote:Cheese Elemental wrote:jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
I'd pay to see that.
I'll bring the beer!
I'll bring the lawn chairs and popcorn!
Nurgleboy77 wrote:jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
OW! I hurt myself ROTFLMAO!!!!
You are not the only one!
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Post by: Iron_Chaos_Brute
jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
Oh, Gwar'd go for that, too! Dreadsock!
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Post by: Mad Rabbit
Iron_Chaos_Brute wrote:jp400 wrote:Orkeosaurus wrote:How do we troll a bunch of profess-
Gwar!
Tell him that its a van full of RAI believers and lock him in. 
Oh, Gwar'd go for that, too! Dreadsock!
Why don't we just get Gwar to do with a Bible what he already does with a Warhammer 40k rulebook? That'd show them.
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Post by: Orkeosaurus
Gwar can't touch a bible with his bare skin. We'll have to get him some gloves.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Heres a better idea. Wherever Gwar! is, lets just let him stay there and annoy those people instead.
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Post by: Cheese Elemental
ShumaGorath wrote:Heres a better idea. Wherever Gwar! is, lets just let him stay there and annoy those people instead.
You've got a sick sense of humour, Shuma.
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Post by: Tyyr
Given that their speech is made intentionally to incite people to violence or litigation wouldn't it fall under the fighting words provision and therefore NOT be protected speech?
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Post by: Frazzled
It could by a creative judge. I think a better method is laws restricting protests to 500 yards from a school, mortuary, cemetary. That would lhold iup beter as a reasonable restriction.
An unreasonable person would say something else entirely though
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Post by: Marshal2Crusaders
Seriously, I hate Westboro Baptist Church. Seriously.
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Post by: Soladrin
Marshal2Crusaders wrote:Seriously, I hate Westboro Baptist Church. Seriously.
Things like this is why I've never had any hope in humanity as a race.
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Post by: Frazzled
Why? We breed like rabbits and are wicked smart.
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Post by: Soladrin
Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
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Post by: Frazzled
You don't have to be smartest, just smarter than the guy next to ya.
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Post by: Soladrin
How is that.. even..... relevant? Okay you confused me.
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Post by: Frazzled
Soladrin wrote:How is that.. even..... relevant? Okay you confused me.
We don't have to be brilliant geniuses. We just have to be smarter than everything else.
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Post by: Soladrin
Yes, but we can't ever prove how smart we are, since humans ideas of.. everything... can never be proven to be correct as it is.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Frazzled wrote:It could by a creative judge. I think a better method is laws restricting protests to 500 yards from a school, mortuary, cemetary. That would lhold iup beter as a reasonable restriction.
An unreasonable person would say something else entirely though 
I don't know if I would phrase it in such a way. Schools themselves, especially at collegiate levels are excellent protest grounds specifically because of their large size, open areas, and political importance. Plenty of protests occur around schools. As for cemeteries, 500 yards could well be entirely too much. There are areas in this country where the prevalence of cemeteries would make the act of protesting in a population center virtually impossible. Especially when combined with the mortuary and school stipulation. Automatically Appended Next Post: Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
We've been to space.
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Post by: Frazzled
ShumaGorath wrote:Frazzled wrote:It could by a creative judge. I think a better method is laws restricting protests to 500 yards from a school, mortuary, cemetary. That would lhold iup beter as a reasonable restriction.
An unreasonable person would say something else entirely though 
I don't know if I would phrase it in such a way. Schools themselves, especially at collegiate levels are excellent protest grounds specifically because of their large size, open areas, and political importance. Plenty of protests occur around schools. As for cemeteries, 500 yards could well be entirely too much. There are areas in this country where the prevalence of cemeteries would make the act of protesting in a population center virtually impossible. Especially when combined with the mortuary and school stipulation.
I'm thinking k-12 here. Its similar to fesderal legislation against firearms or drugs or something I forget.
500 yards works for me from a cemetary. Its kind of the point.
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Post by: Soladrin
ShumaGorath wrote:
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
We've been to space.
Rocks are in space, doesn't make them smart.
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Post by: Fateweaver
Well then tough on not being allowed to protest a funeral because there is nowhere to protest.
Certain grounds/locations should not be usable for protests or strikes or rallies or what not. Funeral grounds should be one. Schools such as HS's and below should be another.
College. Well, only the college students think they are too important for rallies/protests to be banned within 500 yards.
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Post by: Frazzled
Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
We've been to space.
Rocks are in space, doesn't make them smart.
How do you know? have you ever asked them?
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
We've been to space.
Rocks are in space, doesn't make them smart.
If that rock overcame a gravity well using a liquid fuel boosted rocket craft than its a pretty damn smart rock.
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Post by: Bran Dawri
Soladrin wrote:Yes, but we can't ever prove how smart we are, since humans ideas of.. everything... can never be proven to be correct as it is.
Nonetheless, we's clever monkeys.
As for these turds, someone ought to pull a Blues Brothers on them next time they "protest" anywhere.
In any case, any reasonable judge should at least award the family the emotional damage claim, even if the other charges can't stick due that freedom of speech thing.
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Post by: Soladrin
ShumaGorath wrote:Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
We've been to space.
Rocks are in space, doesn't make them smart.
If that rock overcame a gravity well using a liquid fuel boosted rocket craft than its a pretty damn smart rock.
My point is, the entire smart thing is based upon how we perceive it.
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Post by: Platuan4th
Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote: Automatically Appended Next Post: Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart. Fixed it. We've been to space. Rocks are in space, doesn't make them smart. If that rock overcame a gravity well using a liquid fuel boosted rocket craft than its a pretty damn smart rock. My point is, the entire smart thing is based upon how we perceive it. Smart is a measure of how clever something is, and Humanity as a species is damn clever.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:Soladrin wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Soladrin wrote:Frazzled wrote:Why? We breed like rabbits and we think we are wicked smart.
Fixed it.
We've been to space.
Rocks are in space, doesn't make them smart.
If that rock overcame a gravity well using a liquid fuel boosted rocket craft than its a pretty damn smart rock.
My point is, the entire smart thing is based upon how we perceive it.
Yes, and you're not going to win any awards by claiming intelligence is relativistic and then comparing humans to inanimate objects that don't display anything similar to the dictionary definition of intellegence.
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Post by: Soladrin
I'm not looking for any awards, it's just my view of humanity that we think to much of ourselves.
No need to get all uppity about it. :\
God, can't you for once try to act nice?
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Post by: Fateweaver
I'm insulted that you think I think too much of myself.
It's not that I think I'm great. It's that others around me think I'm great.
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Post by: Soladrin
I'm not speaking of individuals here mate
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Post by: Fateweaver
Well, how many people do you know (other than Emos) who think to themselves "man I suck you know? I'm not really all that great so why do my fellow men and women act like humans are so great?"
We realize we are the greatest species on Earth (until one of us gets mauled by a lion or swallowed whole by a rock python) so we act upon it.
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Post by: Soladrin
Those exceptions made me giggle...
And I know I don't think myself stupid (nor do I think myself smart) but yea. My entire point is I think the human perspective of things will eventually be proven completely wrong. It's just how I live with this world I guess.
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Post by: Fateweaver
Well, when the damn dirty apes take over the world and make us slaves than we'll have no choice but to realize we aren't all that great. Until then.....yeah, I as a human being AM the greatest species on Earth.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Soladrin wrote:Those exceptions made me giggle...
And I know I don't think myself stupid (nor do I think myself smart) but yea. My entire point is I think the human perspective of things will eventually be proven completely wrong. It's just how I live with this world I guess. 
Interestingly enough though, thats also incorrect relativistically as that would require an observer. To assume that rocks are smarter than people because were only smarter because we perceive ourselves that way labors under the assumption that something else perceives rocks as more intelligent and that it's viewpoint will supercede our own in correctness eventually. The thought can't be proven wrong as to prove us wrong labors under the same false ideas that you are saying don't prove us right.
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Post by: Soladrin
ShumaGorath wrote:Soladrin wrote:Those exceptions made me giggle...
And I know I don't think myself stupid (nor do I think myself smart) but yea. My entire point is I think the human perspective of things will eventually be proven completely wrong. It's just how I live with this world I guess. 
Interestingly enough though, thats also incorrect relativistically as that would require an observer. To assume that rocks are smarter than people because were only smarter because we perceive ourselves that way labors under the assumption that something else perceives rocks as more intelligent and that it's viewpoint will supercede our own in correctness eventually. The thought can't be proven wrong as to prove us wrong labors under the same false ideas that you are saying don't prove us right.
I never said rocks were smarter then us, that was just a joke. Rest of it is pretty much right though. And yea I believe in Aliens, (no not in the media's UFO and alien stories out there) but it's impossible for us to be the only species in something so vast as the universe. I'm not saying we are being observed, but that I think that there are things that are way beyond us, and from that viewpoint we aren't all that special. All in all, it's just a personal weird ass view of things. ^^
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Post by: Kilkrazy
Anyway I've been spaced out so there.
You can't ban protest within x distance of a school because it would prevent schoolchildren from protesting. Their right to free speech has already been upheld in some decision about a T shirt.
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Post by: Marshal2Crusaders
Soladrin wrote:Marshal2Crusaders wrote:Seriously, I hate Westboro Baptist Church. Seriously.
Things like this is why I've never had any hope in humanity as a race.
Because I hate Westboro Baptist Church. Holy gak I am waaay more important than I thought.
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Post by: Fateweaver
Kilkrazy wrote:Anyway I've been spaced out so there.
You can't ban protest within x distance of a school because it would prevent schoolchildren from protesting. Their right to free speech has already been upheld in some decision about a T shirt.
We talking pre-college children (under 18)?
Not poking fun but here in the States I've never in my life pre- HS children and even HS children protesting on HS property. I know many who held up "baby killer" signs in select areas around town when the soldiers returned home from Iraq but never actually seen a protest held on school grounds anywhere that wasn't the university campus.
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Post by: Frazzled
Kilkrazy wrote:Anyway I've been spaced out so there.
You can't ban protest within x distance of a school because it would prevent schoolchildren from protesting. Their right to free speech has already been upheld in some decision about a T shirt.
Actually it wasn't the distance. the case involved other factors. I remember that thinking-now there's a kid in serious need of a  slap.
proscriptions on speech in public schools have been upheld on many occasions. Its an itneresting topic, but not one I care about much.
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Heya, Phelps, that's a nice family you got there...
It'd be a real shame if anything were to happen to them...
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Post by: Kilkrazy
Fateweaver wrote:Kilkrazy wrote:Anyway I've been spaced out so there.
You can't ban protest within x distance of a school because it would prevent schoolchildren from protesting. Their right to free speech has already been upheld in some decision about a T shirt.
We talking pre-college children (under 18)?
Not poking fun but here in the States I've never in my life pre- HS children and even HS children protesting on HS property. I know many who held up "baby killer" signs in select areas around town when the soldiers returned home from Iraq but never actually seen a protest held on school grounds anywhere that wasn't the university campus.
16-year olds or something. I don't remember the details of the case.
Frazz is probably right that there are cases against too. That is what keeps lawyers in business!
There are two points: 1) New legislation may well fall foul of existing law, 2) it can have unexpected side effects.
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Post by: Frazzled
IIRC it wasn't law but school policy vs. 1st Amendment. There are various federal and state/municipal criminal laws designed to reduce crime that limit "things" within distances of schools. Some of those things already touch on free speech. Most of those have been upheld. Automatically Appended Next Post:
iratollah wrote:I would post pictures of these hate monkeys from when they visited Houston in January, but it would violate forum decency requirements.
I monitored WBC at three locations and had a few interesting interactions with them and managed to frustrate some of their plans. They thrive on negative attention. At the Holocaust Museum they were completely shut down by motorcyclists revving their engines. That the bikers, (and this was not an official Patriot Guard Riders group), chose the Holocaust Museum memorial as the place to take a stand against these hate mongers speaks volumes to the character of those riders who came a very long distance on a very cold morning.
What made Shirley Phelps totally loose her cool was when a Christian with a Bible told her, "We forgive you." She went ape over that one, it was really amusing listening to her cursing and losing her composure over someone making a very Christian comment to this 'devout' and 'pious' creature. One of her daughters froze in contemplation when I asked her "Wouldn't you rather be shopping at the mall, my daughter will give you a ride and show you some cool stores." It's borderline child abuse how Phelps is raising her daughters to be so hateful.
WBC supports itself on lawsuits against people who obstruct their freedom of speech. They will videotape your response to them. They are highly organized and very sophisticated in knowing how far they can push the limits of the law.
These fine Americans pictured below took a stand against hate on a very cold morning. When WBC started spewing their venom, these riders turned their backs on them and started revving their engines to drown out the hate speech. The museum opened their doors early to provide hot coffee to the riders and about half of them stayed for a private museum tour. The docent told me it was one of the best groups he's taken through the museum and it was a moving experience for all. If any of you are interested in taking a group from your church or other organization on a tour of this museum, PM me and I'll arrange a private tour.

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Post by: SlaveToDorkness
That picture is pure AWESOMESAUCE!
Even being a Christian and having plenty to lose I would still be sorely tempted to mow these people down like traffic cones with my car if I saw them with those signs on the side of the road. They can't sue me if they are dead! lol
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Post by: Emperors Faithful
I have to admit, that's a very rousing picture and a touching story of people standing up for what's right. But could you tell me who the heck 'iratollah' is?
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Post by: Slarg232
iratollah wrote:I would post pictures of these hate monkeys from when they visited Houston in January, but it would violate forum decency requirements.
I monitored WBC at three locations and had a few interesting interactions with them and managed to frustrate some of their plans. They thrive on negative attention. At the Holocaust Museum they were completely shut down by motorcyclists revving their engines. That the bikers, (and this was not an official Patriot Guard Riders group), chose the Holocaust Museum memorial as the place to take a stand against these hate mongers speaks volumes to the character of those riders who came a very long distance on a very cold morning.
What made Shirley Phelps totally loose her cool was when a Christian with a Bible told her, "We forgive you." She went ape over that one, it was really amusing listening to her cursing and losing her composure over someone making a very Christian comment to this 'devout' and 'pious' creature. One of her daughters froze in contemplation when I asked her "Wouldn't you rather be shopping at the mall, my daughter will give you a ride and show you some cool stores." It's borderline child abuse how Phelps is raising her daughters to be so hateful.
WBC supports itself on lawsuits against people who obstruct their freedom of speech. They will videotape your response to them. They are highly organized and very sophisticated in knowing how far they can push the limits of the law.
These fine Americans pictured below took a stand against hate on a very cold morning. When WBC started spewing their venom, these riders turned their backs on them and started revving their engines to drown out the hate speech. The museum opened their doors early to provide hot coffee to the riders and about half of them stayed for a private museum tour. The docent told me it was one of the best groups he's taken through the museum and it was a moving experience for all. If any of you are interested in taking a group from your church or other organization on a tour of this museum, PM me and I'll arrange a private tour.

Hey look, there is a god....
I would totally do the jail time needed to kill these
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Post by: ShumaGorath
I would totally do the jail time needed to kill these
Then whats stopping you.
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Maybe he lives in a state which supports Capital Punishment, vs Life Imprisonment?
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Post by: Slarg232
ShumaGorath wrote:I would totally do the jail time needed to kill these
Then whats stopping you.
your pretty high on the list too, and I dont know where you live
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Post by: Emperors Faithful
Phenominal Bragging Powers!!!
Teeny-weeny testicles...
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Slarg232 wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:I would totally do the jail time needed to kill these Then whats stopping you. your pretty high on the list too, and I dont know where you live  Orono Maine. Come on down, I love hashing it out with people on the internet.
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Post by: Slarg232
Duly noted, though I have some others I need to take care of first. Namely, a few ex-girlfriends and that  Whom I attacked his fists with my face.
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Post by: Fateweaver
Blocking punches with your face doesn't work very well Slarg.
It's like trying to block a dick punch. You'll just punch yourself in the nuts. LOL.
Don't kill Shuma. Who will I have to insult me and act all high and mighty on the OT board? Dogma? Alba likes to insult me but he doesn't come off thinking he's better than anyone else. At least that much I can give him props for.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Fateweaver wrote:Blocking punches with your face doesn't work very well Slarg. It's like trying to block a dick punch. You'll just punch yourself in the nuts. LOL. Don't kill Shuma. Who will I have to insult me and act all high and mighty on the OT board? Dogma? Alba likes to insult me but he doesn't come off thinking he's better than anyone else. At least that much I can give him props for. Gold star good job!
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Post by: Geemoney
As a christian and a church goer that really bothers me....please don't anyone think that the loud/annoying minority represent the majority of churches. What they do has nothing to do with what the Bible actually teaches.
*I'm talking about the OP.
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Post by: SlaveToDorkness
Yeah, about 5 minutes with the Bible or a Pastor would clear up their idiotic ideas.
I'm wondering how they can use the term "Baptist" in their name?
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Post by: Emperors Faithful
Me thinks mattrym would be very happy in his pants if he saw this thread..
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Post by: Albatross
Tyyr wrote:Given that their speech is made intentionally to incite people to violence or litigation wouldn't it fall under the fighting words provision and therefore NOT be protected speech?
This?
We have this in the UK - 'Incitement to Violence' I believe it's called. I believe in freedom of speech and assembly UP TO A POINT. No one should have the right to camp out in my front garden bearing placards proclaiming that I'm a baby-eating nazi. No matter how true it is.
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Post by: Morathi's Darkest Sin
Tbh I don't get angry with this lot, I just pity the poor kids raised under that nutters deranged views.
Oh and I'm laying bets on that fact he's either had a homosexual experience, or has had thoughts about it, and this was his way to deal.
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Post by: Albatross
Fateweaver wrote: Alba likes to insult me but he doesn't come off thinking he's better than anyone else. At least that much I can give him props for.
Woah, really?!!? Leaving aside the fact that I'm in shock that you would actually give me 'props' for ANYTHING, when have I insulted you? I know we've actually had a few little ding-dongs on here, but you have your views and you're entitled to them - I don't have to agree with them or like them. I don't even have to think they are particularly healthy!
Despite that, I actually quite like you - certainly more than some other people on Dakka (who shall remain nameless). Sorry if you think I've insulted you, or if I have done so carelessly. No hard feelings on my side, mate.
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Post by: MeanGreenStompa
Albatross wrote:
Despite that, I actually quite like you - certainly more than some other people on Dakka (who shall remain nameless).
0 HAI!!1!
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Post by: Albatross
Fun for all the family. Except Nana.
She thinks wargamers worship Satan.
It's not you MGS.
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Post by: Frazzled
Emperors Faithful wrote:I have to admit, that's a very rousing picture and a touching story of people standing up for what's right. But could you tell me who the heck 'iratollah' is?
A poster.
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Post by: Tyyr
Albatross wrote:Tyyr wrote:Given that their speech is made intentionally to incite people to violence or litigation wouldn't it fall under the fighting words provision and therefore NOT be protected speech?
This?
We have this in the UK - 'Incitement to Violence' I believe it's called. I believe in freedom of speech and assembly UP TO A POINT. No one should have the right to camp out in my front garden bearing placards proclaiming that I'm a baby-eating nazi. No matter how true it is.
Fighting Words
From my perspective WBC's MO is to go to these places and intentionally try and start something so they will have a basis for a lawsuit. Given this how is what they do protected free speech? They're trying to incite people to violence or confrontation by what they're doing. They're not making a political statement they're starting a fight. That's not protected free speech.
If there was no pattern of them starting things and then suing for big bucks I might be inclined to say that they might, as distasteful as it might be, have the legal right to do it (not that I think the should. You should be able to bury your loved ones in peace regardless of who they are). However their MO is using this schtick to generate lawsuits and get money. I can't see how that's protected Free Speech.
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Post by: Albatross
@Tyyr - I was agreeing with you. Seems pretty cut-and-dried to me - some of the stuff they put on their placards seems like an 'Incitement To Violence' or in this context, 'Fighting Words', to me.
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Post by: Frazzled
Generally thats not how it works here though, but the argument could be made.
Incitement to vioelence has to be immediate and realistic. Think a speaker with a gun in his hand trying to get a mob to go burn down XX's house RIGHT NOW.
Fighting words are designed to start a fight RIGHT NOW. Its extremely rare that that defense/claim is effective.
A simple distance ordnance would be much more effective and has routinely withstood scrutiny.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
Is there a way to find out how many times Westboro have sued for damages, how many times they were successful and how much they have been paid? (Not won, because sometimes they would be chasing a straw man.)
It would be interesting to see if they actually make decent money at it.
Perhaps they just genuinely hate homosexuals?
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Post by: Lord-Loss
KillKrazy wrote:Perhaps they just genuinely hate homosexuals?
...And Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Hindu's, America, Iraq, Iran, Afganstan.... and more I just forgot the rest.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
It's homosexuals they have the biggest stiffy for though.
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Post by: Frazzled
yes, its my understanding thats their sole income. it would take a simple legal search but would cost unless someone had access.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
Surely they get contributions from their supporters.
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Post by: Slarg232
Fateweaver wrote:Blocking punches with your face doesn't work very well Slarg.
It's like trying to block a dick punch. You'll just punch yourself in the nuts. LOL.
Don't kill Shuma. Who will I have to insult me and act all high and mighty on the OT board? Dogma? Alba likes to insult me but he doesn't come off thinking he's better than anyone else. At least that much I can give him props for.
No, see, I attacked HIM. I wasn't blocking.
Sounds painful, and best to avoid..... Ow.
Bu-But, How will I keep the moniker "Slarg The Slaughterer"?
15667
Post by: Emperors Faithful
Frazzled wrote:Emperors Faithful wrote:I have to admit, that's a very rousing picture and a touching story of people standing up for what's right. But could you tell me who the heck 'iratollah' is?
A poster.
Having read through the entire thread I see now, sorry.
I thought this was some kind of article that someone had pulled up, and I also wondered if they meant 'irtrollah'.
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Post by: DarkLight451
if only we could burn them like the SOB do to chaos worshippers
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Post by: MeanGreenStompa
DarkLight451 wrote:if only we could burn them like the SOB do to chaos worshippers
Whilst looking smegsy in corsets? W00t!1! I'm in!
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Post by: sexiest_hero
I'll be the Sister repentia and run around naked with paper clamped to my nipples!
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Post by: DarkLight451
MeanGreenStompa wrote:DarkLight451 wrote:if only we could burn them like the SOB do to chaos worshippers
Whilst looking smegsy in corsets? W00t!1! I'm in!
lol thanks man
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Post by: filbert
Just read the wiki entry on the Phelps clan - I am probably more surprised that they haven't suffered extreme harm really. I appreciate that people don't want to end up doing time for it but you would have thought that someone would have had a go at them? Maybe a bomb or a drive-by or something? They seem to provoke such and extreme reaction that it is surprising that they haven't been assaulted more often at least...
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Post by: Shadowbrand
I say we burn their churches. And sing about how much we love Satan at their services.
\,,/
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Post by: Emperors Faithful
But that's your response to everything!
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Post by: alexwars1
So, if I've got this worked out, crazy people who hate gay people are saying they hate dead soldiers because God hates gay people. Also, the dead soldiers familys are having to pay for this. Am I on track so far?
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Post by: Fateweaver
Welcome to America. The land of lawsuits so frivolous as to be a work of fiction, but are in fact reality.
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Post by: ShumaGorath
Fateweaver wrote:Welcome to America. The land of lawsuits so frivolous as to be a work of fiction, but are in fact reality.

Didn't this occur because the father who brought the lawsuit in the first place lost his suit?
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Post by: Happygrunt
Honestly, these people give me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am just WAITING for them to protest a SEAL funeral (Not that there should EVER be one. We dont need another single dead soldier). Whops, the rest of his squad was there. Those protesters are never seen again.
Ever.
Those Patriot Guard Riders are some of the best people in the USA in my opinion. They stand their showing their support to the friends and family of the dead, and blocking those dumb (word I cant say on dakka) from disrespecting the body of someone who gave them their free speech in the first place.
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Post by: youbedead
ShumaGorath wrote:Fateweaver wrote:Welcome to America. The land of lawsuits so frivolous as to be a work of fiction, but are in fact reality.

Didn't this occur because the father who brought the lawsuit in the first place lost his suit?
He actually won but another judge reversed the decision when phelps appealed
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Post by: ShumaGorath
youbedead wrote:ShumaGorath wrote:Fateweaver wrote:Welcome to America. The land of lawsuits so frivolous as to be a work of fiction, but are in fact reality.

Didn't this occur because the father who brought the lawsuit in the first place lost his suit?
He actually won but another judge reversed the decision when phelps appealed
Ahh.
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Post by: Emperors Faithful
So a slight add-on to Fateweaver's statement is in order?
Fateweaver wrote:Welcome to America. The land of lawsuits so frivolous as to be a work of fiction, but are in fact reality.
Oh, and appeals happen to be more common than pigeon crap.

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Post by: DarkLight451
This is no fair for the dad of the marine, his son should of had a funneal in peace but no these...these no good, rotten, scum eating, slow, low life, pieces of crap get their protest and after the dad got the money he should of gotten, instead they appealed him and got money out of it. They should be beating to a bloody plup and their "church" naplamed and salted!!!!
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Post by: Slarg232
Shadowbrand wrote:I say we burn their churches. And sing about how much we love Satan at their services.
\,,/
I'm game for that
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Post by: metallifan
Actually, you know what I could totally go for? Just running towards this Phelps guy, jumping in the air with my back to him, sticking my arse in his face, and just letting a big spicy cloud of stink go, right on his nose. Then just walking off. It's degrading, they're bad enough to cause retching (Those that know me can vouch for that), and even people that supported him would be laughing their arses off. How would I -not- be the winner there? You ask me and even buckshot, point-blank to the face would be preferable to that.
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Post by: Lord-Loss
I'm sure we could convince there electric company to cut off the electrity to all there houses, and if that doesn't work we can always sneak into there house mess up there plumbing.
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Post by: metallifan
Their*
And sadly, no we can't. Electrical can't cut service unless you stop paying your bills. And B&E and Vandalism will putcha inside. I donno about the States, but here in Canadialand, farting in someone's general direction from a close distance isn't criminal. Thus, it would be a reaction of "Oh, that guy just farted on me. I must suck. What a tool I am. I'm going to go commit suicide."
Problem solved. I'm telling you, if enough people farted on him, it would work.
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Post by: Commander Endova
Quickly! Everyone grab the biggest burrito they can find, congregate on Phelps front lawn, AND GET TA FARTIN!!!!
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Post by: metallifan
WAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
Whoo. Excuse me.
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Post by: youbedead
Emperors Faithful wrote:So a slight add-on to Fateweaver's statement is in order?
Fateweaver wrote:Welcome to America. The land of lawsuits so frivolous as to be a work of fiction, but are in fact reality.
Oh, and appeals happen to be more common than pigeon crap.

ding ding ding ding ding
We have a winner
your prize is this brand new lawsuit, Yay!
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