Fallen marine

[germdoc]

The first thing I read today made me sick at my stomach:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/30/...ex.html?hpt=T2

There's a link to the website www.matthewsnyder.org/ where you can donate for the father's legal expenses.

IMO this cuts across politics--this marine and his family are true patriots who gave the ultimate sacrifice and are being victimized by hatemongers who call themselves religious.

(I apologize in advance for mentioning forbidden topics...)

[Uncle Cracker]

Apparently, to some, the ultimate sacrifice is not enough. To think that the lives of so many have been sacrificed to earn the very freedom those people avail themselves of to protest is ridiculously ironic.

[schloff]

I read that Bill O'Reilly offered to pony up the $16g for his legal expenses. Very admirable on his part.

Love him or hate him, he's obviously a generous person.

[cabinetman]

I'll bet there weren't any veteran (military) protesters.
.

[os1kne]

That is absolutely stomach-turning. If a person or organization doesn't agree with things that our government is doing, they should communicate with elected officials, maybe picket the Capitol building, etc. - but not the funeral of a fallen soldier. The soldier doesn't set policy, and picketing his funeral won't do anything to help the organization. (Unless they are intentionally doing this as an instigation tactic in hopes of drawing out a lawsuit.)

[Hoover]

The judge's decision should be overturned. The family suffered one loss, they don't deserve this decision being carried out.

[billwmeyer]

It sickens me that this group is from Kansas. This Church has been off the wall for a long time. We had a soldiers burial in this part of the state a few years ago, where they were to attend and protest. The motorcycle group - The Patriot Guard- turned out in huge numbers and shielded the family with their bikes, flags and engine noise. The group had no effect. Whenever I see a member of the Patriot Guard, I go up and shake their hand.

Many states have now passed laws prohibiting protests within a certain radius of a funeral. I don't know how these laws will stand up in court.

Bill

[Richard in Smithville]

I read this to my wife and we are both sickened by the actions of this group. In fact I cannot even comment further with out getting myself in trouble here.

[phrog]

I hope no one mistakes the Westboro Baptist Church with THE Baptist Church. Having gone to Baptist Churches and having several relatives who are preachers with the Baptist Church, I think that this group is not associated with the national organization. (If it is, they should be removed forthwith.) Kudos to Bill O'Reilly for offering to pay these costs. As schloff stated: love him or hate him, you have to admire him on this one. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the family.

Edit: I found that this church is considered to be an "Independent Baptist Church." Apparently, it is not associated with the national Baptist association.

[phi1l]

First amendment issues are tricky.. There are of course limits to Free speech (everyone knows you don't yell fire in a crowded theater), but are you also entitled to free publicity? I think not.

This group received valuable publicity at the expense of the family. I think I would sue the group for at least 1/2 (if not all) the value of the publicity received. EVen if suffering & anguish are not compensatable in this case.

[cabinetman]

I hope no one mistakes the Westboro Baptist Church with THE Baptist Church. Having gone to Baptist Churches and having several relatives who are preachers with the Baptist Church, I think that this is some lunatic group who is not associated with the national organization. (If it is, they should be removed forthwith.) Kudos to Bill O'Reilly for offering to pay these costs. As schloff stated: love him or hate him, you have to admire him on this one. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the family.

I hope they rule in favor also. Some protest just because they think they have the right to. What if anything have they done or will do for their country...hide maybe.
.

[Hoover]

I believe in freedom of speech and the right to protest. However whatever is in that one pastor in Kansas, it is meaned spirited, and in my humble opinion, tramples on the rights of the loved ones who lost their son or daughter.

I am glad that this thread is keeping from getting out of hand.

Some day each of us will have to deal with our reckoning, we have to answer for what we have done.

Sorry if I am off base here.

[Ed62]

I'm speechless.

Ed

[Pappy]

This is not the exercise of freedom of speech. It is verbal abuse/assault which is a crime.

The first thing that came to my mind was the Patriot Guard. It would be great if they, or another group like them, would show up at every funeral these excuses of human beings (If that term even applies to them) protest. All they need to do is stand their ground until one of these 'God fearing' protesters screws up and swings a sign in the wrong direction out of frustration. I do believe that an individual, or group of individuals, has the right to defend themselves against assault.

Read a few of the comments. One posted the address and phone number for those that would like to conteact the 'church'.

Westboro Baptist Church
3701 SW 12th St
Topeka, KS 66604
(785) 273-0325

If you click on the second picture in the article, the protester's shirt has a web site on it. It, according to one poster, lists upcoming scheduled protests. I tried to look it up, but it seems their site has been hacked. (AWWWW, Geeee!!!!!)

This shows a copy of their schedule thru May 8. http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2VKMeN.../schedule.html Wish there were some close to me. I would love to attend.

[Pappy]

From the schedule....

"WBC to picket Bon Jovi in Concert. These old fools have had access to millions all over the world for nearly 3 decades, but they have not one time told any of them what God requires of them. Why is that?"

Duh... They are paid to perform, not preach!