I think most all of us are in favor of the "free speech" right for the Phelps' clan and can be worried of the repercussions of the Phelps' decision. We have to protect free speech over everything else. If we don't, we might not be able to post here, and we all know there are those "out there" who would gladly censor in their quest to control. The description "sacrosanct" to describe free speech is apt.
In thinking about this and reading stories and the replies here for the last few days, it's obvious we all detest what Phelps and others do, but we, for the most part, think that it could open up a can of worms.
One of the thoughts that keeps coming around and around in my thinking is trying to determine that, though they have the right to say the things they do, the real question is about "where" they are saying them.
Are there places where there should be limits to free speech?
I think of the classic case of yelling "FIRE" in a crowded theatre.
Someone brought up protesters at a presidential speech or news conference. It's true that free speech is thwarted at most, if not all, of the Bush/Cheney appearances. It would seem that there should be no control over speech here, if we are to have transparent government.
Is a funeral one of those places? To be ridiculous - would it be all right for Phelps to demonstrate at a funeral for, say, Dick Cheney or George Bush?
I don't know. I certainly would have no problem with it.
Also, there is a need to take into consideration the "message" of the protesters. Is it just? Is it fair? We've been dealing with this issue of free speech for over 200 years. Would this even be an issue if we hadn't lived through the last 7 years of secrecy, lies, and threatened loss of basic human and civil rights?
just asking...
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