States Eye Picketing at Soldiers' Funerals

[Mao]

Originally posted by Lefty Scaevola
The is a group of retired military that 'counter demostrates' them by forming a tall silent line between them and the funeral party.

I mean, if they are allowed to protest funerals, more groups like this should proliferate. They're called the "Patriotic Riders" or somesuch IIRC, they ride Harleys and form a line, and then rev their engines to drown out Phelps and his idiots.

Of course, I could point out that the notion that death is sacred, etc. is very much a part of our culture and we're socialized into it, nothing innately makes this so AFAIK. Thus, as this is a part of our culture, so is many Muslims being offended at immages of Mohammed. The difference, however, is that sloww isn't threatening to behead Phelps (as much as some of us would like to see that...).

You know, there must be some way just to get Phelps and bin Laden's groups on an island somewhere, and just have them fight it out, think of the problems that would solve, c'mon!

[Arrian]

Then we could make a movie: ESCAPE FROM FUNDIE ISLAND. And Kurt Russell could star in it. It would be great.

No, wait...

-Arrian

[Az]

The difference, however, is that sloww isn't threatening to behead Phelps (as much as some of us would like to see that...).

And that sloww, and those muslim guys can choose not to hear phelps. The people attending the funeral can't.

[Mao]

Originally posted by Az

The difference, however, is that sloww isn't threatening to behead Phelps (as much as some of us would like to see that...).

And that sloww, and those muslim guys can choose not to hear phelps. The people attending the funeral can't.

The basic point, sadly, is that they can. We both know this to be true, I'm sure, even though I don't believe it's right, honorable, moral, etc. they do technically have a choice.

[Az]

The basic point, sadly, is that they can. We both know this to be true, I'm sure, even though I don't believe it's right, honorable, moral, etc. they do technically have a choice.

Actually, I don't see how. If would've seen how, I wouldn't oppose the legality of phelps' demonstrations.

But not the libertarian "well you can choose to starve to death" choice - not " don't show up" -I mean a choice in which they could go on with the funeral, just like you can switch the channel and return when the program disturbing you stops airing.

[Verto]

Originally posted by Wezil
I too find it disgusting.

I would not ban them.

[Bill3000]

I saw this article, like, a month ago. Same forum, too.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Any chance someone without much in the way of real assets and a temper might be at one of these funerals?

That's what I suggested 2 months ago.

And no, this shouldn't be banned by law. It's disgusting, but part of living in a free society.

[loinburger]

AFAIK, the currently accepted reading of the 1st amendment says that you can't ban speech for its content, but it doesn't say anything about restricting where you're allowed to express it, e.g., I'm allowed to protest the President's policies but I'm not necessarily allowed to protest his policies while on a tour of the White House or whatever. While this has resulted in some stupid restrictions (e.g., "free speech zones" during the Republican convention), I wouldn't be averse to restricting where douchebags like Phelps were allowed to partake in their douchebaggery.

[Az]

Loinburger - you do have to be careful with this, though. very careful.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Actually, loin, I think the place restrictions are already in place, which is why these protestors have to stand like 100 feet away instead of right next to the funeral party (which I'm sure they'd rather do).

[SlowwHand]

Additionally, a group is required to pursue a permit.

[Pekka]

Yeah, those are disgustoids. Is funeral a private event though? If it is, then they can be escorted out, right?

Sure they can do that, I wouldn't ban them either, but I would kick their ass for it, and encourage everyone else to do it too.

[Wycoff]

How much do you want to bet that Crazy old Phelps or one of his top men gets caught buggering a little boy before too long. Phelps has some deep personal issues.

[Seeker]

What could be more private than a funeral?? It's not like it's a barbecue or something.

And isn't the family plot in the cemetary your bought and paid for private property?

It's pretty sad that instead of RIP tombstones of the future will say 'Trespassers will be prosecuted".

I would argue that public space for them to protest would include the sidewalks and streets.

As for the rest of the cemetary area, aren't these usually administered by private companies? Although there would be problems with Arlington National Cemetary, it's government property.