I have to say when it comes to the first amendment of the United states it really does irk me. The first amendment prohibits the making of any law "respecting an establishment of religion", impeding the free exercise of religion, infringing on the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.
I am finding time and time again people hide behind the first amendment to deliver their vile hate speech, that unfortuntly cannot be stopped until the amendment is changed.
This is just a case that has recently hit the news it involves a controversial Christian sect known as Westboro Baptist.
The church and I use the term very loosly as no true Christian would do anything so disgusting, picket the funerals of the fallen military people in the United States who have been killed fighting the war on terror. They protest because they say God is not blessing but cursing America for their immoral behaviour.
The latest case involes that of Albert Snyder who's son Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder was killed. Not only does this family have to grieve for the lost of their son but they have to put up with the satanic antics of Westboro Baptist.
In 2007 the Snyder family sued for infliction of emotional distress and was awarded compensation.
However on appeal it was overturned as the courts could not infringe of the freedom of speech that the Westboro Baptist church spews out. Such stupidity. But wait there is more. Albert Snyder was than forced to pay $16,510.80 in legal fees for the church that had protested at his son's funeral.
The Supreme Court will now hear the case later this year. And I am praying as I hope many of you are that The Snyder family win against Westboro Baptist.
Groups like this are using and abusing the First Amendment clause. It really need to be changed. People like this need to be stopped from spewing their hate and filth causing people emotinally stress and even greater sorrow.
Americans its time to act. I know how you value your freedom of speech, but there needs to be a clear line as too whats okay and what is just wrong and hateful. Get on your politicans back, call them up and send them letters, espressing your dissatifaction and a need to change. Cause you know next time the hate may be directed at you!!!!
