Supreme Court Hearing on Westboro Baptist Church
 

So what does the crowd think about this group?

Justices to hear case over protests at military funerals - CNN.com

The Westburo Baptist Church, due to it's extreme political agenda, should not be considered a nonprofit and be taxed. This would solve a lot of problems.

I'm tired of hearing about freedom of speech. Where's my freedom FROM speech? I can't wait until technology advances to such a point that each of us can selectively turn off any sound of this nature that offends. I want the right to silence.

On topic: I'm glad the court took up this issue. I'm not sure freedom of speech applies. Funerals and other such memorial services are not public gatherings, and most are not conducted on publicly owned property. Even in the case of those that are, I doubt the family (or any reasonable bystander) would conclude that because a graveside service takes place on a public burial area, the service is automatically opened to any and all outsiders.

I am not religious at all, but since when is it okay for people to promote hate through Christianity? I always thought Christianity preached morals, respect, the 10 Commandments, the "do unto others" mantra.

Stories like these push me further from religion.

They ruin it for the rest of us. I've considered going to church before to explore different faiths, but this kind of stuff makes me not want to.

I think they lose more followers this way.

I especially like this comment that was posted in the link

Again, tax the turkeys.

This isn't a church, it's a cult. They'll win the free speech basis. However free speech doesn't mean you can direct anything you want at another person. Harassment, libel, stalking, disturbing the peace, etc. are all enforceable.

Their signs are generic, but some DA should take them on as it is clearly directed at the families. I found this definition of harassment:

Harassment-A legal definition

Ditto!

the entire church is one family

OK, I'm pissed. The family has been ordered to pay the court costs of the picketers:

Dead Marine's father ordered to pay protesters' legal costs - CNN.com

This is my own back yard, York PA. About 20 minutes from where I live. I read this the other day and was going to post this but it seriously pissed me off too.

These people claim to be Christians. They are not. They are monsters. They should be confronted. And run out of town every city they infest. There should be flash mobs set up to take them on where ever they go.

I am not a fan of Michael Moore, but I did enjoy watching this:

YouTube - Michael Moore vs Westboro Baptist Church

I am shocked that this family has not been *taken out* yet.....

I was thinking the same thing. They are messing with people who are keenly aware of how to use all kinds of weapons.

I think this calls for some kind of flash mob like mriff said. They are despicable and should be dealt with. Freedom of speech is important but should not impinge on others right to mourn their loved ones.

Ditto. Great video.

Wirelessly posted (well lookie here!)

Sickening. I'm trying to figure out why the family has to pay the picketers court costs! Where is John Rambo I'd like to send him in after these morons!

I finally got a chance to watch that video. It makes me sick to my stomach to think people still act like that and say it's in the name of god.

And what's with the liberal use of the word "***"? It's like they feel better everytime they say it.

Why can't we treat gay people the same as straight people? Why can't we all be treated as PEOPLE? I will say I am an open minded person, I don't have a gender preference, I have a "human" preference. I can love someone based on who they are, not their gender. I love the gay community here, it's one of the best. I was a parade marshall in the gay pride parade, too.

I just can't believe in this day and age there are still so many backwards people. And when I see children holding up those signs it makes me sad in my heart, now they will grow up ignorant and hateful.