Thursday, October 14, 2010

Hate speech and freedom of speech: do they go together?

Fred Phelps
TheWestboro Baptist Church, our unfriendly hate driven bigots from down the lane, are currently in a court case, for protesting a funeral for a soldier. You know the fringe philosophy they hold dearly, Military deaths are a sign that we’re being punished for letting Gay's in our country. blah blah blah.
I sit down and think about the case, the arguments for both sides, and I unfortunately feel like it's hard to decide. It really shouldn't be that hard. But, as much as we all hate to admit it, they have their rights too. Even if what they do is incorrect.

Much like how we all talked a few months ago about how the Mosque *could* advocate a hatred for America. There’s no speculation here, we know they hate America. It's on their signs all the time.
This doesn't mean they don’t deserve the right for speech; they earn their place there just like I earn my place on this blog. It sucks and it's the exact opposite of what I think. So with that in mind we can all flip them the bird, respond back with our own signs and remind them they are bigots. It's just the way it is. If I say they can’t protest or speak out, and throw them in Jail, then what's stopping someone who disagrees with me from doing the same to me?

Freedom of speech protects the outsiders like WBC. It says they can still say what they want and not worry about being thrown in jail for it even if the populous disagrees. Even if it's wrong and they’re a terrible bunch.

While I am mentioning this I have to ask why doesn't Fox or MSNC or CNN talk about this case? It's a big deal at least to me. Their home base is in my backyard, I have to see those signs when I go to school or simply drive down the street.
Anyway, this is about the first Amendment and if this goes too far or not. This is questioning the Constitution, so why isn't this being mentioned? Too controversial? Is that what it is Media? You can’t report this story because if you say the wrong thing you may lose viewers? It's not about reporting the news anymore it's about viewership and keeping the viewers happy even if it means not reporting about something that may upset you. So how am I supposed to trust any of you cable news channels if your afraid to report a story outside your comfort zone or admit the other party is right on Fox or on MSNBC.
Sorry, going into a Tangent here. (TangentX haha) To wrap it up folks...we are able to say what we want...and if we’re told not too they become the oppressors...just like if we go against our word and tell WestBoro they cant protest then we ourselves become the oppressors.

Agree with me? Disagree? Let me know in the comments below. Would love to hear from my reader(s).

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