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bucolic_frolic

(42,676 posts)
14. Freedom to Demonstrate Already Eroded
Thu Aug 2, 2012, 02:41 PM
Aug 2012

Demonstrators couldn't get within blocks of a Bush Presidential Rally.

And I really wonder if this isn't all about publicity.

Certainly protestors don't often hope to convert the people they protest against.

As politicians, I would hope they do hear about the protestors and at least acknowledge
that there are two sides to debate. I'm not sure that happens very often though.

Reducing confrontation and preventing violence should be a viable goal of policy.

Respecting the rights of the minority, without which we have not much of a democracy,
by seeing that their topics and protests receive adequate media attention should be a goal
of the third rail, the media.

When protest causes emotional pain to the grieving I think we've crossed a line. Let the
mourning have its time, place, and respect. These people have lost sons and daughters and
husbands and wives in the service of our country. The least we can do is to provide them
a safe, calm, supportive place to grieve as they participate in their right of passage.

If protestors are heard in the media, that's enough. Rubbing it in the faces of those who lost
loved ones is simply distasteful.

bet the court agree to hear it nt littlewolf Aug 2012 #1
They will uphold it.. annabanana Aug 2012 #2
You think it is acceptable to demonstrate at a military funeral? Swede Atlanta Aug 2012 #13
I don't think it's acceptable to treat military funerals differently than civillian. naaman fletcher Aug 2012 #17
Excellent point. Also, I don't see the first amendment as giving totally RKP5637 Aug 2012 #51
I'm assuming the poster meant canuckledragger Aug 2012 #19
absolutely.... mike_c Aug 2012 #32
What's "reasonable" Sunny on my mind Aug 2012 #44
Freedom to Demonstrate Already Eroded bucolic_frolic Aug 2012 #14
And most places... awoke_in_2003 Aug 2012 #25
I hope the ACLU opposes this unconstitutional supression of free speech Bragi Aug 2012 #3
Much as I hate those pricks.... Jeff In Milwaukee Aug 2012 #6
Yup I agree a 1000% gopiscrap Aug 2012 #36
+1 we've got other avenues to explore. nt DCKit Aug 2012 #20
I'm glad to see this development...... Swede Atlanta Aug 2012 #4
It could go either way Scairp Aug 2012 #29
THIS is the correct response to those hateful creeps: annabanana Aug 2012 #5
Fabulous! Bragi Aug 2012 #9
LOL, Zombies! rDigital Aug 2012 #42
Every funeral needs a two-ring circus. Kurovski Aug 2012 #54
Do they actually protest inside the cemeteries? Ash_F Aug 2012 #7
The court can uphold it as a public safetyissue. McCamy Taylor Aug 2012 #8
I am SO tired of that old "shouting fire in a crowded theatre" chestnut Bragi Aug 2012 #11
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. rDigital Aug 2012 #43
"Some of whom might be tempted to act out violently" Hugabear Aug 2012 #12
I believe in Canada you aren't allowed to lie or tell falsehoods on the air. Kurovski Aug 2012 #55
That's called the "heckler's veto" and it's a pernicious idea. Jim Lane Aug 2012 #35
Schenck (the "fire in a crowded theatre" case) was overturned; the test is now NYC Liberal Aug 2012 #40
I have no problem with this particular "suppression of free speech rights". SoapBox Aug 2012 #10
But where does it end? atreides1 Aug 2012 #15
I agree and I am also a vet ... littlewolf Aug 2012 #30
Where does it end? Telly Savalas Aug 2012 #50
"isn't it just specific to military funerals" NYC Liberal Aug 2012 #48
As despicable as these people are twizzler Aug 2012 #16
Post removed Post removed Aug 2012 #18
The way to deal with Westboro... brooklynite Aug 2012 #21
the way to deal with them SemperEadem Aug 2012 #23
Exactly! The notion of 'tax free' for these political operatives is RKP5637 Aug 2012 #53
good it's about time for some action on this n/t azurnoir Aug 2012 #22
While I understand the reasoning behind this SemperEadem Aug 2012 #24
Good... and-justice-for-all Aug 2012 #26
"Your entitled to say what you want but not where you want" NYC Liberal Aug 2012 #38
I diagree...sorry and-justice-for-all Aug 2012 #46
Yeah well the protection of "revolting", "indecent" speech is precisely why NYC Liberal Aug 2012 #47
And the Supreme Court would order the entire Phelps family disbarred Panasonic Aug 2012 #27
I hate Westboro baptist... awoke_in_2003 Aug 2012 #28
I would think the Free Speech Zone law that was upheld by the Extrem Court Bandit Aug 2012 #31
Wow, I don't know. I thought that law was only for liberals to be excluded, ya know? freshwest Aug 2012 #34
The law originated because of Anti-Abortion activist harassing women at Bandit Aug 2012 #37
Oh, okay, I thought Bush started it. I remembered the anti-abortion as being restraining orders. freshwest Aug 2012 #41
FINALLY! louis-t Aug 2012 #33
I hope this is overturned, which I think it will be. NYC Liberal Aug 2012 #39
But...but...we have to allow freedom of speech NO MATTER WHAT!! randome Aug 2012 #45
Sounds similar to "Free Speech Zones" - lynne Aug 2012 #49
I hate the Phelps clan. MrSlayer Aug 2012 #52
This is not a "blow" to them jberryhill Aug 2012 #56
Next up - make it illegal for OWS to block sidewalks jberryhill Aug 2012 #57
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