Reply #248: I can't emphasize strongly enough

[GrpCaptMandrake]

that this is NOT a First Amendment issue AT ALL.

His speech wasn't suppressed. No government entity stopped him from having his say.

In the course of having his say, however, he committed an actionable civil wrong. That is why he was hailed into court.

For instance: I'm protesting the war. I've got a big "No Mo War" sign. I'm chanting, singing, protesting, all quite peacefully. I turn to look at another protester, and in the process poke out another protester's eye with my sign. When the protester I injured sues me, I can't very well claim that the lawsuit for damages is suppressing my right to free speech.

The two are entirely separate legal creatures.

Phelps is trying to con Americans into thinking his rights are being trampled. They aren't. He admitted the tortious nature of his conduct on the stand, under oath and now wants people to think it's about his free speech rights.

It.Just.Isn't. Phelps is a liar and a sociopath and he's showing it once again.