We're all familiar with the shenanigans of Westboro Baptist Church. From protesting outside soldier's funerals holding signs that say "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" to protesting outside the Obama children's private school to running a disgusting website that I won't link you to because I like you too much, this guy is the very definition of an out of control extremist prick. He believes that the Iraq war is God's punishment for America's tolerance of homosexuality. Forgive me if I don't feel we're tolerant enough.
Albert Snyder, father of one of these fallen soldiers, sued Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist Church, citing emotional distress and invasion of privacy. He initially won a $5 million judgement against the protesters. The judgement was overturned by the 4th court of appeals. And then there is this.
On Friday, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ordered Snyder to pay $16,510 to Fred Phelps. Phelps is the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church, which conducted protests at Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder's funeral in 2006.
The two-page decision supplied by attorneys for Albert Snyder of York, Pa., offered no details on how the court came to its decision.
Attorneys also said Snyder is struggling to come up with fees associated with filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fox News is reporting that Mr. Snyder does not intend to cut any sort of check until the Supreme Court rules.
You can make a donation to help Mr. Snyder fight this all the way to the Supreme Court at www.matthewsnyder.org.
Team blogged by Des and Kel
Fox News Commentator and Radio Host Bill O'Reilly will write a check to Mr. Snyder for the full amount of the judgement. Good work, Bill O.
man, I am with you on that one...
When they do that rifle salute, do they ALWAYS have to fire in the air? Now THAT could discourage protesters in a BIG way.
If ever someone was begging to be beaten with a stick soaked in cat urine.....
But seriously, around here we have an organization around here called the Cavalry that escorts soldiers and funerals through the county...specificly to prevent protesters or other flapping douchebags from pulling mean-spirited stunts like this. Nothing says shut the F up and go away like 50 guys on Harleys.
Not that I would begrudge O'Really a good deed but shouldn't he wait until the appeal processes are complete? He's not just grandstanding is he? Perhaps, he's seen the evil of his ways (a visit from the dark one?) and is trying to make amends 'fore it's too late?
Kudos to Bill O'Reilly for stepping up and paying the $16,500.00 that the court ordered be paid to the WBC. Can't stand the guy most of the time, but this was a stand up move by Bill-O.
.
http://newsmax.com/InsideCover/oreilly-marine-funeral-protesters/2010/03/30/id/354287
With free speech comes great responsibility. This disgusting "pastor" has overstepped the bounds of good citizenship, good taste, and good sense.
This decision by the courts adds insult to injury to the family of the soldier.
Phelps is a disgusting whackjob. Moreover, he is NOT what I could ever describe as a "Christian".
Methinks Jesus will have a few choice words for him someday.
I don't know, just food for thought, I guess:
Practice in the 4th Circuit
The Fourth has, until recently, been regarded as the most ideologically conservative court in the federal appellate system.[6] It is also the most efficient circuit, taking an average of just over seven months to resolve each appeal.
The Fourth Circuit is considered an extremely collegial court. By tradition, the Judges of the Fourth Circuit come down from the bench following each oral argument to greet the lawyers.
I've been hearing about those folks for years due to my connections in Kansas. My hometown is about 50 miles from Phelps ground zero. You're right about the family's legal background, I didn't recognize at the time but it now makes sense that the ruling included one of the daughters as counsel.
Those people are beyond crazy...they are flaming lunatics, almost universally reviled by any self-respecting Kansan, which in most cases excludes 'grassroot' conservatives.
That is a good question and I think the answer shoud be a resounding yes, yes, yes.
We have to nip all that political incorrectness in the bud...
Gandhi's grandson, a spiritual/political leader in his own right has characterized incivility and rudeness as passive violence. I think that's a valid observation.
Sometimes the law can seem repugnant but it is really value neutral. In this case it is being used to create a miscarriage of justice. However, I think it was Jefferson who said that even bad speech must be supported and defended as an example of freedom. Of course the first amendment says "Congress shall make no law....". Can one be liable civally for their speech? Interesting question.
Disgusting. I agree with carguy; I hope this will be overturned.
If you haven't already, you should read about the Phelps group on Wiki. They are consumed with their religion, which sounds like a cult. The old man apparently believes he is one of the "chosen" few. He was disbarred in Kansas for perjury, but several (4 or 5) of his kids are or were attorneys. I guess one can be smart, but very crazy too.
I agree it is a worthy cause to support the Snyders.
my pleasure...your post is what motivated me to check it out. It's not a very pretty situation that the Phelps people create. It's just wrong, really.
Just wanted to say it's a privilege to have such informed folks participating. You add a lot to the blog.
Phelps and clan had VERY good lawyers. They admitted that they were inflammatory and emotionally damaging to the soldier's father and therefore apparently only left appeal grounds based on the constitutional limits of the 1st amendment. Geesh!
"Ashwander principle — that a court should not "decide questions of a constitutional
nature unless absolutely necessary" — is inapplicable here. See Ashwander v. Tenn. Valley Auth., 297 U.S. 288, 347 (1936) (Brandeis, J.,
concurring) (internal quotation marks omitted). The resolution of the First Amendment issues is absolutely necessary, as it is the sole appropriate means for disposing of this appeal."
So if one is stating an opinion and not implying factual matter, it's okay to say anything. Until, the next appeal at least. Cut the dude some slack and not charge him for court costs. I know that has to be within the purview of the court...I think?
This is a worthwhile cause. I think its a profanity of human values to do this kind of thing.
I don't know if this is the correct court but here's a composition of 'a' 4th circuit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Court_of_Appeals_for_the_Fourth_Circuit#Current_composition_of_the_court
I don't write many checks. BUt, I think I'll make an exception here. Thanks.
Here's hoping this will be overturned.