If you hate, you got to pay!

Submitted by justevolvin on Wed, 10/31/2007 - 23:05

Jury awards father $11M in funeral case

I have seen stories come across about churches doing protests at peoples' funerals - soldiers and homosexuals alike. I am grateful to see that a jury is willing to differentiate between free speech and hateful disregard for fellow human beings.

This ruling is great too for the simple fact that it preserves the right to freedom of speech. You can hate all you want, but there are consequences for your actions. A great message to the fundamentalist Christian right in my opinion.

Sure the $11 million is absurd, but I think it sends a great message to those who choose to exercise their free speech without regard for civility.

Unfortunately, if something like that had happened to me it would have been the church winning the money instead of me. There's no way I would stand around and let a group of people protest at a funeral without becoming or attempting to become violent.

What do you think of this quote?

"Snyder sobbed when he heard the verdict, while members of the church greeted the news with tightlipped smiles."

Tightlipped smiles? What's that all about? Is that the all-too-familar condescending smile we have come to know and love from those that are "saved" and have all the answers - not to mention God on their side?

Let me quit before I get worked up... Cheers to Maryland! Follow the link at the top of the post to read the full AP story.

If you hate, you got to pay.

Submitted by Bill G (not verified) on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 14:49.
Justin, The article mentions Westboro Baptist Church. I can only question what god they are quoting when they say god hates gays. Not my God. He does not hate gays. He hates my sin, but does not hate me. If He did, I would probably have been dead years ago. While I disagree, as you know, with homosexuality, I know that anyone can pursue the lifestyle they wish, believe, or think what they want to, without me having to believe what they believe. I know that not everyone believes as I do. I would not laugh or smirk at the death of any person, gay or straight. I certainly would not picket or protest a funeral for a fallen soldier. Remember, just because an organization or a group of people claim that God is on their side does not mean that He has anything to do with it. Perhaps there is a free speech issue here. Perhaps not. More importantly, this is a civil issue (civil meaning the way folks should act in a civilized society), and those folks should really see their actions from the eyes of father or mother who has lost a child, especially in combat. What if they were treated that way if their children died. Interesting article Justin. There is alot I could say, but as you said...I better quit before I get worked up too....

Right on...

Submitted by justevolvin on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 20:28.
Absolutely, I know plenty of Christian people who would find this behavior offensive. Unfortunately, I have to wonder (or speculate) as to what damage their actions have. Glad to see that others don't approve though... $11 M is nice too...

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