First Amendment

I’m reasonably sure that right now there are a few million people who are up in arms over the Supreme Court’s decision to side with the appellate court in overturning the verdict against the Westboro Baptist Church protestors. While I sympathize with the families who had to be subjected to what I consider evil torture at a time where they are mourning the loss of their loved ones, from a civic prospective, I have to say that I am glad the Supreme Court upheld that decision.

First and foremost, I have to say that I in no way support the protestors. I think that they are morally wrong for intruding in what should be a moment spent with family and friends, putting to rest those who they have lost. However, I cannot control other people and their morals or values. I cannot control that they hide their own personal convictions  behind a higher being, as to somehow make their opinion seem more “right” or just.

I do have to support their right to protest. The one thing that I respect the most about the First Amendment is the basic right of that amendment. Our freedom to speak our mind,  without fear of some kind of retribution. Michael Douglas said it best in “The American President”: “A symbol of our freedom can’t just be a flag, it must also be a citizen of our country burning that flag in effigy. It must be someone screaming at the top of their lungs something that you find so offensive you would be screaming at the top of your lungs against.” Or something to that effect.

So while I find the actions of the Westboro Baptist “Church” completely offensive and morally and ethically wrong, I cannot say they don’t have the right to do it.