(no subject)
I think that actually reading the US Constitution should be a requirement, especially if you work at an outfit such as the ACLU. The First Amendment specifically states that the government cannot infringe on those rights. It says nothing about private enterprise or individuals. Fred Phelps is NOT being sued for his hate speech; he is being sued for being the jackass that he is and causing emotional distress to the soldiers' families that he is picketing at the soldier's funerals with his hate for America. Respecting the free speech of another does not mean that it entitles one to lack empathy and common decency and not face a lawsuit over it. It's not like the soldier's family is looking to put Phelps and his cult in jail. They are simply seeking monetary damages.
For serious, ACLU, I expect you people to know better than that. Obviously not.
(Note: This is the second time this week that the ACLU blogged about the Phelps case in the SCOTUS. They're treating it as a free speech issue, when this is really about having the fucking decency to respect a grieving family.)
For serious, ACLU, I expect you people to know better than that. Obviously not.
(Note: This is the second time this week that the ACLU blogged about the Phelps case in the SCOTUS. They're treating it as a free speech issue, when this is really about having the fucking decency to respect a grieving family.)