Phelps Family loses lawsuit - fined 2.9 million

[annabanana]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3049415&mesg_id=3049415

Now before we all go jumping for joy (YES the Phelps clan is twisted, sick, & evil).. The ACLU was defending them. If they can't peaceably assemble and make their point of view known, neither can we.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/22/AR2006072200643.html

[NMMNG]

1. Yay!

:woohoo:

[kestrel91316]

2. Nah. This doesn't alter anybody's constitutional rights. It does send

a rather strong message about hatemongers screaming at soldiers' funerals, though.

BTW - there's an additional 8 million in punitive damages.

[mike_c]

3. plus eight million punitive damages-- ouch....

That's gotta hurt.

[FiveGoodMen]

4. Well, we all know you can't yell 'Fire' in a movie theater

I don't know how this case was decided, but free speech isn't supposed to be used as a weapon.

Maybe the law (or the jury's take on the law) turned on whether the Phelps Gang's constant stalking of dead soldiers was more like intimidation than speech.

I'm a big fan of the ACLU, but it's conceivable that they should have lost this one.

[shenmue]

5. Disturbing the peace is not covered by the First Amendment.

Disorderly conduct is not part of freedom of assembly. Those assholes came to start trouble. They can be removed.

[Yael]

6. I am sorry, but I can't support that bigotry on any level

I am glad they lost, inbred bunch that they are.

If the day comes when I lose my ever lovin' mind and decide to act like they do in public, I would hope that I am not only sued, but thrown in jail for it.

[mondo joe]

7. I'm an ACLU member. This, IMO, was not a free speech issue.

[Gold Metal Flake]

8. They are gonna have to sue a lot more people to pay for this.

I predict Phelps family members slipping and falling in supermarkets all across this nation. Watch for 'em in your town!

[Ian David]

9. My ONE concern about this verdict. And it's a small concern.

What if the Republickers start hold rallies, and calling them "Memorial Services" so they can ban protesters from them?

[spanone]

10. i completely understand their right.....but they are some sick fucks. imho