Dead soldier's mother asks lawmakers to restrict funeral protests

Associated Press ^ | 4/6/2006 | Paola Farer

[george76]

Wiping away tears and clutching a picture of her dead son, the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq begged state lawmakers Thursday to limit protests at funerals, saying no parent should have to go through what she went through when she buried her son last November.

Julie MacKenzie said a group of protesters from a Kansas church showed up with signs that said "Thank God for dead soldiers" and other messages for those who attended the funeral for her 20-year-old son, Tyler...

trying to balance the free-speech rights of protesters and the rights of families to mourn peacefully and privately.

The Kansas protesters claim the deaths of soldiers in Iraq are divine punishment for America's toleration of gays and lesbians.

Five states have already enacted similar laws, including Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Another 27 states, including Colorado, are considering it.

[george76]

[CrawDaddyCA]

...a group of protesters from a Kansas church showed up with signs that said "Thank God for dead soldiers" and other messages

My oldest son is currently serving. If (God forbid) he comes home in a box and these clowns show up, I'll be going to jail, because I will beat the snot out of the 'pastor' until someone pulls me off of him. Antics like this are beyond disgusting.

[Borian]

I say we gather outside of these funerals in a show of solidarity with the family.

If people with opposite views happen to get their ass kicked in the process, so be it.

[Redleg1963]

I am just at a loss of words to try and fathom why someones political goals compels them to desecrate the very people who defend those same rights.

[george76]

"After hearing the sometimes emotional testimony, the House Judiciary Committee delayed action on the bill ..."

[Redleg1963]

...........and in other news, Congreswoman/person/thing McKinney is black.......


that is more important dont ya know /sarcasm


Why do we fricking need legislation for this?

[MJY1288]

I am not a person who would ever condone restricting any type of free speech, but this is one situation where I would condone inflicting bodily harm on those who would take part in such a display of disrespect of those who gave their lives in the defense of this country.

As my Daddy always told me.... "There is a time and place for everything... Son!, And what will separate you from those mindless idiots is understanding those boundary's

[Aliska]

That group is the most obnoxious, hateful, disgusting, horrid bunch of human debris in this country.

They got freeped today Phelps' group freeped today in DC thread w/photos

They seem to be an incestuous bunch, and I'm wondering where they get all the money to travel so many places to harass people like that at the most vulnerable time in their lives.

I can't say what I really think about them or my post would get pulled.

[BerniesFriend]

I so despise these lousy people..I have seen their scum first hand..in my town we had a lesbian couple claim that their son was discriminated because he supposedly told a classmate that his mother lived with another woman..and that he was punished for it..it was very very untrue..but the "mommas" didn't go to the teacher or the school or the superintendent ..they went to the media..which sent them to ny on good morning america..ON A SCHOOL DAY NO LESS..sadly..these sick people from kansas decided to "picket" my second grade kids school..at first I thought about not sending them..but I could not let scumbags dictate what I do with my life..we pulled up..the inbreds were about 70 yards away..with more police and protesters against the inbreds than for could be seen..I really have no time for these cousin kissers..

[george76]

[george76]

[Graybeard58]

because I will beat the snot out of the 'pastor' until someone pulls me off of him

I'm a strict law and order guy myself and I think if you beat up the "pastor" you should have to pay a harsh fine of $2.50 and if he should die as a result of that beating, the fine to be doubled to $5.00..........and I'll pay the fine personally.

My son came home safely from Iraq and I pray that your's does too. The subject of my tag line isn't home yet.

[Borian]

re: Patriot Guard Rider

I don't have a bike, but will park my truck down the street so not to distract. heh.

[ishabibble]

It's not "free speech". It's "hate speech". There is finally a use for that PC BS law, but is it enforced? Nope.

Phelps needs to go the legal way. Arrest him for stalking or harassment, and then make the "hate speech" law stick. Cut the head off of that evil snake.

My prayer for that poor mother. She is a brave woman, and the members of that legislature are sniveling cowards.

[COEXERJ145]

I'm wondering where they get all the money to travel so many places...

Phelps makes most of his money by suing people for violating his "civil rights".

[Aliska]

Ugh. That's adding insult to injury.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

George..
Was this from Corey Dans funeral in Maine?
Ms.B

[george76]

It was Julie MacKenzie from Greeley, Colorado and Private First Class Tyler Ryan MacKenzie .

[MJY1288]

There is a fine line between Free Speech and Hate Speech, and in most cases it is defined by those on each side of the issue.

My definition of the difference between "Free Speech" and "Hate Speech" is someone expressing their own beliefs and those who ignore the speech of those who differ from their own speech.

After all.... Hate Speech is originated from those who ignore Free Speech...If you don't believe me.... Simply ask a Liberal to defend their absurd positions and their reflexive response to anything that challenges their indefensible position