Our Opinion
By Staff
Protesters don't belong at funeral
There is apparently no end to how far anti-war and anti-Bush protesters will go to spread their messages of hatred and spitefulness.
Their latest target is the funeral or graveside service of a soldier who has been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan and brought home for burial. While family members and friends pause in reverence and grieve for the loss of their loved one, these protesters stand nearby voicing their opinions and waving signs that bear slogans such as "God Hates Fags" and "Killers Deserve to Die."
Such inconsiderate behavior has prompted the Kentucky legislature to pass a law that makes it a crime for protesters to get any closer than 300 feet from where a funeral or burial is taking place. It also prohibits them from using a sound enhancement device such as a bullhorn. Anyone found in violation of the law would be guilty of first degree disorderly conduct and subject to a sentence of up to a year in jail.
But that's not the end of the story.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) quickly filed a lawsuit contending that the Kentucky law is unconstitutional. So, what else is new? What we have is another one of those cases where the litigants-protesters-receive the protection of the First Amendment no matter how repugnant their behavior is while the victims-those overcome with grief-are left to deal with their loss the best way they can.
As shameful and unfair as it may seem, ACLU has the upper hand in cases like this.
They will eventually win out where speech motivated by political differences is involved, no matter how sadistic it is.
Regardless of what the courts may rule it makes one wonder whatever happened to civility in this country? Those guilty of such foul speech should have their mouths washed out with soap.
What do you think? Should war protesters be prohibited from military funerals?
Send your thoughts to P.O. Box 929, Hartselle, AL 35640 or email to news@hartselleenquirer.com. Signed comments can be included as Letters to the Editor; unsigned ones in our E-Sound Off.
