Petition to have the Westboro Baptist Church recognized as a "Hate Group"

canndo · Dec 18, 2012

Beefbisquit said:
We're not talking about freedom of thought, or even freedom of speech. This is harassment and a form of psychological abuse.

If pot smokers are abusing people, then yes. I do think they should be silenced. However, there isn't the same amount of damage being caused by people choosing to consume a plant as there is by a group of people attempting to demoralize and abuse the public that doesn't conform to their beliefs.

This whole, eye for an eye system is what got the USA into the shitty spot it's in. Why should we want to be in a society that caters to the lowest common denominator? Outlaw hate speech in Public, and if that outlaws something you cherish, suck it up Princess. It's for the greater good. No one should have to hear "verbal pornography" in public. If you want to go home and 'seig hiel' all over your house proclaiming jews fabricated the holocaust, that's fine (not fine IMO but allowed at least), but keep that shit out of public spaces.

Society doesn't progress when we cater to misanthropes.

This country presuposes that "the greater good" is always served by our supreme document. When we see that document failing to support the greater good, we alter the document. We believe that the greater good is always the result of near absolute freedom of expression. We also believe that in the long run, a totality of freedom of expression will eventually correct the expression of those who annoy, terrify or harrange others.

What you run into when you begin to attempt to outlaw hate speech is the problem of definition. How exactly is agitating for one's religious beliefs hate speech? Could I now say that anyone who marches against abortion and abortion doctors is engaging in hate speech? How about a group who hangs Obama in effigy? Who is to determine what hate speech is? Those against whom the hate speech is directed? Those who agree with the speech? No, it is better in the long run if we accept with dismay or disgust, everyone's speech no matter how offensive - and let the listeners sort it out.

canndo · Dec 18, 2012

Grandpapy said:
I feel they can say what ever they like. By the same token, I can say I DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR IT! Have the IRS take care of them. http://www.change.org/petitions/irs-revoke-the-westboro-baptist-church-s-tax-exempt-status

It they are making blatantly political statements then they are not a church by IRS standards.

Canna Sylvan · Dec 18, 2012

Whenever I hear "the greater good," it just means someone else wants what you have without paying for it.

Beefbisquit · Dec 18, 2012

I guess someone, somewhere, would have to make a decision. The same kind of person that decided 18 was legal status, 21 is the drinking age, and bestiality and pedophilia are illegal.

There has got to be some middle ground between being able to say whatever you want, whenever you want, to whoever you want and complete censorship that's a better balance than the one that's taking place right now.

I guess it's more of a problem with the place than the message. I don't think you should be able to display or say certain things in a public setting. You can't walk around naked, and you shouldn't be able to do the verbal equivalent of walking around naked either. If you want to walk around naked, do it in your own house/church/dungeon, etc., etc.,

canndo · Dec 18, 2012

Beefbisquit said:
I guess someone, somewhere, would have to make a decision. The same kind of person that decided 18 was legal status, 21 is the drinking age, and bestiality and pedophilia are illegal.

There has got to be some middle ground between being able to say whatever you want, whenever you want, to whoever you want and complete censorship that's a better balance than the one that's taking place right now.

I guess it's more of a problem with the place than the message. I don't think you should be able to display or say certain things in a public setting. You can't walk around naked, and you shouldn't be able to do the verbal equivalent of walking around naked either. If you want to walk around naked, do it in your own house/church/dungeon, etc., etc.,

Seems to me that you have an overbroad view of what is offensive. I do not see the spoken word as offensive no matter what that spoken word communicates and how I or others may percieve it.

ChesusRice · Dec 18, 2012

I think what needs to happen is the police need to disappear whenever Westboro shows up. Let the mob action take care of the problem

Petition to have the Westboro Baptist Church recognized as a "Hate Group"

canndo

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canndo

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Canna Sylvan

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Beefbisquit

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canndo

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ChesusRice

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