Down With Phelps.

   Today I’m going to lay off of the trip for a little bit.  (But only for a little bit.)  If you will recall, a few months back I mentioned the Rev. Phelps and his protests against military funerals and the formation of the Patriot Guard against him.  At the time, there were a few states considering enacting laws against such protests.  Well, it seems that Congress has acted.  

   Its called the “Respect For America’s Fallen Heroes Act”, and it bars protests within 300 feet of the entrance to a cemetery, and within 150 feet of the road leading to a cemetery, from 60 minutes prior to and following the funeral.  It was approved by both houses and sent up to G-Dub for his signature on Wednesday.  (And I have no doubt that he will sign it.  Or he’ll get an earful from Daddy Bush.)  

   Now, while this Bill is a good thing, overall, there are a few problems, at least on the surface.  First, the act only covers our national cemeteries.  However, this isn’t as bad as it seems.  Congress can only enact laws like this on federal land, not state, or private, land.  So this limitation makes sense.  Also, if this law survives the second problem, it will serve as a precedent for states to enact their own legislation.

   The second problem is one that the, so called, Rev. Phelps himself brought up.  He says that it was "blatantly violating the First Amendment."   While this is an issue for the Supreme Court to rule on, I’m going to put my two cents in here.  I don’t see this as restricting their right to protest, it only says where they can not do it at.  They can still spout their vitriol, but they are forced to respect other people’s right to grieve.  I’ve always been taught that my rights end where they intrude on someone else’s.  I have the right to say anything I want to, so long as it is not harmful to others.  And Phelps’ protests are definitely harmful to those suffering from the loss of a loved one.  He’s just lucky that those families he has offended have been able to control themselves; of the Phelps family would have suffered a loss of their own.  I know that I would have a few choice words (And body blows) to give him.  No doubt that the ACLU will get involved with this one.  If they do, I foresee them getting knocked down several pegs by the backlash.  (And I would just love to see that!)
   All in all, I see this bill as a great first step in protecting those in mourning from having to put up with the likes of Phelps.  And not just fallen military members, but everyone should be protected in the same way.  Its just a shame that we have to make laws like this when it should be plain old decent human behavior.
   I’ll see ya’ll later.