The colonies decided to declare independence from England as tensions mounted over taxation and other issues. One big problem is the colonists felt they had no voice or say in matters important to them or representation by the crown.
When the Bill of Rights was written, the first amendment stated there would be no establishment of religion, freedom of the press, the right to peacefully assemble and freedom of speech. If I say King George looks like a sissy in his wig, I shouldn't have to face the stockade for it. It's just an opinion.
Over 200 years later, the desire to uphold these rights puts us in a quandry. You have the right to thank God for dead soldiers, but it is thanks to the soldier that you have this right at all.
The supreme court of the United States has supported the Westboro church as having the freedom of speech to protest at military funerals.
Today, hundreds of bikers called the Patriot riders escorted the family of a young man from the airport. He was a 21 year old Marine killed in Afghanistan.
When Westboro announced they would be protesting at this man's funeral, the people responded. With the right to peacefully assemble, hundreds of Gastonia residents lined the streets to keep the protestors from harrassing the family.
The numbers must have intimidated Westboro, because they never showed up, and the family was able to put the focus where it belonged.
As a mother, I can't help crying over the loss of this child. As an American, I can't contain the pride in my community. We the people sent a message. The dignity of our fallen will be respected as will the mourning time for these families.
We have a voice, never forget it.
Be well,
Jen
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3 comments:
Jen, this is such a strong, heartfelt post. I've heard about these so-called Christian protesters waiting for the soldiers & their families when the former returns home in a casket, having given the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his country. Locally, a pair of local homeowners had professional signs made for their front lawns--something to the effect of "We're proud of our son who serves overseas in the United States Marines" or some such.
At any rate, the Homeowner's Association filed suit against the couple to take the sign down, because it allegedly breaks their rules of having a sign in one's yard. Good news is that a couple of well-known local attorneys have taken the case pro-bono. But the uproar in the community has been phenomenal.
How wonderful it is to see that patriotism is far from dead.
OMG, don't get me started on deed restricted neighborhoods!
Good for the lawyers!
We love our heroes for standing up and doing whats right. There are times we need to emulate them.
Thank you
Jen
AMEN to this!!!! A Christian and a vetern myself I can't even come close to the rage I feel towards anyone who would protest a fallen soldier's funeral. You can be against the war. As you said our country gives you the right to believe and voice it all you want. But its just common decency to allow a family to mourn and put to rest their dead. I am so glad their are still some in the community that will allow them to do just that, and sad that its come to that.
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