Editorial

Protesters push beyond the bounds of human decency

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

For those unfamiliar with the group, the story is unbelievable. A grieving family inside a Lincoln church is comforted for the loss of Army 1st. Lt. Garrison Avery, who was killed serving his country in Iraq.

Outside, members of another church, in Topeka, Kan., carry signs carrying slogans like "God Hates America" and "God Hates You," "Don't Pray for the USA" and "God Sent the IEDs." Meanwhile, they shout words like "God is your enemy," and "Turn the country over to the fags, they'll come home in body bags."

Huh?

Southwest Nebraskans may be more familiar with the Rev. Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church, attended mostly by his extended family. That's because we can view Kansas television news that has been following the protests for years.

Ignoring numerous biblical admonitions to show grace and "Love Thy Neighbor," the fundamentalist groups has taken a few scriptural injunctions against homosexuality to the "nth" degree, sadly, viciously and inexplicably attacking those who are at their most vulnerable, the families of soldiers killed in the war. How mistaken they are to believe that any thinking, reasonable person could possibly be converted to their views.

It was encouraging to see fellow veterans, such as the leather clad VFW Patriot Guard Riders show up, on rumbling motorcycles to defend the family of a fellow veteran who has made the ultimate sacrifice.

It's not surprising that those who have been hurt or who have seen others hurt by the fundamentalist group want to see them stopped. They have taken to statehouses to try to persuade legislators to pass laws restricting the protesters.

Unfortunately, the protesters are protected by the First Amendment, and are frequently successful in making their case in court.

It's just another example of how those who push the law past the bounds of decency can endanger freedom for all of us.

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