We need First Amendment discipline

To the editor:

A simmering issue that is beginning to boil over involves the Rev. Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church protests at fallen veterans funerals. Our well-intended Illinois neighbors have seen their elected officials propose laws preventing these protests, as have other states.

That response is understandable. The group's antics are horribly disgusting. They contend that God is punishing us because of our tolerance with homosexuality. Phelps' parishioners have staged protests at more than 60 military funerals, holding hateful signs and stomping on American flags.

A counter-movement of sorts has evolved involving veteran groups and motorcycle enthusiasts called the Patriot Guard Riders that work with officials and the deceased soldier's family to throw up a solemn protective shield between these protesters and the grieving family. There is an old saying that "hard cases make bad laws." Laws such as these circumvent the First Amendment, not uphold it. Most of the soldier's families have presented it right. Their sons and daughters died to protect our liberties. They fought to guarantee the freedom of speech even when it protects unpopular, obnoxious and horribly vile messages.

Such laws are probably content based, favoring one opinion over another, and most likely unconstitutional. These protesters are so outrageous that their method of attention-getting has to fail. Our lawmakers must discipline themselves not to make bad laws or provide these folks even more publicity. It is a far greater testimony to the sacrifice these brave soldiers have made that all our inalienable rights be protected.

RANDY DUNN, Oak Ridge