Thoughts on Rights

Evan Bayh introduced a Bill that would ban protests within 300 feet of a veteran's funeral. Senate Bill 2452. Congress has its own bill addressing the issue H.R. 5037. These bills are aimed at preventing debacles such as those produced by the Westboro Baptist Church.

Sylvia Smith stated in her column yesterday that these bills damage the Bill of Rights for those who wish to protest. She does say that the Church's protests are loathsome, ugly, and small-spirited but is their right under the freedom of speech. She goes on to say that these bills are nothing more than "election-year theatrics."

As usual I can only agree with her in her description of the Westboro protests. Her claims that this is a violation of the First Amendment is arguable. It is a weak argument as no bill prevents protesting. It is also not a campaign politics issue as she contends. This is obvious as bills were brought up in both Congress and Senate. Its pretty cynical to think that every bill introduced was done so with the purpose of campaign positioning.

The reason I wrote this post is not to throw darts at Sylvia (Thats as easy as pinning the tail on the donkey without a blindfold). This post is meant to address the issue not reported by her or most journalists. Freedom of speech is a right under our constitution. We have responsibilities that go along with thos rights.

Just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean it is right to do it.