Reading this really pissed me off [Archive]

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EzGoingKev

03-30-10, 10:36

This really is a bunch of BS.

Marine's dad ordered to pay protesters' court fees
Comments (0)
The Associated Press

BALTIMORE - The father of a Marine killed in Iraq and whose funeral was picketed by anti-gay protesters from Kansas was ordered to pay the protesters' appeal costs, his lawyers said Monday.

On Friday, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ordered Snyder to pay $16,510 to Fred Phelps. Phelps is the leader of Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, which conducted protests at Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder's funeral in 2006.

The two-page decision supplied by attorneys for Albert Snyder of York, Pa., offered no details on how the court came to its decision.

Attorneys also said Snyder is struggling to come up with fees associated with filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court.

The decision adds "insult to injury," said Sean Summers, one of Snyder's lawyers.

The high court agreed to consider whether the protesters' message is protected by the First Amendment or limited by the competing privacy and religious rights of the mourners.

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/29/1246609/marines-dad-ordered-to-pay-protesters.html

d90king

03-30-10, 10:39

You are not alone... Only in America is the trash treated on the same level as a hero.:(

thopkins22

03-30-10, 10:42

If there's a place to donate to help Mr. Snyder pay this, count me in.

woodandsteel

03-30-10, 10:51

WTF?????:confused::mad::mad:

First of all, what was Phelps appealing? And why would the father of the fallen Marine have to pay for Phelps' appeal?

This is not a very well written article.

If there is a legal defense fund for the father, I would be willing to donate.

koji

03-30-10, 10:54

Please do post a link to donate if one comes up. I'd be in - that's just sick.

PdxMotoxer

03-30-10, 11:02

If my memory is working this morn I'm pretty sure i seen on CNN or some other
"media" soruce that in fact the members "Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church"
are all related and just some hick family.

By the interviews i have seen my guess is most were related before marriage also. ;)

Unless it's self defense (or sport) i try to abide by violence is never the answer.

But the vile uneducated filth that spews from this "church members" mouths
make me long for the old days when it was pretty much a given that yes there was "free speech" but also you better be prepared for an ass whoopin if your personally
going after someone of their loved one/family member.

Sure your free to say what you will about me and my family but don't be surprised when i put ya into a Kimura snapping your wrists and or elbows. :p

I'm tired of these yahoos hiding behind the law and threats of suing everyone
so they can clearly write checks their ass's could NEVER cash.

I guess the only legal way would be to hire an above average lawyer and wait
for them to word just one thing wrong and sue them till they can't even afford
toilet paper to wipe their ass's or dry their tears.

arizonaranchman

03-30-10, 11:12

Thanks to generations of communist left attacks on this country we have reached this point. A nation in it's decline and eventual national-suicide through such idiocy.

I'd never pay this. I'd make sure it never got paid.

-gary

03-30-10, 11:17

http://www.matthewsnyder.org/help.html

swamper

03-30-10, 11:34

http://burnpit.legion.org/2010/03/put-yourself-in-his-dad%E2%80%99s-shoes/

Put yourself in his dad’s shoes

And then reach into your pocket and help this man.

[UPDATE I: I will have more info on how you can help later, after I talk to the lawyers.]
[UPDATE II: This doesn't surprise me, although I did not know it until a few minutes ago, but The American Legion is also in the process of filing an Amicus Brief with the Supreme Court on this issue.]
[UPDATE III: National Adjutant is seeding this with a donation of his own. All funds will go to paying these lawyer fees, then for aiding in the Supreme Court filings, and anything above that will be used for other similiarly situated individuals, since alas, this problem likely will not go away soon:

Send checks to:

The American Legion Burnpit
Albert Snyder Fund
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206

Thank you EVERYONE]

Imagine one day you find government vehicles waiting in your driveway, and you know why they are there. And this is the worst moment of your life. But, you know your son died doing what he wanted to do, and you are so very, very proud of him.

And as you get ready to lay him to rest, people from halfway across the country protest outside the cemetery, and you think, this is the very worst moment of my life. As if saying goodbye to a cherished son were not horrific enough for one lifetime, zealots with no sense of taste, decorum or class use your private moment of grieving to pass on their belief that your son died because “God Hates Faggots”.

But, you won’t give in without a fight, because your son didn’t either. So you file suit in court, and first you are awarded vast sums of money for the damage that these miscreants had done to you. But, on appeal, the next court sees the situation differently. See, to you it was never about politics, it was about seeing the blood of your blood go to his silent, eternal rest.

But, it’s not enough that you just lose the case, now you find out that you have to pay these same individuals $16,500 in lawyers’ fees. You see, the protestors themselves are lawyers, allegedly committed to seeing truth and justice prevail. But, to you this isn’t as much about the law as it is seeing that no other family has to go through the pain that you did.

Well, not on our damn watch. This man has suffered enough. So we want to make sure he doesn’t pay one red cent, even though someone will have to. So The American Legion is starting a fund to pay this off, and judging from our previous fund raising experiences here, I anticipate getting all the cash we need. I have already received promises of $200, and I haven’t even posted this yet.

Here is the story from Stars and Stripes in full. I hate to take their entire story, but I will make it up to them over the next few days.

woodandsteel

03-30-10, 11:36

So, from Mr. Snyder's website, it looks like he sued the Phelps to keep them away from his son's funeral. And phelps won an appeal and now Mr. Snyder is being forced to pay the court cost.

I kind of understand the legal reason behind this. But, this aint England, where the loser automatically pays the winner. And it is not like this is a frivious lawsuit that Mr Snyder filed. I hope this ruling makes it up to the next level.

arizonaranchman

03-30-10, 11:47

Thanks for the update, glad to hear it's being addressed and the man has some help. God bless him and his son and may it all come out as it should...

John_Wayne777

03-30-10, 11:52

You are not alone... Only in America is the trash treated on the same level as a hero.:(

I fantasize of the day when the US justice system is as deeply concerned about the 2nd amendment rights of law abiding citizens who have never harmed anyone as it is about the 4th amendment rights of child pornographers, the 8th amendment rights of terrorists, or the 1st amendment rights of some attention-whoring assclown who gets his rocks off by hurling insults at the family of a fallen serviceman.

civilian

03-30-10, 12:26

GermanSynergy

03-30-10, 13:24

I fantasize of the day when the US justice system is as deeply concerned about the 2nd amendment rights of law abiding citizens who have never harmed anyone as it is about the 4th amendment rights of child pornographers, the 8th amendment rights of terrorists, or the 1st amendment rights of some attention-whoring assclown who gets his rocks off by hurling insults at the family of a fallen serviceman.

We can dream, but I fear things will get much worse before they get better.

Hot Sauce

03-30-10, 14:05

I fantasize of the day when the US justice system is as deeply concerned about the 2nd amendment rights of law abiding citizens who have never harmed anyone as it is about the 4th amendment rights of child pornographers, the 8th amendment rights of terrorists, or the 1st amendment rights of some attention-whoring assclown who gets his rocks off by hurling insults at the family of a fallen serviceman.

Quoted, so that you will read it again ladies and gentlemen, and internalize it. Very well said, sir.

RogerinTPA

03-30-10, 14:21

This really is a bunch of BS.

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/29/1246609/marines-dad-ordered-to-pay-protesters.html

Agreed. Complete and utter BS. This is a clear case where the right to free speech should be suspended during funerals, especially the funerals of military members. People should show some f--kin respect.:mad:

Safetyhit

03-30-10, 14:29

Thanks to generations of communist left attacks on this country we have reached this point.

Actually these folks are ultra-far right nutjobs who are protected under the first amendment. The left has little to do with their stance nor freedoms.

RNorris

03-30-10, 14:29

Not one F'ing dime....

As an aside, that group tried to protest here in Michigan. A Veterans/Biker group met them at the graveyard, and formed a wall between the protesters and the family.

Aray

03-30-10, 15:00

Not one F'ing dime....

As an aside, that group tried to protest here in Michigan. A Veterans/Biker group met them at the graveyard, and formed a wall between the protesters and the family.

That's the Patriot Guard Riders, we do that all of the time.

RNorris

03-30-10, 15:07

Good work!

-gary

03-30-10, 15:14

I'm curious as to the cause of action in the initial suit as generally protesting is protected under the 1st Amendment.

The Bill of Rights only restricts the government from curbing speech. You may be protected from a criminal standpoint, but what you say and how you say it can affect me to the point that it causes personal anguish or financial loss. At that point it's a civil matter. I might not be able to have you arrested for what you say or stop you from saying it again, but I can be compensated for you doing it.

Safetyhit

03-30-10, 15:15

Come to think of it, last year I distinctly remember seeing children at one of these rallies there with the protesters. Some were even shouting themselves.

Personally, I categorize that as utterly reprehensible child abuse via hate filled brainwashing. I don't care what anybody says, they are in no better place than the indoctrinated North Korean children who's live and futures are being stolen from them by deranged narcissist adults.

woodandsteel

03-30-10, 15:22

That's the Patriot Guard Riders, we do that all of the time.

Thank you, for what you do.

VooDoo6Actual

03-30-10, 15:29

Sucks !

chadbag

03-30-10, 15:39

Actually these folks are ultra-far right nutjobs who are protected under the first amendment. The left has little to do with their stance nor freedoms.

That was not his point. The communist far left people put the judges in that make him pay the court costs.

MarshallDodge

03-30-10, 15:48

koji

03-30-10, 16:01

http://www.matthewsnyder.org/help.html

Thanks for doing that Gary. Just contributed.

Safetyhit

03-30-10, 16:01

That was not his point. The communist far left people put the judges in that make him pay the court costs.

Your probably right, but what would that actually mean? That a conservative judge won't enforce the first amendment?

I get the potential logic, just not sure I would agree either way. That said, I vote for a public hanging myself. And I am not kidding in the least, they are truly morally horrendous people.

Vic303

03-30-10, 16:16

Actually these folks are ultra-far right nutjobs who are protected under the first amendment. The left has little to do with their stance nor freedoms.

Actually you are totally wrong on that point. Fred Phelps was a well known civil rights attorney in the 1960's before getting disbarred in the 70's. He is a periodic Democratic candidate for office in KS, and was a Gore delegate to the 1988 Democratic Convention. Phelps is a true Leftist...regardless of his stance on homosexuality.

From wikipedia:

Democratic Party

Phelps has run in various Kansas Democratic Party primaries five times, but has never won. These included races for governor in 1990, 1994, and 1998, receiving about 15 percent of the vote in 1998.[57] In the 1992 Democratic Party primary for U.S. Senate, Phelps received 31 percent of the vote.[58] Phelps ran for mayor of Topeka in 1993[59] and 1997.[60]
Support for Al Gore

Phelps supported Al Gore in the 1988 Democratic Party primary election.[61] In his 1984 Senate race, Gore opposed a "gay bill of rights" and stated that homosexuality was not something that "society should affirm".[62] Phelps has stated that he supported Gore because of these earlier comments.[63] According to Phelps, members of the Westboro Baptist Church helped run Gore's 1988 campaign in Kansas. Phelps' son, Fred Phelps Jr., hosted a Gore fundraiser at his home in Topeka and was a Gore delegate to the 1988 Democratic National Convention.[15]

pic of Gore & Phelps:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonbats/522880301/

More pics & info:
http://www.lcrga.com/news/Fred-Phelps-Al-Gore-Westboro-Baptist-Church-God-Hates-Fags/200010251159.shtml

jacobswel

03-30-10, 16:19

So his son died for them and everyone else in this country and now they think he should pay their bills too!! Some people have no respect for the ones who give their lives for us.

HowardCohodas

03-30-10, 17:17

This is a horrible situation, however there have been some things stated in this thread that are misleading or inaccurate.

Some things that came out in an interview that I saw earlier today:

The court awarded the reimbursement of court costs and fees associated with the suit. This does not include paying for their lawyers.

He does not intend to pay this judgment unless confirmed by the Supreme Court.

The "church" has filed an additional suite for reimbursement of court costs for the first trial. Here his exposure may be as high as $90,000 even though they lost the initial suit.

I believe his legal representation has been pro-bono.

None of this minimizes the tragedy this man has suffered and continues to suffer at the hands of this "so-called church." I am informed by something my lawyer once told me during a case I was involved in. "Never confuse the law with justice." Let's hope and contribute to this man achieving justice.

Safetyhit

03-30-10, 17:48

Actually you are totally wrong on that point.

Golly, what was I thinking. My stupidity is sometimes my downfall. Let me correct myself...

He is an anti-war democrat who also utilizes the ultra-strict, anti-gay, absolutely non-leftist point of view established by the radical church as a pulpit to expel literally beyond baseless hate.

That clear enough for you?

A-Bear680

03-30-10, 18:40

Web site for contributions:

http://www.matthewsnyder.org/help.html
The site is also listed in this week's Army Times.
Looks like the idea is to bankrupt the lowlifes.
The Good Guy attorney's are donating their time , but there are other related costs.

d90king

03-30-10, 19:48

It appears Bill O Reilly is paying the fine for the family. Hats off...

http://davidbellavia.com/new/2010/bill-oreilly-pays-fine-for-snyder-family-against-westboro-church/

GermanSynergy

03-30-10, 20:05

It appears Bill O Reilly is paying the fine for the family. Hats off...

http://davidbellavia.com/new/2010/bill-oreilly-pays-fine-for-snyder-family-against-westboro-church/

Not a fan of Bill, but I'll give credit where it's due.

Taran

03-30-10, 20:23

I could have sworn there were laws in this country still about "Fighting Words."

And I fail to believe that the majority of courts would ever have a problem with a "temporary insanity" plea for a parent who beat the ever living [deleted] (or worse) out of Phelps during his child's funeral.

Sure we have Free Speech in this country. But just like everything else we are free to choose whether or not to exercise, we are also absolutely responsible for the consequences. Or we used to be, anyway...

snappy

03-30-10, 22:30

Time for a pack of freedom lovers to show up at the Westboro Baptist Church and stand in the middle of the assemblage during services singing Black Sabbath songs at volume. :mad:

glocktogo

03-30-10, 22:52

Just want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly. These asses protest outside his son's funeral. He sues them for damages from that protest and they apparently hire lawyers to defend themselves, apparently citing their 1st Amendment right to do so. He initially wins in lower court, but then loses when they appeal, and is ordered to pay their legal fees? I'm curious as to the cause of action in the initial suit as generally protesting is protected under the 1st Amendment.

Definitely sounds like a raw deal, but certainly a common occurrence in the judicial system, though not the general rule. Taking it to the next level might result in even more attorneys fees being awarded, and I'm not sure how he gets around the 1st Amendment issue. One can only hope karma eventually catches up to Phelps and his ilk.

No. This is a legal scam they run. They do utterly vile protests intended to incite citizens and municipalities to violate their "rights". The whole family is a bunch of inbreds who also happen to be lawyers. They sue and live off the legal fees they collect. They need to be disbarred and their frivolous lawsuits laughed out of court.

Props to the Patriot Guard riders who defend the funerals of sevicemembers from this pack of cur dogs. This is the only group of scumsuckers I literally wish physical harm. I keep hoping to someday read in the news that while on their way to "protest" a funeral, they met a semi-truck broadside. :(

Bubba FAL

03-30-10, 23:02

Time for a pack of freedom lovers to show up at the Westboro Baptist Church and stand in the middle of the assemblage during services singing Black Sabbath songs at volume. :mad:

Sign me up! Westboro ain't that far from here and I like Black Sabbath!

Aray

03-31-10, 07:27

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

rifleman2000

03-31-10, 08:22

Agreed. Complete and utter BS. This is a clear case where the right to free speech should be suspended during funerals, especially the funerals of military members. People should show some f--kin respect.:mad:

People SHOULD show some respect, but the right to free speech SHOULD NOT be suspended.

I can't stand these people, but I hope we never start chipping away at the 1st Amendment because of them. No more than I want to see the 2nd chipped away because of some clown that commits a crime with a CCW.

Safetyhit

03-31-10, 11:09

People SHOULD show some respect, but the right to free speech SHOULD NOT be suspended.

Maybe, but the right of a soldier and their family to a peaceful burial ceremony should also be preserved by any means necessary. I can't believe that some sort of trespassing or disorderly persons offense doesn't come into play more often.

chadbag

03-31-10, 11:28

People SHOULD show some respect, but the right to free speech SHOULD NOT be suspended.

They just have to abide by the consequences of their speech. If their speech infringes on someone elses rights they should be open to civil damages. 1A does not give them carte blanche to trample other's rights. It may not be a criminal thing, but is not open game

I can't stand these people, but I hope we never start chipping away at the 1st Amendment because of them. No more than I want to see the 2nd chipped away because of some clown that commits a crime with a CCW.

A-Bear680

03-31-10, 18:47

The Marine's Father publically stated that he will not pay.

This really is a bunch of BS.

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/29/1246609/marines-dad-ordered-to-pay-protesters.html

RancidSumo

03-31-10, 21:39

They just have to abide by the consequences of their speech. If their speech infringes on someone elses rights they should be open to civil damages. 1A does not give them carte blanche to trample other's rights. It may not be a criminal thing, but is not open game

Such as getting the shit beat out of them.

skyugo

03-31-10, 22:52

Sudden

04-01-10, 08:35

Those Aholes came to Seaford, DE. They were run out and a broke a window in their van. They said they would not come back here that we were not civilized. There's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZGKx2pTBQc&NR=1 A lot of towns ran them out. This has to be one of the funnier ones. The guy in the van say "anything we dont have can stay.'

Safetyhit

04-01-10, 09:02