The Supreme Court of The United States has ruled that the protest tactics of the Westboro Baptist Church are protected by the First Amendment so opportunity knocks for all of us outraged by the open association of Justices Scalia and Thomas with the Tea Party and Koch Brothers. The justices said Westboro's speech was protected because "the protests were on a matter of public concern, on public property and conducted in a peaceful manner." Now, with full support of our Judicial Branch we have vast new opportunities to go after every TP puppet and GOP buffoon, as long as we stay on public property or right of ways when we protest.
According to Justice Robert's "As a nation we have chosen a different course -- to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate." Goody. Let's take the effort to repeal Citizens United to the fringes of their private events and rites of passage. Be sure to bring Justice Thomas a warm can of Coke. Don't like the way John's Boehner panders to the cheap seats? Visit him on the golf course.
Justice Alito's dissent hinged on the filer's status as a 'private citizen' and his opinion that vicious verbal attacks that make "no contribution to public debate" are not protected speech when used to inflict "severe emotional injury on private persons at a time of intense emotional sensitivity." Since elected officials and political appointees are a more proper target within this line of dissent you can feel good about making your voice heard.
Some tips from the John Robert's approved protest game plan to help you get started:
- Make sure that only the tops of your picket signs are visible to attendees driving to and from events
- Don't interfere with the funeral, wedding or other event, just make sure that everyone attending feels as uncomfortable as possible
It's time to get loud folks, the SCOTUS has given us a go ahead.
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