The first Amendment, or the right to free speech, is a principle that has set the standard for the very foundation of American culture. Loved and hated across the globe for various reasons, this nation remains to be seen as the epitome of personal freedoms. Although there a numerous benefits to having such freedoms, the downside is that the freedoms are often abused and thus put in jeopardy. The "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" movement is one extreme example of this abuse and proof that the first amendment is both a gift, and a curse.
Some Background on the Movement
Created by the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, and headed by the Reverend Fred Phelps, the "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" movement begin in about 2005. This ministry is comprised of majorly those with familial ties as they gleefully and unapologetically, protest and picket outside of the funerals of fallen soldiers. Their logic, behind these actions is that, God hates America for it's corruption, especially as it pertains to accepting homosexuals, and that the death of these soldiers is the wrath of God as he takes revenge on an evil nation.
Regardless of their motives, they are protected under the first amendment and thus, will not be penalized for these actions. Furthermore, this movement seems to be indicative of the many issues that plague this nation, as well as, a sign of worse things to come if this, and similar movements, continue.
Disrespect of the Dead
Perhaps the most outrageous element of this movement is the blatant disrespect of not only the dead, but also, those who mourn them. Indeed, funerals are for the living and this only further complicates what must already be a very difficult grieving process. This is an especially curious course of action coming from those whom assure that they are doing God's will. Furthermore, what happens if people randomly just decide to protest funerals because they hate them or believe that God hates them? This would make for quite a volatile society, to say the least.
Misguided Hatred
Arguably, the most confusing aspect of this movement is not only the level of hatred, but also how clearly misguided the hatred is. If God is so angry with the acceptability of homosexuality in America then wouldn't it make more sense for the majority of the attacks to occur on say, American soil? Or specifically attacks on gay soldiers? It's just very difficult to comprehend this line of logic. Furthermore, it seems quite contradictory that people whom claim to have God on their sides would spread hate which is the antithesis of what is usually taught in churches.
Paving the Way for Similar Hate Movements
Although hate movements are nothing new, movements such as these only make it easier for others with a similarly negative message, to begin to seek out more public venues of spreading their message. Indeed, hatred begets hatred and this movement in and of itself has spawned a slew of people whom hate the members of the Westboro Baptist church. What would happen of they decide to come together and start their own movement?
Summing it all Up
Although the first amendment is a great element of American society, the downside is that we are not allowed to revoke access to it merely because it is being used responsibly. Although many states have began passing laws that prevent protesting within so many feet of a funeral, this will never be enough to quell the anger inside of neither the protesters, nor the grieving families. In the long run, America needs to look further into these issues and find provisions to discourage other movements from taking similar actions. Negativity is contagious and in the midst of political and economical disasters, an outbreak of this level of negativity, would be like the plague.
Venus Lockett - A multifaceted, wide eyed, studier of the universe, Venus has always used her natural knack for writing and deep love for word play as a ...
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