Choking back my reaction

I'm sure everyone has heard about the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. These are the charming individuals who, for reasons of obscure gratification, have taken it upon themselves to travel the country and picket the funerals of soldiers with signs such as "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and other delightful slogans.

Understandably, the father of a dead Marine took these turds to court, and the case moved all the way up to the Supreme Court. Surprisingly - because no one has denied their preference to see the members of the Westboro Baptist Church put into a trash compactor and squished into little cubes - the Supreme Court upheld the church's actions as free speech protected under the First Amendment.

At first I was outraged that the Supreme Court could support this Church's actions. But after discussing it with a cooler head than mine (namely, my husband's), he pointed out that the Supreme Court took the proper course of action.

The First Amendment rights of free speech and free assembly are not restricted only to those groups or individuals we "approve" of. I do not use the term "rights" lightly. I am fully aware that True Rights derive from our Creator - and as such, apply to everyone, including the Westboro Baptist Church.

As long as the Westboro Baptist Church assembles peaceably and does not engage in violence, unfortunately they, too, are (and should be) protected by the First Amendment.

However I strongly support the vigilante actions of such wonderful groups as the Patriot Guard Riders who seek to protect the dignity of mourners against the Westboro Baptist Church's demonstrations.

So what do you think about this Supreme Court decision? Did it do the right thing or not?