Protest at a Funeral Challenges Free Expression

In our society of justice, laws and rights overpower feelings and often times result in offensive words and emotional turmoil. But in our country, people protesting or lashing out against what they don’t agree with is very common, and honestly, it’s not as if America can avoid it.

In 2006, two Marines arrived at Al Snyder’s Maryland home, to bring him the devastating news that his son, Matthew, had been killed in Iraq. Snyder wanted to give his son the best funeral he could. However, members from Westboro Baptist Church showed up to protest at Matthew’s funeral.

Their reason was simply their way of proclaiming their message that God was punishing a country that tolerates homosexuality. They merely felt this was the best way to present what they were against, and his dead son was just a by-product.

Joyce Lam,

Staff Writer

In addition. Westboro church members took all legal action before protesting. If the police respected their freedom of expression, why can’t we? Even after Al Snyder sued them, the Supreme Court was in their favor.

As  American citizens, we are inherently born with the freedom of speech. It’s not  like anyone can stop us from speaking our mind and stating our own opinion.

Although it may not have been the most civilized way for these church members to proclaim their beliefs, they should be allowed to say what they want to say, whenever and wherever.

Whether it’s protesting about budget cuts outside of a local school or protesting rights outside of a federal building, after all, we do live in a Land of Freedom, don’t we?