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Originally Posted by compiledkernel  I understand the right to freedom of speech, but is there a line that eventually gets crossed? |
A relevant article is
Some Elementary Comments on the Rights of Freedom of Expression by Noam Chomsky, a tiny snippet from it:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Noam Chomsky Among people who have learned something from the 18th century (say, Voltaire) it is a truism, hardly deserving discussion, that the defense of the right of free expression is not restricted to ideas one approves of, and that it is precisely in the case of ideas found most offensive that these rights must be most vigorously defended. |
And here are some relevant bits from a speech made by Ron Paul concerning the Broadcast Indecency Act of 2004 entitled
An Indecent Attack on the First Amendment, I sincerely recommend taking a few minutes to read the entire speech though:
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Originally Posted by Ron Paul But this current proposal is dangerous. Since most Americans – I hope – are still for freedom of expression of political ideas and religious beliefs, no one claims that anyone who endorses freedom of speech therefore endorses the nutty philosophy and religious views that are expressed. We should all know that the 1st Amendment was not written to protect non-controversial mainstream speech, but rather the ideas and beliefs of what the majority see as controversial or fringe.
The temptation has always been great to legislatively restrict rudeness, prejudice, and minority views, and it’s easiest to start by attacking the clearly obnoxious expressions that most deem offensive. The real harm comes later. But “later” is now approaching.
[...]
Laws may attempt to silence the bigoted and the profane, but the hearts and minds of those individuals will not be changed. Societal standards will not be improved. Government has no control over these standards, and can only undermine liberty in its efforts to make individuals more moral or the economy fairer. |
You have to remember though that nobody has a right to free speech on private property, so the Phelps have no right to express their ideas on the funeral grounds for example if the owner does not wish them to do so.
EDIT: oh and here's a documentary concerning the Phelps family you might want to watch,
Louis Theroux: The Most Hated Family in America (Louis gets to know the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas - a controversial church whose members are nearly all from one family.).