A Little Grace Goes a Long Way

Fueled by revulsion over a religious group's demonstrations targeting the families and funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, legislation will be introduced in the next month that would make such protests illegal in Illinois, officials said today.

It's all here.

The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., has picketed scores of funerals for soldiers, including at least six in Illinois, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said at a downtown Chicago news conference announcing the bill.

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City) would keep protesters 300 feet away from funerals and memorial services for 30 minutes before and afterward.

I know these people will be jumping up and down about their First Amendment rights. Wait...

The church has vowed to challenge any legislation that it believes infringes on First Amendment rights protecting religion and free speech.

Now, I'm all about First Amendment rights. Big fan. HUGE fan. But what about the rights of these families, whose children have died serving our country? Shouldn't they have a right to bury their lost ones with dignity, honor and peace?

I hate to throw around bible words -- okay, no I don't -- but here's one I think the folks from Westboro Baptist Church, or anyone else who thinks protesting the war at a soldier's funeral might be a good idea:

GRACE
sense of propriety or right...the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful

Just a thought.

Soldiers
Military
Respect
Grace