Bill O’Reilly does something good!
Posted by Charles II on April 1, 2010
And the April Fool’s part of it is that it’s actually true.
On AOL News, Michelle Ruiz reports that Albert Snyder, father of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, sued Fred Phelps’ Westboro Baptist Church, which protested outside of his son’s funeral for infliction of emotional distress. He won a judgment of $11M. However, on appeal, the verdict was overturned, and Snyder was ordered to pay $16K to help cover the Westboro clan’s $100K court costs.
Bill O’Reilly, amazingly, has offered to pay that sum.
Now, an $11M judgment for anything not involving death or serious injury is unjust. But even more offensive is any payment at all to an organization like Westboro Baptist that exists only to harass grieving people.
Whether O’Reilly pays or reneges on his promise remains to be seen. But just the fact of stepping forward in favor of the family of a fallen [correction:] not-gay serviceman is a decent act. One guesses it may be his first decent act but, if so, he deserves to be recognized all the more.
The Supreme Court will hear the appeal. One would hope they reinstate but reduce the judgment against Westboro Baptist to something on the order of $250,000.
Plus court costs.
________________
Thanks to Delver for the correction. Apparently the Westboro Baptist people were there out of general meanness, not out of meanness specific to Matthew Snyder’s sexuality. It was probably too much to hope for O’Reilly actually involving himself in defending a gay soldier.
Apologies for this error.
11 Responses to “Bill O’Reilly does something good!”
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Phoenix Woman said
Shocking, isn’t it?
delver said
Would you confirm if the soldier was gay? I thought the Westboro Baptist Church crowd hated all our military for the very existence of DADT etc, and this was a sort of sample case not related to the soldier’s specifics. BTW, what kind of jackasses are in that Appeals Court? FOS is not an absolute.
Charles II said
Thanks, Delver. A correction and appropriate credit are posted.
MEC said
I see that the appeal was heard by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Richmond. They are often described as the most ideologically rightwing court in the U.S.
Charles II said
That’s odd. I have usually heard them described as dishonest, reactionary sons of b—-s.
Nell said
Fred Phelps’ Westboro “Baptist Church” racket is to send participants around the country being wildly offensive in the hope that someone will violate their rights — and then clean up on the suit.
Hence, their practice of picketing vets’ funerals with “God Hates Fags” signs.
A Nashville reporter has done the most systematic work on Phelps’ scummy scams. Have lost the link to his stuff…
Phoenix Woman said
Oh, that’s been common knowledge among the gay community for years, and the word’s gone out not to play his game. It’s one reason why Phelps has essentially switched targets, going after the funerals of straight veterans hoping to piss off their next of kin — most of these folks haven’t got the word about that scam.
Neil B said
I think it’s time to have a big outcry against all this overindulgence in freedom of speech – listeners have rights too. Our liberal side need to appreciate this side more. But even if a court rejects punishing the speakers, there is no justification for substantive penalizing the bringers of the suits – just dismiss it, pay court costs etc.
Charles II said
The problem about restricting speech in public places, even offensive speech, is that it generally ends up being enforced only against the left, Neil.
No, it’s better to allow it, no matter how hurtful, as long as the people who exercise it do not cross the line into assault or slander.
What this nation really needs is a lesson in manners. Avoiding gratuitously insulting others is simply good upbringing and good character.
Neil B said
OK, I can see “allowing” the speech – but that means the government doesn’t stop them and lawsuits aren’t ruled in favor of. It shouldn’t mean, if you sue someone you get counter-sued or penalized if you lose.
Charles II said
Absolutely. It’s clear that the Phelps group intended to inflict emotional distress, rather than to engage in political speech. And that is a tort. The court’s award of partial court costs was unconscionable and hopefully will be thrown out. I only wish the Congress were gutsy enough to impeach those responsible for such an outrageous verdict.