Dad of Fallen Marine Required to Pay Protestors Legal Fees

It's a beautiful day as a father goes to bury his son. This son gave his life in the line of duty in a country far away. His memory stays forever in his father's heart, which is heavy with the loss of this Marine. As he approaches the church were the service is held he see's protestors holding signs that say "Thank God for Dead Soldiers". What do you think went through that fathers mind?

After burying his son and paying his last respects to a hero, this father set out to sue the Westboro Baptist Church. This church supports and encourages this type behavior all over our great country. It means to get attention to their hatred of homosexuals.

Albert Snyder father of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder won a $5 million dollar verdict against this menace of a church. Yesterday the Court of Appeals overturned that verdict saying this decision violated the First Amendment Rights of the Westboro Church. If that wasn't enough pain for Mr. Snyder to endure they also required him to pay $16,000 in legal fees to this church that attacks defenseless soldiers who ironically gave their life to preserve this right.

As I read this disturbing news tears formed in my eyes as I have a son-in law serving and a daughter who is oversees teaching the children of men and women, while they fight to protect people like Fred Phelps the pastor of this Christian fundamentalist church. They deserve better when they make the ultimate sacrifice. I hang the flag, the one I received at my dad's funeral, on national holidays and I do so as a proud son. His picture in a Navy uniform sits in a place of honor in my home. This what families do all over our country, we honor those that served our country.

These so-called Christians fly all over the US to attend funerals of servicemen to protest and gain attention to their cause. Rev. Phelps preaches that American deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan are punishment for our tolerance of homosexuals in this country. He was banned from Great Britain last month because of this stand. It is just total manure that these protest are allowed at private funerals when they have nothing to do with the servicemen or their families. The hurt Rev. Phelps is causing is beyond belief to sensationalize his hatred.

Mr. Snyder is taking the stand that he will pay nothing to this despicable group until the Supreme Court hears his case. I not only don't blame him. I hope he wins in the Supreme Court so others can sue this hate group. Don't we have laws against hate crimes and violations of civil rights? Where did Rev. Phelps get these people to believe in this disrespectful behavior?

Mr. Snyder if you read this I want you to know there are millions of us out here that believe your son was a hero. We hold you and your family close to our heart. May God bless you and help you find peace in this ordeal you have had to endure during a time of extreme pain.

Citizens its time to write your representatives in Washington and ask that something be done about this deplorable tactic to hurt the families of our military men and women who endure the ultimate sacrifice.