Together at last: Barney Frank and Fred Phelps
This is a few days late, but worthy of note since Arkansas got on this train early. Here's a blog report on fact that U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, who happens to be gay, was one of only three congressman who opposed the bill to limit public demonstrations by the gay-hating Fred Phelps and disciples of his Kansas "church" at military funerals. Frank got the kind of thanks you'd expect from this hateful bunch. He'd undoubtedly say, as he did in voting against what he thought was unconstitutional legislation, that this is about the First Amendment.
Comments
It is refreshing to see someone in Congress who understands and has the courage to support the Constitution.
Posted by: Janus | May 17, 2006 12:42 PM
As I mention here ad nauseam, I keep C-SPAN running on my desktop TV at the office all day, but Barney Frank is about the only congressman I always pause to listen to. He's generally right on top of things and sharp as a tack. I agree with his vote here, as usual.
Posted by: Patrick, Pocahontas | May 17, 2006 01:22 PM
Why pick on Fred Phelps and his whacky Westboro tribe? They're no more hateful than the tens of millions who support the DOD's ban on openly gay service members. As for Barney Frank, he is both courageous and uncommonly sensible in his consistent defense of the First Amendment. Too bad Vic Snyder wasn't, although we should cut him a little slack in an election year.
Posted by: Why Pick On Fred Phelps? | May 17, 2006 01:28 PM
Congress is really missing the boat on this issue. Rather than outlawing the protests, they need to pass a law that makes it only a misdemeanor with a $5 fine to shoot the bastards.
As for Barney Frank, he's a complete idiot. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
ARK. BLOG Spoken like a true American. Or a Huckabite. If you can't muzzle somebody whose speech you don't like, shoot them.
Posted by: George | May 17, 2006 02:39 PM
Watch out George, your gay neighbors are going to get you with a corn cob.
Posted by: Amaized | May 17, 2006 03:19 PM
The world would be a better place if Fred Phelps and his followers fell off the face of the earth.
I have no problem with Phelps and his idiot followers having the opportunity to protest. I do have a problem with the manner in which they protest at military funerals. If they want to protest at state capitals, city halls, the governor's mansion, the Mall in Washington DC and other places of government business, they are welcome. In fact, I wouldn't have any problem with their having a 24/7 protest around the Arkansas Times. I don't think they have the right to interfere with the funerals.
Amaized - you really need to get your head out of your arse.
Posted by: George | May 17, 2006 04:12 PM
Well said George...
Posted by: Dome Rat | May 17, 2006 04:16 PM
I seem to remember something about Barney's pal running a gay brothel out of Barney's house. Truly someone to look up to and a role model for fellow libs.
Posted by: seem to remember | May 17, 2006 05:51 PM
...Barney Frank is about the only congressman I always pause to listen to. He's generally right on top of things and sharp as a tack. I agree with his vote here, as usual.
I'm late to the Frank fan club, but the last time I saw him on Maher's show I couldn't believe he was an honest to goodness politician...he was too articulate, sincere and intelligent.
I agree Patrick.
Posted by: zelda | May 17, 2006 08:55 PM
I forgot to add...he was really funny, too.
...one of my favorite attributes!
Posted by: zelda | May 17, 2006 08:57 PM
Barney Frank....what a joke.
He has about as much credibility as Max....oh, I've been down this road before. I better not say more, or Max and Co. will want to silence me on my stance on silence.
Posted by: DBrown | May 17, 2006 09:57 PM
I like Barney Frank because he does understand that the Constitution should guide his political decisions, not his personal life. Unless your a priest or a nun, we've all had messy personal lives at one time or another.....oh, maybe I should leave out the priest part.
Someone once asked me if it made me sick when I thought of Barney Frank naked in bed with another man. I said, look at Barney, it would make me sick to think of him naked in bed with a woman too. Can any of you really imagine the Hucksters doing the Sealy Posturepedic Two Step...ugh!
Live and let live.
Posted by: Deathbyinches | May 17, 2006 10:46 PM
I would have to say that while I do not agree with Congressman Frank on all issues I believe him to be a honest, caring, and well informed politician. It seems to me that he votes, more than less, based off of principles and common sense than his wallet.
Two thumbs up for Frank.
Posted by: Chanc Amis | May 18, 2006 10:51 AM
Politicians restrict protesting all the time. For example, you can't protest too close to an abortion clinic or a politician's speech. You can't protest in a swimsuit too long at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.
Posted by: George | May 18, 2006 10:58 AM
Fred Phelps should be shot, if that son of a bitch ever came to the funeral of my son or daughter who died in Iraq fighting for this country because he thinks homosexuality is wrong, Id shoot him straight in the head and spend the rest of my life in prison, no questions asked. He is a homophobic pric and probley a closet case himself and thats why he is soooo passionate about the issue. Yall need to get a life.
Posted by: jjc | August 6, 2006 01:26 AM