Media...
Going too far?
Written by: Robin Christian-Bull
I arrived at the cemetery gardens around 7:30 AM. The funeral was for a little boy tragically killed in the tornado in Moore. Rumor had it that Westboro planned to protest. Our goal was simple. Block the view of those vile people (and I use the term people very loosely). According to Oklahoma lawthey had the right to protest with proper permits for two hours before and two hours after.
As we milled around, our number increased. A leader emerged. A young man, maybe 20, wearing baggy shorts, a t-shirt, and a ball cap. He urged us all toward the main road. The hate cult hadn't filed for a proper permit, but the family requested no media. I stood on the corner of SW 104th and Walker with approxmiately 150 other people.
The sun glinted off of all the chrome from those that had brought their motorcycles. They took up part of the road and the entire other entrance. Drivers passing honked and shouted to show their support.
A news van pulled into the turning lane to gain access to the cemetary gardens. Without hesitation, all of us walked into the center of the intersection. The family wanted this to be a private matter. We would keep it a private matter. That day, all of us that stood outside of Resthaven felt like we were burying our own child.
Anger and resentment surged through our crowd. We stood as a human shield. This was almost as reprehensible as WBC. We made sure the news crew would not pass.
At what point does the media cross the line?
Yes, the First Amendment gives us Freedom of the Press. However, should the press receive information on a private gathering simply because they are the press?