oh, and I'll ignore the 'thinking' part ... I'm not suggesting that we legislate what people 'think'
That's exactly what you're suggesting even if you don't realize it, and that's all the reason I need to believe the way I do.
No, I'm not. Purely because any such legislation would be very poor because it couldn't be enforced.
When people's thoughts turn into actions though something should kick in.
If some nazi-type wants to believe that jews, blacks and homosexuals should all be killed ... well, that's unfortunate. If they start saying it and shouting it in people's face then something should be done about it.
Evil happens when good people do nothing. Unfortunately, America has institutionalised the concept that no one is allowed to do anything.
At the end of the day I can't believe that people will argue that the WBC and their ilk should be allowed to do whatever they want on the vague notion that it somehow protects others. If you can detatch yourself from the mantra you will see how crazy it is.
Simon, you own this site and I and many others come on here simply because you have been gracious enough to provide it for us and I for one can't express my gratitude strongly enough but this time your dead wrong. I won't mince any further words with you on it because I also believe that nothing I could say would change your mind just as you're incapable of changing mine on this subject.
A healthy debate is good and disagreeing with me is welcome :)