[Notwithstanding]

I would add a caveat: what you say is largely true but only
IF Joe Blow was a public figure or a private figure involved in a matter of public concern.

[HiTech RedNeck]

or a private figure involved in a matter of public concern.

Which MS is now, if not then, due to his challenge to Terri's Law.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Would Terri's situation be considered a matter of public concern even before Terri's Law was passed? The matter of Mike's pushing the court decision okaying Terri's death creating a bad precedent and a blot on the conscience of the nation? This was, and is, an issue bigger than Terri.