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SPEAKOUT: Opposition to annexation riles neighbors ( First Amendment )
Rocky Mountain News ^ | April 13, 2008 | Becky Clark Cornwell

Posted on 04/13/2008 11:02:40 AM PDT by george76

I never imagined that in America, I could be sued for speaking about politics.

My ordeal began in early 2006 when my husband, Wes, and I heard about a petition being circulated seeking to annex our unincorporated neighborhood ...

We researched the issue and decided that the extra layer of government wouldn't provide better services, while our sales tax would skyrocket. We'd be paying more for less.

We own a print shop, so Wes used some scraps and made a couple of yard signs. One said "No Annexation" and the other said "Annexation Is A Permanent Tax Increase."

We planted our opinions in our front yard.

Soon people asked for their own signs. All over, neighbors were talking, writing letters and concluding that annexation was a very bad idea.

Up to this point, our story appeared an ideal example of local democracy in action. But we soon learned that the ideal is far from reality. These days, to speak out about politics in America, you need more than an opinion - you need a lawyer.

Out of nowhere, I was walloped with a lawsuit by the two neighbors who had started the pro-annexation petition.

The suit only made me more vocal, but we have many neighbors who will probably not voice an opinion after witnessing our ordeal...

That's why those of us who were unwillingly dragged into this mess joined with the Institute for Justice to challenge Colorado's senseless, overreaching campaign finance laws.

On Tuesday, a federal judge in Denver will hear our case.

We don't fight only for ourselves.

If the First Amendment means anything, certainly it means no one should be hauled into court and put through endless red tape simply for speaking out about something they care about.

(Excerpt) Read more at rockymountainnews.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Government; Politics/Elections; US: Colorado
KEYWORDS: campaignfinance; cfr; corruption; firstamendment; freespeech; government; govwatch; kelo; politics; rico; slapp; taxes
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To: MtnClimber

Sometimes developers take out big bank loans, then ‘sell’ the development to the bank.

Less their developer fees...

Also helps if some politicans get their kick backs.

/s


21 posted on 04/13/2008 7:52:32 PM PDT by george76 (Ward Churchill : Fake Indian, Fake Scholarship, and Fake Art)
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To: george76

I am not sure about kick backs, but city limits will be extended making for possible property tax revenue.


22 posted on 04/13/2008 9:00:01 PM PDT by MtnClimber (Obama: baby is punishment; tax increase is bundle of joy)
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To: george76; AdmSmith; Berosus; Convert from ECUSA; dervish; Ernest_at_the_Beach; Fred Nerks; ...
Out of nowhere, I was walloped with a lawsuit by the two neighbors who had started the pro-annexation petition.
I'd have an airtight alibi. And just to add insult to injury, I'd put the same signs in their yards, right next to the "police line/do not cross" and "for sale". Thanks george.
23 posted on 04/14/2008 11:07:13 PM PDT by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/_____________________Profile updated Saturday, March 29, 2008)
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