Posted on 07/06/2009 11:42:14 AM PDT by SolidWood
If Sarah Palin decides to go ahead with a defamation suit against blogger Shannyn Moore, who wrote that the Governor resigned because she was under criminal investigation, it may give others who have been defamed the courage to go after other bloggers who can be accused of "malice" in creating unfounded rumors about them on the Internet.
Should Palin sue Moore, it could mean thousands of dollars of legal fees in order to defend herself. It might send a message to other bloggers who can be accused of using "malice" in defaming public figures. (See an explanation below.)
Palin's attorney has already issued a statement accusing Moore of "false and defamatory allegations" in writing that Gov. Palin resigned because of an alleged investigation pertaining to the construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex.
On July 5, 2009, the Feberal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took an unusual step of making an announcement that Palin was not under any kind of investigation. It said,
"There is no truth to these rumors out there in the blogosphere."
If Palin decides to make an example of Moore and files a suit against her, by the time the blogger finishes trying to defend herself, even if Palin does not get a judgement against her, the costs can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
I think Governor Palin needs to make examples out of ALL of them, beginning with Moore, but including Celtic Diva Biegel and McLeod as well. They’re the ones in the Anchorage area who’s been stirring the pot against the Palins.
Awww Boohoo.
How many times did we hear that if Sarah couldn't stand the heat she should get out of the kitchen?
Sarah may leave the kitchen, take a breath and go back in with a vengeance. We'll see who comes running out then.
Mortal fear! They try to cover their hysteria and panic with a veneer of sexist-elitist haughtiness and gutter-level ridicule. But their fear is apparent and they know it themselves, anyway.
Donate to her legal defense fund.
It’s about time we take back this country. We gotta do to them what they do to us on a daily basis. Let’s see how they like having to hemorrhage money to fight lawsuits. I hope Sarah sues this witch’s ass. Her entire existence is to destroy Sarah Palin
My guess is that Palin can raise millions with a simple appeal for help. Can her accuser?
-PJ
At first blush, this sounds great - BUT - The first thing that happens when you sue is that you loose control of what happens. This could open up a can of worms - more rumors, etc. The libs will pay for the defense.
Were I her attorney, I would advise not to sue. Malice is harder to prove than one might think, she is still a public figure, and she should spend her time making speeches (and money).
The Shannyn Moore Show Smart Radio AM 700 KBYR SATURDAY NIGHT 5-7pm AK 9-11pm EDT
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/my-name-is-shannyn-moore/
I trust her judgement on this. In whatever way she decides to fight back against the hate-machine, she’s got my support. I concur that she needs to be deliberate and careful, but the liberals will have it coming big time soon enough.
Cue Montgomery Burns.
Two points. First, although Palin will be exiting public office, she will for the rest of her life be a "public figure". Therefor, the threshold to prove slander or libel will remain very high relative to an unknown person.
Second, while I don't think it's either morally or ethically appropriate to spread clearly malicious and salacious (and unsubstantiated) rumors about anyone, I'm a little concerned about the chilling effect this could have on free speech. I'm especially worried about politically tough and critical speech.
Alaska is one of the states that I believe doesn't have anti-SLAPP legislation on the books. For example, in California, this suit couldn't be brought, by statute, and theirs provision in the legislation that could allow the blogger to counter-sue.
If this action were to be successful, any guess to how long it would be before similar suits will be brought against conservative bloggers, commentators and radio hosts. As they say, it's a slippery, slippery slope.
OOPS For a minute I thought the suit might have been against Michael Moore. Legal expenses would mean that he’s keep his fat face out of McDonald’s muching on those Quarterpounders!
If only to keep her mouth shut re the source of her income.
Moore would be protected under most "shield laws". She is a writer/commentator that derives a wage from her work, at least I understand she does.
However, that provision wouldn't do much to insulate from a legitimate claim of slander or libel, at least not directly. If she has said something the she knew was untrue with malice aforethought, and Palin can prove that (big if), then the shield law won't help her, in any way.
Excellent.
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