Posted on 03/28/2016 7:11:36 AM PDT by Olog-hai
Candidates for public office in Ohio can lie and get away with it under a recent federal court ruling that struck down a state law banning false statements in campaigns, an attorney says.
Attorney Donald Brey, who has represented Republicans in cases before the Ohio Elections Commission, told The Columbus Dispatch his clients mostly tell the truth, but can legally lie as long as they dont defame anyone.
In past elections, the commission ruled on false-advertising complaints. That changed when the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals a few weeks ago upheld the 2014 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black that found the law violated the First Amendment. The Dispatch reports no further appeal is expected.
Black wrote that lies are bad, but with some political speech, there is no clear way to determine whether a political statement is a lie or the truth, and we certainly do not want the government deciding what is political truth.
(Excerpt) Read more at bigstory.ap.org ...
Lieing is free speech, besides if they can’t lie they’ll have nothing to say.
Telling politicians they can’t lie is like telling dogs they can’t bark.
The problem is the commission might be bigger liars than the politicians
Boy, that’s a relief. If the ruling had gone the other way, we would have to cancel the 2016 election. Not a single candidate on the Federal level would be eligible to run.
I asked both if it would be legal for one candidate to accuse another of being a child molester; and they said that, again, the accused would have no recourse except to buy counter-advertizements.
JMHO. Those who populate the judiciary in OH are on the whole a despicable lot.
It’s interesting that anyone would look to lawyers, judges (lawyers), elected officials (lawyers) in an effort to prevent candidates for public office (lawyers) from telling lies during their campaigns. At least the lawyers, judges, politicians, elected officials are honest about the fact that they are liars. Winning is the most important thing for lawyers. Even if they have to tell lies to achieve the victory. No lawyer should be allowed to hold public office.
I once called an LA TV station to ask about the lies they were running for some politico. I was told ‘you don’t have to tell the truth in a political ad’. No kidding.......
I apologize, but you reminded me of this.
At least the lawyers, judges, politicians, elected officials are honest about the fact that they are liars
Didn’t the SCOTUS already rule that lying pols can lie as they have no way to make the things they promise true?
Excellent illustration. It’s tough being sane in an insane world. But, so far, I haven’t experienced a total meltdown. So far.
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