Free Republic LLC filed a Notice of Claim with the City of Fresno

Press Release Charles L. Doerksen, Attorney at Law | 09/22/03 | Jim Robinson

[JavaTheHutt]

I find it ironic that you would make such an effort to defend your position that it is unconservative to defend your position. Hmm, if defending your position is not a conservative trait, and you are defending your position with such vigor, that must mean you are a bleeding heart liberal of the Charlie Sheen variety.

That's kinda pythonian logic isn't it? That's ok, Charlie. Your secret liberal side is safe. It's just between you, me, the fencepost, and anyone else who might happen to read this message.

[JavaTheHutt]

thanks for than perfect analogy. I understood it, but I 'serious'ly doubt that way2silly understood it.

[Way2Serious]

Front Page Headline: Mr. Way 2 Serious arrested for child molestation.

Incomplete pass using "Hyperbolic strawman" play. Penalty - 20 yards.

[Way2Serious]

"Hmm, if defending your position is not a conservative trait"

Nice try. Freeping the perpetrator would be "defending your position." Writing a letter to the editor would be "defending your position." Even suing the perpetrator would be "defending your position." Suing the taxpayers of Fresno simply because that's where the deep pockets are is playing the lawsuit lottery, plain and simple.

[Saundra Duffy]

the local FR chapter pays their city taxes and this tax money is being abused by the HRC

Yeah, we pay for overhead for the HRC - our tax money - and then they turn around and accuse us of being a hate group. In other words, by our tax money, we make it possible for them to carry on this awful vendetta against conservatives. It's downright weird.

[Saundra Duffy]

Suing the taxpayers of Fresno simply because that's where the deep pockets are is playing the lawsuit lottery, plain and simple

You're not understanding how serious this is. If nothing is done, HRC's all over the U.S. will be able to have a field day and nobody will hold them accountable. They need to be held accountable. Now, the HRC's across the country are getting away with tactics that are downright un-American. If someone disagrees with an HRC, they get labeled a hate group. Is this America or not?

[mac_truck]

Hopefully the HRC members will take the filing seriously enough to show up for EMERGENCY MEETING #3.

or maybe its time for the city to rethink the HRC budget for 2004...

[archy]

Just curious...did you ask for a complete and public retraction and apology before reaching this point? And is the lawyer working on contingency? Thanks.

The better desired legal result would be an *admission of liability and culpability* whether via a court finding or as stipulated in any settlement agreement between FR and the city or its insurance carrier. This would also establish that the action of the governmental employee was outside the scope of their employment, and constituted criminal Official Misconduct.

I don't know how California's state laws on that offense are worded or what punishments are specified. But in several other states, Indiana, Tennessee and Texas among them, a public servant who is found to have committed such an offense is barred from holding any position of public trust or profit for life.

-archy-/-

[chadsworth]

Just curious...did you ask for a complete and public retraction and apology before reaching this point?

NEWS FLASH, the latest comment from the HRC when contacting the city manager and the chairwoman Debbie Reyes!

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>You have just been informed of the City of Fresno, City manager, Debbie Reyes,Chairwoman and other city officials responding to the request for an apology!

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

Yeah, we pay for overhead for the HRC - our tax money - and then they turn around and accuse us of being a hate group. In other words, by our tax money, we make it possible for them to carry on this awful vendetta against conservatives. It's downright weird.

Yep, that is basicly what I wrote in my letter to the major.

[mr.sarcastic]

Good point. Screw big business. They can spare $1M. It's chump change to them, right?

So, let me get this straight. You're not *really* worried about the affect of this lawsuit on the taxpayers of Fresno, because you quickly threw away that argument when I challenged it. Now your position has evolved to one of general displeasure with the idea of any defamation lawsuit and its affect on insurance companies? You are more concerned about that than the damage done to Free Republic through the slanderous statements made by an official speaking on behalf of the city of Fresno?

The haughty tone of your responses to other posters leads me to believe you'd be the first one screaming for a lawsuit if someone slandered you in such a manner that could affect your livelihood and reputation.

[chadsworth]

The haughty tone of your responses to other posters leads me to believe you'd be the first one screaming for a lawsuit if someone slandered you in such a manner that could affect your livelihood and reputation.

mr.sarcastic - I think way2serious just got thump on the head #2.

[TheCookMan]

Go get 'em

[Calvinist_Dark_Lord]

'bout d@mn <-not a hyperlink time somebody called these fools on the carpet for their "hate speech" against groups they politically disagree with. Maybe a few taxpayer $$ paid in punitive damages will encourage proper restraint on the part of elected officials. WTG Jim!

[MeekOneGOP]

So is there any news/update on this ?? Just curious ...

[Jim Robinson]

The city officially denied our claim, then asked for mediation. We have agreed to mediation, and, hopefully, it will result in a satisfactory settlement. Otherwise our alternative is to follow through with the lawsuit.

[hershey]

Fabulous! Great news!

[muffaletaman]

Yeah, baby...

[SC Swamp Fox]

(For those of us not familiar with CA law....)
You can agree to mediation, but then back out if it doesn't seem to be going your way?

[Jim Robinson]

This is just an attempt to negotiate a settlement and avoid litigation. There is no judge or jury or anyone else making any rulings. If we can reach a satifactory agreement, fine. Otherwise we are free to take the next step.