Perhaps her accusation of the Press "making things up" wasn't so far-fetched.

The bigots have been busy this weekend. Lots of Palin articles to spew their venom on FARK.

bearsfolks: Perhaps her accusation of the Press "making things up" wasn't so far-fetched.

But in this case, the press made nothing up. The bogger published a story s/he heard, and makes it very clear that a rumor was being retold. The only reason this really caught the ears of the media was because Palin issued a statement (somewhat) denying she was getting a divorce.

The stupidity of the lawyer is amazing; even if the blogger stated the divorce as a fact, it's nearly impossible to prove a case of defamation when a public figure is involved.

Guess that lawyer missed reading Sullivan v New York Times.

Trying to prove actual malice against a public figure is going to be pretty tricky on a gossip site.

FredaDeStilleto: bearsfolks: Perhaps her accusation of the Press "making things up" wasn't so far-fetched.

But in this case, the press made nothing up. The bogger published a story s/he heard, and makes it very clear that a rumor was being retold. The only reason this really caught the ears of the media was because Palin issued a statement (somewhat) denying she was getting a divorce.

The stupidity of the lawyer is amazing; even if the blogger stated the divorce as a fact, it's nearly impossible to prove a case of defamation when a public figure is involved.

This.

Is kindergarten in session?

Bathia_Mapes: You Can't Fix Stupid: Bathia_Mapes: I guess Mr Thomas Van Flein has never heard of Freedom of Speech.

Ahem. A number of specific types of communication are not protected by the First Amendment, including:

1. Counterfeiting.
2. Libel.
3. Slander.
4. Incitement to riot.

As someone else already pointed out, though, it's very, very difficult for a public figure to win a defamation/slander suit. But it's not impossible.

Neither 1 nor 4 apply in this case & I think 2 & 3 aren't really applicable either. I've seen no real evidence that the blogger intended to slander or be libelous in her posting. It was more like passing on gossip.

Let's pretend Palin could show the blogger's comments were defamatory. What would her damages be? Would news of a divorce really harm her reputation? You could say that, because she espouses family values, malicious publication of an impending divorce would damage her credibility. But given her and her family's track record, her followers seem very forgiving.

Plus, she plays the victim card very well.

maybe if she wins people will leave her alone for 15 mins... :) ?

False and defamatory!

Can Palin open her mouth w/out saying false and defamatory statements?

Ah, Sarah. So tough yet so much of a farking victim.

I think even the lawyer knows there's no case, hence the threatening "Cease and desist" letter.

bearsfolks: Perhaps her accusation of the Press "making things up" wasn't so far-fetched.

Since when is a blogger consider "the press"?

Sounds like she's complaining that what the blogger did wasn't very ethical.

Some straight talk for some -- just some -- in the media, because another right protected for all of us is freedom of the press. And you have such important jobs, reporting facts, and informing the electorate, and exerting power to influence. You represent what could and should be a respected honest profession, that could and should be a cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy depends on you. And that is why, that's why our troops are willing to die for you. So, how about, in honor of the American soldier, you quit making things up.

*snort*

Lionel Mandrake: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

I hate that woman. The Paris Hilton of politics.

Marcus Aurelius: Considering she's not the governor any more and the letter ends "Gov. Palin", I'm calling shenanigans.

I imagine like Senator or President you keep the title.

Even after you quit.

brainiac-dumdum: False and defamatory!

Can Palin open her mouth w/out saying false and defamatory statements?

Apparently you Palin haters can't. The obsession you folks have with this woman and her family is unbelievable.

/Trig is Bristols baby!
//She quit! Big scandal will be revealed real soon!
///Her and Todd are getting a divorce!

Libs, please just admit that you hate her, hate her, for knowingly not aborting a child who had Down's. Let's get this crap over with, and talk about what really matters, like spending $600 mil on birth control for wild mustangs, or offshore drilling, to save our asses from dependency on foreign oil. Grab the gloves, and lube up Libs.

Sybilll: Libs, please just admit that you hate her, hate her, for knowingly not aborting a child who had Down's. Let's get this crap over with, and talk about what really matters, like spending $600 mil on birth control for wild mustangs, or offshore drilling, to save our asses from dependency on foreign oil. Grab the gloves, and lube up Libs.

3/10

You used "libs" one too many times. First sentence was good though.

elchip: Lionel Mandrake: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

I have no words. Funniest thing I've seen all week.

Sybilll: Libs, please just admit that you hate her, hate her, for knowingly not aborting a child who had Down's.

I could not possibly care less about Trig Palin. I dislike Sarah Palin because she's condescending and dishonest.

Bathia_Mapes: I guess Mr Thomas Van Flein has never heard of Freedom of Speech. I already knew Palin was fairly unaware of the U.S. Constitution, but you'd think her lawyer would know better.

You probably never heard of slander.

Airfoilsguy: Bathia_Mapes: I guess Mr Thomas Van Flein has never heard of Freedom of Speech. I already knew Palin was fairly unaware of the U.S. Constitution, but you'd think her lawyer would know better.

You probably never heard of slander.

slander? i hardly knew her!
ba-dum-tssh!
/so tired...

FredaDeStilleto: Is kindergarten in session?

Dude, we all know Alaska is about 12 years behind everywhere else. You're gonna argue over 3 extra months?

Odd that she can spew whatever bullshiat that floats through her vapid brain, but is fiercely attacking anyone that questions her.

Oh wait, there's a name for this behaviour....

I believe it is time once again to break these out:

FredaDeStilleto: bearsfolks: Perhaps her accusation of the Press "making things up" wasn't so far-fetched.

But in this case, the press made nothing up. The bogger published a story s/he heard, and makes it very clear that a rumor was being retold. The only reason this really caught the ears of the media was because Palin issued a statement (somewhat) denying she was getting a divorce.

The stupidity of the lawyer is amazing; even if the blogger stated the divorce as a fact, it's nearly impossible to prove a case of defamation when a public figure is involved.

The lawyer had also better be careful or he might get censured.

thamike: For someone who is so outspoken about the wasteful nature of frivolous lawsuits, she's really on a roll.

Except this isn't frivolous. The claim made about Palin was baseless. That said, I doubt it survives scrutiny because Palin is a public figure and actual malice standards apply. At minimum, it would make a muckraker think twice about making shiat up out of whole cloth and publishing it, but a judgment remains unlikely.

As far as the location of service, cry me a freaking river. Maybe you can hide behind your kindergarden job if you weren't spending your free time being a wannabe Alaskan Drudgereport.