Among our many Constitutional freedoms is that of free speech. But it seems what guns and government can't suppress big corporations can and do. Its commonly called a SLAPP suit.
SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It is a method by which corporate money can keep people quiet and suppress them from speaking out.
A company doesn't file a SLAPP suit because it feels its been legally wronged. The suit is filed because executives know that defamation lawsuits cost tens of thousands of dollars to defend, and the vast majority of people will stop using the "offending speech" rather than face such an expense, according to Stacy Johnson of Money Talks News.
This form of legal harassment is becoming more and more common in the age of instant communication. Before the internet, it was primarily word of mouth that spread information between consumers. Now, with blogs and websites, people have the ability share experiences and opinions with uncountable numbers of others.
How does a SLAPP suit work? Suppose you decided to begin a blog or a website and you name it: "Reviews of Popular Corporations.com." Over time you collect and begin posting negative reviews and opinions from everyday people. Our Constitution guarantees, you have the right to do this. But, companies also have the right to bring a defamation lawsuit against you.
It is a corporate strategy to control negative things said about the company by filing such actions. The corporation really doesn't care if the information was correct that was posted, or that the speech is protected, or even that it could never hope win such a lawsuit in a court of law. The one thing they do know is that the greater majority of people will give up rather than face such a lengthy and costly venture against such a wealthy opponent.
Such large, and even small, corporations are using this tactic to do what the United States government cannot do: take away your First Amendment right to free expression. It may not be right or ethical but it is legal.
To those of us who value free speech, we will fight with all our resources to protect this right. If I am ever the target of such a lawsuit, I'll probably opt to fulfill the prophecy that he who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client. But like the story of David and Goliath, I'd have to take on the giant.
Like everything else in life, we must simply bear in mind that for every action we take there is a responsibility. And, in this one person's view, it is our responsibility to defend the Constitution no matter the cost.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
An Eclectic Mix of Friends
The other day I was reminiscing about the people I've met and the friendships that have been formed. It occurred to me they mirror my collection of music CDs ... eclectic. The CDs found in my assortment range from classical to country, from jazz to new age and pretty much everywhere in between. The same is true of the people I've met over the years, and like my music, they bring me great joy.
To single out any one person, outside of my family, would be impossible. I have shared meals with every strata of our society, from homeless substance abusers who were HIV positive to presidents. On many occasions I have spent the night in discussions of every sort with people from all over the globe. And I have witnessed true humility in men and women, that in their own way, have made a difference in others' lives.
To write something describing each one would require a lengthy book. Yet, to simply pick out a few is a daunting task for they all are very special in their own way. Perhaps, I am more fortunate that most in that it would be impossible to select only a few to describe in a short blog piece. So many people go through life with just a short list of those who have influenced them.
In very general terms I can go back to my early school years and recall the nuns who taught me and whom I detested for their discipline. But it was this discipline that proved invaluable in college and post-graduate school, they taught me how to learn. Or, maybe to a man named Tom Looney, my eighth grade science teacher who imparted a quest for learning and installed a curiosity that made learning fun.
In later years, it was seeing the despair of so many who had nothing but never gave up their dignity. Although, there were times that dignity became mired in a sea of chemical induced haze. There were also others to whom fate dealt a nasty hand.
One person I'll never forget had suffered a massive stroke robbing him of his mental acuities. At the age of 14 he was discussing ancient philosophy and reading Sanskrit, a dead language, with college professors. But, in his 60s he had lost what the doctors estimated was 80 percent of his intellectual power. Dave surprised everyone by his pure tenacity and recovered nearly all his mental capabilities.
Then there is a middle-aged nurse, who spent the summer camping in primitive conditions trying to figure out what to do with her life. Her caring and compassion overrode the prejudice she experienced as a native American to lead her back to practicing her profession.
In the north Georgia mountains, the heart of what some consider "red-neck country," I learned African dances from a group of students studying at Georgia Tech from Kenya. Some two thousand plus miles away in a small California community, 125 miles from the closest Walmart, I became friends with a man who could hardly figure out how to tie his shoes but was a world renown environmental architect and met a lady who's life dream was to become a simple seamstress. She had literally been a rocket scientist and project director for NASA.
My travels have taken to many countries and I've been privileged to share my life with the lives of so many diverse peoples. I like to think, in some small way, I may have made a difference in a minute way to help better the lives of those I've met. Yet, whatever my contribution may have been, it is dwarfed by those I've met and who I call my friends and their impact on my life.
It just proves the adage that one's life can be enhanced by everyone they meet.
To single out any one person, outside of my family, would be impossible. I have shared meals with every strata of our society, from homeless substance abusers who were HIV positive to presidents. On many occasions I have spent the night in discussions of every sort with people from all over the globe. And I have witnessed true humility in men and women, that in their own way, have made a difference in others' lives.
To write something describing each one would require a lengthy book. Yet, to simply pick out a few is a daunting task for they all are very special in their own way. Perhaps, I am more fortunate that most in that it would be impossible to select only a few to describe in a short blog piece. So many people go through life with just a short list of those who have influenced them.
In very general terms I can go back to my early school years and recall the nuns who taught me and whom I detested for their discipline. But it was this discipline that proved invaluable in college and post-graduate school, they taught me how to learn. Or, maybe to a man named Tom Looney, my eighth grade science teacher who imparted a quest for learning and installed a curiosity that made learning fun.
In later years, it was seeing the despair of so many who had nothing but never gave up their dignity. Although, there were times that dignity became mired in a sea of chemical induced haze. There were also others to whom fate dealt a nasty hand.
One person I'll never forget had suffered a massive stroke robbing him of his mental acuities. At the age of 14 he was discussing ancient philosophy and reading Sanskrit, a dead language, with college professors. But, in his 60s he had lost what the doctors estimated was 80 percent of his intellectual power. Dave surprised everyone by his pure tenacity and recovered nearly all his mental capabilities.
Then there is a middle-aged nurse, who spent the summer camping in primitive conditions trying to figure out what to do with her life. Her caring and compassion overrode the prejudice she experienced as a native American to lead her back to practicing her profession.
In the north Georgia mountains, the heart of what some consider "red-neck country," I learned African dances from a group of students studying at Georgia Tech from Kenya. Some two thousand plus miles away in a small California community, 125 miles from the closest Walmart, I became friends with a man who could hardly figure out how to tie his shoes but was a world renown environmental architect and met a lady who's life dream was to become a simple seamstress. She had literally been a rocket scientist and project director for NASA.
My travels have taken to many countries and I've been privileged to share my life with the lives of so many diverse peoples. I like to think, in some small way, I may have made a difference in a minute way to help better the lives of those I've met. Yet, whatever my contribution may have been, it is dwarfed by those I've met and who I call my friends and their impact on my life.
It just proves the adage that one's life can be enhanced by everyone they meet.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Politically Correct ... Not A Chance
As a native Texan, who has also traveled extensively, I am still amazed at the level of pretense that abounds in some people. And, it seems some more than others like the Northeast corridor and California. I don't mean to imply all the people from those locations exhibit such behavior but it sometimes appears they do outweigh the "real" people from those geographic locales.
For those who can hardly survive without their Starbucks, designer clothing and personal trainers I offer these tips when you visit the Lone Star State to help clear up any misunderstandings:
Smile and have a great week.
For those who can hardly survive without their Starbucks, designer clothing and personal trainers I offer these tips when you visit the Lone Star State to help clear up any misunderstandings:
- That farmer or rancher you see leaning on a fence did more work before breakfast than you did all week at the gym.
- It's called a gravel road for a reason, no matter how slow you drive you're going to get dust on your Hummer. We have four-wheel drive vehicles because we need them. Drive yours or get out of the way.
- Any references to "corn fed" when talking about our women will get your ass whipped ... by our women.
- Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod, just don't cry to us if a flathead catfish breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little trout you fish for ... bait!
- Pull your pants up, you look like an idiot.
- That's right! Whiskey is only five bucks. We can buy a fifth for what you paid for one drink at the airport.
- No, there's no "Vegetarian Special." Order a steak, or you can order a Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
- If you bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.
- So you have a sixty-thousand dollar car you drive on weekends. We're real impressed. We have quarter of a million dollar combines the we use two weeks a year.
- Some towns only have one stop light. When it's red we stop, and we may even stop when its yellow.
- Yeah, we eat catfish, maybe even carp and turtle too. You really want sushi? Its available at the bait shop.
- There are pigs and goats and cattle. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don't like it? Interstates 10 and 20 go two ways, east and west. Interstate Highways 35 and 45 go north and south. Pick one and use it accordingly.
- The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday. You can get breakfast at the church.
- So every person in every pick-up in a small town waves. It's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
- Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazard. It spooks the fish.
- The Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot ... his name is "Sir" ... no matter how old he is.
Smile and have a great week.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Beyond the Eulogies
It seems there are rare occasions when a eulogy is filled with humor rather than remembrances. I suppose I have a warped idea of funerals. Yes, they should be a moment in time to pay tribute to the unwilling guest of honor but I don't think they should be depressing. They should be a celebration of the deceased's life and all they gave to their loved ones and friends.
Perhaps, one of the greatest attributes they could pass along is a sense of humor. For hundreds of years, on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, headstones have recorded such traits. Here are just a few:
Perhaps, one of the greatest attributes they could pass along is a sense of humor. For hundreds of years, on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, headstones have recorded such traits. Here are just a few:
Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York:
Born 1903 - Died 1942
Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down.
It was.
In a Thurmont, Maryland cemetery:
Here lies an Atheist
All dressed up
And nowhere to go.
On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie, Nova Scotia:
Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102
The Good Die Young.
In a Ruidoso, New Mexico cemetery:
Here lies Johnny Yeast
Pardon me
For not rising.
In a Silver City, Nevada cemetery:
Here lays The Kid.
We planted him raw.
He was quick on the trigger.
But slow on the draw.
On a lawyer's tombstone in England:
Sir John Strange
Here lies an honest lawyer,
And that is Strange.
Found in another cemetery in England:
Remember man, as you walk by,
As you are now, so once was I.
Remember this and follow me.
To which some enterprising passer-by replied by writing on the tombstone:
To follow you, I'll not consent.
Until I know which way you went.
And discovered in Key West, Florida, etched into the stone, the simple words:
I told you I was sick.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Just Look at This ! ! !
How many times during the course of a day has someone held out a newspaper or an advertisement or some other form of written communication and said: "Look at this."
Three months ago my blog carried a piece entitled "As easy as A B C ???" Over the past holiday weekend I gained a new insight into the world of illiteracy. Once again I read the Declaration of Independence and the history surrounding those fateful weeks, months and years. The thought entered my mind how powerful those words still are. Yet, 14 percent of Americans can not read that historic document or the history associated with it, they must rely on someone to read it to them or tell them the history ... they cannot read.
Some 42 million of our citizens cannot know the pleasure of reading not only that wondrous writing but so many of the printed pieces that make up our history. They cannot even fill out a simple form to allow them access to a class that will teach them ... someone must help them.
To me this is so sad. The enjoyment I get from reading and from writing they may never know. The statistical numbers translate into about 1 in every 7 Americans have no comprehension of the written word. They simply can't read or write. Many are too embarrassed to admit this while others become more and more frustrated trying to find a non-bureaucratic environment to help them achieve this most basic goal.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident ..." They are powerful words and their power seems to be magnified when they are read rather than spoken. There is something about the written word that transcends the spoken word. To hear the droning words of our history spoken tends to make me sleepy but reading the records of the events that led to the creation of our nation opens the mind to visuals and imagination. To know 42 million of our citizens can't share in this is depressing.
Many experts have made the statement that the crisis of adult literacy is getting worse. The numbers of Americans that can only read and comprehend at a fourth grade level or less, euphemistically referred to a functionally literate is becoming an epidemic that is destructive to our future.
From coast to coast there are organizations and foundations devoted to reversing this alarming trend. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who can't even comprehend the headlines splashed our nation's newspapers or such life saving signs as "Caution Men Working on Roadway." More drastically the information contained below a sign proclaiming: "In Case of Emergency."
So many times I have written YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. In almost every community there is a public library that can steer you to a group or organization or foundation where you can help someone overcome this disability.
In the past I have mentioned a dynamic lady who spends uncounted hours combating illiteracy. The foundation she began with only a hope and dream has blossomed. Ina Hillebrandt's idea of enhancing youths and adults skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening not only improves lives but contributes greatly to building self-esteem. The Pawprints Literacy Plus program is fun and makes one want to read.
If you cannot find a resource in your community where you can become a part of helping those who are unable to read visit the Pawprints website at www.inaspawprints.com and explore. Still at a loss, contact Ina through the Pawprints home page, just scroll to the bottom and look for the contact us button.
No matter how you do it ... help make a difference in someone's life. Help them to aquire a most precious of gift ... the ability to read.
Three months ago my blog carried a piece entitled "As easy as A B C ???" Over the past holiday weekend I gained a new insight into the world of illiteracy. Once again I read the Declaration of Independence and the history surrounding those fateful weeks, months and years. The thought entered my mind how powerful those words still are. Yet, 14 percent of Americans can not read that historic document or the history associated with it, they must rely on someone to read it to them or tell them the history ... they cannot read.
Some 42 million of our citizens cannot know the pleasure of reading not only that wondrous writing but so many of the printed pieces that make up our history. They cannot even fill out a simple form to allow them access to a class that will teach them ... someone must help them.
To me this is so sad. The enjoyment I get from reading and from writing they may never know. The statistical numbers translate into about 1 in every 7 Americans have no comprehension of the written word. They simply can't read or write. Many are too embarrassed to admit this while others become more and more frustrated trying to find a non-bureaucratic environment to help them achieve this most basic goal.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident ..." They are powerful words and their power seems to be magnified when they are read rather than spoken. There is something about the written word that transcends the spoken word. To hear the droning words of our history spoken tends to make me sleepy but reading the records of the events that led to the creation of our nation opens the mind to visuals and imagination. To know 42 million of our citizens can't share in this is depressing.
Many experts have made the statement that the crisis of adult literacy is getting worse. The numbers of Americans that can only read and comprehend at a fourth grade level or less, euphemistically referred to a functionally literate is becoming an epidemic that is destructive to our future.
From coast to coast there are organizations and foundations devoted to reversing this alarming trend. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who can't even comprehend the headlines splashed our nation's newspapers or such life saving signs as "Caution Men Working on Roadway." More drastically the information contained below a sign proclaiming: "In Case of Emergency."
So many times I have written YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. In almost every community there is a public library that can steer you to a group or organization or foundation where you can help someone overcome this disability.
In the past I have mentioned a dynamic lady who spends uncounted hours combating illiteracy. The foundation she began with only a hope and dream has blossomed. Ina Hillebrandt's idea of enhancing youths and adults skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening not only improves lives but contributes greatly to building self-esteem. The Pawprints Literacy Plus program is fun and makes one want to read.
If you cannot find a resource in your community where you can become a part of helping those who are unable to read visit the Pawprints website at www.inaspawprints.com and explore. Still at a loss, contact Ina through the Pawprints home page, just scroll to the bottom and look for the contact us button.
No matter how you do it ... help make a difference in someone's life. Help them to aquire a most precious of gift ... the ability to read.
Monday, July 5, 2010
After July 4, 1776
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKean, of Delaware, was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Ruttledge and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and he died bankrupt. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and I a free and independent America.
History books omitted alot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government.
Many of us take our liberties so much for granted ... don't. Now that the celebrations and fireworks are over, silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember, freedom is never free. Over the course of our history, our men and women have died to insure our freedom. Today, members of our military are dying to not only insure our freedom but to help bring freedom to others.
Like those who gave all to forge our great nation, that sacred honor has been passed down generation to generation and our founding fathers would be proud to see their legacy continued.
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKean, of Delaware, was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Ruttledge and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and he died bankrupt. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and I a free and independent America.
History books omitted alot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government.
Many of us take our liberties so much for granted ... don't. Now that the celebrations and fireworks are over, silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember, freedom is never free. Over the course of our history, our men and women have died to insure our freedom. Today, members of our military are dying to not only insure our freedom but to help bring freedom to others.
Like those who gave all to forge our great nation, that sacred honor has been passed down generation to generation and our founding fathers would be proud to see their legacy continued.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence Declared
On July 2, 1776, all thirteen colonies voted to declare independence. Yet, we celebrate today, July 4th, the day the actual Declaration of Independence was approved by the 56 representatives of the 13 states.
On July 3rd John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, predicting July 2nd would be a great American holiday. Adams thought the vote for independence would be commemorated; he did not foresee that Americans, including himself, would instead celebrate Independence Day on the date that the announcement of the act was finalized. It was nearly a week later, on July 8th, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and the great bell was said to have rang out at Independence Hall.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
These words are known throughout the world and have fostered the dreams of millions. But, they are not the beginning of our treasured Declaration of Independence. They are the beginning of the second paragraph. The first paragraph simply but eloquently states what follows are the reasons for such a declaration.
It was 11 years later the Constitution was penned and another year, in 1788, when it was ratified and became the law of the land replacing the Articles of Confederation.
The Declaration of Independence records for the first time that our country was referred to as the United States of America.
Americans around the world will remind the world of this historic day. Flags will be flown and speeches made. From the pageantry in our nation's capital and Philadelphia to the communities of ex-patriots found around the globe and in the battle torn regions of Iraq and Afghanistan celebrations will occur.
The 4th of July is more than fireworks and bar-b-ques, the flag of this great nation will fly and continue to foster the dreams of peoples everywhere and serve as a reminder freedom is only obtained when a people join together for the common good with sacrifices and courage to secure this precious, and sometimes elusive, state.
On July 3rd John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, predicting July 2nd would be a great American holiday. Adams thought the vote for independence would be commemorated; he did not foresee that Americans, including himself, would instead celebrate Independence Day on the date that the announcement of the act was finalized. It was nearly a week later, on July 8th, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and the great bell was said to have rang out at Independence Hall.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
These words are known throughout the world and have fostered the dreams of millions. But, they are not the beginning of our treasured Declaration of Independence. They are the beginning of the second paragraph. The first paragraph simply but eloquently states what follows are the reasons for such a declaration.
It was 11 years later the Constitution was penned and another year, in 1788, when it was ratified and became the law of the land replacing the Articles of Confederation.
The Declaration of Independence records for the first time that our country was referred to as the United States of America.
Americans around the world will remind the world of this historic day. Flags will be flown and speeches made. From the pageantry in our nation's capital and Philadelphia to the communities of ex-patriots found around the globe and in the battle torn regions of Iraq and Afghanistan celebrations will occur.
The 4th of July is more than fireworks and bar-b-ques, the flag of this great nation will fly and continue to foster the dreams of peoples everywhere and serve as a reminder freedom is only obtained when a people join together for the common good with sacrifices and courage to secure this precious, and sometimes elusive, state.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)