The court of public opinion is a powerful one, and that's why people with little or no character often resort to vile means, like SLAPP lawsuits, to stop all discussion of bad products and worse behaviour. It's a hallmark of a lousy company when it resorts to lawyers when their product's flaws are exposed. It's also the hallmark of the poor character of the person giving … [Read more...]
Lillooet, BC, Takes SLAPPing “Mere Citizens” to an All-New Level
Just down the road from me is the town of Lillooet. It’s a nice enough place to live except, that is, for the local politicians. They’re a nightmare; control freaks of the highest order. Back in 2010 Lillooet Mayor Dennis Bontron wanted to ban what he called “unauthorized meetings” in an effort to curb vandalism. The penalties proposed for holding an "unauthorized meeting" we … [Read more...]
Aurora City Council Issues Formal Apology to Bloggers
In a truly astounding gesture, Aurora City Council formally voted to apologize for its role in the SLAPP lawsuit filed by former Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris. I’ve written about this case many times before, so I was thrilled to see this announcement land in my mailbox this week. A Resounding SLAPP in the face for Politicians Wishing to Stifle our Freedom of Speech Former A … [Read more...]
A Resounding SLAPP in the face for Politicians Wishing to Stifle our Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Speech is the fundamental right of every Canadian. This right is, first and foremost, a protection for those of us who speak out about public affairs and public people. Our Right to Freedom of Speech trumps a politician’s desire to punish those who would say unkind things about her. If an individual runs for public office, we mere citizens have every right to c … [Read more...]
Former Aurora, ON Mayor Phyllis Morris finally drops her $6 million lawsuit against bloggers
Some time ago I wrote about the asinine lawsuit filed by a petty politician, Phyllis Morris, over comments made about her during an election... an election in which her past record as mayor came back to bite her in the butt. She lost the election by a landslide not because some bloggers commented about her track record, but because her own actions showed she was not competent … [Read more...]