Shut Yo Mouf
That great 21st Century intellectual, Tim Robbins, was so right when he said that “a chill wind blows and dissent is being stifled”.
Exhibit A: An anonymous blogger criticizes officials in Pomona, CA and the Pomona City attorney threatens said blogger with a libel lawsuit. Good luck with that! One of the few useful things the NYTimes has ever done was to file the New York Times v. Sullivan lawsuit which produced the ruling that there can be no lawsuit for libeling a government entity.
But wait, there’s more:
Exhibit B: Concerning the recent tornado in Greensburg KS, a poster at FreeRepublic heard on a radio show that DNC head, Howard Dean had coached KS Democrat Governor Sebelius on how to politicize this disaster (like Katrina) by blaming Bush, and the Iraq war for slow response times.
As it turned out, Sebelius didn’t even ASK for federal help, which is REQUIRED by law. But no matter, the DNC cannot allow the truth to alter their “reality”.
When the DNC threatened the Freeper poster with a defamation lawsuit, said Freeper replied bite me, see ya in court! Times v. Sullivan applies here too, but what to say about the thuggish nature of the Democrat Party? Read on.
Exhibit C: Locally, there has been some Democrat thuggishness, too. Long time Iowegian conservative blogger, krustykonservative was forced to discontinue blogging because of blackmail, intimidation and extortion against not only him but his family
.Exhibit D: Further, one of my favorite Iowegian bloggers, IowaVoice was forced to consult with an attorney after a liberal blogger and his minions set up a parody site also called “Iowa Voice” and searched court records in an attempt to dig up dirt, not only on the blogger, but the blogger’s wife.
Exhibit E: On the Illinois side, amazingly enough this left-wing blogger has also been subject to blackmail and intimidation by Democrats. Apparently, it’s not enough to be a Democrat, you have to be the RIGHT kind of Democrat if you expect to blog in peace.
I don’t expect to be blackmailed and intimidated for my obviously anti-Dem blog posts, but if I am, I do know my rights, what to do and who to call.
They didn’t search credit reports or arrest records that I know of…just the court records. But I wouldn’t put it past them.
Comment by brain1969 | May 13, 2007
I have noticed that some people just get real personal with blogger attacks. One blog I visit very frequently kamangir is an Iranian living in Canada. He is always blogging about the problems that citizens face in Iran. Yet there is a jealous blogger that has been trying to out his real name and destroy his blog. That is not a good situation for the person who runs the blog as kamangir repeatedly criticizes and calls to task the current Iranian government. And even though he is now living and attending school in Canada, his posts sometimes indicate he still feels vulnerable to the Iranian regime he posts about. It doesn’t matter whether you are politically on the left, right, moderate or just in search of enlightenment – it seems there are always people out there that look to devastate what they cannot control. It is unscrupulous when they take it to the personal level like they have with so many sites.
Comment by thescoundrel | May 13, 2007
Thanks for the info Brian. I have edited the post accordingly.
Comment by qcexaminer | May 13, 2007
Good point, scoundrel. While it’s obnoxious, and in some cases criminal, to harass, threaten, intimidate and blackmail a blogger, at least in most cases the blogger’s life is not in danger. Not so in kamangir’s case, and for others risking their lives by blogging about totalitarian regimes.
Comment by qcexaminer | May 13, 2007
“risking their lives by blogging about totalitarian regimes.”
Does that include the Mormons and Scientologists?
Comment by Don Meaker | May 13, 2007
After the 2006 elections, Democrats and the Nutroots not only felt that they had a mandate to lose in Iraq, but to start crushing dissent. Make no mistake – this is just the beginning.
For several decades American colleges have become notorious for restricting freedom of speech and assembly in the name of “tolerance” and “diversity”. Remember that the majority of the left-wing bloggers who are perpetuating these attacks (as well as many of our current crop of elected local, state and Federal Democrat legislators) have grown up in an era where rigged hearings, biased justice, dishonest news reporting and kangaroo courts are the norm on college campuses. They have little or no experience in dealing with those who hold opinions that differ with their own except from a position of absolute strength.
Obviously, one cannot blame it all on America colleges. But I think that they provide an ideal “base of support” for those who would wish to create one-party fascism in this country, since it has been achieved on too many campuses. Americans still hold universities and academic learning in high regard, even if that respect has taken a few hits in recent years. And if my local university is any indication (it is constantly referred to as “conservative” by the media), American academia has a terrifying collection of cranks, crackpots and thugs who would turn America into a Stalinist hellhole given half a chance. Unfortunately, they now have it.
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi | May 13, 2007
[...] Shut Yo Mouf [...]
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On exhibit E you wrote that Democrats were attacking the blogger. I didn’t get that from his site, the attcks seemed to be generic. Can you give more info on that? Are the public officials Dems? Can you give any names? Thanks.
Comment by JD Bryant | May 13, 2007
I know of a certain liberal blogger who is very nice and even helps other set up blogs regardless of political persuasion. But then again, feel good stories just don’t get the response they deserve
Did I tell you the R-M is doing a piece on my blog? It should be out this week. I hope its good.
Comment by Robbie | May 13, 2007
Ahh, the liberal left. Gotta love them.
Comment by Brian | May 13, 2007
Excuse this newbee, Robbie, but what is the “R-M.” tkp
Comment by thekiddiespal | May 14, 2007
NO. I said no such thing to Robbie. I ASKED….what’s there as you inloaded. tkp
Comment by thekiddiespal | May 14, 2007
I suppose I’d better amble off and read the rules. tkp
Comment by thekiddiespal | May 14, 2007
Just when I think that the internet has turned a corner on becoming a mature format some issue like this comes to light. The laws and morality are way behind, with no hope of catching up any time soon.
Until then, it’s the wild west – enjoy it while it lasts.
Comment by Evan Thomas | May 14, 2007
I wonder if there’s any connection between DNC/left of center rescuers of lost souls and the nice folks from L.Ron Hubbards clan?
Well, other than in showbiz,education, and drug rehab.
Comment by CaptDMO | May 14, 2007
Hey QCE, congratulations I just noticed you are currently WordPress Blog of the minute! Okay Robbie, I give up, who is R-M or is it a state secret requiring the assassination of non government personnel?
Comment by thescoundrel | May 14, 2007
hmmm…there might already be a few hundred laywers that call me by my first name, maybe a few judges, maybe a few people that move money and troops, maybe a shitload of other people…none of them will help me when the mindset that turns from blackmail to straight murder…
…thus the second ammendment…
the right to keep and bear arms…
when the people that easily violate their oath’s
run for greed
run for power
run for prestige
to some, you are just a pest, a bug to be squashed
no?
Comment by Orbit Rain | May 14, 2007
There are nasty people in both camps. You could come up with 1000 such examples on each side. Doesn’t change policy. Why do many, not all, conservatives, especially local, decide that they have to call left wingers names? Like in every blog? Some liberals do it too, but not quite as many, truthfully. I am against it in any form.
Human beings are human beings.
When I hang with my progressive friends there is nothing but a wonderful feeling of community. I’d love to share that with, and have often extended that feeling to others, but then they mock my friends, or can’t refrain from dumping on some personal aspect.
We have no belief in ideas anymore, I’m afraid.
Comment by schqc | May 14, 2007
Hi thescoundrel, I m writing a blog about the lives of real people around me in Bangladesh. You may find interest there!
And about this blog, everyone should have liberty to express and feelings in their blog. This is really a very good media for this kind of job. Any barrier here should not come.
Comment by Razib | May 14, 2007
[...] 2: “Shut Yo Mouf” [...]
Pingback by BizzyBlog » Surprise (Not): Look Who’s Suppressing Free Speech and Expression | May 14, 2007
“Some liberals do it too, but not quite as many, truthfully.”
I guess I’m reading the wrong blogs, then. We’re routinely called “nazis”, “Rethugs”, “Repukes”, etc., on a regular basis without so much as an afterthought. About as far as I’ve gone on my blog is to call libs idiots or moonbats. That’s a far cry from what the left dishes out, trust me.
Comment by brain1969 | May 14, 2007
R-M is the Register Mail, the daily newspaper here in lovely Galesburg.
Comment by Robbie | May 14, 2007
While I don’t write a political blog, I strongly support the rights of bloggers to publish their opinions without fear of government reprisal.
But as an avowed fan of full-on liberty, I also defend anyone else’s right to publish your name or anything else they can find out about you.
Should someone be allowed to illegally obtain personal information about you? Of course not, the answer (illegally) is right there in the question. Illegal acts are subject to punishment. But if someone decides to research and publish the name of the person who writes kamangir, then kamangir will have to deal with the ramifications.
Speech isn’t “free” (without consequences). It’s “free” (without restrictions).
At least, that’s they way I think it should be.
Comment by finalembrace | May 14, 2007
brian: The fair credit reporting act makes it illegal for practically everyone to obtain a copy of your credit report. A lot of people who do due diligence for a living have stopped using credit reports with the client’s permission because the regulations are too onerous. Pay close attention to what is said about you and if any of it pertains to your bank accounts or payment history complain to the US Attorney. Credit reporting can be worked backwards from the company to the requestor to the client who paid for the report.
All the best.
JOHN
Comment by alan | May 14, 2007
Youu know what is really strange?
Republicans are always accused of “chilling” free speech, but strangely enough, every time you hear of someone’s lawyers sending a Cease & Desist letter, or there is a demand for a book to be withdrawn or a TV documentary to have portions excised, and every time you hear about a political celebrity demanding no press be allowed at a his speech, or no one be permitted to debate him or make an opposing statement, and every time you hear of some group demanding that some speaker not be permitted to speak on a campus, and every time you hear a candidate demand that some issue like national defense is “off limits” because he doesn’t want to discuss it, and I do mean every bloody time, it turns out that its a Democrat!!
Isn’t that interesting?
Comment by Sherlock | May 14, 2007
[...] When the DNC threatened the Freeper poster with a defamation lawsuit, said Freeper replied bite me, see ya in court! Times v. Sullivan applies here too, but what to say about the thuggish nature of the Democrat Party? Read on. [...]
Pingback by What happened to Free Speech? « A Moveable Feast | May 14, 2007
“There are nasty people in both camps. ”
You know, every single time I hear the both-sides-are-bad line, it’s coming out the mouth of a lefty. Rather than confront their flaws, they just pull out the old tu quoque.
“When I hang with my progressive friends there is nothing but a wonderful feeling of community. ”
The people in Heaven’s Gate felt the same way.
Comment by Jeff R | May 14, 2007
You know, every time I hear someone merely say “left” and “right” I can’t seem to see past the big bold letters on your forehead spelling “politically challenged.” If you want to make a point with any rational and informed person sitting between either side at least make one just single distinction within each side.
As far I, and most random people I meet would never lump themselves in with neocons if they’re on the right, and if they’re on the left they’re far from crackpots you classify as the left. I think you would be surprised how close to center the majority of the left and right are. I do notice right-centrists banding more with left-centrists and them banding closer to left-leftists due to the current political situation. If you’re a 25%’er though, it’s not a flattering group to be associated with. I’ve talked with many and it’s rare they have a clue of what any political issue is in play, or political or foreign/domestic history in general, but they know what they feel in their gut, so go figure. Sometimes a cowboy hat is all the comfort you need in knowing you’re right.
Comment by easy2write | May 14, 2007
To Mwalimu Daudi: You are so right about how this is “just the beginning.” According to this the Democrats intend to revive the “Fairness (sic) Doctrine”, in part because Air America bombed out and because media savvy Fred Thompson will cause problems for them. I’m not sure if this will fly or not. The Democrats seem to want to go back to an era when we only had three networks for news and all three followed the lead of the NYTimes. I think the genie is out of the bottle and can’t be put back.
To JDBryant: You must not be from around here because you would know that all “elected public officials’ are Democrats. This area has had one party Democrat rule for decades, with no change in sight. If I am mistaken about the political party harassing “Exhibit E”, I will correct the error and issue appropriate apologies.
To schqc: If the “everyone does it” thing is true, could you provide some links to left-wingers who were harassed, intimidated and/or blackmailed by either right-wing bloggers or GOP officials or operatives? In the interest of fairness, I’d like to see them.
To Robbie: You know I love ya man!
Comment by qcexaminer | May 14, 2007
It’s nice to hear that Republicans still do no wrong. Keep up the good work. Only liberals are bad people.
Comment by thehomelessguy | May 14, 2007
To thehomeless guy: As I mentioned above, if you will provide a legitimate link to a leftwing blogger who has been harassed, intimidated and/or blackmailed by either a rightwing blogger or a GOP official/operative, please pass it along. I mean the serious stuff, not the “you’re a boo-boo head” kind of thing.
I don’t read many leftwing blogs, so there may be some stuff out there I don’t know about.
Comment by qcexaminer | May 14, 2007
[...] Administration. There have to be 3 or 4 of these stories every day (NOT!). But there is lots of suppression by the Nutroots: Exhibit A: An anonymous blogger criticizes officials in Pomona, CA and the Pomona [...]
Pingback by Suppression of Expression « Colorado Right | May 14, 2007
I consider myself non-affiliated because I have been known to come down on both the conservative side and the liberal side of issues. Now I am sure that there are many who would disagree with my assessment, from both sides of the political fence. I will agree that I do come down more on the conservative side issues much more often than I do on the liberal side of issues. I do visit both liberal and conservative blogs and sites. I also offer up links on my blog that will take you to either philosophy because I feel it is important to look at the issues and not the face of the messenger. That is a problem I have commented on many time as I feel there are way too many people who punch straight party ticket. I have also commented on several blogs that I find both liberal and conservative bloggers generally intolerant of each other. And though I have been hammered on time and time again (and I have been known to hammer back on occasion) over my views especially by the far left over my statements. I have found more of the bloggers professing to be part of the Progressive Left of the Democrat party to be the more rabid attack dogs on blogs. That is especially true of the hate-filled Democratic Underground Forum, which in my personal opinion loses any value it has made with its self- proclaimed wisdom in attracting nonbelievers to champion their causes because it has become the liberal version of Pravda. The Underground has adopted the comic book philosophy of Progressive equals Superhero and conservative equals Supervillain. If you think not see how quick a conservative opinion will get you banned from posting. And that does not take into account how if you stray from the Progressive message the members will even turn on their own calling them all kinds of insulting terms. I do not see conservative attack dogs on blogs as often. On the other hand I find conservatives do have their own set of problems with talk radio hosts like Rush whom, though he may have some good points, tends to stick his foot in the mouth of himself and his fellow conservatives with his bluster. Like the Democratic Underground Rush has developed his own set of comic book values except he has reversed the roles. I have yet to see a superhero come out of either party in my lifetime. I have only seen men and women some of whom are actually trying to make a difference but most whom are just out there playing political tag and dodgeball while profiteering and power-mongering by taking advantage of both the public’s goodwill and apathy.
Comment by thescoundrel | May 14, 2007
I’ve been accused in the past of being too easy on Conservatives by pointing out the foibles of The Left for years, but we get inundated with the imaginary and real mistakes of The Right daily. You’ve raised a really important point… with the election coming up both sides will, again, do their best to discredit and humiliate the other side, and that means bloggers as well. Blogger v. Blogger Warfare will be something new and incredibly vicious because there’s very little recourse someone sitting in their basement typing away at 3am can have against the concerted efforts of a political blogging association determined to ruin him. It’s going to be critical for political bloggers to understand their rights and responsibilities.
I wrote something recently which might apply… just that it’s important to remember that Atheists are hyper-Evangelical as well.
Comment by feartheseeds | May 14, 2007
Not to worry. I am positive that the MoveOn.orgsters have to be home by 2200 so their MOMMIES can tuck them in.
Comment by losdiablostejano | May 14, 2007
[...] Shut Yo Mouf That great 21st Century intellectual, Tim Robbins, was so right when he said that “a chill wind blows and dissent […] [...]
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[...] May 14th, 2007 in Politics, Media Good post at QCExaminer concerning the intimidation of several right-wing bloggers by their betters in the liberal [...]
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Not even Howard Dean is immune, it seems…
It seems that the good doctor and the DNC are being sued for alleged discrimination against gays.
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi | May 14, 2007
I guess, the ultimate thing for me is, all these people scream and threaten, and nothing is done. No one is moved.
I am a hard socialist. Period. I see the value of it. I think the bible supports it. I am open to some interp. but, really, see it is as quite obvious.
The “middle” is a no man’s land of agnostics without a wholistic theory. I know several middle of the road people, and they are quite nice, however, I would not want a government run by them.
Democracy is about conflict, when that conflict stops, THAT is the time to worry.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to search and query for exact details of death threats. The government does a good job of threatening the left without private individuals having to lift a finger.
That’s neither here nor there, though I am quite surprised that you think the right is without whackos.
As much as you like to say otherwise, this is not a “liberal” world. Hasn’t been for at least 20 and nearing 30 years.
The hard left wants, mostly, to be left alone, having quit the battlefield to retire to the country.
The smart ones on the hard right have done the same, strangely enough.
It is the middle that does not understand and is fought over like a fickle mate who is, alternately, loyal, and sleeping around.
Forrest Gump was in praise of this “amoral” (in the true sense of the word) middle.
Again, I have probably as many friends who dwell there as on the left.
I have a few conservative friends. I think of them as socialists in wolf’s clothing, but there it is.
Anyway, thanks for the blog. Its much fun.
Comment by schqc | May 14, 2007
[…] Shut Yo Mouf That great 21st Century intellectual, Tim Robbins, was so right when he said that “a chill wind blows and dissent […] […]
Comment by twinkle12 | May 15, 2007
It’s unfortunate that you had to describe the incident with Iowa Voice inaccurately.
Check out this post that rebutted Brian’s claims. Pay special attention to the comments thread, where Brian is exposed as a liar with rock solid proof. Note his response to being caught red-handed is to make up even more lies.
http://iowaliberal.com/?p=308
Open and shut.
Comment by Jeromy | May 17, 2007
And note that they left out about 15 emails prior to that….
Comment by brain1969 | May 19, 2007
Yeah, that Brian guy… what a fucking loser for, you know, having a blog and an opinion and all that shit. Fuck. What a total fascist. It’s a good thing there are people like Jeromy and his friends to make sure people like Brian are kept in their place. Rock solid proof? No way, more like titanium solid fact. Wow, you guys really smacked that fascist powerhouse and good. I don’t know how that lying fucker Brian and his… twelve? thirteen? readers will ever recover from that bitch slapping. Way to slay that fucking dragon. Now no one will ever trust… what’s his name? Brian? ever again. Way to go boys.
Comment by feartheseeds | May 19, 2007
feartheseeds: our pitiful measely existence is noted. yes, there are six billion people on the planet and we’ll all be dead in a hundred years. i’m glad at least that you’re an equal opportunity pessimist.
brian: there were no relevant emails before that. feel free to cite any, either here or back in the original thread.
everybody else: see what i mean with this guy? his previous story was that his emails were in a different order, now there’s important emails before the ones we cited, but he just remembered to mention them for the first time today.
anyway, our story does NOT fit some “liberals terrorizing conservatives!” selective pastiche.
Comment by Jeromy | May 19, 2007
I’ve already cited a number of emails, comments, and other things you guys said and did that led up to this. I’m not going to keep getting into this with you, because if I do, then you’ll start claiming “Well…he provoked us!” and run off crying to your little support groups in liberal land, which is exactly what you’re trying to do now. I’ll just sit back and wait until you cross the line, without my having done or said anything to you and that will prove my point for me. Because I know you guys will. You always do, bless your commie little hearts.
For the record, there were others who witnessed it, and others whom I’ve shared the emails with. As long as they know the truth, that’s all I care about. You guys can sit there in whatever dreamland you’re living in and think I’m the bad guy here, that’s fine with me.
Comment by brain1969 | May 22, 2007
OK, this is the last word on the Jeromy/Brian kerfuffle. You guys take it outside—-or to your own blogs.
Any further comments on this will be killed.
Comment by qcexaminer | May 22, 2007
[...] gets weary: Dems, local pols and libel. Say anything, Dems, and keep saying [...]
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