[smygo] Rightwing threat against activism on U.S. policy in the Middle East
 
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:13:55 -0500 (CDT)


One of the features of the blogosphere is a peer review process that is often adversarial. Thus we have a Michelle Malkin Watch, a David Horowitz Watch, and even a WAPO-funded White House Watch.

These blogger websites function to shed light where there may be darkness. Yet they frequently function somewhat anonymously, for their effectiveness is tied directly to readership. 

Sometimes something happens that changes the power balance between the watcher and the watched. Such a circumstance has taken place between right-winger Lee Kaplan, and the blog of the college student that watches him. So far, however, we can't say which direction the power has shifted. But it seems apparent, this incident has implications for all online free speech:

  June 16, 2007
  Right-Winger Sues Blogger And Wins
  Lee Kaplan writes at David Horowitz's far-right, anti-Muslim FrontPageMag.com. A college student set up the blog Lee Kaplan Watch to expose what the guy is writing. He was sued by Kaplan in small claims court for "business interference," and Kaplan won $7500. Because it was small claims court the judge was not required to explain his decision.

  The blogger explains his response strategy, promising equal donations to the ACLU and The Institute for Middle East Understanding. He writes:  

    ...for free speech regarding all political issues, specifically foreign policy in the Middle East, consider making a donation to this cause...  [emphasis added]

    ...this blog has gotten more attention in the past 2 days than it has gotten cumulatively in the past year. We have had over 5,000 visitors just today. And yesterday's count? 12. Let that be a lesson to those who would try to abuse the court system to silence others...

  Lee Kaplan Watch is at http://kaplanwatch.blogspot.com/

  Please check it out.

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    HT and appreciation to:

    http://www.seeingtheforest.com/archives/2007/06/rightwinger_sue.htm

    This message by richard myers

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