The Moderate Voice - Latest Comments in FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

DLS — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:40:22 -0000

Actually, shouldn&#39t the "STFU" advice be extended to the ridiculously excessive obscession with her and other trivial subjects, or objects of pathological behavior, here, too? I was away for a few days and it was no surprise but annoying nevertheless to see so many Palin-obscession threads on here.

The Manx Missile has already won two road stages in the Tour de France -- that&#39s more important now than Palin has been for months. And of course there&#39s the meeting with Obama and Medvedev, as well as lingering issues in Honduras (not to be confused with excessive leftist whining on here that I&#39ve seen).

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

DLS — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:40:22 -0000

Actually, shouldn't the "STFU" advice be extended to the ridiculously excessive obscession with her and other trivial subjects, or objects of pathological behavior, here, too? I was away for a few days and it was no surprise but annoying nevertheless to see so many Palin-obscession threads on here.

The Manx Missile has already won two road stages in the Tour de France -- that's more important now than Palin has been for months. And of course there's the meeting with Obama and Medvedev, as well as lingering issues in Honduras (not to be confused with excessive leftist whining on here that I've seen).

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

EEllis — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:49:14 -0000

SB said "And of course her campaign audiences were calling for Obama&#39s death...."

Jesus I know some of you guys are hard left and you really love wallowing in this crap but lets get real. This was first batted around about McCain and was refuted by Secret Service who were there now it&#39s tossed out like it&#39s "FACT" and it&#39s dispicable BS and clearly shows that being partisan is more important than anything called "TRUTH".

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

kritt11 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:53:18 -0000

SB- Of course there are times when its appropriate to print
allegations--- like when someone is charged with a crime. But no
person&#39s reputation -even Palin&#39s should be ruined because the MSM
resorted to using internet gossip as its main source. I disagree with
her and would have cringed if she were the first female to achieve
higher office ( I was a Clinton supporter) but I see that the trend is
for crossing the lines of decency and fairness on the internet and
would not want to see that crossover to the MSM.
Higher standards of journalism protect everyone.

As a mom, I DO see that she wouldn&#39t want her daughters disparaged in
the media, and I DO think that there&#39s a double standard for women
running for higher office.
So, I can disagree with her on everything, yet realize that some of
the attacks on her may be below the belt.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

EEllis — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:49:14 -0000

SB said "And of course her campaign audiences were calling for Obama's death...."

Jesus I know some of you guys are hard left and you really love wallowing in this crap but lets get real. This was first batted around about McCain and was refuted by Secret Service who were there now it's tossed out like it's "FACT" and it's dispicable BS and clearly shows that being partisan is more important than anything called "TRUTH".

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

joegandelman — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:20:21 -0000

I worked for the news media overseas for about 6 years and on two chain newspapers for nearly 10 years. I did have dealings with the papers&#39 major editors (even some of the ones for which I freelanced) as well as some of the lawyers for the actual papers (two instances of threatened law suits). Just as Palin has her attorney justifying his retainer or billable hours, so do the newspapers. And big news organizations such as the mainstream news media and the HP take press freedom issues very seriously. My point is that not only will this warning be ignored if it is not a threat that would hold up in court by the news organizations, but it will spur them and the ENTIRE press corps on now to follow and vett Palin very very intensely. Why? She has thrown down challenge -- kind of like Gary Hart saying he dared the press to follow him around -- and by the way she is keeping herself in the headlines (the squabble with Letterman, the magazine quotes, warrning with McCain&#39s staff) she is a very hot political story...one that has lots of reader and viewer interest. So on one hand, if she leaves the governorship she&#39ll have a prominent national podium ...on the other hand if she messes up, misspeaks, stubs her toe or anything untoward about her comes up, it will get comprehensive press coverage.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

GeorgeSorwell — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:42:03 -0000

There are, it seems to me, a lot of conservatives who like their politicians to be in your face.

Palin is giving them what they like.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

StockBoySF — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:50:56 -0000

"I do agree that Palin would not have grounds to sue if "alleged" or
"rumored" were included-- but I still think the MSM should not stoop
to printing allegations based on that kind of evidence. "

Let me insert my two cents here.....

I think most news stories around people&#39s illegal actions are actually "alleged". The NYT might report on a kidnapping and refer to the suspect with "alleged". After all the suspect is not guilty until a jury finds him or her to be guilty, at which point the "alleged" can be dropped.

I also agree that the "reputable" MSM should stay away from gossip. However it seems to me that when a credible source has a story and tells the NYT (or some other reputable organization) that the NYT will publish that story, and if it hasn&#39t been proven then words such as "alleged" and "rumored" will be thrown in as acceptable qualifiers.

I think a good journalist would use a source with direct knowledge of the activity. A secretary, who may have some knowledge from things overheard would probably not be a good source. So perhaps the problem is with newspapers trying to stay ahead of the competition and accepting the story of anyone in the area as credible?

My opinion on Palin on this particular story is that she&#39s a whiner. She has pushed the limits and even crossed the line in attacking her own political opponents in the same way, and even had the nerve to separate "real Americans" from the rest of Americans, who allegedly are less patriotic. So Palin crying of victimization is just a riot.

And to think she could have been one heart beat away from the presidency. And millions still love her. What a piece of work. What a mess.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

kritt11 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:53:18 -0000

SB- Of course there are times when its appropriate to print
allegations--- like when someone is charged with a crime. But no
person's reputation -even Palin's should be ruined because the MSM
resorted to using internet gossip as its main source. I disagree with
her and would have cringed if she were the first female to achieve
higher office ( I was a Clinton supporter) but I see that the trend is
for crossing the lines of decency and fairness on the internet and
would not want to see that crossover to the MSM.
Higher standards of journalism protect everyone.

As a mom, I DO see that she wouldn't want her daughters disparaged in
the media, and I DO think that there's a double standard for women
running for higher office.
So, I can disagree with her on everything, yet realize that some of
the attacks on her may be below the belt.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

joegandelman — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:20:21 -0000

I worked for the news media overseas for about 6 years and on two chain newspapers for nearly 10 years. I did have dealings with the papers' major editors (even some of the ones for which I freelanced) as well as some of the lawyers for the actual papers (two instances of threatened law suits). Just as Palin has her attorney justifying his retainer or billable hours, so do the newspapers. And big news organizations such as the mainstream news media and the HP take press freedom issues very seriously. My point is that not only will this warning be ignored if it is not a threat that would hold up in court by the news organizations, but it will spur them and the ENTIRE press corps on now to follow and vett Palin very very intensely. Why? She has thrown down challenge -- kind of like Gary Hart saying he dared the press to follow him around -- and by the way she is keeping herself in the headlines (the squabble with Letterman, the magazine quotes, warrning with McCain's staff) she is a very hot political story...one that has lots of reader and viewer interest. So on one hand, if she leaves the governorship she'll have a prominent national podium ...on the other hand if she messes up, misspeaks, stubs her toe or anything untoward about her comes up, it will get comprehensive press coverage.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

GeorgeSorwell — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:42:03 -0000

There are, it seems to me, a lot of conservatives who like their politicians to be in your face.

Palin is giving them what they like.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

StockBoySF — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:50:56 -0000

"I do agree that Palin would not have grounds to sue if "alleged" or
"rumored" were included-- but I still think the MSM should not stoop
to printing allegations based on that kind of evidence. "

Let me insert my two cents here.....

I think most news stories around people's illegal actions are actually "alleged". The NYT might report on a kidnapping and refer to the suspect with "alleged". After all the suspect is not guilty until a jury finds him or her to be guilty, at which point the "alleged" can be dropped.

I also agree that the "reputable" MSM should stay away from gossip. However it seems to me that when a credible source has a story and tells the NYT (or some other reputable organization) that the NYT will publish that story, and if it hasn't been proven then words such as "alleged" and "rumored" will be thrown in as acceptable qualifiers.

I think a good journalist would use a source with direct knowledge of the activity. A secretary, who may have some knowledge from things overheard would probably not be a good source. So perhaps the problem is with newspapers trying to stay ahead of the competition and accepting the story of anyone in the area as credible?

My opinion on Palin on this particular story is that she's a whiner. She has pushed the limits and even crossed the line in attacking her own political opponents in the same way, and even had the nerve to separate "real Americans" from the rest of Americans, who allegedly are less patriotic. So Palin crying of victimization is just a riot.

And to think she could have been one heart beat away from the presidency. And millions still love her. What a piece of work. What a mess.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

archangel — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:38:11 -0000

Thank you polimom, I get it now. STFU is NOT &#39Stay Tuned For Uluru.&#39 Pity in a way, we could use a lot more of Uluru than FU.

just my two cents worth, I hope you are laughing.

dr.e

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

kritt11 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:11:13 -0000

That&#39s exactly my point, Polimom. We should be able to easily
distinguish reputable sources as the MSM- from the more gossipy ones
like Huff Po.

I do agree that Palin would not have grounds to sue if "alleged" or
"rumored" were included-- but I still think the MSM should not stoop
to printing allegations based on that kind of evidence. Yes, the trend
is to do so, but imo, it is regrettable. It leads to a lot of false
impressions and also makes it even more difficult to distinguish
between fact and fiction.
kritt

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

Polimom — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:59:13 -0000

@archangel -- First two words in STFU are "shut the"...

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

Polimom — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:57:44 -0000

kritt -- while I fully agree with you that when reading about something, one should be able to distinguish between a blog and an MSM source, I think the line between them is not particularly clear any more.

Some of the strongest attacks on Palin, for instance, have come from HuffPo and Andrew Sullivan. Are those the MSM? I&#39ve read (and been told) that they are. Not sure I accept that, myself (though they are clearly influential).

Also -- I&#39m having a lot of trouble understanding how Palin can expect to sue if someone reports on stories that are "alleged" or "rumored", if those words are included. We read news like that *all the time*.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

kritt11 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:48:22 -0000

Polimom
Yes, that&#39s true--- but maybe that&#39s a good idea, and not just for
Palin. I would just rather not see journalism lower its standards to
that of the blogs.
Kritt

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

archangel — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:39:10 -0000

i hate to ask, I get the last two letters FU, at least I think I do, that time honored sort of epithet, but ST? Stay Tuned? Start Tomorrow? So Then? Saint Thomerini?

help me help me, I&#39m part of the know-nothing blogospore-producing llamarama.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

Polimom — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:33:48 -0000

kritt -- it seems that they&#39re just firing a "warning shot". The NYT and WaPo have not, in fact, repeated the speculation (or at least they hadn&#39t as of last night, when the letter was written).

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

kritt11 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:07:42 -0000

Let me say first that I can&#39t stand Palin or anything that comes out of her mouth, BUT--- I actually agree with her on this point. She was absolutely wrong in spreading half-truths and rumors at her rallies about Obama--- BUT I hold journalists from the NYT&#39s and WaPo to a much higher standard. Repeating speculation and gossip from internet blogs does not constitute journalism.

If they want to investigate her for corruption- let them find solid evidence against her or STFU.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

Father_Time — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:58:01 -0000

The GOP has been subtly telling her to STFU, so now she is finally doing it?

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

Polimom — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:01:32 -0000

I posted on exactly this earlier at the chron. (link here, so I don&#39t clutter TMV with still more Palin posts.)

In a nutshell, I find it absolutely bizarre that she&#39d give vague reasons for a resignation, and then threaten to sue people for speculating about it.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

D. E.Rodriguez — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:47:54 -0000

The freedom of speech champion, master of personal destruction ("palin" around with terrorists) certainly is getting desperate.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

StockBoySF — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:38:26 -0000

“Just as power abhors a vacuum, modern journalism apparently abhors any type of due diligence and fact checking before scurrilous allegations are repeated as fact,” the Anchorage attorney wrote.

Talk about double-standards.... What was all the crap Palin said about Obama during the election? And of course her campaign audiences were calling for Obama&#39s death....

She can dish it out, but can&#39t take it.... And she claims she&#39s a victim of the media. Palin&#39s really a victim of herself.

Re: FBI Denies Investigating Palin As Palin’s Lawyer Warns Media About Defamatory Material

dmf — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:37:34 -0000

please stop taking this joke of a politician seriously.