The definition of libel is, roughly, "lies told
maliciously
to damage the reputation of someone." Mr.
Eiland's
carefully-worded reply to Karen Chaton makes it
very
clear that he understands *exactly* what the definition
of libel is. If Steph lets the discussion
continue--whatever
her personal opinions on the issue at hand--as this
list's
owner Eiland
could reasonably sue her for libel as
well.
All Annie George's posts do is give Eiland
evidence
that Chaton's post *was* damaging should he
ever
elect to pursue a libel suit against her, or
whomever
he believes is slandering him verbally and
thus
encouraging Chaton to repeat the
stories.
So, folks, this has moved way beyond the realm
of
discussion of this forum.
Linda B. Merims
Massachusetts, USA
P.S. I am not an attorney. I just used
to run a list
about Morgans and was constantly astounded
at
how ignorant some people can be that "free
speech"
is not an absolute. If you want free speech,
or at
any rate, speech that only imperils the speaker, find
whatever is left of
rec.equestrian and USENET.
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