Those of you reading regularly know that I practice in the local Children's Court, so I was especially interested in the first few new stories on the murder of a couple who had adopted so many special needs kids. Byrd and Melanie Billings -- didn't they look nice in that big family photo?
1. They adopted, not just fostered. They weren't getting those monthly foster care checks, assuming that Florida runs like Texas. Nope. They adopted those kids as their own. Maybe they get some financial support (over and above Medicaid) because the kids are special needs. But they're not being paid by the state to care for them in the same way that they would be as foster parents. Big points in my book.
7/23/2009
7/20/2009
Ed Freeman Is a Name I Want To Know
A friend sent this to me by email just now, and I thought it would be a good idea to post it on the web.
While Ed Freeman died last August, not in the same time frame as the Michael Jackson media frenzy (which is what I thought at first, upon reading the email), I still like the idea of stopping a minute to think about Ed Freeman.
It's never a bad thing to ponder courage, and respect a hero. And, yes, it is sad that his passing did not get more media coverage -- something else we can all stop and ponder today for a bit.
While Ed Freeman died last August, not in the same time frame as the Michael Jackson media frenzy (which is what I thought at first, upon reading the email), I still like the idea of stopping a minute to think about Ed Freeman.
It's never a bad thing to ponder courage, and respect a hero. And, yes, it is sad that his passing did not get more media coverage -- something else we can all stop and ponder today for a bit.
7/11/2009
Ann Coulter vs. Peggy Noonan on Sarah Palin. Catfight!
Just read this column by Peggy Noonan and then read this column by Ann Coulter.
The topic in both articles: Sarah Palin.
You know what I'd like to see?
Ann Coulter and Peggy Noonan face to face. On TV. Live.
Yeah.
The topic in both articles: Sarah Palin.
You know what I'd like to see?
Ann Coulter and Peggy Noonan face to face. On TV. Live.
Yeah.
7/08/2009
The Troy Davis Case Worries Me
Troy Davis sits on Death Row in Georgia, and he may well be executed by the State of Georgia ... which to someone like me, sitting here in Texas, isn't that big of a news event. Sorry, but you know what I mean. I'm in TEXAS.
Except here's the thing: Troy Davis may well be innocent, and he's asking for a new trial -- with the U.S. Supreme Court putting off a decision on granting writ until next fall.
Except here's the thing: Troy Davis may well be innocent, and he's asking for a new trial -- with the U.S. Supreme Court putting off a decision on granting writ until next fall.
7/06/2009
Judge Samuel Kent Resigned Again
Well, when the Senate guys showed up to serve a summons on Judge Samuel Kent, there in prison, he had something for them, too. A short little note that said he resigned effective the end of June.
Nixed that prior resignation letter where he resigned in 2010.
So, now I'm wondering two things: will Congress blow off the impeachment proceedings since he's quit? Will they do something else - just because some are pretty angry at Judge Kent's "strategies", much less the actual bad acts he's admitted to as part of his plea bargain?
Nixed that prior resignation letter where he resigned in 2010.
So, now I'm wondering two things: will Congress blow off the impeachment proceedings since he's quit? Will they do something else - just because some are pretty angry at Judge Kent's "strategies", much less the actual bad acts he's admitted to as part of his plea bargain?
7/05/2009
Sarah Palin Suit Against the Media for Defamation: WOW
Wow. Sarah Palin's attorneys have put several news organizations (and at least one blogger) on notice that a suit for defamation might be forthcoming if things continue on certain stories regarding the "real" reasons that Sarah Palin resigned as governor of Alaska.
Here's a copy of the lawyer letter if you want to read it.
Now, I find this fascinating. Because, if it's correct -- as the Lt. Gov. has said -- that Gov. Palin has resigned because spending $2,000,000 of Alaskan tax dollars and $500,000 of her family's own cash in defending against ethics challenges (which have proven to be meritless) was the line in the sand ... well.
If I were her attorney, I could see advising her that one of her options would be to sue for defamation, to get some of that money back. If you're defamed, there's legal recourse for the damages you have sustained.
It Wouldn't Cost That Much
Just think of it. IF Palin sues all these media outlets, most of the discovery has already been done because of the investigations that have already transpired, and she's got their published words to use in her prima facie case.
The defamation suit, at this juncture, wouldn't cost her that much. And, if I'm reading things right today, they may already have proven most everything up. Fascinating.
Sarah Palin quitting her government spot and now suing as a private citizen for defamation? Wow. As a lawyer, I think I love this idea. This is brilliant.
Wondering About the Defenses if Truth's Not Among Them
Wondering about defenses now. Are there immunities when you're reporting about a government official? Where do those immunities, if any, stand once the resignation has been given? And, are there really immunities if it is true that you are printing info that you know, or should know thru due diligence to be untrue, even if a government official is involved? Does falsehood get a free pass here? Hmmmmm.
Would the State of Alaska Have A Suit for Damages Too?
And, hey: could the State of Alaska find a cause of action here, too? Get some of that $2 million back as damages? Have to ponder that one. Cuz I bet if I were an Alaskan, and I just heard that $2 million tally, I'd sure be happy to have some of that money put back in the coffers. Especially in this economy.
Very, very interesting.
Here's a copy of the lawyer letter if you want to read it.
Now, I find this fascinating. Because, if it's correct -- as the Lt. Gov. has said -- that Gov. Palin has resigned because spending $2,000,000 of Alaskan tax dollars and $500,000 of her family's own cash in defending against ethics challenges (which have proven to be meritless) was the line in the sand ... well.
If I were her attorney, I could see advising her that one of her options would be to sue for defamation, to get some of that money back. If you're defamed, there's legal recourse for the damages you have sustained.
It Wouldn't Cost That Much
Just think of it. IF Palin sues all these media outlets, most of the discovery has already been done because of the investigations that have already transpired, and she's got their published words to use in her prima facie case.
The defamation suit, at this juncture, wouldn't cost her that much. And, if I'm reading things right today, they may already have proven most everything up. Fascinating.
Sarah Palin quitting her government spot and now suing as a private citizen for defamation? Wow. As a lawyer, I think I love this idea. This is brilliant.
Wondering About the Defenses if Truth's Not Among Them
Wondering about defenses now. Are there immunities when you're reporting about a government official? Where do those immunities, if any, stand once the resignation has been given? And, are there really immunities if it is true that you are printing info that you know, or should know thru due diligence to be untrue, even if a government official is involved? Does falsehood get a free pass here? Hmmmmm.
Would the State of Alaska Have A Suit for Damages Too?
And, hey: could the State of Alaska find a cause of action here, too? Get some of that $2 million back as damages? Have to ponder that one. Cuz I bet if I were an Alaskan, and I just heard that $2 million tally, I'd sure be happy to have some of that money put back in the coffers. Especially in this economy.
Very, very interesting.
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