You are being coy -- and too clever by half. Those who make defamatory
statements cannot escape responsibility for those statements by
asserting
that they are just repeating what they have heard. Repeaters of
defamations are themselves committing defamation.
Were you to be sued for your statements, you would have the burden of
proving that your statements were true to the extent that you have
defamed private individuals.
Beyond the legalities of the situation, however, your comments are
irresponsibly destructive of community.
Dale, Briana & Bird,
Excuse me but I'm not being coy! What you are saying is that it's
irresponsible to tell the truth about what happened to my family? It's
irresponsible to request the community explain why this could happen,
when together with my experience and the information I gather about
these public individuals is horrifying....if true, we are talking about
a dangerous and sad situation for our families and children. You know I
did not like discovering myself a victim of these people, and
continually during that time I kept wishing I could wake up and it would
all be over with. No one stopped their slander, their libel, their
discrimination, their intimidation, nor their failure to uphold the
civil rights of a citizen of Moscow, ID. No one stepped forward to end
my nightmare. Now, I don't blame you for being upset, and I don't blame
you for wanting to deny what has taken place. I unfortunately was not
allowed that luxury.
Now, much as you might despise it....I have passed my nightmare on to
you. Now what is your responsibility?
This list serve was for the health, growth and enhancement of the Moscow
community. If you cannot bring the problems of the community to it for
answers and action, why do you bother to call it a community web-site?
Now, I brought to you what happened to me, what I had heard, and what I
personally did to take action because of it. I asked you what should be
done. I actually did not imply anything. You were free to give input
as you saw fit. This is no different or shouldn't be than talking a
matter over with your next door neighbor. How else do you find out if
someone has had similar difficulties? How else do you find out what can
be done.
As for your fear of talking about drugs. Is this the true reason we are
looking at 60-75% usage in our high school? Because so many are afraid
to voice their suspicions, thoughts and fears about what is happening?
How do you plan on solving the problem of drugs if you are afraid to
talk about community drug use and act on solutions?
I have been rewarded with both support and condemnation. On the
condemnation side...it is personal attacks and feelings, yet not once
have I heard a simple, this is what I would have done. This is what we
should do. This is the way to handle a situation like this. You know
this is not a case of "it could happen here." This is a case "it did
happen here." Now if you as my neighbors want to deny it is possible
and refuse to come forward with appropriate advice on how to follow up
on a solution for this, it is your choice. But when we are talking
about responsibility, let me hand this one to you and all the legal
eagles in the community.......when the truth comes out (not if
when)...guilt by silence makes you just as culpable.
As for summer reading.....yes, reading is the ultimate and most
satisfying way to hide from your problems and responsibilities when they
get too heavy....I, myself like to read almost anything; but for
relaxation I am partial to romances, mysteries and perhaps a mystery
romance.
Now....what is your responsibility as a community resident? Do you get
off the defensive and trying to kill the messenger? or do you actually
start looking at investigating and/or changing the processes that
allowed this system and their friends to prey on families and children
within the community?
Is this not the real question? What is your responsibility as a citizen
of Moscow after reading what happened? And, tell me, had this happened
to you...what would you have done? What would be your responsibility to
your fellow citizens?
And finally how important to the health of a community is it's legal
system? What if that system is sick?
And for those of you looking down your nose thinking some of the
subscribers have "been criminals" and therefore shouldn't be listened to
or should be made fun of. Wake up! Smell the coffee! These people are
citizens of this community. They work, they pay taxes, they raise their
children here....they may even know more, because of their experience,
than you will ever learn from your books and degrees.....so come off
your high horse, open your eyes and ears and try actually listening to
what is being said!" Or....do what you have proven yourself very good
at "hiding your head in a novel to avoid reality and flinging
smart-aleck remarks and accusations at anyone who dares to create waves
in your little dream-world community!"
Cheers!
Joan