Interesting article on Romney's billionaire LDS supporter

[_moksha]

The article tries to make Romney's billionaire seem more of a slippery villain with his pyramid scheme vitamin products than other billionaires. Is that fair? Just because he is a Mormon does not mean he should be held in a higher ethical disdain than the Soros-Moore-Buffet trio that Bcspace writes about!!!

[Guest]

Check out this passage:

The reality is that most people who threaten to bring defamation lawsuits rarely do so. There are few things more invasive than being a defamation plaintiff. Because one must prove reputational injury, and in most cases must prove that one’s business or financial interests have been harmed by the allegedly defamatory statements, virtually every aspect of a person’s private and business life — anything relating to their reputation and financial activities — is subject to discovery and investigation. That “truth is a defense” allows sweeping discovery into the allegedly defamatory statements. Beyond that, those like Vxxxxxxxxxt who are public figures, suing over articles clearly about matters of public interest, have a very high burden to meet in order to prevail, and proving actual damages is difficult in the extreme.

[_Bond James Bond]

I just love the fact that each one of you is prudent enough not to mention his name. I feel like I'm in the Harry Potter world. Ha!

I'm afraid he'll send his son Joren VanderSloot after me.

[_Samantabhadra]

The article tries to make Romney's billionaire seem more of a slippery villain with his pyramid scheme vitamin products than other billionaires. Is that fair? Just because he is a Mormon does not mean he should be held in a higher ethical disdain than the Soros-Moore-Buffet trio that Bcspace writes about!!!

Uhh, you don't think there's a meaningful difference between Berkshire Hathaway and Amway?

[_moksha]

Uhh, you don't think there's a meaningful difference between Berkshire Hathaway and Amway?

I suppose Berkshire Hathaway makes less claim that their product will reduce cellulite and clean bathroom floors.

[_Kishkumen]

I suppose Berkshire Hathaway makes less claim that their product will reduce cellulite and clean bathroom floors.

At the same time even!

You would think they were selling exercise!

[_Chap]

Check out this passage:

The reality is that most people who threaten to bring defamation lawsuits rarely do so. There are few things more invasive than being a defamation plaintiff. Because one must prove reputational injury, and in most cases must prove that one’s business or financial interests have been harmed by the allegedly defamatory statements, virtually every aspect of a person’s private and business life — anything relating to their reputation and financial activities — is subject to discovery and investigation. That “truth is a defense” allows sweeping discovery into the allegedly defamatory statements. Beyond that, those like VanderSloot who are public figures, suing over articles clearly about matters of public interest, have a very high burden to meet in order to prevail, and proving actual damages is difficult in the extreme.

I am not quite sure what point is being made by this citation.

But the point about these suits is not that the plaintiff would win if the case came to court, rather that any organization or person without extremely deep pockets is likely to pull back when faced with the financial and other risks involved in a legal tussle with an organization that doesn't care how much money it has to spend in order to tape shut its critics' mouths.

So the threat of action is usually enough to ensure silence. And if only the very rich or the very brave can criticize the business practices or socio-political views of someone who is a major backer of a presidential candidate, will that make for a healthy democracy in the US?

[_Kishkumen]

I am not quite sure what point is being made by this citation.

Well, Chap, there are a number of legal threats that are thrown around between here and MDD. I thought the quote provided some interesting perspective on that issue.

[_Chap]

I am not quite sure what point is being made by this citation.

Well, Chap, there are a number of legal threats that are thrown around between here and MDD. I thought the quote provided some interesting perspective on that issue.

OK, I see what you mean. I agree that unless a financial behemoth like the man we are discussing is involved, one can feel confident enough about resisting if one is telling truth to the public that is relevant to public affairs.

But the problem is that (some of) the rich are getting so rich that they can do this kind of thing to the rest of us if they want too, in the same way that the old aristocrats of Europe had a quick way of shutting the mouths of disrespectful peasants. And if people like that are pushing a candidate for the office of Head of State, things are not looking good for democracy.

[_Kishkumen]

But the problem is that (some of) the rich are getting so rich that they can do this kind of thing to the rest of us if they want too, in the same way that the old aristocrats of Europe had a quick way of shutting the mouths of disrespectful peasants. And if people like that are pushing a candidate for the office of Head of State, things are not looking good for democracy.

I agree. It is very distressing.