Someone in Colorado doesn't like Faconnable. Rather, they don't like the questionnable connections behind the upscale French retail store, and they decided to write about it. Anonymously. Over the internet. In Colorado. Now a Colorado judge has ordered a Berthoud internet provider to release the source data on whoever made those anonymous statements. The push back against free speech continues. It's arguable at this point whether this will really occur, or whether it will be blocked. But this is a case worth watching for everyone that comments about articles on the internet.
Let's face it. There is a great deal said on the internet daily that is simply not true. There are also distorted facts as well. But these do not nullify free speech. In fact, they should serve to enhance it, because each fact and each allegation should be brought into the open and discussed so that everyone can know. That is the path of liberty.
Faconnable does have funding connections to people that are supported by Hezbollah in the Middle East, and they have never responded adequately to these statements. So when people that blog and comment bring these points up, it enrages the store (because after all, they are an extension of the French...a socialist country). They could release the truth and let it be done with that. Instead, they try and work a Colorado judge to break a cloak of secrecy around commenters on the internet, so they can intimidate and pursue each one personally.
In the end, free speech is a liberty that protects bloggers, chatters, commenters and most of all, the truth. Yes it's true that we must verify statements and facts, and be careful not to libel or slander people or businesses. But the error should remain on the side of freedom. Anything else moves us toward tyranny.
You know, I have never enslaved any person. Nobody I know has ever had a negro slave. Basically, I'm against slavery........, oh wait, wasn't that a long time ago?
Got any current updates on Christian theocracies that behead people for not conforming to their beliefs? You know, something a little more recent than say..., 1657?
I know Christians ought to be feared. What.., with all that "stop abortions nonsense". They've already killed 8 people since 1972. Who's going to stop this madness!
Posted by: Dennis | June 23, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Dennis isn't really good with facts. Don't bother him with those. He's never read about Indonesia or Turkey. Each is a secular, constitutional republic, overwhelmingly populated by Muslims. Yet, to Dennis, Islam is only a political system of sharia, wholly incompatible with government of the people.
Posted by: Hank | June 21, 2011 at 08:55 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_Reformation
Posted by: Bobby J. | June 21, 2011 at 08:07 AM
Bobby J,
I don't know of any Christian Theocracies that be-head people. Do you?
Posted by: Dennis | June 20, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Dennis,
How do you know that a totalitarian Christian Theocracy will not lob off your head? If they lean legalistic you are in danger, if they view grace as a license to sin, you are in danger. Until God returns, every government is a creation of man regardless of label.
Regarding Sharia and the USC? I agree, they are non-compatible. If only because most Sharia men would be imprisoned asap due to violations of both criminal and civil code. If they want their own code, then they are violating, equal application of the law, clause.
Posted by: Bobby J. | June 20, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Bobby J,
I do not believe in a Christian theocracy. I would; however, prefer a Christian theocracy over an islamic theocracy. Largely because I value my head.
What I can't understand is the failure of people to realize that islam is a form of government (sharia law) and therefore cannot fall under our Constitution as a religion. The real acid-test is the Ten Commandments. In our Constitution there is no conflict with the Ten Commandments, yet we are unable to display the Ten Commandment at out public buildings. So much has been taken away from Christians in the USA, by athiests, islamists, and agnostics that our country is no longer the great country that it used to be. it was God that made our country great. Now, we are kicking God out of our lives. I will follow up with undeniable statistics in key areas that reflect this.
Posted by: Dennis | June 19, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Dennis,
I am not sure who you are addressing? I am a devote Christian however I completely oppose a Christian theocracy. Jesus is a personal relationship. Government should only do things that only a monopoly can accomplish. Federal Highways, Feds, State highways, State, Local highways, Local. Even Fed highways are questionable because States could organize border transition. Other than roads and National border defense, we don’t need much gov, certainly not a cradle to grave theocracy. A totalitarian Christian Theocracy is no better than an Islamic Totalitarian Theocracy.
Science will never fully discover God because the Bible says He will always be an infinite mystery to our finite minds.
Posted by: Bobby J. | June 19, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Like it, or not, our country was founded on Judeo-Christian values and beliefs. Our forefathers were not ignorant to the fact that islam existed, or buddhism, or hinduism. Keep in mind the prevailing "religious" issues of the time was protestant vs. catholic inherent in the european culture. This was the motivation for the "freedom of religion" in our Bill of Rights. I have no doubt that they intended all religions; however, their perspective was as I explained.
Does it surprise you that Christianity is still the prevailing, yet waning, religion? Does it bother you that many Americans identify with Christianity, as many of them were raised in that culture? Christians still have a vote in this country, at least for now.
I am surprised that many people do not perceive the obvious, ongoing, and increasing persecution of Christianity in America and around the world. It is prophetic. Many atheists believe that Christians are ignorant and stupid, as they believe in science. Many of these atheisits have not read the Holy Bible, and therefore, do not realize that the Holy Bible is truth and wisdom. What will happen when science discovers God?
Posted by: Dennis | June 18, 2011 at 02:38 PM
This ISP issue is a dangerous foot in the door. The fallout will be enormous. There is another movement to imprison any person who posts more than 15 copyrighted materials.
Face it, these statist bastards hate the internet and the freedom it provides.
Not only has the internet broke down the gates, it has abolished the walls.
Posted by: Bobby J. | June 18, 2011 at 08:12 AM
Muslims have an image problem. Rather than use government and force to control their reputation, they should address the root. The root is their incessant desire to create an Islamic totalitarian theocracy. Come to think of it, American Christian government has this same problem.
Posted by: Bobby J. | June 18, 2011 at 08:09 AM
You know, I may not agree much on your political positions (if ever) - but I will certainly defend the freedom of speech for you or anyone else. If a crime (or suspected crime) has been committed, then legally the officers of the law are required to investigate - which could mean the judge is within his rights to do so - but since I'm not familiar with the case I haven't a clue one way or another if he is within the law here.
Of course then the question becomes, is the ISP protected under the same laws that protect publishers from disclosing their sources? I haven't heard of a case or law like that, but I don't see that as being far from a stretch.
And as for the last paragraph. It'd be nice if you you adhered to the "we must verify statements and facts, and be careful not to libel or slander people or businesses" section. Slander is the modus operandi here... but hey - it's your website, you're allowed to say/do what you want. :D
Posted by: Brian | June 17, 2011 at 08:59 AM