[topher]

Giving private info away about MD4Bush may put FreeRepublic in legal jeopardy.

Steffen could subpoena such information, but not necessarily a news media.

In the computer age, someone could use someone else's computer and email address -- so knowing IP addresses and what workstation/computer inside a network that an email or post originated does not prove anything.

It is wise for Jim Robinson to stay silent on this until any possible legal issues remain.

A good example is the Valerie Plame and the possible involvement of Rove and Libby. Just because some fruitcake newspaper reporter has some story, it is not okay to confirm or deny information about a CIA agent.

Libby and Rove are under intense pressure because of their alleged involvement with a media source.

If there is any possible jeopardy to Free Republic, then Jim Robinson is wise to stay silent.

[conservative in nyc]

Jim Robinson will do what Jim Robinson wants to do. I'm sure he knows far more than me about the legal implications of releasing information. I've never explicitly called on him to do so, unlike other Freepers.

[Congressman Billybob]

Jim Robinson personally, and FR generally, have been careful and correct NOT to release any private information about this fraud, MD4Bush. Nothing on any of the threads I've read steps over that line.

The private e-mails were, as we now know, outed in public in part by reporters for the Washington Post, using MD4Bush's account and password. His profile page information is, as are all profile pages, available to any member of the public.

JimRob and FR have acted correctly at every turn, without exception, even when it was quite difficult to do so.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column: "Democrat Official Outed as 'Sleaze' Source on Mayor O'Malley; Washington Post Ignored Story it Had"