Posted on 04/13/2008 11:02:40 AM PDT by george76
I never imagined that in America, I could be sued for speaking about politics.
My ordeal began in early 2006 when my husband, Wes, and I heard about a petition being circulated seeking to annex our unincorporated neighborhood ...
We researched the issue and decided that the extra layer of government wouldn't provide better services, while our sales tax would skyrocket. We'd be paying more for less.
We own a print shop, so Wes used some scraps and made a couple of yard signs. One said "No Annexation" and the other said "Annexation Is A Permanent Tax Increase."
We planted our opinions in our front yard.
Soon people asked for their own signs. All over, neighbors were talking, writing letters and concluding that annexation was a very bad idea.
Up to this point, our story appeared an ideal example of local democracy in action. But we soon learned that the ideal is far from reality. These days, to speak out about politics in America, you need more than an opinion - you need a lawyer.
Out of nowhere, I was walloped with a lawsuit by the two neighbors who had started the pro-annexation petition.
The suit only made me more vocal, but we have many neighbors who will probably not voice an opinion after witnessing our ordeal...
That's why those of us who were unwillingly dragged into this mess joined with the Institute for Justice to challenge Colorado's senseless, overreaching campaign finance laws.
On Tuesday, a federal judge in Denver will hear our case.
We don't fight only for ourselves.
If the First Amendment means anything, certainly it means no one should be hauled into court and put through endless red tape simply for speaking out about something they care about.
(Excerpt) Read more at rockymountainnews.com ...
Perfect example of the First Amendment being stripped away by CITIZENS for absolutely NO REASON.
Time to exercise the Second.
the extra layer of government wouldn’t provide better services, while our sales tax would skyrocket.
Good Luck George!
Most states have a "SLAPP" suit statute --- Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.
If somebody sues you for speaking out on a public matter (especially something like annexation that's put to a vote), you can get triple damages, attorney fees, and so forth.
It keeps this sort of lawsuit to a minimum. I'm surprised there's not one in every state.
Nobody ever said that freedom was free.
Remember, stick it back to those that stuck you.
Did the lawsuit have anything to do with HOA restrictions?
I do not know if they live in a HOA or otherwise.
Apparently not .
It sounded like a campaign finance lawsuit. Possibly claiming that the signs constituted an illegal corporate donation since the family that printed the signs runs a print shop.
Google Institute for Justice web site for more details.
This is nuts.
Hopefully, the federal judge will agree.
Colorado is quickly becoming a totalitarian state.
We are pushing back some.
It is not lost yet, but we have been flooded by illegals and city DUmmies from other states.
They hate hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation...
Were they so naive as to think that there is something called “freedom of speech?”
There is no citation in the post or the original article about the area that is affected. It would be nice to know. There is some slimy stuff going on in my area. I just don’t know if this is the same slime.
Parker.
There is slimly stuff all over the state.
What is up in your area ?
In my area it seems Arvada may be annexing land right up against the mountains where highway 72 enters the mountains. It is being hushed up, but there are water and sewer pipes being placed to areas that currently have no new houses. This work has been progressing toward the mountains for about 6 months.
Seems risky with all of the foreclosures available for re-purchase now ?
I agree, but the construction work is in the works. Never underestimate the intelligence of beurocrats.
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