I’m not entirely sure yet how representation on this will sort out, but I’m encouraged that the cyber-law group at Harvard University is interested in lining up a team on this. So maybe I’m getting a little closer, but I’m not at all entirely at that point. Yet.

Believe me, the urge is almost undeniable.

But being told by a *City’s* lawyer to shut up or get sued is another.

Take a good look at First Amendment law, and see if they’ve transgressed. I’m no expert, but there’s an issue there.

I’ll bet whoever sent this knows EXACTLY what they doing, and is counting on the fact that most people don’t know (or follow) law.

All it would take is for some one to do a FIOA request, just like the original documents were obtained, if memory serves. Also, I believe that there were many accusations leveled at Chapman. I recall links to state websites, court case docket numbers, etc.

“How hard can it be to prove you weren’t lying when you claim Steve didn’t graduate high school, and didn’t have a contract to clean headstones? Did he graduate high school? Did he have a contract?”

Then why has Chapman never provided refuting documents. How hard would that be?

“But it is just as likely that he will lose, or go broke winning. All the “diligence” in the world hasn’t kept him from having to hire a lawyer.”

But back to the case at hand. What the City of Manassas Park has demonstrated throughout this affair is that intimidation is their fall back weapon. It also makes me believe that Greg and others are on the right track.

The only thing needed in the world for evil to exist, is for good men to do nothing. I am glad that we have a good man, Greg, taking up this fight.

http://www.cityofmanassaspark.us/Public_Documents/ManassasParkVA_CouncilCorner/jones

Greg - your “unprecedented spike” corresponded to Instapundit linking to you just about that time! You got famous!

I think the additional publicity you have instantly received will work well for you.

Good luck,

John

Nor am I saying Greg should lose a lawsuit.

I’m just reminding Greg that while a lot of people will post here their support for them, if he loses a $200,000 judgment, most of the people here aren’t going to line up with sacks of cash to help him pay for his losses.

It’s easy to encourage someone else to stand up, when you’ve got nothing of your own to lose. I still hope the Chapman case goes away, and I hope the city comes to it’s senses or else Greg wins a lawsuit and gets attorney fees.

But it is just as likely that he will lose, or go broke winning. All the “diligence” in the world hasn’t kept him from having to hire a lawyer.

In the Chapman case, there are documents that are completely unavailable that were the “basis” for charges. Some were never available so far as I can tell, others deleted long ago not to be seen again in public.

Greg should have them all in his possession. But if you look at the charges, something seems to be amiss. How hard can it be to prove you weren’t lying when you claim Steve didn’t graduate high school, and didn’t have a contract to clean headstones? Did he graduate high school? Did he have a contract?

Anyway, I’m not arguing that Greg lied about anything in this case — I’m simply noting that he can’t be cavalier about this, and his supporters should realise the terrible burden Greg and his family could be under should the lawsuits have merit — and none of us know if they do or not.