The Observation Deck

Observer readers are familiar with SLAPP suits, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, lawsuits meant to censor, harass, or otherwise chill the constitutional right to free speech. You will all recall the lawsuit brought against the Observer and several anonymous commenters on various other forums that was thrown out because a judge recognized it for what it was.

Others are not so lucky and spend years in litigation over the exercise of the right to free speech. Many states have instituted anti-SLAPP laws that help prevent this misuse of the justice system and protect innocent victims. Until Federal law recognizes this injustice, individual states are working to address this issue.

Finally, Ohio may join California, Texas, and numerous other states that have enacted anti-SLAPP legislation. Lima representative Matt Huffman has introduced the "Ohio Citizen Participation Act" which would provide protections for citizens exercising their right to comment publicly on political issues and even their experiences with businesses.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states ... ree-speech

Information on what the bill would do and how it would protect free speech.

https://graydon.law/wp-content/uploads/ ... tement.pdf

This legislation is vitally important to every citizen. Call your rep and let them know you support this law!

As captured by the genius of LO's cartoonist Rob Masek.


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Yes, this bill will shine the light on this type of frivolous suit and dismiss them quickly.

In addition, it will provide the victim easier access to restitution for any money spent to defend against these type of suits. That sends a strong message to those tempted to initiate a SLAPP suit - don't because you WILL pay!

These suits seriously threaten our constitutional right to speak. Calling them merely "frivolous" hides the serious and dark nature of these suits.

This is good news for Freedom of the Press.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

As captured by the genius of LO's cartoonist Rob Masek.


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Not so fast.
Not with that malicious crap.
Not with those chumps who pursued it.
Not so fast.
Because The Observer and others stood up when it mattered.

Bullock, Marx, Nowlin.
They hid. They lied. They deceived.
Kick them to the curb.

m buckley wrote:

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

As captured by the genius of LO's cartoonist Rob Masek.


.

Not so fast.
Not with that malicious crap.
Not with those chumps who pursued it.
Not so fast.
Because The Observer and others stood up when it mattered.

Bullock, Marx, Nowlin.
They hid. They lied. They deceived.
Kick them to the curb.

So true.

EVERY SINGLE COUNCILPERSON was well aware of the lawsuit, the plaintiff's history, and the nefarious reason for the lawsuit - TO SILENCE DISSENT.

Are these the people we want in our local government? People who ACTIVELY work to conceal information from constituents? People who allow the rip-off of taxpayers and give away city assets?

This lawsuit, meant to silence dissent, and the fact that public records require a court order to access, are clear proof that these people are unworthy of public office.

VOTE OUT NOWLIN, MARX, and BULLOCK.

Vote instead for people who pledge to operate transparently, and FOR their constituents.

Tristan Rader deserves your vote!