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2016 Postmortem

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,683 posts)

11. I agree - Fluke isn't a public figure. She is merely a citizen

Reply to Raven (Reply #8)

Fri Mar 2, 2012, 07:11 PM

Mar 2012

who exercised her right to speak out about an important national issue. That doesn't make her a public figure per N.Y.T. v. Sullivan.

On reflection - one could argue that she is a "limited purpose" public figure because she voluntarily got involved in the controversy by testifying before Congress. But that doesn't mean she loses; it means only that she would have to establish "actual malice" (a knowing false statement or reckless disregard for the truth as opposed to mere negligence). Actual malice is Limbaugh's trademark.

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Sandra Fluke needs to sue LardAss for every penny he has... [View all] Rosco T. Mar 2012 OP

Truly! I do wonder WHY more people on our side aren't suing. calimary Mar 2012 #1

I want that LardAss Canker on the ass of humanity.. Rosco T. Mar 2012 #2

My guess is that you are not a lawyer. onenote Mar 2012 #12

Insurance? TexasTowelie Mar 2012 #17

There is the problem of NYTvs Sullivan Loudmxr Mar 2012 #3

Sullivan was an elected sheriff as I recall. How Raven Mar 2012 #8

I agree - Fluke isn't a public figure. She is merely a citizen The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2012 #11

actually she almost certainly is a "limited purpose public figure" under SCOTUS precedent onenote Mar 2012 #13

Oh, I don't think she will sue, or even that she necessarily should. The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2012 #14

Just getting media attention is enough to be declared a public figure ShadowLiberal Mar 2012 #16

That was a different situation. Sipple didn't sue for slander The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2012 #18

Where's Gloria Allred?? I'm surprised that some high-profile attorney... polichick Mar 2012 #4

and be sure to make the donation in Limbaugh's name peace frog Mar 2012 #5

His sponsors need to suffer financially too. LiberalFighter Mar 2012 #6

It's a perfect slander case. The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2012 #7

Mike Papantonio says it's not. GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #9

This time I disagree with Papantonio. The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2012 #10

I agree this is absolutely slander per se. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2012 #15