This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
–Psalms
I’m not sure the Lord made or brought this day. But I do share the joy of this Biblical passage. Today, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Linda Lefkowitz dismissed Rachel Neuwirth’s libel claim against me. This is a day that has been over four years coming. During that time there were moments when I truly didn’t know what would happen and what sort of jeopardy my family and I might be in. There were “well-wishers,” friends of Neuwirth who celebrated in comments they attempted to publish here, that I would lose my home and face financial ruin. Even when I blithely assumed that the American justice system couldn’t possibly vindicate such a case and such a charge, my lawyers warned me that anything was possible and that I could assume nothing.
But thank God, reason and reasonableness prevailed. I should also add that Prof. Joel Beinin, who was also sued by Neuwirth as part of the same legal action, had Neuwirth’s claim against him dismissed several months ago. Both of us have been vindicated. Now we know that when we have a good faith belief that someone holds Jewish extremist views we’re allowed to say it and the law will uphold our right to do so. The justice system may not do with the alacrity I would’ve wished. But it finally did so.
I should add that Neuwirth can still appeal this decision to the Court of Appeal and so we could be doing another round of this in the future.
My lawyers performed stellar service to me and the cause of freedom of speech. They did so despite the mounting legal costs absorbed by their law firm over the years the case dragged on. I thank them for standing by me.
The only sadness I have is for the many others charged similarly with insulting or defaming a public figure who couldn’t muster the terrific pro bono legal defense provided to me by my attorneys. There are so many faced with such legal intimidation who must fold in the face of it.
For bloggers, I wanted to mention the Berkman Center sponsors a terrific legal clinic, the Online Legal Media Clinic, which offers legal representation to bloggers like me accused of various offenses. Unfortunately, it didn’t exist when my case began. I’m glad it does now.
Congratulations!
Nice to hear the good news, Richard!! Kudos to your attorneys.
Congratulations, Richard.
What does this mean for Rachel Neuwirth? Just a financial loss (legal fees) or anything else?
By the way, can anyone tell me, are American lawyers obliged to adhere to a minimum standard of conduct? Is there a governing body that they belong to that dictates their behaviour and beliefs?
I note in one of the past links, that someone mentioned Rachel Neuwirth is an Israeli, or dual Israeli, and elsewhere on the internet (Jewish Forward, I beleive) mention was made of her far right Zionist beliefs.
What i’d like to know is this:
If dual citizens, US/Israeli hold beliefs or support causes that are to the detriment of the USA, where do they stand? Since Kahanism is illegal in the USA, what about dual nationals who lend support to, (either openly or by endorsing these views through writing or blogging).
Does the law require dual nationals to be loyal to the USA first or not?
What is “loyal”? Are Congressmen “loyal” when they vote support for Israel despite the occupation, violence, settlements, wall, siege; and much of this declared illegal by UNSC and ICJ? And, more to the point, much of this inflaming the world against the USA? Is it “loyal” to inflame and create enemies?
BTW, the quasi-dual-citizenship and apparently real dual loyalty (but what is loyalty?) of many in Congress is a potent fact in the world.
I meant from a legal standpoint. Obviously, the congressmen are not breaking the law.
Kahanism was declared illegal in Israel, but as noxious as it is, I don’t see HOW it could be made illegal in the U.S. THUS: Ironicallyl, these dual citizenship folks can only continue there hateful activities in THIS country, as, I’m afraid they are legally entitled to by the Constitution of the United States. There is simply no legitimate law compelling American citizens to be loyal, and this is as it should be.
David, Kahanism is illegal in the USA.
Congratulations, Richard!
Congratulations, Richard. The court’s vindication must be an enormous relief to you and your family.
Congratulation Richard.
The place for any political debate is out in the open.
Though i would categorize your things as harsh and borderline rude, i do not support such an action against you.
Thank you for those words of support.
Well Richard, it seems that the gratitude should belong to the Court, for FINALLY doing it’s duty. Best Wishes.
Dave Terry, Libertarian from Oregon.
Add my congrats as well. In general, opinion is protected speech. And truth has been an absolute defense against charges of libel in this part of the world for over 300 years. But california takes a long time to decide any case, it seems. Best wishes for continued success.
Good for you, Richard!
Your lawyer was right – litigation is a crapshoot. Righteous cases can be lost, injust causes can prevail.
I am pleased for your success in smacking down just another crude attack on free speech.
You say: “There are so many faced with such legal intimidation who must fold in the face of it.” Not only is this correct, it is also minimal. That is to say, for every outspoken person who is subjected to “legal intimidation” by Israel-adorers (and as a result had, like you, a disciplined forum in which to rebut), there are thousands of persons who Israel-adorers subject to “extra-legal intimidation” (in a thousand different contexts) who, as you say, “must fold in the face of it”. It’s an undeserved humiliation that is hard to forget or forgive.
Mazal tov and keep the blogs coming. In Israel, Gideon Spiro was thrown in jail for much less. Be grateful that you live in a country that is still democratic. When Avi Dichter and Michelle Bachman come to power, we shall all be out of luck.
as an example of this Rachel Neuwirth stunning ignorance, check out what she wrote here,
I mean how in the world can this be considered newsworthy. The omissions by lying and even out and out lying is breathtaking.
http://llphfreedom.blogspot.com/2011/04/judenrein-palestine-by-rachel-neuwirth.html
Judenrein Palestine? – by: Rachel Neuwirth (Posted: Middle-East Conflict)