Pundit Press

Orpheus Theatre Announces Auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

2024-07-15T23:49:00.002-04:00

Oneonta, NY – Orpheus Theatre is thrilled to announce open auditions for our upcoming production of the multiple Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This delightful and heartwarming show follows six quirky fourth graders (played by adults) as they compete in a regional spelling bee.

Director Michael Tamburrino shares, "Spelling Bee is a beloved gem of a show that is both absolutely hysterical and deeply moving. While it seems what's at stake for the characters in this show is no more than a $200 savings bond and a trip to DC, for the kids in the show, what's at stake are their very futures. We've all felt that excitement and uncertainty at some point in our early life, and that's one of the things that makes this show so intensely relatable. Not to mention that it features award-winning music, unique opportunities for audience interaction, and the opportunity for nearly every actor to play more than one role! Our production will also utilize a new space for Orpheus to make this show as immersive as possible for audiences. We humbly invite you to be part of bringing this firecracker of a show to life!"

With musical direction by Karen Clark Snitchler and choreography by Allie Tabor-Church, this production promises to deliver a hilarious spectacle and a deeply moving exploration of loss, loneliness, and young love.

Performance Dates are Nov 1st at 7:30 PM, Nov 2^nd & 3^rd at 3:00 PM, Nov 8^th at 7:30 PM, Nov 9^th & 10^th at 3 PM. Auditions will be held Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM & Saturday, August 3rd at 6:30 PM at Orpheus Theatre’s rehearsal space at the Southside Mall in Oneonta.

There are nine roles available, including one non-singing role. We welcome both seasoned performers and those new to the stage to come and showcase their talents. Actors need to be at least 18 years of age.

Callbacks will be held on Sunday, August 4th (time to be announced).

For more information about the auditions, including what to expect, character descriptions, and audition cuts, please visit our website: www.OrpheusTheatre.org.

Join us for what promises to be an exciting and unforgettable production. See you at the auditions!

Contact: Orpheus Theatre Phone: 607-432-1800 Email: Orpheus@OrpheusTheatre.org

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented with special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Caroga Arts Ensemble Presents "American Journeys" as part of the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival's 26th Season

2024-07-15T23:31:00.001-04:00

[Cooperstown, NY - July 15] - The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival continues its 26th season with a return visit from the ever-popular Caroga Arts Ensemble performing "American Journeys" on Thursday, July 25 at 7pm at The Farmers' Museum.

The Ensemble is an exciting collective of celebrated performers from across the country who gather each summer at Caroga Lake. Founded and directed by cellist Kyle Price, the ensemble will present a diverse program of all-American works which explores the American musical landscape through pieces for chamber orchestra and smaller ensembles.

"American Journeys" will feature CSMF artistic director and flutist Linda Chesis and cellist Tommy Mesa in works conducted by Glen Cortese, the newly-appointed Artistic Director of the Catskill Symphony. The program honors the past while looking to the future by placing Aaron Copland's iconic "Appalachian Spring" and George Gershwin's jazzy "Preludes" in conversation with John Corigliano's "Voyage" and Jessie Montgomery's "Divided," contemporary works that speak to the issues of our day.

The concert also possesses an additional emotional significance: for director Kyle Price, the Caroga Arts Ensemble's third appearance at the Festival is a kind of homecoming. "My family and I often attended CSMF concerts at The Farmers' Museum when I was growing up," Price said. "The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival holds a special place in my heart."

EVENT DETAILS:
Caroga Arts Ensemble: American Journeys
Thursday, July 25, 7:00PM
The Farmers' Museum
5775 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased in advance either online at www.cooperstownmusicfest.org or over the phone by calling Purplepass Tickets at 800-316-8559 and selecting Option 1. Please note there is a $2 service fee per phone order. Tickets will also be sold at the door, as available.

ABOUT THE COOPERSTOWN SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area for over 25 years. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter, and Jasper String Quartets, Stefon Harris, Bill Charlap, Kurt Elling, Simone Dinnerstein, Mark O’Connor, John Pizzarelli, the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, and many more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum, and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Video

2024-03-26T03:16:00.003-04:00

Unconfirmed video https://t.co/FLtTX7WZK5
— Steve Lookner (@lookner) March 26, 2024

Why Did the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse?

2024-03-26T03:08:00.006-04:00

A Massive Response is currently Underway by Elements of U.S. Coast Guard, Baltimore Police, Baltimore Fire Department, and several other State Agencies with Rescue Boats as a result of the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, with reports that roughly 10 Vehicles were on the…
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 26, 2024

Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Information

2024-03-26T03:08:00.002-04:00

Maryland State Police AW-139 helicopters N381MD (#A46018) & N389MD (#A47DD0) assisting in rescue operations after the Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore collapsed after a Container ship collided with it pic.twitter.com/BI80V1CEKl
— Keystone Intel (@KSOSINT) March 26, 2024

A Massive Response is currently Underway by Elements of U.S. Coast Guard, Baltimore Police, Baltimore Fire Department, and several other State Agencies with Rescue Boats as a result of the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, with reports that roughly 10 Vehicles were on the…
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 26, 2024

David DePape Information

2022-10-28T13:40:00.003-04:00

Word is still coming in on the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul Pelosi. We will update as we find out more:

.@SFPD identified the alleged attacker as 42-year-old David DePape. @CNN reached two of the man's relatives who told CNN he is estranged from his family. A review of his FB page shows he posted memes and conspiracy theories about Covid, the 2020 election, and the 1/6 attack.
— Whitney Wild (@WhitneyWReports) October 28, 2022

More info from the SF Chronicle here.

A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation identified the suspect as David DePape, 42, possibly of Berkeley.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said when officers arrived before 3 a.m. Friday, they found an adult male and Paul Pelosi both holding a hammer. The assailant allegedly pulled the hammer from Pelosi and beat him with it, Scott said.

Depape was booked on suspicion of attempted homicide, assault with deadly weapon and elder abuse.

Shinzo Abe Shooting Information

2022-07-07T23:02:00.006-04:00

Information is coming in quickly. Here's what we have so far.

Urgent: Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe collapses amidst possible gunfire during speech (Yonhap)
— Doge (@IntelDoge) July 8, 2022

Kyodo says Abe has gone into cardiac arrest.
— Doge (@IntelDoge) July 8, 2022

🇯🇵 | URGENTE: El ex primer ministro japonés, Shinzo Abe, fue atacado por un hombre no identificado en una carretera durante un discurso al oeste de Japón. Fue trasladado de urgencia a un hospital.pic.twitter.com/QsiTHONiaO
— Alerta Mundial (@AIertaMundiaI) July 8, 2022

Shinzo Abe shot in the chest in Nara. Attacker caught. pic.twitter.com/WfkUDH9lfo
— Gordon Knight (@GordonlKnight) July 8, 2022

Nicholas John Roske Information

2022-06-08T16:05:00.005-04:00

Information is coming in on the alleged attempted attacker Nicholas John Roske, who was arrested near Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's house. He is allegedly from Simi Valley, CA and was a pest control office manager. According to online sources, he graduated from high school in 2014.

We will update as we find out more.

Putin Speech Livestream

2022-02-21T13:48:00.002-05:00

What is the 25th Amendment?

2021-01-06T19:34:00.002-05:00

See the text of the Constitution below:

Section 1
In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.
Section 2
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.
Section 3
Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
Section 4
Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

The Leading Uses for Oil in the United States and the Rise in Its Oil Production

2020-12-13T01:27:00.003-05:00

Investors watch the price of oil and oil stocks, such as OAS stock, very carefully. The United States has vastly ramped up its oil production to meet the needs of its people. Oil is used for a variety of things, primarily to power transportation and in industry activity. Typical oil is currently sitting in the $40 price range compared to before, when oil was much scarcer and came in at prime prices. Now the United States produces oil in amounts comparable to Saudi Arabia and the shale oil produced in Canada, but the country was not always capable of keeping up with its vast demand. The top five uses for oil in the United States are for transportation, industry, powerplants, and for both residential and commercial use.

Oil is used for transportation more than any other purpose in the United States. Oil powers machines both big and small when it is turned into their fuel. Gasoline for cars uses over nine million barrels of oil a day. It is not just car fuel that oil is used for in the transportation sector. 1.7 million barrels of oil a day is used for jet fuel. In total, 68% of the oil the United States uses every day is for transportation. Considering that the US makes up over 20% of the world’s oil consumption, the amount used for fuel in the US is massive. The planet uses 98.8 million barrels of oil a day, for frame of reference. This makes up the single biggest part of US oil consumption per day by itself.

Both industry and powerplant uses are among the most expansive uses for oil in the US today. Industrial uses of oil are varied, and oil goes in all sorts of industrial products. Agriculture is industrial work, and oil is used to make fertilizers and pesticides used in the work. In terms of heavy industry, oil is used to make all kinds of plastics and the rubber in tires. The industry makes up 26% of oil consumption in the United States. This makes industry the second most common use of oil in the country.

Powerplants make another vital use of oil. Oil powerplants are one of several ways oil is used to make power. Oil is also used in heating for all types of buildings, and there is oil in air conditioning systems. In the United States, electric power makes up less than 1% of oil consumption, but this still places it as the fifth most common use of oil in the country. Both industry and powerplants use oil in significant quantities, and they both use enough that they rank among the five most common uses of oil in the USA.

Residential and commercial uses of oil also pack a punch in terms of US oil usage. Residential uses for oil account for 3% of United States oil usage, which ranks it the third most common use of oil in the United States. Things like lubricants and waxes are produced for domestic use as part of oil’s purpose. These products make their way into things like candles and Vaseline. Businesses use oil to make some products that are sold commercially. Goods like ink are made with oil, and pharmaceuticals often use oil in the process of making them. Pill capsules and aspirin both contain oil. The USA uses 2% of its oil consumption commercially. Both the residential and commercial uses of oil apart from heat are substantial and rank as the third and fourth most common types of oil use in the United States.

The United States now is among the world leaders in oil production, helping to meet its vast oil demand. The United States now produces 15 million barrels of oil a day. Compare this to countries like Saudi Arabia, which is among the old guard of oil producers. The kingdom produces 12 million barrels of oil a day, however the risk associated with the place due to issues like the war in Yemen raise the price of their oil dramatically. Next, compare the United States to a producer of shale oil like Canada. Canada produces 3.6 million barrels of oil a day, and 97% of their oil is found in oil sands. The United States makes 7.76 million out of 15 million barrels a day in shale. This means that the United States produces much more of the oil it needs for its local transportation, industry, power, residential, and commercial needs.

Hunter Biden Crack Pipe Photo

2020-10-17T15:30:00.005-04:00

Alleged, from the New York Post.

Is America Ready for a Hot Supreme Court Justice?

2020-10-14T01:28:00.001-04:00

All of the political questions aside, the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court raises another, larger question. The 48 year old justice would replace feminist icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Ginsburg may have been nearly worshipped by many on the left but the 87 former justice was always a sex as in gender, rather than a sex as in sexuality symbol.

Now, here we are.

pic.twitter.com/Fo4jIz4Xp6
— Eric Demamp (@ericdemamp) October 13, 2020

Which States Are Booming for Real Estate

2020-10-13T17:02:00.001-04:00

Everybody knows real estate is a smart investment, but many are skeptical as to which market is the best and which markets are the worst to invest in right now. Those who know how to bird dog real estate in different states can give real estate agents even more information about what is available for buyers.

Lucky for you, this article is jam-packed with potent information that will help you understand which states are currently booming for real estate. From monetary policy, current interest rates, property values, and more, here are some factors to consider when thinking about buying or selling real estate in the following states:

California

California is always a solid choice for real estate. Known for having perfect weather nearly year-round, who wouldn't want to own a home in the west-coast paradise of California. Over the last twenty years, properties in California have increased their value by over one thousand percent. That's a win in real estate land! Properties increase in value in California because it consistently sees an inflow of people from all over the world wanting to live there. The only downfall here is this increases the cost of living as well. So while you may hit a home run in property value, you'll make up for the luck with higher prices every time you turn around.

Texas

Texas is a wonderful state to explore your real estate endeavors. In Texas, everything is bigger! Yes, including real estate. For the same amount of money in California, you can get much more in Texas. That is exactly why people move here but hardly ever move from here, willingly of course. Unlike California, prices in Texas make you feel at home (like you hardly have to pay for anything). We are not saying things in Texas are free, but they sure are cheaper than many other states in the country. Texas is also rich in land. In Texas, you can purchase acres of real estate like nowhere else in the world. The warm climate adds to the fruitfulness of its soil, so growing crops on land is almost easy.

New York

Known for its popular culture and rich lifestyle, New York is a top hit for maximizing your investment portfolio. Property values in New York are some of the highest in the world and they keep on growing. Getting in right now is an arbitrage in the real estate game. With more and more people immigrating to the United States, New York is typically their first stop. This, like California, increases the price on standard goods; however, like California, you can really make some cash investing in a place in the state of New York.

Oklahoma

This state is not a bad choice either. Ripe for oil, you might just find a property that makes you a gazillionaire, but chances are slim. This state could very well go in the opposite direction as more and more people are opting to discover new residence elsewhere.

Regardless of where you are looking to invest, right now is the time to do so. With a polarized election at the forefront of the market, there is much uncertainty as to what the real estate market is going to do. But right now, interest rates are at an all-time low. As a consequence of the pandemic, banks have begun to lend money at a remarkably low rate. This means you have to pay back less if you opt for a loan to invest with. Not a bad idea, considering the current affairs of our economy. Right now you can save thousands of dollars strictly in interest. That's a no-brainer to investors.

Moreover, prices, in general, are discounted on average ten percent across the country right now. So not only can you save money in interest rates from a bank loan, but you can buy a property at a discounted price right now because sellers are uncertain about whether they will ever sell their property, so they will choose to take a little over nothing. It is simple supply and demand. These are good things to keep in mind when considering your next real estate move. For more information, check out this article here.

How Did Trump Get Coronavirus?

2020-10-02T01:11:00.001-04:00

Breaking news. More to follow:

Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020

Why is there Rioting in Louisville?

2020-09-23T23:53:00.006-04:00

BREAKING: Two police officers have been shot in Louisville amid protests over the lack of charges in Breonna Taylor's death. A suspect is in custody. https://t.co/ZsThj5HSm0
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 24, 2020

Louisville Police Shooting Information

2020-09-23T23:53:00.002-04:00

BREAKING: Two police officers have been shot in Louisville amid protests over the lack of charges in Breonna Taylor's death. A suspect is in custody. https://t.co/ZsThj5HSm0
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 24, 2020

North Korea Shooting Information

2020-09-23T23:52:00.002-04:00

Man shot by North Korean forces was a 47 year old affiliated with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in South Korea. Defense ministry says that the North found the man in its waters and "committed an act of brutality by shooting at him and burning his body" (Yonhap)
— Doge (BAL 2-0) (@IntelDoge) September 24, 2020

Dallas BLM Confrontation Video

2020-09-23T23:48:00.002-04:00

DALLAS: “f*ck you” a few white BLM protesters yell at a black woman in her car

As she tries to pass through an intersection they are blocking

She pleads, “you’re protesting the wrong person”

They continue to hurl expletives as traffic builds up pic.twitter.com/aBlRSnM3Ng
— ELIJAH RIOT (@ElijahSchaffer) September 24, 2020

Rochester Shooting Information

2020-09-19T02:07:00.001-04:00

Come back for more info:

Initial reports of a mass shooting in Rochester, New York at around 12:30am local time. At least 12 people have been shot, two pronounced dead at the scene. Local police yet to confirm exact number of victims, and conditions. (BNO)
— Doge (@IntelDoge) September 19, 2020

Cause of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Death

2020-09-18T19:47:00.005-04:00

From the New York Post:

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday at her home in Washington, the court says. She was 87.

Ginsburg died of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, the court says.

A Lawyer’s Perspective: Why the Washington Post’s Errors Matter

2020-08-09T01:18:00.002-04:00

Latest in a String of Errors

The most recent error by the Washington Post is a doozy. Slamming President Trump once again, the Wa Po used its print media status irresponsibly. I am breaking down the reasons why and how the paper can and should, but likely won't set a better example. Unfortunately, the Washington Post's mistake is not a solitary case. The Bezos owned newspaper shifted considerably left over the last several years. As a result, its editorial standards shrank. This especially is the case when it comes to Donald Trump. The use of the press' influence to destroy the President is astonishing. Rarely has such a large media giant used its power of the press so carelessly. When factoring this error in with those of the last several years, a daring pattern emerges. And it comes with considerable cost. Not to the paper itself. Unfortunately, speculation and left wing agitprop sells. The paper increased profitability in the Bezos era. This isn't a compliment. It's a sign that their model actually profits by using such misleading claims. And it is also a sign that the media giant won't change its ways as long as there is profit to be had. It is terribly disappointing.

About the Author

Michael Ehline is the head attorney of the Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys APLC. His firm leads Southern California in both personal injury and civil rights cases. His experience with media is considerable fr a legal expert. By understanding how media in all forms works, Ehline built an understanding of libel law and press responsibility. These are even larger in cases of malpractice such as the Washington Post regularly engages in. He writes this column as both a critique and a chance to educate other media outlets. For more info, keep reading his legal blog here. Also reach Michael at losangeles@ehlinelaw.com.

Misrepresentation of President Trump

Unfortunately, the Post's most recent mistake is just one of a series it committed in the recent past. The Post's influence in the DC Beltway makes such errors particularly reckless. Take the recent case in which the Post had to issue a correction for an erroneous report on the President. We can find the Washington Post story, including the correction here. The Post attempted a classic move by the political left over the last four years. The Post "dunked" on the President's re election efforts. Unfortunately, their efforts were misplaced. And erroneous. However, this is not a one time occasion as seen below. The Post originally reported that Twitter penalized President Trump's personal account. However, that was not the case. The Post was swift in their condemnation of the President, as it has gained a reputation for during his term in office.

Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday took extraordinary action against President Trump for spreading coronavirus misinformation after his official and campaign accounts broke their rules, respectively.

President Trump highlighted the fact that children are resistant to the coronavirus. However, the paper and Twitter took exception to this characterization. Twitter penalized the President's campaign account for the claim. Below is a copy of the correction:

Correction: Twitter penalized Team Trump, the president’s campaign account. An earlier version of this article said that Twitter penalized President Trump’s account.

Quite the turnaround. Unfortunately, it's the rule, not the exception.

Recent Errors by the Post

Of course this one error is not alone. The Washington Post led the liberal media charge against Nick Sandmann. The Covington high school student gained national attention for smiling at a man at the Lincoln Memorial. The Post smeared the young man, who did not threaten anyone. In fact,t here is little evidence of any error he made at all. However, the 16 year old became a national figure through no action or desire of his own. The Washington Post (along with CNN and other outlets) made him so. Without his conent. As a result, Sandmann settled in his $250 million lawsuit against the paper. But the Sandmann story was just one of the many that the paper committed since Bezos took over. What about the case of the story that required an amazing 15 corrections! The story was a freelance piece that fit into the Wa Po's narrative. It included info on black families struggling to keep their land in the South. The article included errors from spelling mistakes to important characterizations of statistics and basic facts about the article's subjects. It also underlined the lack of follow through from the paper. And the process in which the paper deicdes to print such articles without proper review.

“The correction is certainly thorough with regard to the article’s content. What it doesn’t answer, however, is any questions about the process this article went through and whether it was representative of how the ‘Post’ handles contributions from freelancers whose training and propensity with regard to accuracy can be difficult to judge,” Beaujon wrote before listing a series of queries about the paper’s process.

Other Errors Abound

Or what about the story claiming that the Trump Admin deliberately held travel visas from people from Latin America? This story was not only incorrect, it also precipitated a huge rush of other media outlets following the Wa Po. Each one wanted in on the bash Trump train. Not only was the article misleading, it turned out that the policy the Post criticized was an Obama era one. In fact, the number of passports denied peaked in 2015 under Trump's predecessor. No matter, I guess. Rack up the number of errors made by companies like the Washington Post and you'll see a disturbing habit. Whether it was the Covington kids. Or smears against Brett Kavanaugh. Or claiming Russian collusion. They all go one way. As the Washington Post motto goes-- "democracy dies in darkness." The Post should take a page from their own publication.

Works Cited

Geek Wire: Washington Post profitable and growing for two years under Jeff Bezos’ ownership https://www.geekwire.com/2018/washington-post-profitable-growing-two-years-jeff-bezos-ownership/ Ehline Law site: Legal bog: https://ehlinelaw.com/blog The Western Journal: Washington Post Forced To Issue Correction After Botched Trump Report Causes Confusion: https://www.westernjournal.com/washington-post-forced-issue-correction-botched-trump-report-causes-confusion/ The Washington Post: Facebook, Twitter penalize Trump for posts containing coronavirus misinformation: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/08/05/trump-post-removed-facebook/ The New York Post: Washington Post settles $250M suit with Covington teen Nick Sandmann: https://nypost.com/2020/07/24/washington-post-settles-250m-suit-with-covington-teen-nick-sandmann/ FoxNews: Washington Post 'embarrassed' over gaffe-filled story needing 15 corrections: https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-embarrassed-over-gaffe-filled-story-needing-15-corrections Investor's Business Daily: Washington Post Caught Red Handed Peddling Anti-Trump Fake News :https://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/washington-post-fake-news-passports-media-bias/

Video of Beirut Explosion

2020-08-04T15:53:00.001-04:00

Absolutely terrifying video from Lebanon. (Video credit @ncitayim) pic.twitter.com/oO1qs0yViI
— Doge (@IntelDoge) August 4, 2020

Video of Lebanon Explosion

2020-08-04T15:52:00.002-04:00

Absolutely terrifying video from Lebanon. (Video credit @ncitayim) pic.twitter.com/oO1qs0yViI
— Doge (@IntelDoge) August 4, 2020

A Lawyer’s Perspective: Sandmann Likely to Win Against Twitter, More

2020-08-01T14:23:00.001-04:00

The End of the Charade-- for Now

Something rare just happened. A young person who doesn't follow the liberal orthodoxy defeated a major liberal news outlet. Two, in fact. How did these things happen following hours and hours of blistering news coverage? The case of Nicholas Sandmann and the resulting legal battle is one that scholars will be reading about and studying for decades. It might also be one that news organizations rue for even longer. I wrote about the topic on my legal blog and discussed some of the major cases of precedent prior to this one. While the government is restricted by law and precedent from most forms of libel protection, there are important elements for the common person. This goes double for individuals who are not in the public eye. Nicholas Sandmann was not a public official. He was not a public figure. The attention by the major media types attempted to make him into a national figure. However, he just wanted to go back to Covington high school and finish his studies. The media made this into a classic circus. This is troubling in many ways that I will discuss below. Even more important for Sandmann and for future aspirants in libel cases, there is a new precedent. One that will likely challenge the existing liberal media establishment.

About the Author

Michael Ehline is a leading personal injury and civil rights attorney in the greater Los Angeles area. He writes about legal issues and current events. For more info or to speak with him, contact him at losangeles@ehlinelaw.com.

A Media Circus-- but More

The events following the 2019 incident near the Lincoln Memorial was one of the most telling media environments I can remember. News organizations acted in almost lockstep to libel this young man. The overall attacks have been described by the Chicago Tribune as a "thought crime" and a "hateful leftist social media mob — shamefully egged on by prominent American journalists." Forbes also compiled a list of attacks against the high school students-- most of whom were minors. There is a little bit of self reflection in the media about the overall tone and excesses of the attacks, as seen in an article in the Atlantic. However, there is a strong chance that such a reflection is just passing. The overall media environment didn't learn from the attacks. In fact, what made Sandmann's lawsuit so attractive was that it showed the the media relished in attacking the young men at the Lincoln Memorial. With the smiling Sandmann in particular. Even worse, the media ignored the violent rhetoric of the Black Israelites.

Why Sandmann's Case Stuck

So why did Sandmann receive a settlement when other libel cases usually go no where? It's a combination of factors. For starters, Sandmann didn't ask for any of this. He didn't run for office. He didn't put himself in the public eye. The young man smiled in front of an older Indian man. He was also wearing a Make America Great Again hat, which seemed to be the kicker on why so many in the media decided to launch an all out attack on him. As court precedent showed prior, there is a different bar between those in the public eye and those who are not. Sandmann's actions made him certainly the opposite of a public official. Donald Trump can't sue the New York Times (in most cases) for what they write about him. Sandmann can sue (and win) over whether or not the Washington Post or CNN send virtual lynch mobs against him. There is also the issue of violence. As Sandmann said prior, there was and is a real fear for his safety. He is now recognized wherever he goes, despite the fact that he wanted no role in becoming nationally known. He and his classmates simply were going to the Lincoln Memorial. Instead, he and his classmates were called white supremacists and treated as pawns in a wider political and cultural war. All of this is unacceptable for the courts. Because the bar is much lower for non public officials, Sandmann was able to settle with both the Washington Post and CNN. That being said, there is strong evidence that Sandmann will also be able to collect against other media companies, including Twitter.

Future Cases

Sandmann hinted on Twitter that the social media giant is next. Twitter accepted the role of their verified users in slandering the young man. These "blue checks" were able to amplify their message of rejection and hate in a way they couldn't without the platform. Furthermore, the precedent of the successful case against both the Wa Post and CNN means that there is a good chance that Sandmann will result victorious here, too. For Sandmann, he was able to win because of the preponderance of evidence on his side. Both the Wa Post and CNN understood that they were in steep financial jeopardy if the case continued. Not only did Sandmann sue for hundreds of millions of dollars, the discovery phase would have been devastating to the network and the newspaper. If there was a full discovery phase in which Sandmann's attorneys got subpoenas for the network and paper's records, it could result in a crash in ad revenue (but maybe not eyes on the TV or on the news pages). There is a strong chance, at least implied by Sandmann's lawsuit and the result, that the network or individuals acting on its behalf, used their power to intentionally defame a young man. Since Sandmann did not plan his role in the Lincoln Memorial incident, there is an even stronger case against the network and paper. Let other liberal media sources beware next time they want to "cancel" someone for smiling.

Works Cited

Ehline Law, Why the Sandmann Settlement Shows the Importance of Libel Laws Chicago Tribune, Thought crimes, media abuse and those Catholic high school boys from Covington Forbes, The Level of Violent Imagery Directed Against Covington High Boys Is Dangerous and Wrong The Atlantic, The Media Botched the Covington Catholic Story