Update on the Covington Ragemob Scandal

If asked whether I believe that there are limits on free speech, I reply that the Common Law limitations evolved from Anglo-American law are sufficient to protect other rights and interest threatened by any abuse of free speech: libel, slander, fraud, conspiracy, incitement. For the record, shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater, despite what you have heard, is protected speech: but stirring up a panic that negligently or intentionally causes a stampede where persons are injuried or property damaged, is not protected. Uttering death threats is not protected. Asking others to commit crimes is not protected.

The libel leveled at the Covington High School children by the media-political machine, by Hollywood celebrities, and by the thoughtless and ruthless enemies of the people who comprise the Fake News, is not protected.

If it please heaven, may the hammer of justice smite them into the ground like tentpegs, and leave them broken, weeping, frightened and amazed. May their howls ring loud enough to give those eager to imitate such wickedness long and trembling hesitation, and dissuasion.

Below is the list of individuals, companies and organizations that one of the Covington boy’s lawyers reportedly have sent letters threatening potential legal action for defamation:

  1. The Washington Post
  2. The New York Times
  3. Cable News Network, Inc. (CNN)
  4. The Guardian
  5. National Public Radio
  6. TMZ
  7. Atlantic Media Inc.
  8. Capitol Hill Publishing Corp.
  9. Diocese of Covington
  10. Diocese of Lexington
  11. Archdiocese of Louisville
  12. Diocese of Baltimore
  13. Ana Cabrera (CNN)
  14. Sara Sidner (CNN)
  15. Erin Burnett (CNN)
  16. S.E. Cupp (CNN)
  17. Elliot C. McLaughlin (CNN)
  18. Amanda Watts (CNN)
  19. Emanuella Grinberg (CNN)
  20. Michelle Boorstein (Washington Post)
  21. Cleve R. Wootson Jr. (Washington Post)
  22. Antonio Olivo (Washington Post)
  23. Joe Heim (Washington Post)
  24. Michael E. Miller (Washington Post)
  25. Eli Rosenberg (Washington Post)
  26. Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post)
  27. Kristine Phillips (Washington Post)
  28. Sarah Mervosh (New York Times)
  29. Emily S. Rueb (New York Times)
  30. Maggie Haberman (New York Times)
  31. David Brooks (New York Times)
  32. Shannon Doyne
  33. Kurt Eichenwald
  34. Andrea Mitchell (NBC/MSNBC)
  35. Savannah Guthrie (NBC)
  36. Joy Reid (MSNBC)
  37. Chuck Todd (NBC)
  38. Noah Berlatsky
  39. Elisha Fieldstadt (NBC)
  40. Eun Kyung Kim
  41. HBO
  42. Bill Maher
  43. Warner Media
  44. Conde Nast
  45. GQ
  46. Heavy.com
  47. The Hill
  48. The Atlantic
  49. Bustle.com
  50. Ilhan Omar
  51. Elizabeth Warren
  52. Kathy Griffin
  53. Alyssa Milano
  54. Jim Carrey