Eva writes:
 
> This raises a question for me though -- how much responsibility do list
> members have with fact checking?  Is there going to be a suit against List
> member, David Strand -- or is this just intimidation tactics from
> Cherryhomes trying to shut down criticism.

I will speak carefully based, as they say, on advice from counsel.

However, it is my personal, non-legal opinion that the list has substantial
legal protections thanks to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. List rules
do police decorum, but I cannot, will not, and legally should not evaluate
the truth or lack thereof of messages you post as list manager. This list is
not moderated - I do not pre-screen posts. You put it out there, you're
responsible for it.

I cannot evaluate the level of protection individuals have - attorneys, feel
free to comment - but I think you all have less than E-Democracy does.

In general - morally, if not legally, and NOT as an official list ruling - I
think it's bad business to spread unsubstantiated gossip, even if you hear
it from multiple sources, ESPECIALLY when it involves serious and possibly
criminal conflict-of-interest charges. I don't think list members have to
live in fear of being sued, but I do think there are good reasons not to
increase your risk.

In other words, don't throw out wild and wacky stuff, and please, don�t
float malicious gossip if you have no basis in fact. That�s just good
behavior, ethically AND legally.

David Brauer
Kingfield - Ward 10


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