How do you feel about sending money to MoveOn.org to help them pay their legal fees?

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

Breaking news: The state of Louisiana is suing MoveOn.org in federal court.1 They're trying to force us to take down a billboard that calls out Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal—an aspiring presidential candidate—for denying health care to 242,000 people. After carefully discussing the matter with our lawyers, we've made a decision: We're leaving our billboard up—even if we have to take this fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

This lawsuit is unprecedented in MoveOn's sixteen-year history. And it will take all of us to respond. Normally, we ask for folks to donate when they can—and we know that not everyone can give every time. But today, we're urgently asking all MoveOn members to step up to the plate and help with a contribution right now.

Can you donate as little as $3—or as much as you can afford—to defend MoveOn in court and keep our work going?

They do a lot of good, but taking on a lawsuit???? Boy, Jindal can be flogged six ways to Sunday. IMO it is a colossal and foolish waste of limited funds. Jindal wins.

Of course, we'll see how it plays out. Could just be rouse to raise funds before they stand down.


aside: If you wouldn't send them money anyway, I'm happy for you.

[sabrina 1]

1. I don't think it's ever a waste of time to fight First Amendment issues against those who appear not

to understand the constitutional rights of citizens. Having read a little about these kinds of issues, it would be great if it went to the SC which has traditionally ruled in favor of the 1st Amendment. States Rights don't trump Federal Law. I think they can win this case.

But imagine if they lose, has the State of Louisiana even considered that the decision will affect THEIR freedom of political speech also?

The ONLY way they could win a case like this is if the facts of what Moveon is saying are not true and if those untruths damage the state in some way. That's going to be hard to prove.

They probably hoped Moveon would just take it down so they don't have to go court. For that reason alone, it's worth going to court.

As for donating, people can choose to donate or not.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

2. Hi sabrina. I do not doubt for a minute that this is a very winnable case...

I just think Jindal is such a complete stooge, it seems to be a case where Moveon would win the battle but lose the war. If Moveon were singularly out to fight for 1st Amendment rights, then this would be a worthy battle to take on. But they need to spend their money in every state and to help...hundreds? of candidates.

I just don't like this at all.

-WTH

[sabrina 1]

4. That might be why they are asking for donations specifically for the case, in order not to spend

money normally used for elections.

If Jindal is depriving people of HC, a case like this would put a lot of focus on something people might not realize.

I wouldn't be surprised if the State dropped the case once their intimidation tactics fail. Can't imagine a lawyer telling them they have a chance of winning.

I see your point, but if people donate specifically for the case, that should not be a concern. I'm all for exposing the heartlessness of people Jindal who poses as a 'nice guy'.

[sendero]

3. It outrageous ..

... for the state to even think they can interfere with political speech. What is their grounds?

I think this is worth fighting for. Political speech is protected. Hell, for the right wing, there doesn't have to be an ounce of truth in their words for it to be protected. There is certainly an ounce of truth in this.

[sabrina 1]

5. I agree Sendero. I think it is worth fighting.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

6. Cool. Glad I asked. Good to have a different POV.

Thanks

[KoKo]

7. Agree they should fight it. Would hope that ACLU or other Constitutional Rights

group would take this on without them having to raise money to fight this.

But, if people want to give and it's Dedicated to the Law Suit and not their General Funds then its up to them.

[Cleita]

8. How do you feel about paying $4 a gallon for gas so that BP et al

can settle all their environmental lawsuits and still post record profits on Wall Street?