U.S. Olympic canoeist David 'Davey' Hearn charged in Reflecting Pool vandalism

[Cirsium]

32. Not at all relevant

Last edited Thu Jul 2, 2026, 08:10 PM - Edit history (1)

First of all, it's a distinctly upper middle class viewpoint to look at catastrophic political and social problems and see civil lawsuits as some sort of solution. Here is the right-wing take: "oh, they're trying to sue and cash in." That's what the whole right-wing tort reform nonsense is about. Most people cannot afford to use the legal system to their advantage, and no one should be forced to in response to this sort of abuse of power and persecution of innocent people.

Secondly, the chilling effect on any dissent is what's important here, not whether or not he eventually wins in court. The administration is trying to set an example. Millions of people are now reconsidering what they do and what they say, lest they become victims of this lawless regime.

Next, we have the fact that this administration, like all dictatorial authoritarian regimes, doesn't give a hoot what a court says. So they lose this case, they'll ignore it or they'll go after somebody else.

Lastly, whether or not this particular individual wins in court or not, and whether or not he's able to cash in on some sort of lawsuit, nevertheless, he is suffering today. His life has been disrupted today.