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Austin Police Want Identities of Online Critics

Posted by Soulskill on from the don't-call-them-skanks dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The police chief in Austin, TX is not happy that people are voicing their disapproval of him via anonymous blog posts and comments. He claims that 'such posts erode public trust in the department.' The chief wants to find out who these people are and investigate and prosecute such posters for statements he deems defamatory and libelous. Interestingly, the article notes, 'the Associated Press has reported that most of the cases fail because statements of opinion are protected under the First Amendment.' One wonders if this is a legitimate problem that warrants public money to investigate, or whether it's that the people who deserve the most public scrutiny don't like it when others take issue with their job performance."

4 of 320 comments (clear)

  1. He's A Jerk by GrahamCox · · Score: 4, Funny

    That police chief in Austin, Texas? - He's a Jerk. So sue me!

    1. Re:He's A Jerk by Art+Acevedo · · Score: 5, Funny

      Yes, I'll do that GrahamCox

    2. Re:He's A Jerk by buchner.johannes · · Score: 3, Funny

      *facepalm* you're supposed to post anonymously

      --
      NB: The message above might reflect my opinion right now, but not necessarily tomorrow or next year.
  2. Too little, too late. by TheVelvetFlamebait · · Score: 5, Funny

    He claims that 'such posts erode public trust in the department.'

    Yeah, I'm pretty sure the ship has sailed on that one.

    --
    You know, there is a difference between trolling and pointing out the flaws in your reasoning. Just saying.