WHOO-HOOO - I Can Post! Gag Order Against Me Denied!
The City of Poplar Bluff, MY City, YOUR City, asked the state of Missouri to silence me today. Many countries in this world would have granted the City’s request: China, Iran, Russia, to name a few. Thank God we live in the U.S.A. where freedom of speech is a right and protected by our courts.
During the hearing today, the City kept stating over and over that my blogging was an attempt to “Poison The Jury Pool.” The City went so far as to suggest they might not find impartial jurors and that because of my blogs they might have to consider a change of venue.
Paul Kidwell, my attorney, made a great point today in his closing arguments regarding the selection of a jury. He said selection is based on someone who is impartial regardless of what they know about the subject and that it didn’t require the juror to be oblivious to it.
I totally agree with Paul; I trust we can find more than enough jurors in our county who will listen impartially to the proceedings and make a sound decision.
The biggest surprise for me was that Judge Ligons ruled from the bench. I was caught completely off guard, I know that I joked yesterday that I might not be able to give you this update, but I really didn’t expect an immediate response.
My first reaction, once I realized he was actually ruling from the bench, was “Thank goodness we don’t have to wait and wonder.” Then when he said that my blog posts were not an attempt to poison the jury pool and that the Gag Order was not granted I wanted to shout out “WHOO HOOO!” I somehow even restrained myself from a fist pump!
However, it behooves me to point out that once again I feel like this city has used every means possible to disgrace, discredit and destroy me. For three years now this has been going on…Blessed be the NAME of the LORD…I’m still here!
And speaking of going our way! The judge announced that he had also ruled on a previous motion the city filed regarding our pleadings. He ruled in our favor on that issue as well. It’s been a good day!
Way to go Brian! I am glad to hear things are looking up for you guys. I have a lot of my computer repair customers who are very disappointed that they can no longer get internet service from you. We are all looking forward to the day when things can get back to normal.
I wish this mess was over and semo.net was back to providing internet service. Moved here last summer had internet with city for one month and that was enough for me. It was the worst service I have ever had. I have tried ever since then to find service and can’t. I have been about to go crazy. This city is on a major power trip and for no reason, their service sucks. I thought it was illegal to run a monopoly.
can some one please explain what kind of trip the city is on?
besides i remember Judge Ligons when he was in high school lol . his dad was a auctioneer .
seriousness this is a monopoly going on semo today who will be next? think about it …. everyone thought wall mart was the greatest thing since peanut butter. look how many mom/ pop store are no longer in business. the city is at random to charge what they want . the american dream is now the big corporation. while we are at it maybe the government can add a few more regulations …
Amen to that!
God is GOOD!!!