[Hoot Gibson]

I certainly agree with you HG. I do however believe that an alledged improprity especially when it ultimately concerns public funds and perhaps the health and welfare of minors should have an administrative review which I feel certain will or has taken place. School systems are most professional and it is very unlikely that their business would be aired in a venue such as this especially being such as it is. If there are problems per KRS 208.020 they will I am sure be considered. If allegiations are found to be untrue and made with malice against people by people then you have to hope that matter can be resolved. The "General Public" does not need to know everything. Does the constitution cover freedom to gossip as well as speech?

I agree, Charlie, but making anonymous charges on the internet is not a stand-up way of handling this situation, even if the charges are true. If a person spreads false rumors via gossip and defames an individual, then that person can be found guilty of slander (or libel if they do so in writing). Nobody has any right of freedom of speech on a website paid for by another. A person has a right to face their accuser and in this case, the accuser is anonymous and they are making an accusation against a person whose name is well known to members of this website and the people of Johnson County and most of eastern Kentucky.

The First Amendment restricts the government's ability to restrict free speech. It does not shield individuals who engage in slander or libel from the consequences of their actions. A few states even have criminal laws dealing with libel but for the most part defaming a person can hit your wallet but cannot land you in jail.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer nor would I want to be one. :biggrin: